Pokemon GO has released free Timed Research tied to its 10th anniversary celebration. The research gives trainers an encounter with a Mewtwo that has maximum individual values, a special background, and the third Mega Level already unlocked for Mega Mewtwo Y.
The Timed Research became available on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. It remains open until Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. Players must finish the tasks and claim the rewards before the deadline. The research expires after that point.
Most trainers see a single step research titled 10th Anniversary Celebration. The tasks are straightforward. Catch 10 Pokemon to receive one Master Ball. Power up Pokémon 10 times to receive 500 Mewtwo Mega Energy. Completing both tasks unlocks the final reward: the Mewtwo encounter.
This Mewtwo arrives with perfect stats across all three individual values. It also carries a special background and starts with Mega Level 3 unlocked specifically for Mega Mewtwo Y. Trainers can then use the provided Mega Energy toward Mega Evolution.
Players who attended the in-person Times Square event on July 9, 2026, receive a different version of the research. Their tasks award 30 Mewtwo Candy for catching 10 Pokemon and the same 500 Mewtwo Mega Energy for powering up Pokemon 10 times. Their final Mewtwo encounter does not guarantee perfect individual values. Official notes state that Mewtwo with the Times Square background will return at a later date.
Scopely Explore, the current developer of Pokemon GO, released the research as part of ongoing 10th anniversary activities. The earlier Times Square gathering featured a large coordinated raid against Mega Mewtwo Y and distributed exclusive rewards to attendees. The new Timed Research extends a special Mewtwo opportunity to the wider player base.
To begin, open Pokemon GO and check the Today tab or research menu for the 10th Anniversary Celebration entry. Complete the two listed tasks through normal play. Catch any 10 Pokemon in the wild, from raids, or other available sources. Power up any Pokemon 10 times using candy and stardust. Claim each intermediate reward, then claim the final Mewtwo encounter.
The Master Ball obtained from the first task can be used immediately or saved. The 500 Mega Energy supports Mega Evolution of the new Mewtwo or existing ones. The special background appears on the Pokemon’s summary screen and marks its connection to the anniversary celebration.
Trainers should finish the research before the September 6 cutoff. After that date the Timed Research and its rewards are no longer available. The process requires no paid passes or special tickets beyond standard gameplay.
This free research forms the latest addition to Pokemon GO’s 10th anniversary period, which earlier included the Times Square event and global festival activities featuring Mega Mewtwo.
