Table of Contents

How to Snag Mewtwo in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: A Veteran Trainer’s Guide

So, you want to capture the legendary Mewtwo in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire? Excellent choice, aspiring trainer. This psychic powerhouse is a cornerstone of any competitive team and a must-have for any serious collector. Let’s cut to the chase: Mewtwo is obtained in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire by finding and interacting with it inside a cave located in the Unknown Dungeon, which appears after you defeat or capture Groudon and complete the Delta Episode.

Now that the essential question is answered, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details, strategies, and pro tips that will ensure you not only find but successfully catch this formidable Pokémon. Forget generic walkthroughs; this is knowledge distilled from years of experience in the Pokémon arena.

Finding the Unknown Dungeon: Your First Hurdle

Post-Game Prerequisites

Before you even dream of facing Mewtwo, you absolutely must have conquered the main storyline. This means defeating or capturing Groudon, the legendary Pokémon specific to Alpha Sapphire. Crucially, you also need to complete the Delta Episode, a post-game questline involving the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza and the threat of a meteor hurtling towards Hoenn. Think of it as the gatekeeper to all things truly legendary.

Locating the Cave Entrance

Once the Delta Episode is wrapped up, the Unknown Dungeon will appear on your map. It’s located west of Pacifidlog Town. Fly to Pacifidlog Town and surf west. You’ll find a small island with a cave entrance. This is your destination.

Navigating the Dungeon’s Depths

The Unknown Dungeon itself isn’t overly complex. It’s a relatively small cave, but it is dark. Make sure you have a Pokémon that knows Flash or bring along some Escape Ropes if you don’t want to backtrack the whole way out. The cave’s layout leads directly to the chamber where Mewtwo awaits.

The Mewtwo Encounter: Preparation is Key

Assembling Your Team

This isn’t a battle you can just waltz into. Mewtwo is a level 70 powerhouse packing a devastating moveset. You need a team specifically tailored to withstand its psychic assault.

Dark-type Pokémon are Essential: Mewtwo‘s primary attacks are Psychic-type, meaning Dark-types are your best defensive option. Tyranitar, if you can trade for one, is a stellar choice. Absol can also work, but its lower defenses make it a riskier pick.
Status Effects are Your Friend: Paralysis or sleep are your best bets for hindering Mewtwo and making it easier to catch. A Pokémon with Thunder Wave or Spore is invaluable.
False Swipe is a Game Changer: This move, which leaves the target with 1 HP, is crucial for maximizing your chances of a successful capture. Scyther or Gallade (if you have access to trading for the Dawn Stone) are excellent users of this technique.

Stocking Up on Supplies

Don’t be stingy. This is an investment.

Ultra Balls: Obvious, but essential. Buy as many as you can carry. Seriously.
Timer Balls: These become more effective the longer the battle drags on. They’re invaluable for prolonged encounters.
Dusk Balls: These have increased effectiveness in caves and at night, making them ideal for the Unknown Dungeon.
Potions and Revives: Battles against legendary Pokémon can be wars of attrition. Be prepared for a long fight.

The Battle: Strategy and Execution

The Initial Assault

Don’t go in guns blazing. Start by inflicting a status condition. Thunder Wave is generally preferred as it allows you to inflict paralysis that lasts throughout the battle.

Lowering Its Health

Carefully use False Swipe to reduce Mewtwo‘s HP to 1. This maximizes your chances of a successful capture. Be wary of Mewtwo‘s moveset and avoid getting your False Swipe user knocked out.

The Capture Attempt

This is where patience comes in. Start with Ultra Balls. If the battle drags on, switch to Timer Balls. Don’t be discouraged by failed attempts. Persistence is key.

Dealing with Recover

Mewtwo knows Recover, which it will use to heal itself. This can be frustrating, but it also prolongs the battle, increasing the effectiveness of Timer Balls. Keep applying status conditions and chipping away at its health with False Swipe if necessary.

A Master Ball Consideration

If you absolutely, positively must have Mewtwo and have a Master Ball to spare, this is a worthy candidate. However, seasoned trainers often prefer to save the Master Ball for rarer or more difficult-to-catch Pokémon, like shiny legendaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Catch Mewtwo Before Completing the Delta Episode?

Absolutely not. The Unknown Dungeon, and therefore Mewtwo, only becomes available after you’ve completed the Delta Episode and defeated or captured Groudon.

2. What Level is Mewtwo in Alpha Sapphire?

Mewtwo is level 70 in Alpha Sapphire. Plan your team accordingly.

3. Does Mewtwo have a Shiny Form in Alpha Sapphire?

Yes, Mewtwo does have a shiny form in Alpha Sapphire. However, encountering a shiny Mewtwo is extremely rare, requiring immense patience and repeated resets (soft resetting).

4. What Moves Does Mewtwo Know in Alpha Sapphire?

Mewtwo knows Psychic, Aura Sphere, Recover, and Shadow Ball.

5. Is there a Way to Increase My Chances of Catching Mewtwo?

Absolutely. Use status conditions (paralysis or sleep), reduce its HP to 1 with False Swipe, and use the right Poké Balls (Ultra, Timer, or Dusk).

6. Can I Use the GTS (Global Trade System) to Get Mewtwo?

While it’s technically possible to find a Mewtwo on the GTS, it’s often difficult and may involve trading valuable Pokémon. It’s almost always better to catch it yourself.

7. Does Mewtwo’s Nature Matter?

Yes, if you plan on using Mewtwo competitively, its nature is crucial. Timid (Speed up, Attack down) is a popular choice.

8. How Do I Check Mewtwo’s IVs (Individual Values)?

After catching Mewtwo, you can check its IVs using the Judge function, which is unlocked after hatching 20 eggs and speaking to an NPC at the Battle Resort Pokémon Center.

9. What is Soft Resetting and How Does it Work?

Soft resetting involves restarting your game without turning off the power. It’s used to re-roll encounters, like shiny Pokémon or specific natures. To soft reset on a 3DS, press L+R+Start (or Select).

10. Should I Use a Master Ball on Mewtwo?

That’s entirely up to you! If you’re struggling to catch it and have a Master Ball to spare, go for it. But many trainers prefer to save their Master Ball for other, rarer legendaries.

11. Is Mewtwo a Physical or Special Attacker?

Mewtwo is primarily a special attacker. Focus on boosting its Special Attack stat.

12. Can I Breed Mewtwo?

No, legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo cannot be bred. You’ll have to catch it to add it to your team.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re now armed with the knowledge and strategies necessary to successfully capture Mewtwo in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Good luck, trainer, and may your Poké Balls fly true!