Armored Mewtwo Returns to Pokémon Go Five-Star Raids This September
For a generation of Pokémon fans, Mewtwo remains the definitive legendary Pokémon. Now, trainers have a limited window to add a special armored variant to their Pokémon Go collection. Developer Scopely has announced that Armored Mewtwo will headline five-star raids on September 5 and 6, marking its first major return since early 2020.
Raid Schedule and Availability
Armored Mewtwo will appear in five-star raids from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time on both September 5 and 6. The event coincides with the conclusion of Pokémon Go Fest, giving players a concentrated two-day window to challenge and catch this Psychic-type variant.
This raid rotation is particularly significant because Armored Mewtwo has been absent from the game since shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States. Given the rarity of its appearances, trainers who miss this window may face a long wait for the next opportunity.
Origin and Design
Armored Mewtwo originates from the 2019 film Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back — Evolution, a CGI remake of the 1998 classic Pokémon: The First Movie. In both films, Mewtwo plays a central narrative role. The armored design—distinct from Mewtwo’s standard appearance—reflects the storyline in which the character is controlled by humans before breaking free.
The character’s cultural footprint has expanded recently with appearances in Lego’s Smart Play Pokémon sets and branded SanDisk storage drives, underscoring its enduring popularity.
Shiny Variant Not Included
Niantic has confirmed that the shiny version of Armored Mewtwo will not be available during this raid event. While this disappoints collectors hunting rare color variants, a standard Armored Mewtwo remains a powerful and prestigious addition to any roster.
Trainers should prepare high-level Bug-, Ghost-, and Dark-type counters—such as Mega Gengar, Chandelure, or Hydreigon—to maximize their chances of success in these five-star battles.