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There’s Never Been a Better Time to Log Into Pokémon Go, as the Game Gives Away a Perfect Stat Mewtwo and Master Ball
Pokémon Go is offering all eligible players a one-off Mewtwo with a unique background and guaranteed perfect statistics, alongside a rare Master Ball. The unexpectedly generous giveaway is widely seen as a response to criticism of a limited New York event that had previously guaranteed a perfect Mewtwo only for attendees, frustrating the wider player base.
The rewards are available until 6 September as part of the game’s 10th-anniversary celebrations, according to developer Scopely Explore. Players who attended the Times Square event can claim the rewards but are not guaranteed another perfect Mewtwo, while the event’s exclusive background is expected to return later. Master Balls are normally available only infrequently; the most recent one was sold through a $7.99 premium purchase.
In short
- Pokémon Go is giving eligible players a perfect Mewtwo and Master Ball.
- The giveaway follows backlash over an exclusive New York event.
- Players can claim the rewards until 6 September.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Pokémon Go's decision to distribute a perfect Mewtwo and Master Ball to all players represents sound community stewardship. The previous New York event created legitimate grievances by reserving valuable rewards only for those who could attend a specific location, undermining the game's fundamental appeal to a global audience. By responding to player feedback and making these rewards universally available during the 10th-anniversary celebration, Scopely demonstrates commitment to fair play and inclusive engagement, strengthening player goodwill and retention without fundamentally compromising the game's progression systems.
The case against
Whilst well-intentioned, distributing perfect-stat legendary Pokémon as a mass giveaway undermines the carefully calibrated progression and achievement that sustains engagement in live-service games. Players who invested significant effort into competitive play find their accomplishments devalued, and the precedent signals that exclusive rewards will not remain exclusive, eroding investment in future limited-time events. Additionally, devaluing items like the Master Ball—previously available only through infrequent premium purchases—can damage the monetisation models essential to funding ongoing development and maintaining game quality.
Explained simply
Pokémon Go is a mobile game in which players find and catch Pokémon using their phones, with some activities tied to real-world locations and events. Mewtwo is a powerful, rare Pokémon, and its statistics affect how it performs in battles; a Pokémon with perfect statistics has the highest possible values.
Scopely develops the game. Special events can offer limited rewards, sometimes to players who attend in person, while a Master Ball is a rare item that can catch a Pokémon without it escaping. Who can access these rewards, and whether they are available free or only through paid offers, matters to players who collect Pokémon or take part in battles.