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Legendary Pokemon are being given away every month starting in February 2016. Here's how to claim your own!

When and how to get all of the 2016 Mythical Pokemon from special events

Legendary Pokemon are being given away every month starting in February 2016. Here's how to claim your own!
This article is over 8 years old and may contain outdated information

3DS Pokemon Trainers are going to be thrilled to discover that 11 legendary Pokemon are going to be released over the course of 2016. Every month, The Pokemon Company will be giving out a legendary Pokemon starting in February. All of the Pokemon given out will have the same move sets and start at level 100, but it is currently unknown whether or not their natures will be preset.

But who really cares? It's free Pokemon! Here's how you can get each one! Listed in chronological order.

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#151: Mew

Release Date: February 1st - February 24th

Where to get it: 

  • United States - Code via Gamestop
  • Canada - Code via EBGames
  • United Kingdom - Code via GAME stores
  • Australia - Code via EBGames
  • Belgium/Netherlands - Code via GameMania
  • Italy - Code via Gamestop
  • Spain - Code via GAME stores
  • Portugal - Nintendo Zone via FNAC

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

The first Pokemon to be released this year will be none other than the 151st Pokemon, Mew. Mew will come at level 100 with the Synchronize ability, and will only know Pound to start with. However, Mew is able to learn any TM or HM in the Pokemon universe, making it an elusive addition to any Trainer's roster. To get Mew, simply go into any GameStop retailer and ask for a code. Take that home, and open up Mystery Gift, then connect to the internet before entering the code, and voila! Mew was caught!


#251: Celebi

Release Date: March 1st - March 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

The Time Travel Pokemon, Celebi, will be arriving in March. The Psychic/Grass legendary has the ability Natural Cure which heals any status conditions it has upon switching out or completing a battle, as well as the moves: Confusion, Recover, Heal Bell, and Safeguard. Celebi is a bit easier to get since all you need to do is connect to the Nintendo Network via WiFi connection, then select "Receive Gift via Internet." Poof! Celebi was caught!


#385: Jirachi

Release Date: April 1st - April 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

The Steel/Psychic Pokemon, Jirachi, is a rarity among even the most devout Pokemon trainers. Seeing as the only well-known North American release of Jirachi was with the Pokemon Colosseum bonus disc, many people missed out on an opportunity to own this one-of-a-kind cutie. Jirachi comes with the ability Serene Grace, as well as the moves: Wish, Confusion, and Rest. Once again, connect to the internet and hit "Mystery Gift via Internet" to get Jirachi!

 


#491: Darkrai

Release Date: May 1st - May 24th

Where to get it:

  • United States - Code via Gamestop
  • Canada - Code via EBGames
  • United Kingdom - Code via GAME stores
  • Australia - Code via EBGames
  • Belgium/Netherlands - Code via GameMania
  • Italy - Code via Gamestop
  • Spain - Code via GAME stores
  • Portugal - Nintendo Zone via FNAC

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

Another rare Pokemon for Western audiences, the Pitch-Black Pokemon, Darkrai is available in May via GameStop code. Just like Mew, players will have to head over to GameStop to pick up a code to use at home. Darkrai comes with the (broken) ability Bad Dreams, and the moves: Dark Void, Ominous Wind, Nightmare, and Feint Attack.


#490: Manaphy

Release Date: June 1st - June 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

Manaphy was only available by connection Pokemon Ranger to one of the Pokemon games on the Gameboy Advance. Thankfully, Manaphy will be one of the easier legendaries to attain through this yearlong event. Just connect to the internet, and hit that glorious "Receive via Internet" to get the Seafaring Pokemon. Manaphy comes with the ability Hydration, and the moves: Tail Glow, Bubble, and Water Sport.


#492: Shaymin

Release Date: July 1st - July 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

Originally available in Generation IV via Mystery Gift, Shaymin finds itself once more on the Mystery Gift in 2016. Like other Nintendo Network offers, Shaymin can be received by simply clicking "Receive via Internet." It comes with Natural Cure, and the moves: Seed Flare, Aromatherapy, Substitute, and Energy Ball.


#493: Arceus

Release Date: August 1st - August 24th

Where to get it: 

  • United States - Code via Gamestop
  • Canada - Code via EBGames
  • United Kingdom - Code via GAME stores
  • Australia - Code via EBGames
  • Belgium/Netherlands - Code via GameMania
  • Italy - Code via Gamestop
  • Spain - Code via GAME stores
  • Portugal - Nintendo Zone via FNAC

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

Arceus is a Pokemon that has never once seen a legitimate release in North America. However, with this GameStop exclusive offer, Arceus may finally grace American Pokemon Trainers with its divine grace. Visit a nearby GameStop to get a code to receive the Alpha Pokemon, then enter it while connected to the internet by clicking "Receive with Code". Arceus comes with the ability Multitype, and knows the moves: Judgement, Recover, Hyper Beam, and Perish Song.


#494: Victini

Release Date: September 1st - September 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

The Psychic/Fire Victory Pokemon, Victini, comes with the ability Victory Star which increases the accuracy of all moves by 10%. It also knows the moves: Incinerate, Quick Attack, Endure, and Confusion. You know what's not confusing? How to get this Pokemon! Simply click on "Receive via Internet" while in the Mystery Gift menus to get this free legendary!


#647: Keldeo

Release Date: October 1st - October 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

While nothing about this Pokemon seems to suggest a Water/Fighting type, the Colt Pokemon, Keldeo, is an event-only Pokemon that is a bit of a rarity. The ability, Justified, helps increase Keldeo's attack whenever it is hit by a dark type move, so dark-type lovers beware! It also comes with the moves Aqua Jet, Leer, Double Kick, and Bubble Beam.

Getting Keldeo is as simple as a click on "Receive via Internet" while connected to any hotspot.


#649: Genesect

Release Date: November 1st - November 24th

Where to get it: 

  • United States - Code via Gamestop
  • Canada - Code via EBGames
  • United Kingdom - Code via GAME stores
  • Australia - Code via EBGames
  • Belgium/Netherlands - Code via GameMania
  • Italy - Code via Gamestop
  • Spain - Code via GAME stores
  • Portugal - Nintendo Zone via FNAC

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

The last of the GameStop exclusives, Genesect is a Bug/Steel Pokemon with some of the most insane offensive stats in the game. Genesect's ability, Download, only further increases its destructive power by increasing its Attack or Special attack based on the opponent's Defense or Special Defense stats. Genesect comes with the moves: Techno Blast, Magnet Bomb, Solar Beam, and Signal Beam.

Originally given out as an event Pokemon for Pokemon Black and White, Genesect now finds itself being released once again via Code from GameStop. Follow the same rules as all the previous GameStop legendaries, and you will have this powerhouse by your side in no time!


#648: Meloetta

Release Date: December 1st - December 24th

Where to get it: Nintendo Network via Internet

Available in: Pokemon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

The Melody Pokemon, Meloetta, was an event Pokemon released with Pokemon Black and White. While it is by no means the most powerful of Pokemon, it is one of the rarer ones. Meloetta comes with the ability Serene Grace which doubles the chances of all secondary effects that it uses. The Pokemon also knows the moves: Quick Attack, Confusion, and Round.

If you aren't already sick of Christmas melodies by the time this Pokemon hits the Nintendo Network, feel free to select "Receive via Internet" in the Mystery Gift menus to add this Pokemon to your collection!


That's it folks!

Remember, there are two kinds of releases this year for each Pokemon: GameSpot and Nintendo Network. While it is currently unknown whether or not the GameStop codes will be released in Canada and other parts of North and South America, you can keep an eye out on the fan page Serebii where they have been known to post codes. If the codes are always the same, then they will typically work across American borders, so don't be afraid to try it out!

Good luck, and have a great Pokemon year!


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David Fisher
Author, GameSkinny columnist, and part-time childhood destroyer. David W. Fisher (otherwise known as RR-sama) is a no B.S. reviewer and journalist who will ensure that you get as close to the facts as humanly possible!