Everything You Need to Know About Battling, Catching, and Training Gigantamax Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO continues to roll out fresh events and content, maintaining a dynamic experience for players. Among the exciting features introduced recently are Gigantamax Pokémon, which have become an integral part of the gameplay since their debut in the Pokémon Sword and Shield games in November 2019. The GO Bigger event, which took place on October 26, 2024, officially brought these massive Pokémon into Pokémon GO, allowing Trainers to battle and capture Gigantamax versions of popular Pokémon like Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard.
What Are Gigantamax Pokémon?
Gigantamax Pokémon are unique forms that not only increase in size but also alter their appearance and gain access to special G-Max Moves. These transformations are temporary and occur during battles, differentiating them from other mechanics such as Mega Evolution, which can change a Pokémon’s type. In Pokémon GO, players can easily identify Gigantamax Pokémon in their storage by looking for a specific symbol beneath the Pokémon’s weight, height, and type information.
How to Obtain Gigantamax Pokémon
There are primarily two methods to acquire Gigantamax Pokémon in Pokémon GO: defeating them in six-star Max Battles or completing a Special Trade. Engaging in a Special Trade costs more Stardust than a regular trade, and players are limited to one Special Trade per day. If you’re gearing up to challenge Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Battles, you will need a robust strategy and a team of powerful Pokémon to enhance your chances of success.
Participating in Max Battles
Max Battles take place at designated Power Spots, which are marked by purple platforms featuring the Gigantamax symbol. Unlike traditional raids, Trainers can join these battles without needing a Raid Pass for in-person participation; however, a Remote Raid Pass is necessary for remote entries. To engage in these battles, you will need Max Particles, which can be collected in two ways: by visiting Power Spots or by walking 2 kilometers to gather Max Particles through the Power Spot tab in the Nearby menu. Currently, the maximum amount of Max Particles a Trainer can hold is 1,500.
Max Particles also play a critical role in powering up Max Moves for both Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon, making them essential for maximizing your battle potential.
Forming Your Battle Team
Once you have gathered enough Max Particles, you will need to assemble a team of Trainers. A typical Raid Battle can accommodate up to 20 Trainers, but a Gigantamax Battle can host as many as 40 Trainers. While you may not require the full team to succeed, it’s important to recognize the formidable strength of the Power Spot Bosses. Therefore, strategizing with a larger group can significantly improve your chances of overcoming a six-star Max Battle. You can even invite up to 10 friends to join you in a Max Battle.
Understanding Pokémon Mechanics
In a conventional raid, any Pokémon in your storage can be used; however, only Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon are permitted in Gigantamax Battles. Although there are similarities between Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon, they have distinct differences that can affect your gameplay experience.
To enhance your Gigantamax Pokémon, you can power them up similarly to regular Pokémon. Simply select the POWER UP option and provide the required Stardust and Candy to increase their Combat Power (CP). It’s advisable to power up your Max Pokémon as much as possible before attempting a six-star Max Battle.
Powering Up Your Max Pokémon
Dynamax Pokémon boast three Max Moves: one type-based attack that corresponds with its Fast Attack, Max Guard (which reduces incoming damage), and Max Spirit (which heals your Pokémon and your allies). Initially, when you catch a Dynamax Pokémon, it will start with a level 1 Max Move. To enhance this attack to level 3, you will need Max Particles, Candy, and Candy XL.
Unlocking Max Guard and Max Spirit requires Max Particles and Candy, and you can further power up these moves to level 3 using additional resources. It is essential to allocate your Max Particles and Candy wisely, as some Pokémon might not require all available resources based on your battle strategy.
Choosing Your Pokémon for Max Battles
Selecting the right Pokémon for Max Battles is crucial. As always, leveraging type advantages is key, so focus on Pokémon that have effective or super effective attacks against your opponents. Prioritizing the power levels of your Pokémon can significantly impact the damage dealt during battles. While having one or two Max Pokémon with maxed-out attacks is beneficial, you don’t necessarily need to max out all of your Pokémon’s moves.
Formulating a Battle Strategy
Before the battle starts, Trainers will be divided into groups of four. This is an excellent opportunity to strategize with your team members. Assign roles among the group: two players can focus on dealing damage, one can take on the role of the healer, and the last can act as a tank to absorb damage. These roles become especially important after all players Dynamax or Gigantamax their Pokémon.
During the battle, your primary goal is to fill up the meter at the top of the screen so that your Pokémon can Dynamax or Gigantamax. Both Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks contribute to charging this meter, as does maneuvering your Pokémon to collect symbols around the battlefield. Interestingly, Fast Attacks fill the Max Meter more quickly than Charged Attacks, so you might want to prioritize them.
Team Dynamics During the Battle
Once the Max Meter is full and your group can Dynamax or Gigantamax, each Trainer gets to use three moves. At this point, it’s crucial for everyone to understand their roles. Attackers should focus on delivering high damage, while the healer should utilize Max Spirit to restore health to the group based on the max HP of each Pokémon. The tank’s responsibility is to use Max Guard, effectively drawing the attention of the Gigantamax Pokémon and minimizing damage to the remaining team members. Selecting a Pokémon with high HP, like Blissey, for the tank role is beneficial, especially if it resists the damage types from the Gigantamax Pokémon.
Pay close attention to the battle log on your screen, which shows the upcoming attacks from the Gigantamax Pokémon. If you see “Attack Incoming,” it means the Power Spot Boss is targeting your Pokémon. You can dodge this attack by quickly moving your Pokémon left or right. However, if the log indicates a “large attack” is being prepared, this attack will target the entire group, and dodging will not be possible.
Supporting Your Team
If your Pokémon are all knocked out, don’t fret—you can still support your team by cheering for their Pokémon. Use the cheer button to help charge the meter for your fellow Trainers, contributing to the overall success of the team even while sidelined.
Lastly, remember that persistence is key. Six-star Max Battles can be incredibly challenging, and it may take multiple attempts to refine your strategy and master your roles. Fortunately, the Max Particles required for participation are only consumed after you successfully defeat the Power Spot Boss, so you won’t waste resources on unsuccessful attempts. Keep trying, and you’ll find success in these demanding battles.
Happy battling, Trainers!
