Gigantamax Pokémon are a new challenge in Pokémon GO, where certain species can grow in size and power, altering their appearance and gaining access to a powerful unique move called a G-Max Move. To beat these formidable opponents, here’s a guide on what you need to know and strategies to help you come out victorious.
Gigantamaxing is a variation of the Dynamax mechanic that makes Pokémon not just larger, but grants them a different look and a signature G-Max Move unique to their species. Unlike traditional Dynamax, where the Max Moves are determined by a Pokémon’s attack type, G-Max Moves are species-specific and come with powerful effects that can turn the tide of battle. Currently, Gigantamax Pokémon like Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise can be found at Power Spots across the map.
Preparing for a Max Battle
Before diving into a Max Battle, make sure to prepare your team. Here are some important points to consider:
- Power Up Your Team: Since Gigantamax Pokémon are significantly stronger than their regular counterparts, use Stardust and Candy to level up your Pokémon’s CP (Combat Power). Make sure to choose Pokémon with high CP and optimized movesets for better results.
- Gather Max Particles: To participate in Max Battles, Trainers need to collect Max Particles. These can be obtained by interacting with Power Spots around the map. Max Particles act as entry tokens for these battles, allowing you to engage with the powerful Gigantamax Pokémon. The stronger the opponent, the more Max Particles you’ll need.
- Coordinate with Other Trainers: Max Battles allow up to 40 players to work together, divided into smaller teams. The cooperation of fellow Trainers significantly boosts your chances of success, as taking down a Gigantamax Pokémon requires collective effort.
Strategies for the Battle
To emerge victorious, you need to be strategic during the battle:
- Use Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks Wisely: When fighting a Gigantamax Pokémon, use Fast Attacks to build energy for Charged Attacks, which deal more damage. Timing your Charged Attacks can help interrupt your opponent’s moves, giving your team an edge.
- Dodge Incoming Attacks: Gigantamax Pokémon use powerful moves that can quickly deplete your Pokémon’s health. Stay alert and swipe to dodge when you see prompts indicating incoming attacks. Successful dodging can keep your Pokémon in the fight longer.
- Leverage the Meter Mechanic: In the Max Battle, as you attack, you’ll notice a meter filling up on the screen. When full, your Pokémon will Dynamax or Gigantamax for a few turns, giving you a temporary boost in size, power, and durability. Use this opportunity to unleash your strongest moves.
- Collect Energy Icons: Throughout the battle, energy icons may appear on the battlefield. Swiping to collect them fills your meter faster, enabling your Pokémon to Dynamax or Gigantamax more often.
- Cheer for Your Teammates: If all your Pokémon faint, don’t give up! You can still tap the screen to cheer for your teammates, which helps fill their meters and boost their energy, increasing their chance to finish the battle successfully.
Choosing the Right Pokémon
The choice of Pokémon is critical in these battles. Here are some recommendations for top picks against common Gigantamax foes:
- Against Gigantamax Charizard: Use Water or Rock-type Pokémon like Tyranitar or Swampert to exploit Charizard’s weaknesses.
- Against Gigantamax Venusaur: Fire and Ice-type Pokémon such as Charizard or Mamoswine will give you an advantage over its Grass-type moves.
- Against Gigantamax Blastoise: Electric and Grass-type Pokémon like Raikou or Sceptile will be effective.
Make sure to diversify your team, having Pokémon with different types to cover a range of potential opponents and their movesets.
Rewards and Post-Battle Opportunities
When you defeat a Gigantamax Pokémon, you’ll receive various rewards, including Rare Candy, XP, and Premier Balls for catching the Pokémon. Additionally, after catching it, you can use your Gigantamax Pokémon in further battles, taking on more Power Spot challenges. Moreover, placing a Gigantamax Pokémon at a Power Spot may cause other powerful Pokémon to appear around it, creating more opportunities for unique encounters.
