Dynamax is an exciting new feature in Pokémon Go that allows your Pokémon to temporarily enlarge to a massive size during battles. This fun mechanic, which first appeared in Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch, took nearly five years to be introduced in Pokémon Go. Now, players can witness their Pokémon growing so large that small clouds form around their heads. A variety of Dynamax Pokémon are available for capture, and it is anticipated that more will be added over time.
The Arrival of Dynamax Pokémon
The first Dynamax Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Go were Wooloo and Skwovet, released on September 4, 2024, as part of the ‘To the Max!’ quest. Just a few days later, on September 10, 2024, Max Battles debuted, allowing the original starter Pokémon from Generation 1 to also Dynamax. As the game evolves, players can expect to see an increasing number of Dynamax Pokémon.
For those looking to explore everything related to Dynamax in Pokémon Go, there’s much to learn, from the mechanics of how to Dynamax to strategies for making the most of Max Moves.
How to Dynamax in Pokémon Go
To initiate Dynamaxing in Pokémon Go, players must participate in a Max Battle. During these matches, each Fast and Charged Attack executed by your Pokémon contributes energy that fills up a Max Meter located at the bottom of the screen. Players can also gather extra energy by maneuvering their Pokémon throughout the battle.
When the Max Meter is fully charged, you can choose one of your Pokémon to Dynamax for three turns. There is a limited time frame to select which Pokémon will transform; as long as it hasn’t fainted, it will grow to a giant size. This is the perfect moment to switch to a Pokémon that is more suitable for combating the Power Spot Boss you’re facing.
While in its Dynamax state, every turn corresponds to the usage of a Max Move. Each Dynamax Pokémon possesses three moves, with one being an attack specific to the Pokémon’s type. The remaining moves must be unlocked. Notably, a Dynamax Pokémon will automatically utilize its attack Max Move if you do not choose an alternate attack before a short countdown ends.
After three turns, your Pokémon will revert to its regular size. If you wish to Dynamax again, you will need to fill the Max Meter with energy once more.
Acquiring Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go
The primary way to obtain Dynamax Pokémon is by defeating them in Max Battles and then capturing them. Players can refer to our Max Battle guide for detailed instructions on how to engage in and win these unique encounters.
Similar to raid battles, players receive Premier Balls after conquering a Power Spot Boss. For example, defeating a one-star boss grants ten Premier Balls, which can be increased by spending 200 Poké Coins. However, regardless of the number of Premier Balls collected, capturing the Dynamax Pokémon must occur before they run out. If the Premier Balls are exhausted and the Dynamax Pokémon remains free, you’ll need to engage in another Max Battle.
Additionally, players may have the chance to encounter shiny Dynamax Pokémon through victorious Max Battles.
Special Methods for Obtaining Dynamax Pokémon
In addition to Max Battles, players can earn Dynamax Pokémon through two other methods, which are crucial because at least one Dynamax Pokémon is necessary to compete in any Max Battle.
Firstly, players can advance in the ‘To the Max!’ special research quest. Completing the initial step provides an encounter with Dynamax Wooloo, while progressing to the second step offers a chance to encounter Dynamax Skwovet.
The second method involves collecting 100 Max Particles, which leads to encountering a Dynamax Wooloo. However, players should be mindful that there have been reports of this feature being inconsistent. There are indications that gathering 1,000 or more Max Particles might improve the chances of receiving this second Wooloo encounter, but success is not guaranteed.
Players should also remain vigilant, as Dynamax Pokémon may appear in the wild near Power Spots, but detailed mechanics for this feature still need verification through live game experiences.
Max Moves Explained
The term Max Moves in Pokémon Go refers to the three special attacks accessible to Dynamax Pokémon during their transformation. The moves include:
- Attack Move: Tailored to the Pokémon’s type, this move will have a name specific to the Pokémon. For instance, Wooloo’s Max Move is called Max Strike.
- Max Guard: This move reduces the damage taken from the Power Spot Boss.
- Max Spirit: It provides healing to the Dynamax Pokémon and its allies.
Players can access the attack from the moment they catch a Dynamax Pokémon, while Max Spirit and Max Guard must be unlocked. All three Max Moves can be leveled up to enhance their effectiveness.
Unlocking and Leveling Up Max Moves
Leveling up and enhancing Max Moves requires both Max Particles and Candy corresponding to the specific Pokémon. For instance, improving a Dynamax Wooloo’s Max Moves necessitates Wooloo Candy. Unlocking Max Spirit and Max Guard requires 400 Max Particles and 50 Candy each. In total, players need 800 Max Particles and 100 Candy to unlock an entire Dynamax Pokémon’s Max Moveset.
Whenever players level up a Max Move or unlock a new one, they receive XP as a reward.
The different Max Moves progress through three levels, aptly named One, Two, and Three. Starting from Level One, each move requires two additional levels to reach its maximum state. Leveling up from Level One to Level Two costs 600 Max Particles and 100 Candy, while advancing to Level Three necessitates 800 Max Particles alongside 40 Candy XL.
Available Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go
As Dynamax Pokémon can undergo evolution, there are currently 13 distinct Dynamax Pokémon players can find in Pokémon Go:
- Bulbasaur
- Ivysaur (Evolve Bulbasaur using 25 Bulbasaur Candy)
- Venusaur (Evolve Ivysaur using 100 Bulbasaur Candy)
- Charmander
- Charmeleon (Evolve Charmander using 25 Charmander Candy)
- Charizard (Evolve Charmeleon using 100 Charmander Candy)
- Squirtle
- Wartortle (Evolve Squirtle using 25 Squirtle Candy)
- Blastoise (Evolve Wartortle using 100 Squirtle Candy)
- Beldum
- Metang (Evolve Beldum using 25 Beldum Candy)
- Metagross (Evolve Metang using 100 Beldum Candy)
- Skwovet
- Greedent (Evolve Skwovet using 50 Skwovet Candy)
- Wooloo
- Dubwool (Evolve Wooloo using 50 Wooloo Candy)
It is worth noting that certain Dynamax Pokémon, such as Dubwool, can only be obtained by evolving their prior forms or through trading. As future events unfold in Pokémon Go, additional Dynamax Pokémon are expected to be introduced.
Key Differences Between Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon
Dynamax, a mechanic initially featured in Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch, allows Pokémon to temporarily transform into oversized versions of themselves, gaining a distinctive reddish hue and surrounded by clouds that signify their massive size. This transformation lasts for three turns, during which access is granted to a unique moveset known as Max Moves, featuring different abilities compared to a Pokémon’s standard attacks.
Gigantamax, on the other hand, refers to Pokémon that undergo a more significant transformation when Dynamaxing, resulting in a unique form—such as Pikachu returning to its plump 90s appearance or Meowth elongating into a long cat. It’s important to note that not all Pokémon possess a Gigantamax form; while 32 Pokémon can Gigantamax, there are 33 distinct Gigantamax forms due to the individual styles of Urshifu—Single Strike and Rapid Strike.
While Gigantamax Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield possess exclusive moves known as G-Max moves, it remains uncertain whether these will be integrated into Pokémon Go.
As the game evolves, the Dynamax feature continues to introduce new strategies and adventures for players. Good luck in your quest to utilize Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go!