Can You Breed Gigantamax Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide

No, you cannot directly breed Gigantamax Pokémon. While Pokémon that possess the Gigantamax factor can produce eggs, they cannot pass down the Gigantamax trait to their offspring. This has been a point of frustration for many trainers hoping to create a lineage of powerful, oversized Pokémon. However, there are ways to obtain Gigantamax Pokémon, which we’ll explore in this article.

Understanding Gigantamaxing

Gigantamaxing is a special phenomenon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It’s a unique form of Dynamaxing that alters a Pokémon’s appearance and gives it access to special G-Max moves, which are more powerful versions of their existing moves. Not all Pokémon can Gigantamax; only specific species and individuals within those species possess the Gigantamax factor.

Why Can’t Gigantamax Be Bred?

The inability to breed Gigantamax Pokémon is a game mechanic design choice. While the exact reason isn’t explicitly stated by Game Freak, it’s likely to maintain a degree of scarcity and value for these powerful forms. Allowing players to breed Gigantamax Pokémon would flood the market, diminishing their uniqueness and trading value. Imagine if you could create a perfect IV Gigantamax Pokémon by breeding alone! That takes some of the challenge out of the hunt, and this game mechanic allows for game designers to keep the gameplay engaging.

Alternative Methods to Obtain Gigantamax Pokémon

So, if breeding isn’t an option, how do you get your hands on these coveted Gigantamax Pokémon? Here are the primary methods:

• Max Raid Battles: This is the most common way to obtain Gigantamax Pokémon. Look for Pokémon Dens emitting a bright red beam of light in the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra. These dens often host Gigantamax Pokémon. Keep in mind that some Gigantamax Pokémon are exclusive to specific games or events, so you may need to participate in online events to encounter them.

• Max Soup: Introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC, Max Soup allows Pokémon that can Gigantamax to unlock their Gigantamax form. However, this only works on Pokémon that inherently have the potential to Gigantamax but haven’t yet unlocked it. You’ll need to gather Max Mushrooms to create Max Soup.

• Event Pokémon: Certain Gigantamax Pokémon, like Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee, are obtainable through specific game events or by having save data from other Pokémon games on your Nintendo Switch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of Gigantamaxing and breeding:

1. Can bred Pokémon end up being Gigantamax?

No. Breeding does not pass down the Gigantamax factor. The offspring will be a regular version of the Pokémon, even if both parents have the Gigantamax factor. The game does not allow for the G-Max Trait to be passed down in breeding.

2. Can you make any Pokémon Gigantamax with Max Soup?

No. Max Soup only works on Pokémon that naturally have the potential to Gigantamax. If a Pokémon species doesn’t have a Gigantamax form, Max Soup will have no effect. Max Soup only works on Pokémon that can Gigantamax to unlock their Gigantamax form.

3. How do I get Max Mushrooms for Max Soup?

Max Mushrooms can be found on the Isle of Armor. They spawn randomly in forests and caves. You can increase the spawn rate by participating in Max Raid Battles on the Isle of Armor. Also, you can receive three Max Mushrooms by completing the second trial in the Master Dojo.

4. Are some Gigantamax Pokémon exclusive to certain games?

Yes. Some Gigantamax Pokémon are exclusive to either Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield, encouraging players to trade with others to complete their collections. Also, many Gigantamax Pokémon are available for a limited-time through in-game events.

5. Can all starters Gigantamax?

No. Only the Galar region starters – Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon – have Gigantamax forms. They can achieve this with Max Soup.

6. Can a Shiny Pokémon also be Gigantamax?

Yes. A Shiny Pokémon can also have the Gigantamax factor. It’s a rare combination, but it’s definitely possible. If you are looking for a challenge, this might be the goal for you!

7. Does Dynamaxing evolve a Pokémon?

No. Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing are temporary transformations. They do not evolve the Pokémon permanently. Also, these are two different, although similar, concepts in that Gigantamaxing alters a Pokémon’s appearance while Dynamaxing just makes the Pokémon larger.

8. What is the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?

Dynamaxing is a phenomenon that makes Pokémon larger. Gigantamaxing is a special type of Dynamaxing that changes the Pokémon’s appearance and gives it access to unique G-Max moves. Not all Pokémon can Gigantamax. The main difference is that Dynamax is a size change, while Gigantamax changes the overall design of the Pokemon.

9. Can a Pokémon with a Gigantamax form also Dynamax?

Yes. A Pokémon that can Gigantamax can also Dynamax. However, when a Pokémon Gigantamaxes, it gains its unique form and G-Max moves.

10. Can you trade Gigantamax Pokémon?

Yes. You can trade Gigantamax Pokémon with other players online or locally. This is a great way to obtain Gigantamax forms that are exclusive to the other version of the game you don’t have.

11. Can baby Pokémon Gigantamax?

No. Baby Pokémon cannot Dynamax or Gigantamax. These forms are usually reserved for fully evolved Pokémon. These Pokémon are normally in the No Eggs Discovered Group and have special requirements for evolving.

12. Are Legendary or Mythical Pokémon able to Gigantamax?

Generally no, most Legendary and Mythical Pokémon cannot Gigantamax. The primary exception is Eternatus. Eternatus has its own unique form, Eternamax Eternatus, which is encountered during the main story but cannot be used by the player in battles outside of that encounter.

13. Can Ditto transform into a Gigantamax Pokémon?

No. While Ditto can transform into other Pokémon, it cannot transform into Gigantamax forms. It can only copy the regular form of a Pokémon. Ditto’s only can breed with another non-legendary pokemon but not with each other.

14. How do I increase my chances of finding Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles?

Participating in online events often increases the spawn rates of specific Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles. Also, using Wishing Pieces in Pokémon Dens can influence what Pokémon appears.

15. What happens if a Gigantamax Pokémon is holding an Everstone when breeding?

The Everstone only affects the Nature of the offspring, ensuring it inherits the Nature of the parent holding the Everstone. It has no impact on whether the offspring can Gigantamax. The offspring will not inherit the Gigantamax factor, regardless of the Everstone.

The Educational Value of Pokémon

Beyond the complexities of breeding and Gigantamaxing, the Pokémon franchise offers valuable learning opportunities. The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores the educational potential of games like Pokémon, highlighting how they can foster strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and even social skills through trading and battling. Games Learning Society promotes ways to make gaming even more educational than it already is, showing that there are plenty of areas in gaming that can be used to strengthen learning.

Conclusion

While you cannot breed Gigantamax Pokémon, the game offers alternative avenues to acquire these powerful forms. Through Max Raid Battles, Max Soup, and special events, you can build a team of formidable Gigantamax Pokémon and experience the thrill of battling with these oversized creatures. So, while you can’t create a Gigantamax dynasty through breeding, the adventure of finding and training them remains a rewarding part of the Pokémon Sword and Shield experience.