Can Any Pokemon Become Gigantamax? The Definitive Guide
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No, not every Pokemon can become Gigantamax. Only certain species possess the inherent potential to Gigantamax in Pokemon Sword and Shield. While every Pokemon can Dynamax, Gigantamaxing is a much more exclusive transformation, changing both a Pokemon’s size and appearance, and granting access to unique G-Max moves. Understanding the nuances of Gigantamaxing is crucial for mastering battles and collecting rare Pokemon in the Galar region and beyond.
Understanding Dynamax and Gigantamax
Before diving deep into which Pokemon can Gigantamax, it’s vital to grasp the distinction between Dynamax and Gigantamax. Both transformations increase a Pokemon’s size and power during battles within Power Spots found in specific locations like stadiums or Max Raid dens.
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Dynamax: This transformation is available to all Pokemon. It simply enlarges the Pokemon, boosts its HP, and replaces its moves with Max Moves. The appearance of the Pokemon remains largely unchanged.
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Gigantamax: This is a special form of Dynamax that is exclusive to certain species. It not only increases the Pokemon’s size and HP but also drastically alters its appearance, giving it a unique form. Furthermore, Gigantamax Pokemon have access to powerful G-Max moves, which are unique to each Gigantamax form and often have additional effects beyond simple damage. A Pokemon cannot use both Gigantamax and Dynamax; it can only use one or the other.
How to Obtain Gigantamax Pokemon
There are two primary ways to get your hands on a Gigantamax Pokemon:
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Max Raid Battles: The most common method is to encounter and capture Pokemon in Max Raid Battles that are already in their Gigantamax form. These raids appear in the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra. Keep an eye out for dens with a thicker, swirling beam of light, as these often indicate a higher chance of a Gigantamax Pokemon appearing. Gigantamax Pokemon have a base 5% chance to appear in max raid dens.
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Max Soup (Isle of Armor DLC): If you have the Isle of Armor expansion, you can brew Max Soup. Feeding this soup to a Pokemon with Gigantamax potential will grant it the ability to Gigantamax, even if you caught it in its standard form. This is particularly useful for Pokemon like Charizard, as the Charmander received from Leon can be evolved into a Gigantamax Charizard after consuming Max Soup. Note that this will not work on Pokémon without Gigantamax potential.
Pokemon That Can Gigantamax
The list of Pokemon capable of Gigantamaxing is fixed, though event distributions might introduce new opportunities or increase the spawn rates of specific Gigantamax Pokemon. Some notable examples include:
- Starters: Charizard (Leon’s Charmander), Blastoise, Venusaur, and the Kanto starters.
- Pikachu and Eevee: Special Pikachu and Eevee obtained through Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! save data. These cannot evolve.
- Others: Butterfree, Corviknight, Drednaw, Snorlax, Meowth, Kingler, Gengar, Machamp, Hatterene, Grimmsnarl, Copperajah, Duraludon, Urshifu (Single Strike and Rapid Strike), and many more.
Keep in mind that only fully evolved forms can Gigantamax, with the exception of the special Pikachu and Eevee obtained from save data.
What About Evolution?
It’s also important to know that the special Pikachu and Eevee you get for having Let’s Go save data cannot evolve. If you want a Raichu or a different Eeveelution, you’ll need to find a regular Pikachu or Eevee that cannot Gigantamax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gigantamax
1. How do I know if a Pokemon can Gigantamax?
Check online resources or Pokedex guides that specifically list which Pokemon have Gigantamax forms. If a species isn’t listed, it cannot Gigantamax through any means. Also if you have the Isle of Armor DLC, you can feed it Max Soup to see if it has Giganatamaxing properties.
2. Can a Shiny Pokemon Gigantamax?
Yes! Shiny Pokemon can Gigantamax just like their non-shiny counterparts, provided they belong to a species with Gigantamax potential. The shiny status is independent of the ability to Gigantamax.
3. Is Gigantamaxing permanent?
No, Gigantamaxing is not permanent. It only lasts for three turns in battle. After that, the Pokemon reverts to its normal form. Max Raid Battles feature Pokemon in a permanently locked Dynamax or Gigantamax state.
4. What are G-Max moves?
G-Max moves are unique, powerful moves that only Gigantamax Pokemon can use. Each Gigantamax form has its own signature G-Max move with special effects, such as setting up entry hazards, ignoring abilities, or dealing continuous damage.
5. Can I use Gigantamax in competitive battles?
Yes, Gigantamaxing is allowed in some competitive formats. However, there may be restrictions on which Gigantamax Pokemon are permitted and specific rules regarding their usage. Always check the rules of the format you’re participating in.
6. Is Max Soup a one-time use item?
No, Max Soup is not a one-time use item. Once you unlock the ability to make it, you can brew it as many times as you have the required ingredients: three Max Mushrooms.
7. Can I make my starter Pokemon (Scorbunny, Grookey, Sobble) Gigantamax?
The original starter Pokemon from Sword and Shield cannot naturally Gigantamax. They can be fed Max Soup, granted you have the Isle of Armor DLC.
8. Are Mega Evolutions stronger than Gigantamax?
This is debatable and depends on the specific Pokemon and the battle scenario. Mega Evolution provides a permanent stat boost and a potentially new ability for the entire battle, while Gigantamaxing only lasts for three turns. Mega Evolution is unavailable in Sword and Shield, but was exceptionally strong in past games. Unlike Dynamax/Gigantamax, Mega Evolution boosts a Pokémon’s stats and has no time limit.
9. What is the rarest Gigantamax Pokemon to find?
The rarity of Gigantamax Pokemon can vary depending on in-game events and spawn rates. Generally, any Gigantamax Pokemon that isn’t featured in an active event will be harder to find. The rarity is always expressed as a percentage, and normally all Gigantamax Pokemon have a 5% chance to appear.
10. Can I breed a Gigantamax Pokemon?
No, breeding does not pass down the Gigantamax factor. The only ways to obtain a Gigantamax Pokemon are through Max Raid Battles or by feeding Max Soup to a Pokemon with Gigantamax potential.
11. What is the tallest Gigantamax Pokemon?
Centiskorch is the tallest Gigantamax Pokemon, reaching an impressive 246’01” in height.
12. Do Gigantamax Pokemon have different abilities?
No, Gigantamaxing does not change a Pokemon’s ability. The Pokemon retains its original ability when it Gigantamaxes.
13. Can a Pokemon Dynamax and Gigantamax?
No, a Pokemon can only do one or the other. If a Pokemon is capable of Gigantamaxing, that replaces its Dynamaxing function.
14. What happens if I use Fake Out on a Gigantamax Pokemon?
When used on a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon successfully, Fake Out deals damage but will not make the target flinch.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokemon and related educational topics?
You can explore the fascinating intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover research, resources, and community engagement opportunities related to game-based learning.
Conclusion
While the ability to Gigantamax isn’t universal, understanding which Pokemon can transform and how to obtain them is key to mastering Pokemon Sword and Shield. By participating in Max Raid Battles, utilizing Max Soup (if you have the Isle of Armor DLC), and staying informed about in-game events, you can build a powerful team of Gigantamax Pokemon and dominate the Galar region!