Can I Make My Charizard Gigantamax? The Ultimate Guide
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Absolutely! You can make your Charizard Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. There are a couple of ways to achieve this, depending on whether you already have a Charizard or are starting with a Charmander. Let’s dive into the details.
Evolving Charmander into a Gigantamax Charizard
Obtaining the Special Charmander
First, you’ll need the special Charmander that’s capable of Gigantamaxing. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you receive this Charmander from Leon after becoming the Champion. It resides in his room in Hop’s house in Postwick. This isn’t just any Charmander; it’s pre-programmed to have the potential for Gigantamaxing once it evolves fully.
Leveling Up and Evolving
The next steps are straightforward:
- Level up Charmander to level 16: At this level, it will evolve into Charmeleon.
- Level up Charmeleon to level 36: At this level, it will evolve into Charizard.
Once you have your Charizard, it will be capable of Gigantamaxing during battles in areas where Dynamaxing is permitted (like certain Gyms and Max Raid Battles). Note that you do not have to do anything to ‘activate’ this ability, it should happen automatically if it is the Leon’s gifted Charmander.
Max Soup: The Alternative Route
If you have a Charizard that isn’t the one gifted by Leon, or you have one from Pokémon Home or another game, you can still give it the ability to Gigantamax through the use of Max Soup.
Isle of Armor Expansion Required
This method requires the Isle of Armor expansion pack for Pokémon Sword and Shield.
How to Obtain and Use Max Soup
- Progress in the Isle of Armor Storyline: You’ll need to advance far enough into the DLC’s story to unlock the ability to make Max Soup.
- Gather Ingredients: The ingredients for Max Soup are found in the Isle of Armor. You typically need three Max Mushrooms. These mushrooms appear in various locations, often near trees or in damp areas.
- Talk to the NPC in the Master Dojo: Once you have the mushrooms, talk to the character in the Master Dojo (where you usually stay). They will use the mushrooms to create Max Soup.
- Feed Max Soup to Your Charizard: Simply select the Max Soup in your bag and use it on your Charizard. This will grant it the ability to Gigantamax.
Additional Information: Dynamax vs. Gigantamax
It’s crucial to understand the difference between Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing.
- Dynamaxing makes a Pokémon larger, boosts its stats, and changes its moves to Max Moves. Any Pokémon can Dynamax.
- Gigantamaxing also increases size and stats, but it also changes the Pokémon’s appearance and gives it a unique G-Max Move specific to that species. Only certain Pokémon species can Gigantamax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the chances of finding a wild Gigantamax Charizard in Max Raid Battles?
The appearance rate of Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles is generally low. All Gigantamax Pokémon have only a 5% chance to appear! Keep an eye out for purple beams of light, which signify a rare spawn and increase your chances of encountering a Gigantamax Charizard.
2. Is Gigantamax Charizard better than Dynamax Charizard?
Yes, Gigantamax Charizard is generally considered better than a regular Dynamaxed Charizard. Gigantamax Pokémon receive greater stat increases, but more importantly, they gain access to G-Max Moves, which are more powerful and have unique effects.
3. What is G-Max Wildfire?
G-Max Wildfire is the signature G-Max Move of Gigantamax Charizard. It’s a Fire-type move that not only deals damage but also inflicts residual damage on non-Fire-type opponents for four turns. This can be a significant advantage in battle.
4. Can any Charmander become Gigantamax Charizard?
No, only the Charmander received from Leon or a Charizard fed Max Soup has the potential to Gigantamax. Regular Charmanders that you catch in the wild or obtain through breeding cannot Gigantamax.
5. Where can I find Max Mushrooms?
Max Mushrooms can be found on the Isle of Armor. They often spawn near large trees, in forests, and in damp areas. The spawn locations can change, so explore the island thoroughly.
6. Is Gigantamax Charizard rare?
Yes, Gigantamax Charizard is considered rare. Finding it in Max Raid Battles requires patience and luck, as does getting the specially gifted Charmander from Leon.
7. What’s special about the Charmander Leon gives you?
The Charmander Leon gives you is special because it possesses the Gigantamax factor, allowing it to transform into a Gigantamax Charizard upon evolving. This isn’t a trait all Charmanders share.
8. Can I breed a Gigantamax Charmander?
No, you cannot breed a Gigantamax Charmander directly. However, if you breed the Gigantamax capable Charizard it will have an increased chance of passing down its HA, hidden ability (Solar Power).
9. What is the weakest Gigantamax Pokémon?
According to fan opinion and some competitive analysis, some of the “weaker” Gigantamax designs and battle-effectiveness are Meowth, Snorlax, and Garbodor. However, this is subjective and depends on the battle strategy.
10. How do I know if my Charizard can Gigantamax?
The easiest way is to check if you obtained it as the Leon’s gifted Charmander or if you have fed it Max Soup. You won’t see any specific indicator in the Pokémon’s summary, but if you meet either of these criteria, it can Gigantamax.
11. Is Gigantamax Charizard banned in competitive play?
In certain competitive formats, Gigantamax Charizard with the Solar Power ability may be restricted due to its overwhelming power in sun teams. Always check the specific rules of the competition you’re participating in.
12. What is the most expensive Charizard card?
The 1st Edition Holographic Charizard (Base Set) is one of the most valuable Charizard cards. Shadowless versions of this card in mint condition are especially rare and can fetch extremely high prices at auction.
13. How much is a shiny Charizard worth?
The value of a Shiny Charizard card varies greatly depending on the edition, condition, and grading. Shining Charizard from the Neo Destiny set, particularly in pristine condition, can be worth thousands of dollars.
14. Is Mega Evolution or Gigantamax better?
This depends on the situation and the Pokémon. Mega Evolution provides a permanent stat boost and a new ability but requires a Mega Stone. Gigantamax offers a temporary stat boost and a unique G-Max Move, and can be used by any Gigantamax-capable Pokémon in the right circumstances.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon strategies and gameplay?
For a deeper dive into Pokémon strategies, educational aspects of gaming, and the intersection of learning and games, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Games Learning Society provides resources and research on how games can enhance education and skills development.