Can You Make Eternatus Gigantamax? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is a resounding no. As of now, in Pokémon Sword and Shield, it is impossible to Gigantamax Eternatus. While Eternatus boasts two forms – its regular form and the massive Eternamax form – the latter is exclusively encountered during the climactic battle at the Energy Plant within the game’s story. There is currently no in-game mechanic or workaround that allows players to trigger the Eternamax transformation outside of this specific story event.
This limitation has led to considerable discussion and speculation within the Pokémon community. Many players have expressed a desire to utilize Eternamax Eternatus in competitive battles or simply to experience its immense power outside of the scripted encounter. However, Game Freak has remained consistent in maintaining the exclusivity of the Eternamax form to the story’s final confrontation. Understanding why requires a deeper look into Eternatus’s role in the game and the mechanics of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing.
Eternatus is intrinsically linked to the Dynamax phenomenon, serving as its primary source. In the lore of Sword and Shield, Eternatus crash-landed on Earth long ago, bringing with it the energy that causes Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes in specific locations known as Power Spots. Its Eternamax form represents the uncontrolled release of this energy, a force so powerful that it distorts the very fabric of reality.
The decision to restrict access to Eternamax Eternatus likely stems from a combination of factors, including game balance and narrative integrity. Allowing players to control such a potent Pokémon could significantly disrupt the competitive metagame, and it might diminish the impact of the final battle against it. The Eternamax form is intended to be a unique, awe-inspiring spectacle, a symbol of the overwhelming power of Dynamax energy at its most chaotic. Preserving this unique encounter likely factored heavily into the design decision. While some Pokemon can Gigantamax via Max Soup after the Isle of Armor expansion, this method does not work for Eternatus.
For now, players must content themselves with using Eternatus’s standard form, which is still a formidable opponent in its own right. It is possible that future updates or games may introduce a way to access Eternamax Eternatus, but as of this writing, it remains a tantalizing, unobtainable form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eternatus
Is it possible to make a regular Pokémon Gigantamax?
Yes, it is! Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Isle of Armor expansion introduced Max Soup, a special stew that can be fed to certain Pokémon to grant them the ability to Gigantamax. To access Max Soup, you must complete the second trial given by Dojo Master Mustard. This involves gathering Max Mushrooms, the soup’s main ingredient. Remember, not all Pokémon are capable of Gigantamaxing, even with Max Soup. Only specific species have this potential.
Can Eternatus use Eternabeam?
Absolutely! Eternabeam is Eternatus’s signature move, a devastating Dragon-type attack. Interestingly, when Eternatus uses Eternabeam, it briefly flashes into its Eternamax form during the move’s animation. This fleeting glimpse is the only time players see Eternamax Eternatus outside of the story battle.
What happens if you make Eternatus faint during the encounter?
Don’t worry about failing the catch! Once you’ve depleted Eternatus’s HP and made it faint during the battle, you are guaranteed to catch it. The game provides a 100% catch rate at this point, so you can use any Poké Ball, even a regular one, and it will succeed.
Is Eternamax Eternatus stronger than Arceus?
This is a hotly debated topic among Pokémon fans. In terms of raw stats, Eternamax Eternatus surpasses Arceus. However, Arceus, as the “Original One,” possesses immense lore and potential. While Eternamax’s stat total is higher, Arceus’s access to different types and its inherent divinity make it a complex comparison. Some argue that Arceus’s ability to adapt with different plates would potentially allow it to surpass even Eternamax. The overall concensus is that no pokemon in its normal form is stronger than Arceus, yet Eternamax can beat Arceus.
What happens if you catch and use Eternatus in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Once caught, Eternatus becomes a valuable member of your team. Its high stats, especially in Special Attack and Speed, make it a formidable offensive threat. It learns powerful moves like Dynamax Cannon and Draco Meteor, allowing it to deal significant damage to opponents. However, it’s important to remember that you cannot transform it into its Eternamax form for use outside of the specific scripted battle.
Is Eternatus stronger than Necrozma?
This is another point of contention. While both Pokémon are incredibly powerful, Genesis Necrozma is often considered to have the edge. In the game’s lore, Necrozma’s light-absorbing abilities were crucial to restoring light to Ultra Space, indicating power on a cosmic scale. Although Eternatus is very powerful, Necrozma’s ability to provide light to a universe with infinite distance suggests stronger capabilities.
Can Zacian defeat Eternatus?
In the story of Pokémon Sword and Shield, Zacian and Zamazenta were able to defeat Eternatus by working together. The two legendary heroes used their powerful swords to weaken and ultimately seal away Eternatus. However, in a one-on-one battle, the outcome is less certain, depending on move sets, strategy, and held items.
Can a Master Ball catch Eternatus?
While you can use a Master Ball on Eternatus, it’s unnecessary. As mentioned earlier, Eternatus has a guaranteed catch rate after you defeat it in the story. Save your Master Ball for other elusive or rare Pokémon. It’s much better used on a Shiny you don’t want to risk defeating!
Why does Eternatus look so unusual?
Eternatus’s skeletal appearance is often attributed to its poisonous nature and the effects of Dynamax energy. The in-game lore suggests that Eternatus’s physical form has been eroded over time due to exposure to this potent energy, giving it a unique and somewhat unsettling aesthetic.
Can Eternatus learn Draco Meteor?
Yes! Draco Meteor is one of the most powerful moves Eternatus can learn. Its high Special Attack stat makes it particularly effective when using this Dragon-type move, capable of dealing massive damage to most opponents that aren’t Steel-type.
Does shiny Eternatus exist?
Yes, but it’s incredibly rare! Shiny Eternatus was available as a limited-time distribution event in various regions. Acquiring one now likely involves trading with other players who obtained it during the event.
Can you breed Eternatus with Ditto?
Unfortunately, no. As a Legendary Pokémon, Eternatus is unable to breed, even with Ditto. Legendary Pokémon are typically sterile in the Pokémon universe.
Can you Gigantamax Legendaries?
Some Legendary Pokemon can Gigantamax! In the Isle of Armor expansion, Kubfu can Gigantamax into either Single Strike or Rapid Strike Urshifu.
Is Dynamax better than Gigantamax?
This depends on the situation. Dynamax Pokemon gain powerful Max Moves, while Gigantamax Pokemon gain unique G-Max Moves specific to their species. G-Max moves often have additional effects beyond raw damage, such as setting up weather conditions or inflicting status ailments. While Dynamaxing offers broader versatility, Gigantamaxing provides more specialized, powerful options for specific Pokémon.
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