Unleashing the Giants: Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting Gigantamax Pokémon
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So, you want to command a behemoth on the battlefield, a Pokémon so large it practically blots out the sun? You want to wield the power of Gigantamaxing? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into the world of Gigantamax Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield, explaining exactly how you can acquire these titans. Essentially, there are a few key ways to get your hands on Gigantamax Pokémon: catching them in special Max Raid Battles, using Max Soup (if you own the Isle of Armor DLC), or receiving them as special event Pokémon. Understanding these methods is crucial to building your ultimate Gigantamax team.
Understanding Gigantamaxing
Before we get into the “how,” let’s quickly clarify what Gigantamaxing actually is. Think of it as Dynamaxing’s cooler, more stylish cousin. While Dynamaxing simply makes a Pokémon huge, Gigantamaxing changes its appearance entirely, giving it a unique form and signature G-Max move. However, not all Pokémon can Gigantamax; only specific species possess the potential. Moreover, even within those species, only some individuals have the “Gigantamax Factor.”
Finding Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles
The most common way to obtain Gigantamax Pokémon is through Max Raid Battles in the Wild Area, the Crown Tundra, and the Isle of Armor.
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Locate Pokémon Dens: Look for Pokémon Dens – glowing structures scattered across the Wild Area. Those with a beam of light emanating from them are active and host a Raid Battle. Keep an eye out for dens with swirling purple energy, as these are more likely to feature a Gigantamax Pokémon.
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Wishing Pieces: Use a Wishing Piece (bought from Wild Area vendors or earned as rewards) at an empty den to activate a Max Raid Battle. This doesn’t guarantee a Gigantamax Pokémon, but it does guarantee a Dynamax Pokémon will appear and increases the chances of a Gigantamax Pokémon appearing during events.
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5-Star Raids: Generally, Gigantamax Pokémon appear in 5-star raids, the most challenging type of Max Raid Battle. You’ll need a strong team to take them down. Remember that 5-star raids only begin appearing after you obtain all eight gym badges.
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Event Raids: Keep an eye out for special event raids. These events often feature specific Gigantamax Pokémon at increased encounter rates. These events are normally announced on the Pokémon websites and social media channels.
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Team Up: Raids can be tough! Team up with friends or other players online to increase your chances of success.
Max Soup: The Gigantamax Recipe
If you own the Isle of Armor expansion, you unlock another powerful method: Max Soup.
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The Isle of Armor: Travel to the Isle of Armor.
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Max Honey, Max Mushrooms, and Rare Ingredients: Gather three Max Honey, which can be found in honeycomb dens after completing various tasks on the Isle of Armor and Max Mushrooms which can be found throughout the island.
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Speak to the chef at the Master Dojo: Take these ingredients to the chef in the dojo to create Max Soup.
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Give Max Soup to Pokémon: Feed the Max Soup to a Pokémon that has Gigantamax potential. This will grant them the ability to Gigantamax. Note that not all Pokémon are eligible, and only those with the Gigantamax Factor can benefit.
Special Event Pokémon
Sometimes, The Pokémon Company distributes Gigantamax Pokémon through special events. These can range from Mystery Gifts to special raid events.
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Mystery Gifts: Keep an eye out for Mystery Gift distributions. These often grant you a Pokémon that can Gigantamax, sometimes even with special moves or abilities.
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Save Data Bonuses: In some cases, having save data from other Pokémon games (like Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!) can unlock special Gigantamax Pokémon in Sword and Shield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can any Pokémon become Gigantamax?
No. Only certain species of Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield have the potential to Gigantamax. Even within those species, only specific individuals possess the Gigantamax Factor, which means only they can transform. Check the summary of your Pokémon to see if it has the Gigantamax Factor.
2. How do I know if my Pokémon can Gigantamax?
Check your Pokémon’s summary. If it has the ability to Gigantamax, you’ll see a red icon to the left of its name and to the right of the ball icon. If the icon is absent, the Pokémon can only Dynamax.
3. What’s the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?
While both Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing increase the size of a Pokémon and boost its power, Gigantamaxing goes a step further. It changes the Pokémon’s appearance, giving it a unique form and access to a special G-Max move. Dynamaxing simply increases size and provides access to Max Moves, but does not alter appearance.
4. Can I evolve a Gigantamax Pokémon?
Generally, no. Gigantamax forms are typically the final evolution stage of a Pokémon, and the Pokémon themselves cannot evolve further. There are exceptions, such as Gigantamax Charmander, which can evolve into Charmeleon and then Gigantamax Charizard. Also, certain gift Pokémon, like the Gigantamax Eevee received for having Let’s Go, Eevee! save data, cannot evolve.
5. How long does Gigantamax last?
Like Dynamaxing, Gigantamaxing lasts for only three turns in battle. After those three turns, the Pokémon will revert to its normal form.
6. When can I start getting Gigantamax Pokémon?
You can start participating in Max Raid Battles early in the game, but 5-star raids (where Gigantamax Pokémon are most commonly found) won’t appear until you’ve earned all eight gym badges.
7. Are Gigantamax Pokémon rare?
Yes, Gigantamax Pokémon are relatively rare. Finding them in Max Raid Battles can take time and require luck. Event raids offer increased chances for specific Gigantamax Pokémon, but these are time-limited.
8. Which is better, Mega Evolution or Gigantamax?
It depends on your strategy. Mega Evolution provides a permanent stat boost and a new ability but requires holding a specific mega stone. Gigantamaxing, while temporary, offers a massive power spike with unique G-Max moves. A Mega Evolved Pokémon can stay Mega Evolved as long as it needs in battle, while a Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon only has three turns.
9. What is a G-Max move?
G-Max moves are unique, powerful moves that only Gigantamax Pokémon can use. Each Gigantamax Pokémon has its own signature G-Max move, which replaces a specific type of move (e.g., Normal-type, Fire-type) and often has additional effects.
10. Where can I find Max Mushrooms?
Max Mushrooms are found on the Isle of Armor. They typically appear in forested areas and near damp locations. Their appearance can be somewhat random, so keep exploring and checking back regularly.
11. How do I get a free Gigantamax Eevee or Pikachu?
If you have save data from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on your Nintendo Switch, you can receive a special Eevee or Pikachu that can Gigantamax from an NPC in the Wild Area Station. The version you played determines which Pokémon you get.
12. Can I catch a Gigantamax Pokémon multiple times?
Yes, you can catch the same Gigantamax Pokémon multiple times. However, each time you catch one, it will be added to your box like any other Pokémon.
13. Can I use Gigantamax in competitive battles?
Yes, you can use Gigantamax Pokémon in competitive battles, as long as the rules of the specific competition allow it.
14. Can I trade Gigantamax Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Gigantamax Pokémon with other players.
15. What are the strongest Gigantamax Pokémon?
While strength is subjective and depends on your team composition and battle strategy, some of the strongest Gigantamax Pokémon include:
- Urshifu
- Charizard
- Corviknight
- Gengar
- Kingler
Conclusion
Obtaining Gigantamax Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield involves understanding the mechanics of Max Raid Battles, utilizing the Max Soup recipe (if you have the Isle of Armor DLC), and staying informed about special events. With patience, strategy, and a little luck, you’ll be commanding these colossal creatures in no time. Good luck, trainer, and may your Gigantamax adventures be legendary!
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