What is the Best Gigantamax Move?

The title of “best” Gigantamax (G-Max) move is subjective and highly dependent on the battle context. However, considering overall utility, impact, and versatility, G-Max Resonance stands out as arguably the most potent G-Max move. While other G-Max moves offer devastating damage or specific status effects, the ability of G-Max Resonance to restore allies’ HP and potentially set up a powerful late-game scenario makes it an invaluable asset in both single and double battles. It is a game-changer and a powerful advantage in a wide variety of battles.

Understanding Gigantamax Moves

Gigantamaxing, a unique form of Dynamaxing introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, transforms certain Pokémon into colossal versions with altered appearances. These Gigantamax forms also gain access to G-Max moves, which replace one or more of the Pokémon’s standard moves of the same type. Unlike standard Max Moves, G-Max moves are unique to each Gigantamax species and often provide special effects beyond just damage. This variety is what makes choosing the ‘best’ move a difficult, yet fascinating, task. The power and utility of G-Max moves vary widely, influencing the strategies players employ in Pokémon battles.

G-Max Resonance: The Pinnacle of Utility

G-Max Resonance, exclusively used by Gigantamax Lapras, is a Normal-type move that not only deals damage but also sets up an Aurora Veil for the user’s side of the field. This dual effect is what elevates G-Max Resonance above the rest. Aurora Veil halves damage from physical and special attacks, a move commonly used with Hail or Snow teams. This can be done in both single battles and double battles. The combination of offense and defense provides incredible versatility, making Gigantamax Lapras a threat on both sides of the board. In double battles the healing is an invaluable option. This makes it particularly potent as a powerful addition to your team.

Why G-Max Resonance is the Best

• Healing Power: The HP restoration isn’t just a minor boost; it can often fully heal damaged allies, allowing them to stay in the fight longer or absorb heavy hits.
• Defensive Utility: Setting up Aurora Veil immediately after damage makes the user’s team much more resistant to enemy attacks. It provides significant survivability.
• Versatility: G-Max Resonance is useful in both single and double battles, thanks to its combination of damage, HP recovery and defense boost.
• Strategic Advantage: A well-timed G-Max Resonance can swing a battle in your favor, disrupting the opponent’s strategy.

Top Contenders for Best G-Max Move

While G-Max Resonance holds the top spot, several other G-Max moves are incredibly potent and deserve recognition:

• G-Max One Blow (Urshifu): This Dark-type move always scores a critical hit, making it incredibly dangerous. When paired with the user’s high attack stat, this move can deal catastrophic damage.
• G-Max Volt Crash (Pikachu): An Electric-type move that guarantees paralysis to all opponents, even Ground-types, which is a rare and powerful effect.
• G-Max Drum Solo (Rillaboom): A Grass-type move that boosts Rillaboom’s Attack stat, making it incredibly powerful. The move can snowball very quickly.
• G-Max Wildfire (Charizard): A Fire-type move that damages all non-Fire-type opponents for four turns, providing continuous pressure and making it great for battles with multiple foes.
• G-Max Stonesurge (Drednaw): A Water-type move that sets up Stealth Rock, a very common entry hazard for many team types that is difficult to remove.

Honorable Mentions

• G-Max Wind Rage (Corviknight): This Flying-type move removes terrain, spikes, and other field effects. It provides a valuable support role.
• G-Max Finale (Eevee): This Normal-type move increases the Attack, Special Attack, and Speed of all allies. This is a great team buff.
• G-Max Chi Strike (Machamp): A Fighting-type move that boosts the user’s critical hit ratio, increasing the likelihood of high damage moves.
• G-Max Terror (Gengar): This Ghost-type move prevents opponents from switching, a move that can turn the tide of a game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?

Dynamax is a general phenomenon that makes a Pokémon grow in size, boosts its HP, and gives it access to Max Moves. Gigantamax is a special form of Dynamax that also changes a Pokémon’s appearance and grants it unique G-Max moves. Not every Pokémon can Gigantamax; only specific species have this capability.

2. How do I get a Gigantamax Pokémon?

Gigantamax Pokémon can be caught in Max Raid Battles. They usually appear during special events or can be found more frequently in specific areas of the Wild Area and other locations.

3. Can any Pokémon use G-Max moves?

No, only Pokémon that can Gigantamax can use G-Max moves. Regular Dynamaxed Pokémon use Max moves instead.

4. How do G-Max moves work?

G-Max moves replace one or more of a Pokémon’s moves of the same type. For example, a Gigantamax Drednaw’s Water-type moves become G-Max Stonesurge.

5. Are G-Max moves always more powerful than Max Moves?

Not necessarily in terms of raw damage output, but G-Max moves often have unique, powerful secondary effects that can swing the battle in your favor. Some Max Moves, when boosted by the right ability or held item, might do more raw damage than certain G-Max moves.

6. Can a Gigantamax Pokémon be flinched?

No, Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon are immune to flinching. They also cannot be affected by one-hit KO moves, Destiny Bond, Disable, or Cursed Body.

7. How long does Gigantamax last?

Gigantamax transformations last for three turns, after which the Pokémon will return to its normal size.

8. Does Gigantamax boost stats?

Yes, Gigantamax boosts a Pokemon’s HP and enables the use of Max Moves and G-Max Moves. It does not boost other stats.

9. Can Gigantamax Pokémon be used in all battles?

Gigantamaxing is not always allowed. Many battles, especially in competitive settings, are limited to rulesets that do not allow this.

10. Which starter Pokémon have a Gigantamax form?

All of the starter Pokémon from the Galar region (Cinderace, Rillaboom, and Inteleon), have Gigantamax forms, as do the starters from Kanto (Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise).

11. Is there a weakest Gigantamax form?

Some Gigantamax forms are considered less competitively viable. Meowth’s Gigantamax form and G-Max move is one of the least useful Gigantamax forms.

12. How big is the biggest Gigantamax Pokémon?

Eternamax Eternatus, at 100 meters (328 feet), is the largest known Pokémon in terms of height. It is not, however, a “normal” Gigantamax form but its own unique form.

13. Can a Shiny Pokémon Gigantamax?

Yes, a Shiny Pokémon can Gigantamax. The Gigantamax form will also retain its shiny coloration.

14. Can Gigantamax moves be affected by abilities?

Yes, abilities can impact G-Max moves. For example, an ability like Water Absorb will negate the damage of a Water-type G-Max move.

15. Which is better, Mega Evolution or Gigantamax?

Both have their strengths. Mega Evolution provides a permanent stat boost and altered typing. Gigantamax is temporary but offers unique G-Max moves, which give it better versatility. Gigantamaxing is considered by many to be better balanced for competitive play.