Understanding Dynamax and Max Battles in Pokemon Go

The latest Pokemon Go season, Max Out, is filled with exciting content and features like Dynamax and Max Battles. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for battling gigantic Pokemon in Niantic’s game.

Released on September 3, 2024, the Max Out Season introduces a mechanic familiar to those who have explored the Galar region.

Pokemon Go’s upcoming Go Big event will finally unveil Dynamax and Max Battles, first introduced in Gen 8’s Sword & Shield, allowing players to enlarge their Pokemon to immense sizes for epic battles.

As these new features are unlike anything Go players have experienced before, here’s a comprehensive guide to get ready for their addition.

Dynamax Mechanic

The Dynamax mechanic from Sword & Shield allows regular Pokemon to grow to gigantic sizes to battle other Dynamax Pokemon.

In Pokemon Go, only creatures eligible for Dynamax can participate in Max Battles, where they face off against other Dynamax opponents. You can encounter, battle, or catch Dynamax Pokemon during these confrontations.

Max Moves

It’s important to note that Dynamax Pokemon will have access to powerful Max Moves, which feature boosted base power.

When you enter the battle arena, a Max Meter will appear. Once it fills up, you can Dynamax a Pokemon and choose from three different moves:

Max Guard: A defensive move that reduces damage from opposing Pokemon.
Max Geyser: An offensive move that unleashes a powerful special attack based on the Pokemon’s type.
Max Spirit: A support move that restores HP to you and your teammates.

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These moves are limited, so your team must defeat the Dynamax opponent before exhausting your Max Moves. Additionally, you can enhance these moves using extra Max Particles, Candy, and Candy XL, but this must be done on the Pokemon’s info page before entering a Max Battle.

How to Get a Dynamax Band in Pokemon Go

To Dynamax a Pokemon, trainers will need a Dynamax Band, reminiscent of those in the console games. This item can be unlocked in Step 3 of the To the Max Special Research, but note it is purely cosmetic.

Max Battles Explained

The new Max Battles are somewhat similar to Raids. Players collaborate to face a shared opponent, but this battle type does not have a timer—your team will be knocked out if the Dynamax Pokemon defeats you. Unlike Raids, the combat is turn-based.

Max Battles come with various restrictions and requirements that players need to adhere to if they wish to participate.

Rules & Restrictions

Max Battles must be joined in person; remote participation is not allowed.
A Max Particle entry fee is required to join a Max Battle.
A maximum of four trainers can participate in a Max Battle.
Only Dynamax Pokemon are eligible to join the battle.

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How to Join a Max Battle

Max Battles will feature different tiers, each with its own Max Particle cost.

Once you have enough Max Particles, follow these simple steps to join a battle:

Walk to the Power Spot where the desired Dynamax Pokemon is.
Pay the required Max Particle cost.
Select up to three Pokemon for the battle (remember, only one can Dynamax).
Wait for other players to join or invite friends.
Engage in battle against the Dynamax Pokemon.

Max Battles Rewards

When the battle concludes, you’ll have the opportunity to catch the Dynamax Pokemon using Premier Balls. Dynamax-capable Pokemon can be identified by their glowing pink aura and unique Max Moves.

You’ll also have the chance to place a Pokemon at the Power Spot where the battle took place, which will assist other trainers in battling Dynamax Pokemon and earn you Rare Candy, Berries, and other valuable items.