One of Pokémon Sword and Shield’s biggest additions (literally) are the Dynamax battles, using the Galar regions massive stadiums to good effect to up the scale of battles. As we’ve seen, some Pokémon get an even bigger boost out of the mechanic in the form of Gigantamax forms, and we’re here to share the lucky few who can harness this power!
In total, there are currently 25 Pokémon capable of Gigantamaxing. The majority of these are available, at present. Other than their altered appearance, they will gain the ability to pull off a special “G-Max Move” unique to each species. Read on for our full Gigantamax guide, including details like which Gigantamax forms are exclusive to a given version, what they can do, and how to add these to your team.
How to catch Gigantamax Pokémon
Getting these big ‘mons for yourself will involve exploring the Wild Area and taking on Max Raid Battles. If you encounter one of the species listed below, battle it, and manage to catch it, there will be a chance that it will be capable of Gigantamaxing. These are reportedly rarer than others, and if they don’t have the capability of Gigantamaxing they will merely Dynamax instead. As an aside, Pokémon caught in Max Raid Battles may also have their Hidden Abilities — this can overlap with the ability to Gigantamax too!
How to use G-Max Moves
Once your Pokémon has Gigantamaxed, you’ll gain access to their unique G-Max Move. Using these will only require that your Pokémon has a damage dealing move among their four that’s of their primary Typing. That distinction is important for dual-Type Pokémon, as a move of their secondary will instead be a Max Move of that Type.
SPOILER WARNING: For anyone looking to go in blind for these or brand new Pokemon, there will be spoilers beyond this point!
List of G-Max Moves
| Move Name | Type | Category | Base Power | Accuracy | PP | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-Max Wildfire | -- | 101 | 10 | A Fire-type attack that Gigantamax Charizard use. This move continues to deal damage to opponents for four turns. | ||
| G-Max Befuddle | -- | 101 | 10 | A Bug-type attack that Gigantamax Butterfree use. This move inflicts the poisoned, paralyzed, or asleep status condition on opponents. | ||
| G-Max Volt Crash | -- | 101 | 10 | An Electric-type attack that Gigantamax Pikachu use. This move paralyzes opponents. | ||
| G-Max Gold Rush | -- | 101 | 10 | A Normal-type attack that Gigantamax Meowth use. This move confuses opponents and also earns extra money. | ||
| G-Max Chi Strike | -- | 101 | 10 | A Fighting-type attack that Gigantamax Machamp use. This move raises the chance of critical hits. | ||
| G-Max Terror | -- | 101 | 10 | A Ghost-type attack that Gigantamax Gengar use. This Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon's shadow to prevent them from escaping. | ||
| G-Max Resonance | -- | 101 | 10 | An Ice-type attack that Gigantamax Lapras use. This move reduces the damage received for five turns. | ||
| G-Max Cuddle | -- | 101 | 10 | A Normal-type attack that Gigantamax Eevee use. This move infatuates opponents. | ||
| G-Max Replenish | -- | 101 | 10 | A Normal-type attack that Gigantamax Snorlax use. This move restores Berries that have been eaten. | ||
| G-Max Malodor | -- | 101 | 10 | A Poison-type attack that Gigantamax Garbodor use. This move poisons opponents. | ||
| G-Max Stonesurge | -- | 101 | 10 | A Water-type attack that Gigantamax Drednaw use. This move scatters sharp rocks around the field. | ||
| G-Max Wind Rage | -- | 101 | 10 | A Flying-type attack that Gigantamax Corviknight use. This move removes the effects of moves like Reflect and Light Screen. | ||
| G-Max Stun Shock | -- | 101 | 10 | An Electric-type attack that Gigantamax Toxtricity use. This move poisons or paralyzes opponents. | ||
| G-Max Finale | -- | 101 | 10 | A Fairy-type attack that Gigantamax Alcremie use. This move heals the HP of allies. | ||
| G-Max Depletion | -- | 101 | 10 | A Dragon-type attack that Gigantamax Duraludon use. Reduces the PP of the last move used. | ||
| G-Max Gravitas | -- | 101 | 10 | A Psychic-type attack that Gigantamax Orbeetle use. This move changes gravity for five turns. | ||
| G-Max Volcalith | -- | 101 | 10 | A Rock-type attack that Gigantamax Coalossal use. This move continues to deal damage to opponents for four turns. | ||
| G-Max Sandblast | -- | 101 | 10 | A Ground-type attack that Gigantamax Sandaconda use. Opponents are trapped in a raging sandstorm for four to five turns. | ||
| G-Max Snooze | -- | 101 | 10 | A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Grimmsnarl use. The user lets loose a huge yawn that lulls the targets into falling asleep on the next turn. | ||
| G-Max Tartness | -- | 101 | 10 | A Grass-type attack that Gigantamax Flapple use. This move reduces the opponents' evasiveness. | ||
| G-Max Sweetness | -- | 101 | 10 | A Grass-type attack that Gigantamax Appletun use. This move heals the status conditions of allies. | ||
| G-Max Smite | -- | 101 | 10 | A Fairy-type attack that Gigantamax Hatterene use. This move confuses opponents. | ||
| G-Max Steelsurge | -- | 101 | 10 | A Steel-type attack that Gigantamax Copperajah use. This move scatters sharp spikes around the field. | ||
| G-Max Meltdown | -- | 101 | 10 | A Steel-type attack that Gigantamax Melmetal use. This move makes opponents incapable of using the same move twice in a row. | ||
| G-Max Foam Burst | -- | 101 | 10 | A Water-type attack that Gigantamax Kingler use. This move harshly lowers the Speed of opponents. | ||
| G-Max Centiferno | -- | 101 | 10 | A Fire-type attack that Gigantamax Centiskorch use. This move traps opponents in flames for four to five turns. |
List of Gigantamax Pokémon
| Pokémon Name | Exclusivity | G-Max Move | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charizard | G-Max Wildfire | ||
| Butterfree | G-Max Befuddle | ||
| Pikachu | G-Max Volt Crash | Obtained via Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! save data. | |
| Meowth | G-Max Gold Rush | Obtained via download event. | |
| Machamp | Pokémon Sword | G-Max Chi Strike | |
| Gengar | Pokémon Shield | G-Max Terror | |
| Kingler | G-Max Foam Burst | ||
| Lapras | Pokémon Shield | G-Max Resonance | |
| Eevee | G-Max Cuddle | Obtained via Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! save data. | |
| Snorlax | G-Max Replenish | Currently unavailable. | |
| Garbordor | G-Max Malodor | ||
| Melmetal | G-Max Meltdown | Currently unavailable. | |
| Corviknight | G-Max Wind Rage | ||
| Orbeetle | G-Max Gravitas | ||
| Drednaw | G-Max Stonesurge | ||
| Coalossal | Pokémon Sword | G-Max Volcalith | |
| Flapple | Pokémon Sword | G-Max Tartness | |
| Appletun | Pokémon Shield | G-Max Sweetness | |
| Sandaconda | G-Max Sandblast | ||
| Toxtricity | G-Max Stun Shock | Currently unavailable. | |
| Centiskorch | G-Max Centiferno | ||
| Hatterene | G-Max Smite | ||
| Grimmsnarl | G-Max Snooze | ||
| Alcremie | G-Max Finale | ||
| Copperajah | G-Max Steelsurge | ||
| Duraludon | G-Max Depletion |
A note on Gigantamax Flapple and Appletun: These Pokémon are unique in that they are version exclusive evolutions of the Pokemon Applin. The item required for Applin’s evolution (Tart Apple for Flapple, Sweet Apple for Appletun) are only available in Sword and Shield, respectively. Though their names, stats, and moves are unique, they share their Gigantamax appearance! Getting them in the opposite version will require trading or taking on a Max Raid Battle with someone who has the required version.
How to get Gigantamax Meowth
To access a Meowth able to Gigantamax, you will have to download one as a Mystery Gift. Galarian Meowth cannot Gigantamax, so this download may be the only way to gain this long cat. A Meowth that can Gigantamax cannot evolve.
How to get Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee
Pikachu and Eevee’s Gigantamax forms will be available to you if your Switch has save date for Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! respectively. Pikachu and Eevee able to Gigantamax cannot evolve.
Currently unavailable Gigantamax Pokémon
As of launch, the following Gigantamax Pokémon are not available. When announced, they may or may not be version exclusive or otherwise gated behind unique means of acquisition:
- Snorlax
- Melmetal
- Toxtricity
More Pokémon Sword and Shield guides
Want more help with Sword and Shield? Check out one of our other great guides to assist you through the games!
Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
