What are Max Battles in Pokemon GO

Power Spots have emerged across the world of Pokemon GO, bringing with them the spectacular phenomenon of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon. These massive battles offer unique challenges and rewards. Aptly titled Max Battles, these intense encounters are one every Pokemon Trainer should take part in. Want to know more? Keep reading as we tell you everything there is to know about Max Battles in Pokemon GO.

Pokemon GO Max Battles

Max Battles in Pokemon GO are epic encounters where trainers face off against massive Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon at Power Spots worldwide. These battles ombine the familiar mechanics of Pokemon GO raids with unique elements like the Max Meter and Dynamax transformations.

Up to four trainers can team up to challenge regular Max Battle bosses, while the more challenging Gigantamax battles can accommodate up to 40 trainers working in teams of four. Each battle requires Max Particles to enter, but these are only consumed upon victory, allowing trainers to retry challenging encounters without additional cost.

Understanding Power Spots in Pokemon Go

Power Spots in Pokemon GO are more than just battle locations. To find them, look for the Power Spot tab next to the Route tab in your Pokemon radar (located in the bottom right corner of your screen). This tab displays a list of all nearby Power Spots, showing which boss can be found at each location and how long the Power Spot will remain active.

Each Power Spot offers bonus Max Particles for your first interaction of the day. Creating a daily routine of visiting nearby Power Spots is worthwhile, even if you don’t plan to battle immediately.

You must consider several factors when placing your Pokemon at a Power Spot after victory. The attack bonus increases as more Pokemon are stationed, and for Gigantamax Power Spots, stationed Pokemon can increase the chance of special wild encounters in the surrounding area.

Do note that Power Spots don’t remain in the exact location forever. They rotate positions regularly, so checking the Power Spot tab frequently for nearby opportunities is important.

How to Join Pokemon GO Max Battles

Participating in Max Battles is quite an easy process. First, locate a Power Spot using the Power Spot tab in your Pokemon radar at the bottom right corner of your screen. You’ll need to visit the Power Spot physically. Unlike raids, remote participation in these battles isn’t possible.

Once you’ve arrived at a Power Spot, tap on it to enter. If you have enough Max Particles for the battle’s difficulty level, you can tap the “Battle” button to join the lobby. Here, you’ll select your team of up to three Pokemon.

While similar to raids, these battles have unique mechanics that set them apart, including the ability to Dynamax your own Pokemon during battle.

For regular Max Battles, up to four trainers can work together. However, when facing Gigantamax Pokemon, the challenge scales dramatically, allowing up to 40 trainers to participate, divided into four teams.

Best Tips for Max Battles in Pokemon GO

Before you can participate in Max Battles, you’ll need some preparations. First, you’ll need at least one Dynamax Pokemon in your collection. You can obtain your first Dynamax Pokemon through the “To the Max!” Special Research Quest, which provides both Dynamax Wooloo and Skwovet.

Max Particles serve as the entry fee for these battles. The cost varies based on difficulty:

• One-star battles require 250 Max Particles
• Three-star battles need 400 Max Particles
• Five and six-star battles demand 800 Max Particles

As mentioned before, Max Particles are only consumed upon victory, so you can retry battles as many times as needed without additional cost.

Max Moves and Strategy

Understanding your Max Moves is crucial for success in Max Battles. Each Dynamax Pokemon can learn up to three different Max Moves, and how you use them can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Your primary Max Move type is determined by your Pokemon’s Fast Attack type. Beyond the basic attack, your Dynamax Pokemon can access two crucial support moves. Max Spirit is a healing ability that can restore your Pokemon’s health and your allies. Timing this move effectively can help your team survive longer, especially during Gigantamax battles.

Meanwhile, Max Guard provides defensive utility by reducing incoming damage from the Power Spot Boss. This move becomes particularly valuable when you notice the boss preparing its full-party attack, as it can help your team survive these devastating moves.

Pokemon GO Max Battle Mechanics

Max Battles begin similarly to traditional raids – you’ll use Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks while watching for the boss’s moves. However, the key difference lies in the Max Meter at the top of your screen. This meter fills as you attack and collect energy orbs that appear during battle.

When your Max Meter fills, your active Pokemon undergoes Dynamax transformation for three turns. During this phase, the battle switches to a turn-based system where all participants select their moves simultaneously. If you don’t choose a move before the timer expires, your Pokemon will default to its basic Max Attack.

The Power Spot Boss uses two types of charged attacks. One targets all participants and cannot be dodged, while the other targets specific players. When you see three lines above your Pokemon, get ready to swipe – this indicates you’re being targeted for a dodgeable attack.

Gigantamax Battles

Gigantamax battles represent an even more significant challenge than regular Max Battles. These encounters feature Pokemon that not only grow in size but also take on unique forms. Gigantamax Pokemon possess exclusive G-Max Moves that can turn the tide of battle.

When participating in Gigantamax battles, coordination becomes crucial as up to 40 trainers work together in teams of four. The increased player count makes these battles more complex but also more rewarding.

Rewards for Winning Max Battles

Successfully defeating a Power Spot Boss brings multiple rewards:

• 1 Star battles offer 5,000 base XP and a mix of Golden Razz Berries, Revives, Rare Candy, and potentially Pokemon Candy XL for trainers level 31 and above.
• 3 Star battles increase the base XP to 7,500 and come with enhanced item rewards and a higher chance of Rare Candy.
• The most challenging 6 Star Gigantamax battles provide 25,000 base XP, Rare Candy XL, Max Revives, guaranteed Candy XL, and an increased Premier Ball count for catching attempts.

During the catching phase, your Poke Balls will temporarily power up, enhancing your chances of capturing the Dynamax Pokemon. Once caught, these Pokemon return to normal size but retain their ability to Dynamax in future battles.

Max Battles offer an exciting way to catch and collect powerful Pokemon while working with other trainers. Whether taking on Dynamax encounters or participating in massive Gigantamax raids, proper preparation and teamwork will be your keys to success.

That said, are you taking part in these battles? Let us know in the comments below!