Pokemon Go Dynamax & Max Battles explained

The newest Pokemon Go season, Max Out, bursted with content and interesting features like Dynamax and Max Battles. If you want to fight gigantic Pokemon in Niantic’s game, here’s all you need to know.

Niantic released the Max Out Season on September 3, 2024. And, subsequent content introduced a mechanic that should be well known to those who explored the Galar region.

Pokemon Go’s upcoming Go Big event will finally unlock Dynamax and Max Battles, introduced in Gen 8’s Sword & Shield, where players take their Pokemon to massive sizes to fight each other.

As new features, Dynamax and Max Battles are different from what Go players are used to, so here’s all you need to know to be ready for their addition.

Dynamax mechanic

The Dynamax mechanic from Sword & Shield makes regular Pokemon grow into incredible sizes to battle other Dynamax Pokemon.

In Pokemon Go, only creatures with the capacity to Dynamax are allowed to participate in Max Battles, where they go up against other Dynamax opponents. Dynamax Pokemon can be encountered, battled, or caught through these Max Battles.

One will be able to see which Pokemon are Dynamax-eligible in the profile section. Below the height and weight will be a “Dynamax” logo.

Max Moves

Now, we should note that Dynamax Pokemon will have access to Max Moves, which have increased base power.

Once you are inside the battle arena, a Max Meter will appear. When it fills up, then you’ll be able to Dynamax a Pokemon and choose from three different moves:

• Max Guard: A defensive move used to reduce the damage from the opposing Pokemon.
• Max Geyser: An offensive move that releases a powerful special attack that will vary depending on the Pokemon’s typing.
• Max Spirit: A status move used to restore HP – for you and your teammates as well.

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These moves are limited, so you and your team must defeat the Dynamax enemy before you run out of Max Moves. More so, they can be improved using extra Max Particles, Candy, and Candy XL, though this must be done on the Pokemon’s info page before joining a Max Battle.

How get a Dynamax Band in Pokemon Go

Trainers can Dynamax a Pokemon with a Dynamax Band, a throwback to the console games. This item can be unlocked in Step 3 of the To the Max Special Research. However, it’s just cosmetic.

Max Battles explained

The new Max Battles are quite similar to Raids: you team up with other players and go up against a common opponent. However, this type of battle doesn’t have a timer – you’ll be knocked out if the Dynamax Pokemon defeats your team – and unlike Raids, the combat is turned-based.

Max Battles do have a few restrictions and requirements players must follow if they want to join them.

Rules & restrictions

• You cannot join a Max Battle from a remote location, it must be locally (in-person).
• To enter a Max Battle you have to pay the Max Particle entry cost.
• Up to four trainers can join a Max Battle.
• Only Dynamax Pokemon can join.

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How to join a Max Battle

As stated above, there will be different Max Battle tiers and each will have a different Max Particle cost.

Once you have the required amount of Max Particles, just follow a few simple steps:

1. Walk to the Power Spot where the Dynamax Pokemon you want to battle is featured.
2. Pay the Max Particle cost to enter.
3. Pick up to three Pokemon for the battle (only one will Dynamax).
4. Wait for other players to join (or invite your friends).
5. Battle the Dynamax Pokemon.

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We should note that trainers can only battle at the same Power Spot once. However, one should note these spots can recycled regularly, every few days. One can see which Power Spots are active in the same screen where local Routes and Raids are located.

Max Battles rewards

After the battle is over, you’ll be able to catch the Dynamax Pokemon using Premier Balls. You’ll be able to identify Dynamax-capable Pokemon by the glowing pink shade around them and their special Max Moves.

Additionally, you will have the option to place a Pokemon at the Power Spot where you were fighting. This creature will stay there to help other trainers battle Dynamax Pokemon and will earn you Rare Candy, Berries, and other useful items.

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As an extra feature, these rewards can be upgraded in exchange for PokeCoins. Doing so will increase the number of items and Premier Balls awarded.

If you do not beat the Dynamax Pokemon, then the Max Particles you used to enter the Power Spot battle will not be consumed.

That’s everything you need to know about the Dynamax mechanic and Max Battles in Pokemon Go. Don’t forget to check all the details for the Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour and the current Raid Boss schedule.