Pokémon GO fans have a fresh challenge on the horizon. Niantic has officially announced that Gigantamax Lapras will take the spotlight in a new Max Battle Day event, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. Whether you’re a seasoned battler or just eager to add a unique Pokémon to your collection, this event is one worth marking on your calendar.
Lapras has been a fan favorite since Pokémon GO launched, appearing in multiple past events. Shiny Lapras first arrived in 2019, while the Gigantamax form debuted in the game in 2024. This Max Battle Day is the first major chance since then for trainers to encounter Gigantamax Lapras once again.
Gigantamax Lapras Takes Center Stage
Trainers will be able to encounter Gigantamax Lapras in Max Battles throughout the event window. There’s also a chance to encounter a Shiny Gigantamax Lapras, making the event especially appealing for collectors seeking rare variants.
Gigantamax Lapras debuted in Pokémon GO in 2024, bringing with it the striking Gigantamax form originally introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. The event on July 19 offers players another opportunity to secure this formidable Water- and Ice-type Pokémon.
See Also: Lucky Trinket Pokémon GO — a handy item to improve your catches during events like this one.
Event Bonuses
Several bonuses will be active to help trainers make the most of the event:
- Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 20 from Friday, July 18, at 5:00 p.m. PDT until Saturday, July 19, at 8:00 p.m. PDT. This means players can participate in more remote raids than usual during this window.
- Max Particle collection limit increased to 1,600 for the event period.
- ¼ Adventuring distance to receive Max Particles, making it faster to accumulate resources while exploring.
- 2× Max Particles from exploring, giving a significant boost to Max Particle collection.
- Power Spots refresh more frequently, increasing opportunities for gathering in-game resources.
- 8× Max Particles from Power Spots, dramatically enhancing your haul when interacting with these locations.
- Two additional Special Trades can be made on the event day, helping players exchange rare or event-specific Pokémon with friends.
To take advantage of these bonuses, trainers must first collect all Max Particles available in the Nearby menu. You can gather Max Particles each day by exploring, and Adventure Sync can help ensure your distance is counted even when the app isn’t fully open. Watch for the special icon in the Nearby menu indicating when Max Particles are ready to collect.
While most bonuses are limited to the three-hour event period, the reduced adventuring distance and increased Max Particle gains from exploration will be active from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time on July 19.
Free Timed Research
Starting Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. local time, a new Timed Research quest will be available for all trainers. By completing the tasks, players can earn:
- An encounter with Dynamax Passimian—a strong asset for any battle team facing Gigantamax Lapras.
- Passimian Candy to help power up the new addition.
- Extra Max Particles and additional rewards to support battling efforts.
Players should note that this Timed Research is only available until the end of the Max Battle Day event on July 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local time. Any tasks and rewards left unclaimed after that time will expire.
Event Ticket and Premium Rewards
Trainers who want to maximize their gains can purchase an optional Event Ticket for $4.99.
Trainers who purchase the $4.99 Event Ticket will unlock exclusive Timed Research tasks. Completing these tasks will earn a Max Mushroom, 25,000 XP, and bonuses including 2× XP from Max Battles and an increased Max Particle collection limit of 5,600 for the event period.
Tickets can also be gifted to friends at the Great Friends level or higher, though purchases—whether for yourself or others—are non-refundable.
If you’re hunting special Pokémon, also check out the Registeel Raid Guide for Pokémon GO for tips on tackling powerful raid bosses.
This Timed Research will be effective only during the three-hour event window on July 19.
Pokémon GO Web Store Bundles
To prepare for Gigantamax Lapras battles, Niantic is offering special bundles via the Pokémon GO Web Store:
- Gigantamax Lapras Max Battle Day Ultra Ticket Box ($4.99): Includes an event ticket and a bonus Max Particle Pack.
- Max Battle Boost Box ($7.99): Includes one Max Mushroom and seven Max Particle Packs, giving you extra resources to tackle Gigantamax Lapras.
These bundles provide an additional way for dedicated players to stock up on resources ahead of the big day.
Campfire Integration
Players looking for help can take advantage of Campfire, Niantic’s social feature that makes coordinating Max Battles easier than ever.
To use Campfire, tap the green flame icon beneath the compass in the top right of your Pokémon GO map view. From there, you can see nearby Max Battle activity and coordinate with other players.
A Must-Play Event for July
Gigantamax Lapras Max Battle Day is shaping up to be one of the highlights of Pokémon GO’s busy July schedule. Between a chance at a Shiny Gigantamax Lapras, lucrative bonuses, and valuable research rewards, it’s an event that trainers—especially battle enthusiasts—won’t want to miss.
Make sure to plan your day, clear some inventory space, and prepare your best battle team. Whether you’re hunting for a shiny variant or boosting your Max Particle reserves, July 19 promises high-stakes action and great rewards in Pokémon GO.
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