Pokémon Go Dynamax Pokémon Guide: How to Dynamax and Catch Max Pokémon

Dynamax has finally arrived in Pokémon Go, bringing one of the most exciting mechanics from Pokémon Sword and Shield to mobile. For the first time, trainers can watch their Pokémon grow to towering size during battle, unleashing special Max Moves that shift the tide of combat. If you’re wondering how Dynamax works in Pokémon Go, how to unlock Dynamax Pokémon, and how Max Battles tie into it all, this guide has you covered.

What Is Dynamax in Pokémon Go?

Dynamax is a temporary transformation where a Pokemon grows in size for three turns during battle. While Dynamaxed, the Pokémon gains access to a unique moveset called Max Moves, which differ from its regular Fast and Charged Attacks. You’ll notice your Pokémon taking on an enormous form with clouds swirling around their head—a true spectacle that also brings new strategic depth.

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Not all Pokémon can Dynamax. Those that can are marked with a Dynamax symbol in your collection and can be used in Max Battles, the main activity tied to this feature.

How to Dynamax in Pokemon Go

To Dynamax a Pokémon, you must participate in a Max Battle at a Power Spot:

1. Build the Max Meter – Every Fast and Charged Attack you use fills the Max Meter at the bottom of the screen. You can also collect energy icons on the battlefield by dodging and moving your Pokémon.
2. Choose a Pokémon to Dynamax – Once the meter is full, you’ll have a brief window to pick a Pokémon to Dynamax. It must still be standing (not fainted).
3. Three Turns of Power – The transformation lasts three turns, each marked by a Max Move. If you don’t manually choose an attack, your Dynamax Pokémon will automatically use its offensive Max Move after a short countdown.
4. Return to Normal – After three moves, the Pokémon shrinks back to its usual size. You can fill the meter again to Dynamax once more.

This system encourages tactical timing: you can hold off Dynamaxing until it’s most advantageous, such as when facing a boss with a type disadvantage.

How to Get Dynamax Pokemon

There are multiple ways to obtain Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go:

• Max Battles – The main method is to defeat a Dynamax Pokémon in a Max Battle, then catch it in the post-battle encounter using Premier Balls. Higher-star bosses provide more Premier Balls, and you can purchase extras with PokéCoins if needed.
• Special Research – The To the Max! research quest guarantees early encounters, rewarding a Dynamax Wooloo and Dynamax Skwovet in its first two steps.
• Max Particles – Collecting 1,000 Max Particles can trigger a guaranteed Dynamax Wooloo encounter. These particles are earned by walking and visiting Power Spots.
• Power Spot Spawns – Some Dynamax Pokémon may appear in the wild around active Power Spots, though this feature seems to vary during events.
• Trading and Evolution – Dynamax Pokémon can be traded and evolved, which means you can even secure a Lucky Dynamax Pokémon if fortune smiles on you.

Max Moves in Pokémon Go

When a Pokémon Dynamaxes, it gains three types of Max Moves:

• Attack Move – Based on the Pokémon’s type (e.g., Normal-types use Max Strike).
• Max Guard – Reduces incoming damage from the Power Spot Boss.
• Max Spirit – Heals your team and nearby allies.

Only the attack move is available immediately. Both Max Guard and Max Spirit must be unlocked with resources.

How to Unlock Max Moves in Pokémon Go

• Unlocking Max Guard or Max Spirit costs 400 Max Particles + 50 Candy for that Pokémon.
• Each move has three levels, starting at Level One.
  • Level 2 upgrade: 600 Max Particles + 100 Candy
  • Level 3 upgrade: 800 Max Particles + 40 Candy XL
• Every unlock or upgrade also grants bonus XP.

Dynamax vs. Gigantamax

Dynamax simply enlarges a Pokémon, but Gigantamax takes things a step further, altering their appearance and giving them unique G-Max Moves. Not every Pokémon has a Gigantamax form—currently only select species like Pikachu, Meowth, and Charizard.

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Gigantamax Pokémon appear in Max Battles as special bosses, and defeating them offers a chance to catch these rare forms. Like Dynamax Pokémon, they can unlock Max Moves, but their first move is always a powerful G-Max Move unique to their species.

Dynamax Pokemon Available in Pokémon Go

Since their debut, several Dynamax Pokémon have been added, starting with Wooloo and Skwovet, then expanding to include classics like Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Gengar, Machamp, Metagross, and Legendary Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres). Recent updates have added Pokémon from multiple generations, with more set to arrive in future events.

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Quick Tips for Trainers

• Complete To the Max! Early – It ensures you have at least two Dynamax Pokémon for your first Max Battles.
• Save Max Particles – They’re essential for both unlocking moves and entering higher-tier Max Battles.
• Play Locally – Like raids, Max Battles cannot be fought remotely, so plan to visit Power Spots in person.
• Use Type Advantage – Dynamax bosses hit hard, but their weaknesses remain. Build balanced teams.
• Don’t Forget Trading – Friends can help you secure missing Dynamax Pokémon or Lucky trades.

Dynamax adds a fresh, large-scale twist to Pokémon Go, blending raid-style battles with a strategic meter system. Whether you’re powering up a Dynamax Wooloo from special research or chasing down a Gigantamax Charizard in Max Battles, the feature rewards both solo preparation and group coordination. With more Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon on the way, now is the perfect time to explore Power Spots, collect Max Particles, and take your Pokémon battles to the next level.