Hey guys! So, you've just snagged your first Gigamax Pokémon? That's awesome! Getting your hands on these massive, powerful versions of Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield is a major accomplishment. But now what? You've got this towering beast in your party, and you're probably wondering how to make the most of it. Don't worry; I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what to do after catching your first Gigamax Pokémon, from training it to battling with it and even strategizing your next catch. Let's dive in!
Understanding Gigantamaxing
First things first, let's solidify our understanding of Gigantamaxing. Gigantamax Pokémon are a special class of Pokémon that not only become huge in size but also change their appearance and gain access to unique G-Max Moves. These moves are super powerful versions of Max Moves, and they often have additional effects that can turn the tide of battle. Think of it as Mega Evolution's cooler, bulkier cousin. Not every Pokémon can Gigantamax; only specific species possess this ability, and even then, only certain individuals within those species can Gigantamax. This makes them relatively rare and highly sought after.
Gigantamaxing is different from Dynamaxing. While all Pokémon can Dynamax, only specific Pokémon have the Gigantamax form. When a Pokémon Gigantamaxes, it doesn't just get bigger; it changes form. For example, Gigantamax Charizard looks significantly different from its regular form, sporting massive wings of flame. Gigantamax Pokémon also have access to G-Max Moves, which are unique to each Gigantamax form. These moves aren't just powerful; they often have secondary effects that can dramatically impact the battle, such as setting up entry hazards or negating the opponent's abilities.
Gigantamax Pokémon are only available in specific Max Raid Battles, which appear in the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra. These battles are denoted by special glowing dens, and they often require a coordinated team to take down. The availability of Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles changes periodically with special events, so keep an eye on the latest news to know which Gigantamax Pokémon are currently available. This rotation of available Gigantamax Pokémon adds an element of surprise and encourages players to regularly check Max Raid Battles, making the hunt for these special Pokémon even more exciting. Each Gigantamax Pokémon brings its own unique set of strengths and strategies to the table, so collecting them all is a rewarding challenge for any Pokémon trainer. Plus, the thrill of finally catching that elusive Gigantamax Pokémon after a tough battle is an experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Assessing Your Gigantamax Pokémon
Okay, so you've caught your Gigantamax Pokémon. The first thing you'll want to do is assess your new buddy. Just like any Pokémon, Gigantamax Pokémon have individual strengths and weaknesses that will determine how effective they are in battle. Key factors to consider include their nature, IVs (Individual Values), ability, and moveset. Understanding these aspects will help you tailor your training and strategy to maximize your Pokémon's potential.
Let's start with Nature. A Pokémon's nature influences which of its stats grow faster than others. For example, a Jolly nature increases Speed while decreasing Special Attack, making it ideal for fast physical attackers. To check your Pokémon's nature, simply look at its summary in the Pokémon menu. If the nature is beneficial for your Pokémon’s role, great! If not, don't fret too much, but keep it in mind as you plan your training. Consider the role you envision for your Gigantamax Pokémon in your team. Is it going to be a hard-hitting physical attacker, a special sweeper, a tank, or a support Pokémon? The ideal nature will complement this role. For instance, an Adamant nature (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) is perfect for physical attackers, while a Modest nature (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) is better for special attackers. A Calm nature (increases Special Defense, decreases Attack) is often favored for Pokémon designed to take special hits. This is the foundation for building a competitive team.
Next up are IVs, which are like a Pokémon's genetic potential. Each stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) has an IV ranging from 0 to 31. The higher the IV, the better that stat will be at level 100. You can check your Pokémon's IVs using the Judge function, which you unlock in the Battle Tower after completing the main story. Aim for Pokémon with high IVs in the stats that matter most for their role. For example, a physical attacker benefits from high Attack and Speed IVs. If your Gigantamax Pokémon has fantastic IVs, you've hit the jackpot! If not, there are ways to improve them using Bottle Caps, which we'll discuss later. IVs are the hidden stats that play a crucial role in competitive battling. A Pokémon with perfect IVs in its key stats will have a significant advantage over one with lower IVs. This is why breeders and competitive players spend countless hours breeding for Pokémon with high IVs. Understanding IVs is essential if you plan to take your Gigantamax Pokémon into serious battles, whether against friends or in online competitions. It’s also important to remember that while perfect IVs are desirable, they aren't always necessary for enjoying the game. A Pokémon with good IVs can still be incredibly effective and fun to use.
Abilities are another critical factor. Some abilities are fantastic in battle, while others are less useful. Check your Pokémon's ability and consider how it fits into your battle strategy. Certain abilities can significantly boost a Pokémon's effectiveness, providing advantages such as increased damage output, added defenses, or disruptive effects on the opponent. Some abilities work passively, while others activate under specific conditions. For instance, an ability like Intimidate, which lowers the opponent's Attack stat upon entering the battlefield, can provide an immediate advantage. Abilities are often overlooked, but they can be a game-changer in battle. A well-chosen ability can synergize with a Pokémon's stats, moveset, and overall strategy, making it a powerful asset. Understanding your Pokémon's ability and how to utilize it effectively is a key part of mastering competitive battling. Don't underestimate the impact of a great ability – it can make a world of difference in the heat of battle.
Finally, let’s consider the Moveset. A Pokémon’s moves are its primary tools in battle. Some moves deal direct damage, while others inflict status conditions, boost stats, or provide other strategic advantages. A well-rounded moveset can cover a variety of situations, making your Pokémon more versatile and unpredictable. Assess the moves your Gigantamax Pokémon knows and think about whether they complement its stats and ability. Does it have a good mix of attacking moves, status moves, and support moves? Are the moves powerful enough to deal significant damage, or do they focus more on strategic effects? A good moveset should provide both offensive and defensive options, allowing your Pokémon to adapt to different opponents and battle scenarios. For example, a physical attacker should have access to powerful physical moves, while a special attacker should have strong special moves. Moves that inflict status conditions, such as paralysis or burn, can cripple opponents and give you an edge in battle. Moves that boost your own stats can turn the tide of battle, making your Pokémon more formidable. Strategic support moves, like Protect or Detect, can help you stall for time or avoid powerful attacks. Analyzing your Pokémon's moveset is crucial for developing a winning strategy.
Training Your Gigantamax Pokémon
Once you've assessed your Gigantamax Pokémon, it's time to start training! Training involves leveling up your Pokémon, EV training (Effort Value training), and potentially even using Bottle Caps to maximize its potential. This process ensures your Gigantamax Pokémon is in top shape for any battles you might encounter.
First up, Leveling Up. The higher your Pokémon's level, the stronger it becomes. Leveling up increases your Pokémon's stats, making it hit harder and take more hits. The most straightforward way to level up is by battling. Participate in battles against other trainers, wild Pokémon, and Max Raid Battles to gain experience points. The more experience points a Pokémon earns, the faster it levels up. If you're looking for a quicker method, consider using Exp. Candies. These candies come in various sizes and grant a set amount of experience points to your Pokémon. You can obtain Exp. Candies by participating in Max Raid Battles, completing in-game events, or purchasing them from certain vendors. Exp. Candies are a valuable resource for rapidly leveling up your Pokémon, allowing you to bring them up to competitive levels in less time. This is especially useful when you're preparing for a challenging battle or competition. In addition to Exp. Candies, consider using the Lucky Egg held item. The Lucky Egg boosts the amount of experience points a Pokémon earns in battle, making the leveling process even faster. You can obtain the Lucky Egg through various means, such as completing in-game quests or trading with other players. Combining the use of Exp. Candies and the Lucky Egg can significantly accelerate your Pokémon's leveling journey, saving you time and effort. As your Pokémon levels up, it will not only grow stronger but also learn new moves, expanding its strategic options in battle. Leveling up is a fundamental aspect of Pokémon training, and it's the first step towards unleashing your Pokémon's full potential.
Next, let's talk about EV Training. EV training, or Effort Value training, is a more advanced method of strengthening your Pokémon. Each Pokémon can earn Effort Values (EVs) in each of its stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) by battling specific Pokémon. EVs provide a significant stat boost at level 100, making them crucial for competitive battling. The maximum number of EVs a Pokémon can have is 510, with a maximum of 252 EVs in any single stat. To effectively EV train, you need to battle Pokémon that yield the desired EVs. For example, battling Rookidee is a common way to train Speed EVs. The Power items, such as the Power Anklet (Speed) or Power Bracer (Attack), can further accelerate EV training by increasing the number of EVs earned per battle. These items are available at the BP Shop in the Battle Tower. By strategically battling specific Pokémon and utilizing Power items, you can precisely control your Pokémon's stat growth, tailoring it to your battle strategy. If you happen to make a mistake in your EV training, don't worry – there are ways to reset your Pokémon's EVs using certain berries, such as the Pomeg Berry (HP), Kelpsy Berry (Attack), and Qualot Berry (Defense). These berries can lower a Pokémon's EVs, allowing you to redistribute them as needed. EV training may seem complex at first, but it's a vital part of optimizing your Pokémon's performance in battle. Understanding and utilizing EV training can give you a significant edge against other trainers, ensuring your Pokémon are in peak condition for any challenge.
Finally, we have Bottle Caps. If your Pokémon's IVs aren't perfect, don't worry! You can use Bottle Caps to boost individual IVs to their maximum value. A regular Bottle Cap raises one IV to its maximum, while a Gold Bottle Cap maximizes all of a Pokémon's IVs. Bottle Caps are obtainable through Max Raid Battles, the Digging Duo in the Wild Area, and as rewards in the Battle Tower. To use a Bottle Cap, your Pokémon must be level 100. Once your Pokémon reaches level 100, you can head to the Battle Tower and speak to the NPC behind the counter to Bottle Cap your Pokémon. Bottle Caps are a game-changer for competitive players, as they allow you to perfect the IVs of any Pokémon, even those that weren't initially bred for competition. This means you can take your Gigantamax Pokémon, even if it has less-than-ideal IVs, and make it battle-ready. Gold Bottle Caps are especially valuable, as they maximize all six IVs at once, saving you the trouble of using multiple regular Bottle Caps. If you're serious about battling, stocking up on Bottle Caps and Gold Bottle Caps is a wise investment. They provide a reliable way to enhance your Pokémon's stats, ensuring they are competitive against even the most formidable opponents. With Bottle Caps, you can fine-tune your Pokémon's potential and achieve the highest levels of performance in battle. So, keep battling in Max Raids, digging with the Digging Duo, and competing in the Battle Tower to gather these essential items and maximize your Pokémon's power.
Battling with Your Gigantamax Pokémon
Now that your Gigantamax Pokémon is trained, it's time to take it into battle! Gigantamax Pokémon can be incredibly powerful assets in both casual and competitive battles. However, to use them effectively, you need to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how to best utilize their unique G-Max Moves. A Gigantamax Pokémon can turn the tide of a battle with its sheer power and unique abilities, making it a valuable addition to any team.
When using a Gigantamax Pokémon, Strategic Timing is key. Remember, a Pokémon can only Gigantamax once per battle, and the Gigantamax form lasts for only three turns. Therefore, you need to choose the right moment to Gigantamax to maximize its impact. Consider the state of the battle, your opponent's team composition, and the potential benefits of your G-Max Move. A well-timed Gigantamax can knock out a key opponent, set up a powerful strategy, or turn a losing battle into a victory. For example, if your opponent has a Pokémon with a crippling status condition, such as paralysis or burn, Gigantamaxing at the right time can give you a crucial advantage. Similarly, if you need to break through an opponent's defenses or set up entry hazards, a well-timed Gigantamax can do the trick. Understanding the flow of battle and anticipating your opponent's moves is essential for effective Gigantamaxing. Don't just Gigantamax at the first opportunity; instead, wait for the perfect moment to unleash your Pokémon's full potential. Timing is everything in competitive Pokémon battles, and mastering the art of Gigantamaxing timing can set you apart from the competition.
Understanding G-Max Moves are crucial for making the most of your Gigantamax Pokémon. Each Gigantamax Pokémon has a unique G-Max Move that replaces its Max Move of the same type. These G-Max Moves often have additional effects that can significantly impact the battle. For example, Gigantamax Charizard's G-Max Wildfire deals damage over four turns, while Gigantamax Copperajah's G-Max Steelsurge sets up Steel-type spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Knowing the specific effects of your Pokémon's G-Max Move and how to utilize them strategically is essential for success. Consider how the G-Max Move fits into your overall battle strategy. Does it provide offensive pressure, defensive support, or strategic advantages? For instance, a G-Max Move that sets up entry hazards can wear down opponents over time, while a G-Max Move that boosts your own stats can make you more formidable in battle. Understanding the nuances of each G-Max Move allows you to plan your moves in advance and exploit your opponent's weaknesses. In competitive battles, a well-executed G-Max Move can often be the deciding factor, turning the tide of the match in your favor. So, take the time to learn about your Gigantamax Pokémon's G-Max Move and how to use it effectively. Mastering this powerful ability is a key step in becoming a top-tier Pokémon trainer.
Also important is Team Synergy. A Gigantamax Pokémon is just one part of your team, so it's crucial to build a team that complements its strengths and covers its weaknesses. Consider your Gigantamax Pokémon's type matchups, ability, and moveset when selecting the rest of your team. A well-rounded team can handle a variety of threats and provide support for your Gigantamax Pokémon when it's in action. For example, if your Gigantamax Pokémon is weak to Electric-type attacks, you might want to include a Ground-type Pokémon on your team to switch into those attacks. Similarly, if your Gigantamax Pokémon is a physical attacker, you might want to include Pokémon that can provide support with status conditions or stat boosts. Think about the roles each Pokémon will play on your team, and how they will work together to achieve victory. A balanced team should have a mix of offensive and defensive Pokémon, as well as Pokémon that can provide support and disruption. Team synergy is the key to success in competitive Pokémon battles, and a well-built team can overcome even the most challenging opponents. So, take the time to carefully craft your team, ensuring that each Pokémon complements the others and maximizes your chances of winning.
Expanding Your Gigantamax Collection
Catching one Gigantamax Pokémon is a great start, but why stop there? Expanding your Gigantamax collection can give you more options for team building and battling. Plus, it's just plain fun to collect these massive Pokémon! There are several ways to find and catch more Gigantamax Pokémon, so let's explore your options.
The primary method for catching Gigantamax Pokémon is through Max Raid Battles. These battles take place in dens scattered throughout the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra. Look for dens with a beam of light emanating from them – these indicate active Max Raid Battles. Gigantamax Pokémon are rarer spawns in Max Raid Battles, so you might need to participate in numerous raids to find the one you're looking for. Keep an eye on in-game events, as these often increase the spawn rates of specific Gigantamax Pokémon. Max Raid Battles are a cooperative activity, so teaming up with other players can significantly increase your chances of success. You can join Max Raid Battles online, or you can invite friends to join you locally. The more players you have in your raid, the easier it will be to defeat the powerful Gigantamax Pokémon. Max Raid Battles are not only a great way to catch Gigantamax Pokémon but also a source of valuable rewards, such as Exp. Candies, TRs, and other useful items. Participating in Max Raid Battles is an essential part of any Pokémon trainer's journey in Pokémon Sword and Shield, providing both challenges and rewards. So, grab your friends, form a team, and start raiding those dens to expand your Gigantamax collection!
Event Spawns are another key way to find Gigantamax Pokémon. The Pokémon Company frequently hosts events that increase the spawn rates of specific Gigantamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles. These events are usually announced on the official Pokémon website and social media channels, so it's essential to stay informed. Event spawns provide a great opportunity to catch rare Gigantamax Pokémon that might not be available at other times. During these events, certain Gigantamax Pokémon may appear more frequently in Max Raid Battles, making it easier to add them to your team. Events can also introduce new Gigantamax forms or make previously rare forms more accessible. Keep an eye on these announcements and plan your Max Raid Battles accordingly. Event spawns are often time-limited, so it's crucial to take advantage of them while they last. These events not only provide a chance to catch Gigantamax Pokémon but also add excitement and variety to the game. Whether you're looking to complete your collection or simply catch a specific Gigantamax Pokémon, event spawns are an excellent resource. So, stay tuned for the latest news and make the most of these opportunities to expand your Gigantamax roster!
Don't forget to check Mystery Gifts as you can sometimes obtain Gigantamax Pokémon or special items that aid in catching them through Mystery Gifts. These gifts are distributed periodically by The Pokémon Company and can include anything from rare Pokémon to useful items. Mystery Gifts are usually available for a limited time, so be sure to claim them promptly. These gifts can range from special promotional Pokémon to in-game items that can help you in your adventures. Sometimes, Mystery Gifts may even include codes for Gigantamax Pokémon that are otherwise difficult to obtain. To claim a Mystery Gift, you'll need to connect your Nintendo Switch to the internet and access the Mystery Gift option in the main menu of Pokémon Sword and Shield. From there, you can choose to receive gifts via internet, code, or serial code, depending on the distribution method. Mystery Gifts are a great way to get access to rare and valuable items and Pokémon, so it's always worth checking for new gifts regularly. Be sure to follow official Pokémon channels for announcements about Mystery Gift distributions, and don't miss out on these exciting opportunities to enhance your Pokémon experience.
Conclusion
So, you've caught your first Gigantamax Pokémon – congratulations! Now you know what to do next: assess its strengths, train it to its full potential, strategize your battles, and expand your collection. Gigantamax Pokémon are a fantastic addition to any team, and with the right training and strategy, they can help you conquer any challenge in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Happy battling, and may your next Gigantamax catch be even more epic!
