Are you ready to take on the biggest, baddest Pokémon in Pokémon GO? Gigantamax Pokémon have finally landed, but if you think it’s as simple as tapping your way through another raid, think again! These behemoths are here, and they’re insanely challenging to beat—even with the biggest teams.
So before you dive in, let’s break down why raiding Gigantamax Pokémon might be more frustrating than fun. Here’s everything you need to know about what makes these raids intense and why you might want to think twice before joining.
What’s So Different About Gigantamax Pokémon Raids?
Gigantamax Pokémon are meant to be grand, epic, and incredibly tough. But it turns out they’re almost too tough! Here are the main differences you’ll notice right away:
- Enormous Power Levels – Unlike other Dynamax Pokémon, Gigantamax forms are seriously hard to defeat. They take a lot more effort and team coordination to bring down, even with multiple players.
- Massive Team Sizes Required – If you’re in a small town or don’t have a big player group, you’re in for a rough ride. These raids can demand upwards of 30–40 people to win, which means urban areas are pretty much the only places you can reliably complete them.
Why Is It So Hard?
Honestly, the difficulty spike is kind of shocking. Even with good counters and a full team, these Pokémon have such high HP that you could be looking at some major battles. Players report that dodging doesn’t even seem to work properly, leaving your Pokémon wide open to taking hits.
The “Snowball” Strategy You’ll Need
One of the ways players are getting around the steep challenge of Gigantamax raids is by building up a “snowball” strategy. Here’s how it works:
- Catch Multiple Gigantamax Pokémon – Start by raiding the easiest Gigantamax Pokémon you can find, like Charizard. Once you’ve got a few under your belt, use those Gigantamax Pokémon in future raids to improve your chances. It’s about gradually building up a stronger roster to tackle tougher Gigantamax raids.
- Rotate Pokémon – Use meat-shield Pokémon (like Metagross) to absorb damage and keep your stronger Gigantamax Pokémon ready for heavy hits. This way, you can last longer in battles.
Battle Tactics: What Pokémon Should You Bring?
Without the right counters, you’re going to be in for a tough fight. Here are the top counters for the current Gigantamax bosses:
- Against Gigantamax Charizard: Try Rock and Electric-type Pokémon like Tyranitar, Rampardos, and Zekrom.
- Against Gigantamax Venusaur: Focus on Flying and Fire-types such as Moltres, Charizard, and Talonflame.
- Against Gigantamax Blastoise: Use Electric or Grass-types like Raikou, Zapdos, and Sceptile.
Is It Worth the Stardust and Potions?
Between the Stardust, revives, and potions, Gigantamax raids are incredibly resource-intensive. You’ll often find yourself running out of heals, and it might feel like you’re spending more time grinding for resources than actually battling. Many players have found that the cost just doesn’t match the reward—especially if you’re unlucky and don’t get a shiny or high-IV Gigantamax Pokémon at the end of it all.
Should You Raid Gigantamax Pokémon?
Given the difficulty and the resource drain, Gigantamax raids might not be worth it for everyone. Here are some reasons you might choose to skip these raids:
- You Lack a Large Team – Without at least 25–30 players, your odds of success drop significantly.
- You’re Low on Resources – Potions, revives, and Stardust are essential, so if you’re running low, you might want to hold off.
- You’re Not In It for the Shiny – If you’re not desperate for a shiny Gigantamax Pokémon, you may find the rewards underwhelming.
If You Do Raid: Be Ready for the Grind
If you decide to go for it, be prepared for the grind of healing, gathering a huge team, and spending lots of resources. But hey, if you’re up for the challenge and are ready to potentially score a shiny Gigantamax Pokémon, then get out there and give it your best shot!
Final Thoughts
Gigantamax Pokémon have brought a fresh (if challenging) twist to Pokémon GO, but they’re definitely not for the faint of heart. Make sure you have a strong team, plenty of resources, and the right counters before diving in. If you’re not ready for the grind, it might be best to sit this one out—unless you’re ready to pour everything you’ve got into the hunt!
What do you think? Have you had any luck with Gigantamax raids, or are they a total nightmare? Let us know in the comments below! And for more Pokémon GO tips and strategies, keep reading and stay ahead of the game.