Dynamax in Pokemon GO: Power Spots, Max Battles, rewards, and more
There is a rising curiosity about how Dynamax in Pokemon GO works, as the Gen VIII battle mechanic is set to go live in Niantic's mobile game during the Max Out season on September 10, 2024—the start date of the GO Big event. Meanwhile, the popular Pokemon database, Serebii.net has shared information about Dynamax in Pokemon GO as it was revealed on the Japanese app, Famitsu.
This article covers everything you need to know about Dynamax in Pokemon GO.
Note: Information about the mechanic is still being revealed, so the article will be updated when more information is available. Additionally, the information is based on play-tests and is subject to change upon final release.
What are Power Spots in Pokemon GO?
Power Spots are special locations—similar to Gyms and Routes, but separate from them—that can be found randomly distributed across the in-game map. You can locate them using the Nearby menu.
All Max Battles will take place in Power Spots. This is also where you will find Max Particles, a resource necessary for taking part in these battles.
Also read: Pokemon GO Battle League Max Out (Season 20): Schedule, rewards, and more
What are Dynamax Battles in Pokemon GO?
Max Battles are similar to raids, but the two have some key differences. The new battle mechanic comes at a Max Particle cost (instead of a Raid Pass). They are also local-only, meaning the option to participate remotely is not available. One-star Max Battles require 250 Max Particles.
Check out our detailed how to get Max Particles in Pokemon GO guide.
You can only challenge Max Battles using Pocket Monsters that are capable of Dynamaxing. Up to four trainers can challenge Max Battles and each of them can take up to three Pocket Monsters.
Max Battles must be completed within a limited number of turns and allow the usage of three options:
- Max Guard: Protects your Pokemon from damage.
- Max Move: Deals damage to the opponent Pokemon.
- Max Spirit: Recovers HP for you and your allies.
Read more about Max Moves in Pokemon GO.
Max Battle rewards
Upon defeating Max Battles, you will be given items as rewards. In the examples provided so far, one-star battles will provide Golden Razz Berry, Rare Candy, Super Potion, XP, and 10 Premier Balls to capture the defeated Dynamax Pokemon. The number of rewards can be increased by paying 100 PokeCoins.
You will also receive an encounter with the Dynamax Pokemon that you defeated. The catch mechanic has been reported to be similar to the one for other Pocket Monsters. However, the Famitsu report suggested that the creature "felt like it was 'quite far away'." (translated from Japanese)
Also read: Pokemon GO Battle League Season 20 balance updates
All Pocket Monsters that can Dynamax in Pokemon GO
Here are the Pocket Monsters that can Dynamax in Pokemon GO as of September 2024:
- Charmander (and its evolutions)
- Bulbasaur (and its evolutions)
- Squirtle (and its evolutions)
- Wooloo (and its evolutions)
- Skwovet (and its evolutions)
Also read: 5 best teams for Galar Cup: Little Edition in Pokemon GO Max Out season
Dynamax in Pokemon GO appears to be limited to only Max Battles, with little to no application outside. You can tell if a Pocket Monster is capable of Dynamaxing or not based on the Dynamax logo on the top right corner of the creature's icon in your collection.
Dynamax Pokemon can be placed in Power Spots to assist others in Max Battles. This gives you Candy in exchange. They can be powered up using Candy and Stardust as usual. The power of their Max Move can also be increased using Max Particles and Candy XL.
That is everything known about Dynamax in Pokemon GO so far. Bookmark this page for further updates. Meanwhile, check out our other Pokemon GO guides:
- Ditto disguises
- Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
- Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
- Sierra counters
- Cliff counters
- Arlo counters
- Giovanni counters
- Team GO Rocket Grunts