One of the biggest new features in Pokemon Go‘s Max Out season is Dynamaxing–a phenomenon first introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Dynamaxing supersizes a Pokemon to gigantic proportions, giving them a power boost and access to some unique moves to use during battle.
Like other features from the mainline Pokemon series, Dynamaxing works a little differently in Pokemon Go than it does in Sword and Shield, so here’s a rundown on how to earn Max Particles and Dynamax your Pokemon.
Which Pokemon can Dynamax?
While any Pokemon is capable of Dynamaxing in Pokemon Sword and Shield, only select monsters can do so in Pokemon Go.
Specifically, only Pokemon caught in Max Battles or around Power Spots have the ability to Dynamax, meaning you can’t Dynamax the Pokemon you already have. You can tell if a Pokemon is capable of Dynamaxing by the Dynamax symbol on their lookup screen.
As mentioned, Pokemon that spawn around Power Spots are capable of Dynamaxing, as are Pokemon you battle and catch in Max Battles. You can also get a couple of Dynamax Pokemon by completing the “To The Max” Special Research quest you receive at the start of the season.
To The Max Special Research Tasks
Step 1 of 3
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots – 30 Poke BallsExplore 5 km – 20 Great BallsCollect 500 Max Particles – 10 Ultra BallsReward: Dynamax Wooloo encounter and 8,000 XP
Step 2 of 3
Collect MP from 10 Power Spots – 100 Max ParticlesCollection 1,000 Max Particles – 2 Golden Razz BerriesLevel up 1 Max Move – 5 Rare CandiesReward: Dynamax Skwovet encounter and 8,000 XP
Step 3 of 3
Win a Max Battle – 100 Max ParticlesUnlock a Max Move – 10 Ultra BallsWin 3 Max Battles – 2 Pinap BerriesCatch a Max Pokemon – 2,500 StardustReward: Dynamax Band avatar item, 8,000 XP, and 4,000 Stardust
How to get Max Particles
Power Spots and Max Particles
In order to Dynamax your Pokemon, you must first collect a new type of energy called Max Particles. You can earn Max Particles by completing the “To the Max” Special Research mentioned above, as well as by interacting with Power Spots around the map. Max Particles are also sold through Pokemon Go’s in-game item shop.
Max Battles
Once you’ve collected enough Max Particles, you can Dynamax a compatible Pokemon by participating in a Max Battle–a new type of raid that occurs at Power Spots.
To enter a Max Battle, you must spend a certain amount of Max Particles, depending on the strength of the raid boss. As you battle the boss, you will gradually fill your Pokemon’s Max Meter at the top of the screen. Once the meter is full, your Pokemon will Dynamax for three turns, allowing you to use Max Moves for the duration of its transformation.
If you successfully defeat the raid boss, you’ll earn a variety of rewards, including a chance to catch the Dynamax Pokemon you just battled. You can also place one of your own Dynamax Pokemon at that Power Spot to earn candy and assist other players who challenge a Max Battle at that location with a damage bonus.
Max Moves
When transformed, Dynamax Pokemon are able to use exclusive attacks known as Max Moves. Each Dynamax Pokemon starts with one Max Move, whose type is based on your Pokemon’s Fast Attack. By spending candy and Max Particles, you can power up your Dynamax Pokemon and learn two additional Max Moves: Max Spirit and Max Guard.
Max Spirit is a support move that heals both your Pokemon and your allies during battle. Max Guard, on the other hand, is a defensive move that decreases the damage you take from the raid boss. You can level up each Max Move to improve its effects.
There’s plenty more happening during Pokemon Go’s Max Out season. Be sure to check out our September events guide for a look at all of the biggest events going on in the game this month.
