・Pokémon Go

Dynamax and Max Battles: Complete Guide

Tags: Dynamax Max Battles max moves

The exciting new Dynamax feature has arrived in Pokémon GO, bringing thrilling battles and unique rewards. Power Spots, identified by a purple marker and a large ‘X’ on the map, are essential for gathering Max Particles (MP), which are crucial for powering up your Dynamax Pokémon.

You can collect up to 800 MP daily by walking or interacting with Power Spots, which are often tied to small businesses. Max Battles, exclusive to Dynamax Pokémon, offer strategic turn-based gameplay and rewarding experiences.

Players can also unlock powerful Max Moves such as Max Strike, Max Guard, and Max Spirit by using Max Particles and Pokémon Candy.

Power Spots and Max Particles

Power Spots are special locations on the map that allow trainers to interact with Dynamax Pokémon and collect Max Particles (MP). Here’s everything you need to know about Power Spots and how they function:

Identifying Power Spots:

  • On the Map: Power Spots are easily recognizable by their purple marking and the large "X" above them.
  • Interacting with Power Spots: When in range of a Power Spot, clicking on it rewards you with Max Particles.
  • Nearby Menu: Power Spots are listed in a new tab in the Nearby Menu, similar to how raid bosses are shown.

Power Spot Features:

  • Points of Interest (POI): Power Spots are often located at small businesses and other key community points.
  • Max Battles: In the future, players will be able to complete Max Battles at Power Spots, with potential appearances of Gigantamax Pokémon.
  • Volatile Locations: Power Spots emit Max Particles and may change locations, so players should stay alert and check surroundings regularly.
  • Dynamax Activation: Power Spots allow your own Pokémon to Dynamax during battles.

Earning Max Particles (MP):

Max Particles are crucial for participating in Max Battles and leveling up Max Moves. Here's how to collect them:

  • Visiting Power Spots:

    • Each visit rewards you with 100 Max Particles.
    • Clicking on a Power Spot may also give a bonus of 20 Max Particles.

  • Walking:

    • Walking 2 km rewards you with 300 Max Particles.

  • Daily Cap:

    • You can collect up to 800 Max Particles per day, though this seems to be a soft cap.
    • By visiting 6 Power Spots and claiming your 2 km walking reward, you can earn up to 1020 Max Particles despite the soft cap.

Max Particle Storage:

  • Max Particle Limit: Trainers can store a maximum of 1000 Max Particles at any time. Your current total is shown in the Power Spot tab under the Nearby Menu.

  • Daily Collection: The game tracks how many Max Particles you've collected out of the 1000 limit and how much further you need to walk to earn more.

Collecting Max Particles:

  • First-Time Bonus: Extra Max Particles are rewarded the first time you interact with a Power Spot each day.

  • Adventure Sync: Max Particles can be collected while exploring with Adventure Sync enabled.

  • In-Game Shop: Max Particles can be purchased from the in-game shop or web store in special packs.

Max Battle Mechanics

Once you have Max Particles, your best option is to use them in Max Battles! Only Dynamax Pokémon can participate. Your first Dynamax Pokémon, a Dynamax Wooloo, will be given to you through Special Research. Additionally, you can encounter another Dynamax Wooloo by walking 2 km and claiming your 300 MP.

Max Battles Rules and Setup:

  • Team Setup:
    • Up to 4 players can participate in a Max Battle.
    • Each player can bring up to 3 Dynamax Pokémon, though you can battle with just one.
    • Only Dynamax Pokémon are eligible—regular Pokémon cannot compete.

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Turn-Based System: Max Battles are turn-based, requiring strategic gameplay, unlike Raids or GO Battle League.
  • Attacks: Tap the screen for Fast Attacks to generate energy for Charged Attacks, which also fill up your Max Meter.

Max Particles:

  • Cost: Entering a 1-Star Max Battle costs 250 MP, but particles are only consumed if you successfully defeat the Power Spot Boss.
  • Requirement: Each Trainer must contribute MP to start a battle, based on the boss’s strength.

Battle Strategy:

  • Targeting: Three lines above a Pokémon’s head indicate it’s being targeted by the Max Battle Boss. You can dodge damage by swiping or Dynamaxing.
  • Max Meter: As your meter fills, your Pokémon will automatically Dynamax for 3 turns.
  • Max Moves: When Dynamaxed, your Pokémon gains access to powerful Max Moves. Coordinate attacks with teammates to maximize damage against higher-difficulty bosses.
  • Energy Collection: Swipe to collect energy icons during battle to fill your Max Meter faster.

Fainting and Team Support:

  • If your Pokémon faint during a 3-Star (or higher) Max Battle, you can cheer on teammates to help fill their Max Meters faster.

Additional Features:

  • Post-Battle Rewards: After defeating the boss, leave a Pokémon at the Power Spot to help other Trainers earn bonuses like Candy and extra damage.
  • Pokémon Count: A trophy icon at the top-right of the screen indicates how many Pokémon remain at the Power Spot.
  • Wild Encounters: A free wild encounter (non-Dynamax) is available on the bottom left of the screen.
  • Boosting Rewards: You can spend 100 PokéCoins to earn extra rewards after a boss battle.
  • Experience Points: Completing a 1-Star Max Battle rewards 5000 XP.

Timing and Limitations:

  • Lobby Timer: The lobby has a 120-second timer, but can be shortened with the "Ready Up" button or when full.
  • No Time Limit: Max Battles don’t have a time limit.
  • Master Ball Restriction: Master Balls cannot be used to catch Dynamax Pokémon.
  • End Conditions: The battle ends when either the Power Spot Boss is defeated, or all of your Pokémon faint.

Difficulty:

  • 1-Star Max Battles: These are easy to solo.
  • 3-Star Max Battles: These are challenging but can be soloed with difficulty.

Leaving Pokémon at a Power Spot

After defeating a Power Spot Boss, you can leave one of your Pokémon from your Battle Party at the Power Spot. This helps other trainers by providing them with a Damage Bonus and the opportunity to earn Candy.

How It Works:

  • Damage Bonus Tiers: The damage boost given to other trainers depends on how many Pokémon are left at the Power Spot:

    • First Damage Boost: 1 Pokémon at the Power Spot.
    • Second Damage Boost: 2-3 Pokémon.
    • Third Damage Boost: 4-14 Pokémon.
    • Fourth Damage Boost: 15-20 Pokémon.

  • Return and Rewards: When your Pokémon returns from the Power Spot, you’ll receive rewards based on how helpful it was during battles.

Candy Rewards:

  • Pokémon Withdrawal: You can withdraw your Pokémon from the Power Spot anytime.
  • Power Spot Closing: When the Power Spot closes, your Pokémon automatically returns, and you’ll receive Candy as a reward.
  • Max Battles: Your Pokémon can earn additional Candy after participating in a certain number of Max Battles while stationed at the Power Spot.

Dynamax Pokémon and Max Moves

Dynamax is a unique phenomenon where Pokémon grow significantly larger, surrounded by a red glow and swirling clouds. Pokémon capable of Dynamaxing can be encountered, battled, and caught through Max Battles.

Finding Dynamax Pokémon

  • Power Spots: Dynamax Pokémon can be found at Power Spots, which are scattered across the map.
  • Encounter Screen: Catching a Dynamax Pokémon at a Power Spot presents a special encounter screen, reminiscent of the Dynamax Raid capture screen from Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Max Moves

Dynamax Pokémon have access to powerful Max Moves, providing a range of offensive, defensive, and healing effects:

  • Max Strike: A powerful attack unique to Dynamax Pokémon, with its power and type based on the Pokémon's Fast Attack type.
  • Max Guard: A defensive move that shields the Pokémon and reduces incoming damage.
  • Max Spirit: A healing move that restores HP for both the Dynamax Pokémon and its allies.

Unlocking and Leveling Up Max Moves

  • Unlocking Moves: You can unlock Max Guard and Max Spirit by spending:

    • 400 Max Particles
    • 50 Candy each

  • Max Move Levels: Max Moves can be leveled up from Level 1 to Level Max (Level 3), enhancing their power and effectiveness.

    • Cost to Max Out each Max Move:
      • 1,800 Max Particles
      • 150 Candy
      • 40 Candy XL

Trading D-Max Pokémon Resets Max Move Levels

  • When a Dynamax Pokémon is traded, any Level 2 or 3 Max Moves will be reset to Level 1, regardless of trade conditions.
    • This means Max Particle investments are lost upon trading.
    • However, the move unlocks remain intact, but all moves will revert to Level 1.

Special Features of Dynamax Pokémon

  • Unique Appearance: Dynamax Pokémon have a glowing pink look and are registered in their own Dynamax Pokédex.
  • Shiny Potential: Dynamax Pokémon can be shiny, though shiny rates are currently unknown.
  • AR Mode Restriction: Dynamax Pokémon cannot be photographed in AR mode at this time.

Mega Evolution and Dynamax

  • Max Battles Restriction: Mega Evolved Pokémon cannot participate in Max Battles.
  • Dual Phenomenon: While a Dynamax Pokémon can Mega Evolve, the Dynamax option is unavailable when the Pokémon is in its Mega Evolved form.

Tips and Tricks for Max Battles

  • Collect Additional Energy During Fights: Energy icons sometimes appear during Max Battles. You can collect them by "dodging" into them or tapping on them, which fills up your Max Meter faster.

  • Switching Dynamax Pokémon: Once the Max Meter is full, you have a brief window to switch out which Pokémon will Dynamax if you want to choose a different one.

  • Doubling Rewards: After the battle, you can double your rewards, including rare Candy XL, for 200 coins.

  • Guaranteed XL Candy: Defeating a Dynamax Pokémon guarantees you 1 XL Candy for that species.

  • Rare XL Candy Drops: Rare XL Candy can drop as a bonus reward from Dynamax Raids.

  • Dodging: Dodging doesn’t seem to be possible in Max Battles, so you'll need to rely on strategy and Max Guard for defense.