Dynamax & Gigantamax

Introduction

Dynamax and Gigantamax are battle mechanics from Pokémon Sword and Shield (Generation VIII). They only work in the Galar region (or in formats that allow them). In battle, a Pokémon can grow huge and gain stronger moves and extra HP for a short time.

In formats that allow Dynamax, you can usually use it once per battle (one of your Pokémon can Dynamax or Gigantamax). The effect lasts for three turns, then the Pokémon returns to normal.

This guide covers the base power correlation, full lists of Max Moves (used by any Dynamax Pokémon), and G-Max Moves (exclusive to Gigantamax species).

How Dynamax works

When a Pokémon Dynamaxes, it becomes much larger and gets three main benefits:

• HP is doubled for the duration. So if your Pokémon had 200 HP, while Dynamaxed it effectively has 400 HP (the extra is temporary).
• Its regular moves become Max Moves. Each move type turns into a Max Move (e.g. Max Flare, Max Geyser) with higher power and sometimes a secondary effect on the field (sun, rain, etc.).
• It can't flinch, and some other effects (e.g. Taunt, Encore) don't affect it in the same way.

No held item is required to Dynamax in the games. In the team builder, when Dynamax is allowed by the format, you can select the "Dmax" form for a Pokémon to show that you intend to Dynamax it; the stats (especially HP) are shown as doubled for that form.

Max Move power

The power of a Max Move (or G-Max move) depends on the base power of the original move you use while Dynamaxed. Stronger base moves produce stronger Max Moves. Status moves (no base power) become Max Guard instead.

The game uses fixed power bands: your move's base power falls into a range, and that range maps to a single Max Move power. For example, a 65-base-power move and a 70-base-power move both become a 120-power Max Move.

Some moves use fixed overrides (e.g. OHKO moves like Guillotine, or Counter) instead of these bands.

Gigantamax

Gigantamax is a special kind of Dynamax. Only certain species can Gigantamax, and when they do, they get a unique appearance and a unique G-Max move instead of the usual Max Move for one of their moves.

For example, Pikachu can normally only Dynamax (and use standard Max Moves). But Pikachu Gmax can Gigantamax and use the exclusive G-Max Volt Crash. Butterfree is another example that has a Gigantamax form with a different look and G-Max Befuddle.

In the team builder, you choose the "Gmax" form when you want that Pokémon to be able to Gigantamax. The same "one per battle" and "three turns" rules apply as for normal Dynamax.

Max Moves

When any Pokémon Dynamaxes, its regular moves are replaced by Max Moves based on their type. Each type has a corresponding Max Move with a secondary effect (weather, terrain, or stat changes). Max Guard is the Max version of protection moves.

G-Max Moves

Only Pokémon with a Gigantamax form can use G-Max moves. Each G-Max move is exclusive to one species (or form) and replaces the Max Move for a specific move type when that Pokémon Gigantamaxes.