With this detailed guide, you can learn how to Max Battle in Pokemon GO.
Max Battles are an exciting new addition to Pokemon GO, introducing a turn-based battle format that brings strategy and teamwork into play. These battles are exclusive to Dynamax Pokémon, which grow into giant versions of themselves with enhanced powers.
How to Max Battle in Pokemon GO
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Max Battles work, from preparation to victory.:
Step 1: Prepare for the Max Battle
Before jumping into a Max Battle, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready:
- Gather Max Particles (MP): Max Particles are the currency you’ll use to enter Max Battles. You can collect them by visiting Power Spots (marked with a purple ‘X’ on the map) or by walking. You’ll need a minimum of 250 MP for a 1-Star Max Battle, but stronger bosses will require more particles. Keep an eye on your MP cap (800 MP per day, with a maximum storage of 1,000 MP).
- Get a Dynamax Pokémon: Only Dynamax Pokémon can participate in Max Battles. Your first Dynamax Pokémon will be a Dynamax Wooloo, which you receive through Special Research tasks. You can also encounter another Dynamax Wooloo by walking 2 km.
- Team building: For each Max Battle, you can bring up to three Dynamax Pokémon. This gives you flexibility to choose Pokémon that complement each other in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
Step 2: Start a Max Battle
Once you’ve collected enough Max Particles and have a team of Dynamax Pokémon, it’s time to find a Max Battle.
- Locate a Power Spot: Use the Nearby tab to find Power Spots, which are locations where Max Battles take place. Tap on the Power Spot to see if a Max Battle is available. The battle difficulty ranges from 1-Star to higher-star levels, representing the strength of the Power Spot Boss.
- Enter the Lobby: When you tap on a Power Spot, you’ll enter the battle lobby. Here, you’ll see details about the Power Spot Boss and the number of players that can join (up to 4 players can participate in a Max Battle). Each player can use up to 3 Dynamax Pokémon.
- If you prefer to go solo, 1-Star Max Battles can often be completed alone.
- The lobby has a 120-second countdown, but the battle can begin earlier if all players press the “Ready” button.
Step 3: Battle mechanics and strategy
Max Battles differ from standard Pokémon GO battles because they are turn-based, requiring a mix of careful planning and timely actions.
The Basics:
- Turn-based combat: Max Battles are not time-limited, unlike raids or GO Battle League matches. Each battle is divided into turns where you and your teammates will take actions, and the boss will attack.
- Max meter: Every time you attack, you build up your Max Meter. Once it’s full, you can Dynamax your Pokémon for a limited time (3 turns). Dynamaxing significantly boosts your Pokémon’s stats and unlocks Max Moves.
Attack options:
- Fast attacks: Tap the screen to use Fast Attacks, which build up energy for Charged Attacks and fill the Max Meter. Your regular Fast Move’s type will also determine the strength of Max Strike, a powerful attack unique to Dynamax Pokémon.
- Charged attacks: Once you’ve built up enough energy, use Charged Attacks as you normally would. The boss will target specific Pokémon, indicated by three red lines above the Pokémon’s head. If your Pokémon is targeted, it’s a good idea to Dynamax to tank the incoming hit.
- Dynamax your Pokémon: Once the Max Meter is full, swipe toward the Max Charge button or an attack icon to trigger the Dynamax transformation. When Dynamaxed, your Pokémon gains additional HP, stronger moves, and the ability to use Max Guard (defensive shield) and Max Spirit (healing move).
Boss targeting:
- The Max Battle Boss will occasionally target one of your Pokémon, which you can avoid by swiping to activate your Dynamax ability in time. Keeping an eye on which Pokémon the boss targets and reacting accordingly is a key part of the strategy.
Energy icons:
- Throughout the battle, you may notice energy icons appearing on the battlefield. Swiping to collect these will help charge your Max Meter faster, enabling you to Dynamax sooner.
Step 4: Teamwork and cheering
- If you’re battling with teammates, coordination is important. Focus on filling your Max Meter quickly to Dynamax your Pokémon and take advantage of Max Guard and Max Spirit to protect and heal your team.
- If your Pokémon faints, don’t worry! You can still contribute by cheering for your teammates. Cheering increases the rate at which their Max Meters fill, giving them a boost to continue the fight.
Step 5: Winning the battle
The Max Battle ends in two ways:
- Victory: You and your team successfully deplete the Power Spot Boss’s HP. If you win, you’ll receive rewards like XP, Candy, and the chance to capture the Dynamax Pokémon.
- Defeat: If all of your Pokémon faint and no one else on your team can defeat the boss, the battle will end.
Once you win, you can place one of the Pokémon from your battle party at the Power Spot. This allows other trainers to benefit from a damage boost and rewards you with Candy and bonuses when your Pokémon returns.
Step 6: Rewards and Max Move upgrades
After defeating a Power Spot Boss, you’ll earn rewards like XP, Pokémon Candy, and other items. You can also spend PokéCoins to boost your rewards.
To further enhance your Dynamax Pokémon, use Max Particles and Candy to unlock and upgrade Max Moves like Max Strike, Max Guard, and Max Spirit. These moves provide crucial strategic benefits in battle:
- Max Strike deals heavy damage.
- Max Guard reduces incoming damage.
- Max Spirit heals your team.
Now you know how to Max Battle in Pokemon GO easily! By gathering Max Particles, building a strong team of Dynamax Pokémon, and mastering the battle mechanics, you’ll be well-equipped to take on these exciting challenges!
Featured image credit: r/TheSilphRoad
