Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of Gigantamax Pokémon? Today, we're embarking on a thrilling adventure to hunt down all the starter G-Maxes. If you're a Pokémon enthusiast like me, you know how epic these battles can be. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
What are Gigantamax Pokémon?
Before we jump into the hunt, let's quickly recap what Gigantamax Pokémon are. These are special forms of Pokémon that can only be found in Max Raid Battles during specific events or promotions. Gigantamaxing not only makes your Pokémon huge but also changes their appearance and gives them access to unique G-Max moves. These moves are incredibly powerful and can turn the tide of any battle. For completionists and competitive players alike, catching these behemoths is a must.
Why Hunt Starter G-Maxes?
Starter Pokémon have always held a special place in our hearts. They're our first companions, the ones we journey with from the very beginning. When these Pokémon gain the ability to Gigantamax, it’s a whole new level of awesome. Imagine your trusty Charizard, now a colossal, fiery dragon, or your loyal Blastoise, a massive, cannon-wielding titan. These forms aren’t just visually stunning; they pack a serious punch in battles. Hunting starter G-Maxes allows you to add some of the most powerful and iconic Pokémon to your team, making your battles even more epic. Plus, the thrill of finally encountering and catching one of these giants is an experience every Pokémon trainer should have.
Preparing for the Hunt
So, how do we prepare for this grand adventure? Hunting G-Max Pokémon isn’t just about wandering into a Max Raid Den and hoping for the best. It requires a bit of planning and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you're well-prepared:
1. Game Version Matters
First things first, you need to know that certain G-Max Pokémon are version-exclusive. This means that some G-Max forms will appear more frequently in one version of the game than the other. For instance, in Pokémon Sword, you're more likely to encounter G-Max Charizard, while Pokémon Shield favors G-Max Blastoise and Venusaur during specific events. Knowing which version has the Pokémon you’re after is crucial for efficient hunting. If you're really serious, you might even consider having both versions of the game to maximize your chances.
2. Stock Up on Essentials
Before heading out, make sure you’ve stocked up on essential items. Poké Balls are obviously a must, and you’ll want to bring a variety. Ultra Balls are your go-to for most catches, but consider using Timer Balls for longer battles and Repeat Balls if you’ve caught the Pokémon before. Don’t forget healing items like Potions, Super Potions, and Hyper Potions to keep your team in top shape during the raids. Revives are also crucial, as Max Raid Battles can be tough, and your Pokémon might faint. And of course, stock up on plenty of Wishing Pieces; these are key to activating Max Raid Dens and summoning those G-Max Pokémon.
3. Build a Strong Team
Having a strong team is perhaps the most critical aspect of G-Max hunting. You’ll want Pokémon that can deal significant damage and withstand powerful attacks. Consider Pokémon with high Attack or Special Attack stats, depending on the moves they’ll be using. Pokémon with abilities that boost their stats or hinder the opponent's are also valuable. For example, a Pokémon with the Intimidate ability can lower the Attack stat of the opposing Pokémon, making them less threatening. Type matchups are also crucial. Bring Pokémon that have type advantages against the G-Max Pokémon you’re hunting. For instance, Water and Ground-type moves are super effective against G-Max Charizard, while Fire and Flying-type moves can make short work of G-Max Venusaur.
4. Online vs. Offline Raids
Decide whether you want to hunt G-Max Pokémon online or offline. Hunting online allows you to team up with other players, increasing your chances of success, especially for tougher raids. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to participate in online raids. Offline raids are solo affairs, which can be more challenging but also more rewarding. You’ll be relying on NPC trainers to fill your team, and while they’re not always the brightest, they can still provide support. If you’re going solo, make sure your team is extra strong and well-prepared for any surprises.
5. Check the News from the Wild Area
Always keep an eye on the News from the Wild Area. This in-game feature announces events and promotions, including when specific G-Max Pokémon are appearing more frequently in Max Raid Battles. You can access the News by connecting to the internet in the Mystery Gift menu. This is crucial because G-Max spawn rates can change dramatically during these events. Missing out on an event could mean waiting a long time for another chance to catch your desired G-Max Pokémon.
Finding G-Max Starter Pokémon
Alright, now that we’re all geared up, let’s talk about how to actually find these elusive G-Max starter Pokémon. It's not as simple as wandering around and hoping one pops up. There's a bit of strategy involved, and knowing where to look can save you a lot of time and frustration.
1. Max Raid Dens: Your Primary Target
The primary place you'll be hunting is within Max Raid Dens. These are the glowing dens scattered throughout the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra. Each den can potentially host a Max Raid Battle, and during specific events, some of these dens will feature G-Max Pokémon. To activate a den, you’ll need to use a Wishing Piece, which you can purchase from the Watt Traders scattered around the Wild Area.
2. Wild Area Hotspots
Specific areas in the Wild Area are more likely to host certain G-Max Pokémon. For example, during the G-Max starter events, you’ll often find G-Max Charizard appearing in dens around the Stony Wilderness, while G-Max Blastoise and Venusaur might pop up more frequently in the Wild Area’s southern regions. Consulting online resources and community forums can provide valuable insights into the best spots to hunt for specific G-Max forms. Keep in mind that these hotspots can change with different events, so staying updated is key.
3. Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra
Don't forget about the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra! These DLC areas also have Max Raid Dens where G-Max Pokémon can appear. The dens in these areas offer a change of scenery and can sometimes have different event distributions than the Wild Area. Exploring these areas can diversify your hunting experience and potentially lead to encounters you might miss in the Wild Area.
4. The Wishing Piece Grind
You'll need a steady supply of Wishing Pieces to keep the Max Raid Dens active. This means you'll likely spend a good amount of time grinding for Watts. The best way to do this is by clearing Max Raid Battles, even if they don't feature the G-Max Pokémon you're after. Each raid you complete rewards you with Watts, which you can then exchange for Wishing Pieces. You can also find Watts scattered around the Wild Area in glowing spots, but raids are generally the more efficient method.
5. Check Raid Dens Regularly
Once you've activated a Max Raid Den, the Pokémon it hosts won't change until you've either battled and caught it or let the beam of light disappear. This means you should check the dens regularly, especially during events. If you see a silhouette you're interested in, dive into the battle! If not, you can skip the raid and try another den. Patience is key here, guys. You might not find the G-Max Pokémon you're looking for right away, but persistence will pay off.
Battling and Catching G-Max Pokémon
Okay, so you've found a G-Max Pokémon in a Max Raid Den. Awesome! But the hunt isn't over yet. Battling and catching these behemoths can be challenging, and you'll need a solid strategy to succeed. Let's break down the key elements of a successful G-Max raid.
1. Understanding Max Raid Battles
Max Raid Battles are different from regular Pokémon battles. You're facing a Dynamaxed or Gigantamaxed Pokémon with boosted stats and multiple shields. These shields reduce the damage you deal and prevent status conditions from affecting the raid Pokémon. To break these shields, you need to deal significant damage with powerful moves. The raid Pokémon can also use multiple moves per turn, and they can nullify your team's abilities and stat boosts. This makes these battles intense and requires a coordinated effort, especially in online raids.
2. Team Coordination (Online Raids)
If you're battling online, team coordination is crucial. Try to communicate with your teammates, either through in-game stickers or external voice chat. Coordinate your moves to maximize damage output and type advantages. For example, if the raid Pokémon is weak to Water-type moves, ensure that at least one or two players are using Water-type Pokémon. Avoid using moves that boost your own stats at the expense of dealing damage, as the raid Pokémon can often nullify these boosts. Focus on dealing consistent, high damage to break the shields quickly.
3. Strategic Move Selection
Choosing the right moves is essential for G-Max battles. Focus on moves that deal high damage and exploit the raid Pokémon's weaknesses. Avoid using moves with low accuracy or moves that take multiple turns to charge, as they can leave you vulnerable. Max Moves and G-Max Moves are your best bet for dealing massive damage and breaking shields. Pay attention to the type matchups and plan your moves accordingly. For instance, if you're facing a G-Max Charizard, using Rock-type moves can quickly deplete its health.
4. Utilizing Support Moves
While dealing damage is important, support moves can also play a crucial role in Max Raid Battles. Moves that lower the raid Pokémon's stats, like Screech or Fake Tears, can make it more vulnerable to attacks. Moves that heal your team, like Heal Pulse or Life Dew, can keep your team in the fight. Status conditions, like paralysis or burn, can be useful, but remember that raid Pokémon can often remove these conditions. Experiment with different support moves to find what works best for your team and the specific raid you're facing.
5. The Catching Phase
After you've defeated the G-Max Pokémon, it's time to catch it! This is where those Ultra Balls and Timer Balls come in handy. The catch rate for G-Max Pokémon in Max Raid Battles isn't guaranteed, so you'll want to use the best Poké Balls you have. If you're the host of the raid, your catch rate is significantly higher than other participants. This is another reason why hosting raids can be advantageous. If you fail to catch the G-Max Pokémon on your first try, don't be discouraged. Keep battling and eventually, you'll add it to your team!
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Hunting
Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into some tips and tricks to make your G-Max hunting more efficient. These strategies can save you time, conserve resources, and increase your chances of success.
1. Date Skipping
Date skipping is a controversial but effective method for manipulating Max Raid spawns. By changing the date on your Nintendo Switch, you can refresh the Max Raid Dens and potentially trigger new spawns, including G-Max Pokémon. To do this, go to your Switch's system settings, navigate to Date and Time, and turn off
