Dynamax & Gigantamax
Dynamax makes a Pokémon giant with boosted HP for three turns, introduced in Sword and Shield in 2019. Gigantamax is a rarer variant where certain species also change appearance and gain a unique G-Max move.
Last updated
- Introduced
- Sword & Shield (2019)
- Dynamax lasts
- 3 turns
- Effect
- Giant size, more HP
- Moves become
- Max Moves
- Gigantamax adds
- A G-Max move
- Successor
- Terastallization
How Dynamax works
Dynamax lets a Pokémon grow giant for three turns during a battle. While Dynamaxed it gains a big boost to its HP, and its normal moves turn into stronger versions called Max Moves. After three turns it shrinks back to its regular size for the rest of the battle.
The mechanic is central to Max Raid Battles, a cooperative mode in Sword and Shield where several trainers team up against a single powerful Dynamaxed Pokémon. Because the boost only lasts three turns, timing when to Dynamax is part of the strategy.
Dynamax vs Gigantamax
The two are related but not the same. Dynamax is the base mechanic available to most eligible Pokémon; Gigantamax is a special form only certain species can take.
| Feature | Dynamax | Gigantamax |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Most eligible Pokémon | Only certain species |
| Size and HP | Grows giant, gains HP | Grows giant, gains HP |
| Appearance | Unchanged, just larger | Changes to a unique look |
| Special move | Standard Max Moves | A unique G-Max move |
Which Pokémon can Gigantamax?
Only a limited set of species can Gigantamax. Well-known examples include:
That is a sample rather than the full roster. Whether a Pokémon can Gigantamax is fixed by the games, not by how strong it is, so even some very common Pokémon have their own Gigantamax form.
Is Dynamax in newer games?
No. Dynamax and Gigantamax are exclusive to the Sword and Shield era and do not carry over to the main series games that followed. As of August 2026, the newer Scarlet and Violet games replaced the giant-form idea with a different mechanic, Terastallization, which changes a Pokémon's type rather than its size.
Gigantamax cards
The mechanic carried into the Pokémon Trading Card Game as VMAX cards, many of which show a Pokémon in its Gigantamax form, and they are prized by collectors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dynamax?
Dynamax is a battle mechanic from Pokémon Sword and Shield, released in 2019. A Pokémon grows giant and gains a large boost to its HP for three turns, after which it shrinks back to normal size. Its regular moves also become powerful Max Moves while it is Dynamaxed.
What is the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?
Every eligible Pokémon can Dynamax, which only makes it bigger and stronger. Gigantamax is a rarer variant available to certain species, which also change their appearance and gain a unique G-Max move. So all Gigantamax Pokémon are Dynamaxed, but only special ones can Gigantamax.
Which Pokémon can Gigantamax?
Only a specific set of species can Gigantamax, including well-known ones like Charizard, Pikachu, Eevee, Snorlax, Gengar, and Machamp. It is not tied to how strong a Pokémon is. The full roster is limited and set by the games that support the mechanic.
Is Dynamax in newer Pokémon games?
No. Dynamax and Gigantamax are exclusive to the Sword and Shield era and do not appear in the main series games that came after. As of August 2026, the newer Scarlet and Violet games use a different mechanic called Terastallization in its place.
Sources
- The Pokémon Company, official Pokémon website
- Wikipedia, Gameplay of Pokémon
- Species and type data compiled from the National Pokédex (PokéAPI).
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