The Pokémon Company and Game Freak have revealed the new Gigantamax mechanic in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, that, as with Dynamax, can only occur in specific areas of the Galar region.
This special phenomenon not only makes a Pokémon bigger, but their appearance also changes. As with normal Dynamaxing, Gigantamaxing boosts the power of the Pokémon and unlocks access to a unique move known as a G-Max Move.
Each G-Max Move is particular to a specific species of Gigantamax Pokémon, and regular Dynamax Pokémon are not able to use G-Max Moves.
Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax, and, even among such species, only rare specimens will be able to Gigantamax.
There are three Pokémon species that have been revealed to have Gigantamaxing capabilities, which are:
Gigantamax Alcremie
Type: Fairy
Height: 98′5″+
Weight: Unknown
Ability: Sweet Veil
The cream pouring out of its body hardens when subjected to impacts—the stronger the impact, the harder it becomes—giving Alcremie an impressive resistance to physical attacks. Additionally, the giant “Berry” decorations on Alcremie’s body are as hard as diamonds, and it’s said that most attacks won’t even be able to leave a scratch. Alcremie will launch high-calorie cream missiles around itself to attack its opponents. Any Pokémon that touches this cream will be filled with energy and euphoria but at the same time will fall into a state of complete confusion. Fairy-type moves used by Gigantamax Alcremie will change to G-Max Finale, which will heal all Pokémon on Alcremie’s side while dealing damage to an opponent.
Gigantamax Corviknight
Type: Flying/Steel
Height: 45′11″+
Weight: Unknown
Ability: Pressure/Unnerve
Corviknight uses its massive wings to catch updrafts created by Gigantamax energy to hover in the air while it battles. The armor on its body has been reinforced, so attacks from Pokémon on the ground barely have any effect. Gigantamax energy has caused the armor covering Corviknight’s wings to separate and become blade birds, capable of flying independently. Flying-type moves used by Gigantamax Corviknight will change to G-Max Wind Rage, which removes any effects of moves like Reflect, Light Screen, Spikes, and Electric Terrain that the opponents may have.
Gigantamax Drednaw
Type: Water/Rock
Height: 78′9″+
Weight: Unknown
Ability: Strong Jaw / Shell Armor
The power of Gigantamaxing has allowed Drednaw to stand on its hind legs and become bipedal. From its standing position, it can come crashing down on opposing Pokémon and crush them with its massive body. Drednaw normally keeps its neck retracted within its shell, but when it attacks, it can rapidly shoot its neck out. Its jaws are also incredibly strong and can easily bite through huge metal towers. The strength of its jaws combined with the force of its neck gives Drednaw the power to punch a hole through a rocky mountain in a single strike. Water-type moves used by Gigantamax Drednaw will change to G-Max Stonesurge. G-Max Stonesurge doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent—it will scatter sharp rocks around the opponent and cause Pokémon entering the battlefield to take damage.
In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, you will choose between three starter Pokémon – Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble – before having the chance to explore the Galar region – with its idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains. Challenging the Gyms in the region, you will once again look to become Champion.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will release exclusively for Nintendo Switch worldwide on November 15th.
