This is a discussion thread to talk about the new key battle mechanic of Pokemon Sword and Shield, Dynamax and Gigantamax, in-depth.
This thread is to discuss the mechanical and competitive implications of the new mechanics, discuss which Pokemon may, or you'd want, to see receive a Gigantamax Form, and talk about how Dynamax/Gigantamax may play into the plot of Sword and Shield. While I can't fully control the conversation, I'd like to see this thread maybe avoid talking about the Pokemon Home issue since we have plenty of threads discussing that and it doesn't really effect the mechanic within Sword and Shield.
Minor spoilers, a leak that first mentioned Gigantamax also mentioned three Pokemon who would receive the forms which I've mentioned here. From this point on excluding those three, let's spoiler-tag Gigantamax Pokemon that are revealed via leaks or unofficial sources. Any information on Dynamax or Gigantamax from an official source does not need to be spoiler-tagged.
What is Dynamax?
Dynamax is a new mechanic introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Utilizing the power of the Dynamax Band, once per battle you can Dynamax one of your Pokemon to super-size, giving it a boost in power for three turns. However, unlike Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves, Dynamaxing can only be used in certain locations---at this moment we know that this includes Gym Arenas, the underground area that "Max Raid Battles" take place in, and presumably it can also be enabled/disabled in PvP battles depending on the players' preference.
We don't quite know how big of a statistical boost the Pokemon receives when Dynamaxing, but it seems it's percentage based and effects HP---the official site seems to imply a 50% (rounded down) increase to Grookey's HP from 41 to 61. Presumably the other stats may receive a similar percentage boost.
Max Moves
Dynamax Pokemon have access to Max Moves. It appears that there are eighteen Max Moves, one for each Type---damaging moves of that Type are transformed into the corresponding Max Moves. The damage dealt appears to be based on the base power of the original moves---so a Max Overgrowth Solar Beam would be stronger than a Max Overgrowth Razor Leaf---and each of the Max Moves also have an additional effect. It also appears the PP of the Max Move is equal to that of the base move. So far we know:
* Max Strike (Normal): Lowers opponent's Speed
* Max Overgrowth (Grass): Activates Grassy Terrain
* Max Flare (Fire): Activates Sunlight
* Max Geyser (Water): Activates Rain
* Max Airstream (Flying): Boosts user's Speed
* Max Knuckle (Fighting): Unknown.
* Max Rockfall (Rock): Activates Sandstorm
* Max Starfall (Fairy): Activates Misty Terrain
* Max Darkness (Dark): Lowers the opponent's Special Defense
* Max Lightning (Electric): Activates Electric Terrain
* Max Steelspike (Steel): Boost user's Defense
It also appears that currently all status moves regardless of Type become Max Guard, which functions as Protect.
Which Pokemon can Dynamax?
So far it appears that ANY Pokemon can Dynamax, regardless of evolutionary level. The only prerequisite seems to be based on simply being in a Dynamax-allowed location, and having the Dynamax Band, which it seems will be granted to the player in-game after around two hours of progress according to the official site. It remains to be seen how certain gimmicky Pokemon will interact with Dynamaxing, such as Ditto or other Pokemon capable of changing form mid-battle based on different circumstances.
What is the Dynamax Level?
An unknown stat seen on the Status Screen, "Dynamax Level", which appears to be ten transparent bars that will apparently fill up through a yet unknown means.
What is Gigantamax?
While every Pokemon can Dynamax, some species of Pokemon can go further beyond---Gigantamax! This grants them a new, unique appearance alongside a power boost---though we don't know if the power boost is more than a regular Dynamax Pokemon---and access to a unique G-Max Move. It seems that they retain the same Ability unlike Mega Pokemon.
Which Pokemon have Gigantamax Forms?
So far we have confirmation that Drednaw, Corviknight, and Alcremie have Gigantamax Forms.
Furthermore, a reliable leak that first mentioned the Gigantamax mechanic also mentioned that Pikachu, Meowth, and Lapras would be getting Gigantamax Forms. This suggests that Gigantamax might not be limited to fully-evolved Pokemon, though as Pikachu and Meowth are popular mascot Pokemon they may be the exception to the norm. It's worth noting the leak did not mention the Generation VIII Gigantamax Pokemon, so I assume that at this point any Generation of Pokemon could possibly receive a Gigantamax Form. Does this include Pokemon that previously Mega Evolved? Considering there's a lot of evidence pointing to Leon using a Gigantamax Charizard, possibly, though once more as a mascot Pokemon Charizard may break the normal rules.
How do you Gigantamax?
The official site implies that not every individual of a Pokemon species can Gigantamax, with only "special" Drednaw for example being able to go beyond the normal Dynamax. So far it seems you'll have to catch a Gigantamax Pokemon through special Max Raids, though perhaps it may be possible to eventually train a Pokemon to be capable of Gigantamaxing. This may be one of the functions of the Dynamax Level bar.
It also appears that there's a secondary band---gold---that can be seen on the protagonist's arm on official art above the Dynamax Band, perhaps implying an addition item may be needed first in the story before Gigantamax becomes accessible.
G-Max Moves
Gigantamax Pokemon have unique G-Max Moves. We don't know how these work exactly, but every Gigantamax Pokemon appears to have a unique one that corresponds to a move Type. We don't know which moves qualify for the G-Max Move---can you use a status move for instance?---or how damage is calculated. We also don't know if G-Max Moves can be used over-and-over like regular Max Moves, or if they're limited to one use. Do they override the corresponding Max Move? So far we know three...
* Drednaw's G-Max Stonesurge (Water): Damage plus sets up Stealth Rock
* Corviknight's G-Max Wind Rage (Flying): Damage plus removes terrains, entry hazards, barriers, and other field objects
* Alcremie's G-Max Finale (Fairy): Damage plus heals every Pokemon on the user's field
What is the lore behind Dynamax and Gigantamax?
So far we don't quite know why or how Dynamax and Gigantamax is limited to Galar, but it appears that Professor Magnolia and her granddaughter Sonia are studying the phenomenon while Chairman Rose seems to have somehow "channeled" the power of Dynamax to use in the Pokemon Gyms.
One thing that we can probably guess is the mysterious "giant Pokemon" seen decorated on a hillside near that player's town is probably an ancient drawing of the Dynamax phenomenon, and the idea of Dynamax only being possible in certain areas may connect to the pseudo-scientific idea of "ley lines", that areas of major importance across the world are purposefully aligned in a sort of "spiritual/energy" sense. This idea notably was discussed most prominently in regards to Britain, so the idea sneaking its way into Galar is a logical assumption.
This thread is to discuss the mechanical and competitive implications of the new mechanics, discuss which Pokemon may, or you'd want, to see receive a Gigantamax Form, and talk about how Dynamax/Gigantamax may play into the plot of Sword and Shield. While I can't fully control the conversation, I'd like to see this thread maybe avoid talking about the Pokemon Home issue since we have plenty of threads discussing that and it doesn't really effect the mechanic within Sword and Shield.
Minor spoilers, a leak that first mentioned Gigantamax also mentioned three Pokemon who would receive the forms which I've mentioned here. From this point on excluding those three, let's spoiler-tag Gigantamax Pokemon that are revealed via leaks or unofficial sources. Any information on Dynamax or Gigantamax from an official source does not need to be spoiler-tagged.
What is Dynamax?
Dynamax is a new mechanic introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Utilizing the power of the Dynamax Band, once per battle you can Dynamax one of your Pokemon to super-size, giving it a boost in power for three turns. However, unlike Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves, Dynamaxing can only be used in certain locations---at this moment we know that this includes Gym Arenas, the underground area that "Max Raid Battles" take place in, and presumably it can also be enabled/disabled in PvP battles depending on the players' preference.
We don't quite know how big of a statistical boost the Pokemon receives when Dynamaxing, but it seems it's percentage based and effects HP---the official site seems to imply a 50% (rounded down) increase to Grookey's HP from 41 to 61. Presumably the other stats may receive a similar percentage boost.
Max Moves
Dynamax Pokemon have access to Max Moves. It appears that there are eighteen Max Moves, one for each Type---damaging moves of that Type are transformed into the corresponding Max Moves. The damage dealt appears to be based on the base power of the original moves---so a Max Overgrowth Solar Beam would be stronger than a Max Overgrowth Razor Leaf---and each of the Max Moves also have an additional effect. It also appears the PP of the Max Move is equal to that of the base move. So far we know:
* Max Strike (Normal): Lowers opponent's Speed
* Max Overgrowth (Grass): Activates Grassy Terrain
* Max Flare (Fire): Activates Sunlight
* Max Geyser (Water): Activates Rain
* Max Airstream (Flying): Boosts user's Speed
* Max Knuckle (Fighting): Unknown.
* Max Rockfall (Rock): Activates Sandstorm
* Max Starfall (Fairy): Activates Misty Terrain
* Max Darkness (Dark): Lowers the opponent's Special Defense
* Max Lightning (Electric): Activates Electric Terrain
* Max Steelspike (Steel): Boost user's Defense
It also appears that currently all status moves regardless of Type become Max Guard, which functions as Protect.
Which Pokemon can Dynamax?
So far it appears that ANY Pokemon can Dynamax, regardless of evolutionary level. The only prerequisite seems to be based on simply being in a Dynamax-allowed location, and having the Dynamax Band, which it seems will be granted to the player in-game after around two hours of progress according to the official site. It remains to be seen how certain gimmicky Pokemon will interact with Dynamaxing, such as Ditto or other Pokemon capable of changing form mid-battle based on different circumstances.
What is the Dynamax Level?
An unknown stat seen on the Status Screen, "Dynamax Level", which appears to be ten transparent bars that will apparently fill up through a yet unknown means.
What is Gigantamax?
While every Pokemon can Dynamax, some species of Pokemon can go further beyond---Gigantamax! This grants them a new, unique appearance alongside a power boost---though we don't know if the power boost is more than a regular Dynamax Pokemon---and access to a unique G-Max Move. It seems that they retain the same Ability unlike Mega Pokemon.
Which Pokemon have Gigantamax Forms?
So far we have confirmation that Drednaw, Corviknight, and Alcremie have Gigantamax Forms.
Furthermore, a reliable leak that first mentioned the Gigantamax mechanic also mentioned that Pikachu, Meowth, and Lapras would be getting Gigantamax Forms. This suggests that Gigantamax might not be limited to fully-evolved Pokemon, though as Pikachu and Meowth are popular mascot Pokemon they may be the exception to the norm. It's worth noting the leak did not mention the Generation VIII Gigantamax Pokemon, so I assume that at this point any Generation of Pokemon could possibly receive a Gigantamax Form. Does this include Pokemon that previously Mega Evolved? Considering there's a lot of evidence pointing to Leon using a Gigantamax Charizard, possibly, though once more as a mascot Pokemon Charizard may break the normal rules.
How do you Gigantamax?
The official site implies that not every individual of a Pokemon species can Gigantamax, with only "special" Drednaw for example being able to go beyond the normal Dynamax. So far it seems you'll have to catch a Gigantamax Pokemon through special Max Raids, though perhaps it may be possible to eventually train a Pokemon to be capable of Gigantamaxing. This may be one of the functions of the Dynamax Level bar.
It also appears that there's a secondary band---gold---that can be seen on the protagonist's arm on official art above the Dynamax Band, perhaps implying an addition item may be needed first in the story before Gigantamax becomes accessible.
G-Max Moves
Gigantamax Pokemon have unique G-Max Moves. We don't know how these work exactly, but every Gigantamax Pokemon appears to have a unique one that corresponds to a move Type. We don't know which moves qualify for the G-Max Move---can you use a status move for instance?---or how damage is calculated. We also don't know if G-Max Moves can be used over-and-over like regular Max Moves, or if they're limited to one use. Do they override the corresponding Max Move? So far we know three...
* Drednaw's G-Max Stonesurge (Water): Damage plus sets up Stealth Rock
* Corviknight's G-Max Wind Rage (Flying): Damage plus removes terrains, entry hazards, barriers, and other field objects
* Alcremie's G-Max Finale (Fairy): Damage plus heals every Pokemon on the user's field
What is the lore behind Dynamax and Gigantamax?
So far we don't quite know why or how Dynamax and Gigantamax is limited to Galar, but it appears that Professor Magnolia and her granddaughter Sonia are studying the phenomenon while Chairman Rose seems to have somehow "channeled" the power of Dynamax to use in the Pokemon Gyms.
One thing that we can probably guess is the mysterious "giant Pokemon" seen decorated on a hillside near that player's town is probably an ancient drawing of the Dynamax phenomenon, and the idea of Dynamax only being possible in certain areas may connect to the pseudo-scientific idea of "ley lines", that areas of major importance across the world are purposefully aligned in a sort of "spiritual/energy" sense. This idea notably was discussed most prominently in regards to Britain, so the idea sneaking its way into Galar is a logical assumption.
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