Get ready for an epic challenge in *Pokemon GO* as Gigantamax Kingler makes its debut as a 6-Star Raid boss. This formidable foe, the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, demands a well-prepared raid party to conquer it during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time.
Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO
As a pure Water-type, akin to its base form, Gigantamax Kingler is vulnerable only to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which deal a hefty 160% super-effective damage. On the flip side, Kingler resists Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, taking just 39% damage from them. Steer clear of these attack types to maximize your effectiveness in battle.
Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO
To emerge victorious against Gigantamax Kingler in *Pokemon GO*, you'll need to deploy Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters. Key contenders include **Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos**. Remember, only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokémon can participate in these Max Battles, narrowing your choices but still offering potent options:
| **Gigantamax Kingler Counter** | **Type** | **Fast Attack** | **Charged Attack** |
| Venusaur | Grass & Poison | Vine Whip | Frenzy Plant |
| Ivysaur | Grass & Poison | Vine Whip | Power Whip |
| Zapdos | Electric & Flying | Thunder Shock | Thunder |
| Greedent | Normal | Bullet Seed | Trailblaze |
| Dubwool | Normal | Tackle | Wild Charge |
| Cryogonal | Ice | Frost Breath | Solar Beam |
While other counters like the Grass-type Rillaboom are viable, be cautious as Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset includes Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type attack X-Scissor, which is super-effective against pure Grass-types. Thankfully, Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing neutralizes X-Scissor's impact.
Similarly, Zapdos, with its part-Flying typing, remains safe from the Ground-type Mud Shot, which would otherwise be devastating to Electric-and-Poison types like Toxitricity. Prioritize counters that can utilize moves of the same type for a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus). However, non-matching type Pokémon like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, capable of learning Grass- or Electric-type moves, serve as excellent backups, as they'll only take neutral damage from Kingler's attacks.
If you're low on super-effective counters, consider using neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras for their defensive prowess.
Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks
Can Gigantamax Kingler be Shiny?
Yes, Gigantamax Kingler can be Shiny in *Pokemon GO*, as announced in the game's Max Battle Day event post. Defeating it offers a chance to encounter and catch a Shiny variant, though the odds are believed to be around 1 in 20, akin to other 5-Star Raid bosses.
Don’t Forget Max Mushrooms
Struggling against Gigantamax Kingler? Consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. These will double the damage your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon deal for 30 seconds, though at a steep cost of 400 PokeCoins each. If used wisely, Max Mushrooms could be the game-changer you need.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to defeat Gigantamax Kingler using the best counters during its Max Battle Day, be sure to check out the *Pokemon GO* event schedule for more exciting activities throughout February.
