Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey: Mastering the Ultimate Dynamax Adventure

The Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey is one of the most exciting additions to the mobile game in recent memory, blending the massive popularity of Gigantamax forms from the Pokémon Sword and Shield console games into Niantic's augmented reality experience. Whether you’re a longtime trainer or just diving into the world of Dynamax, this guide will take you through everything you need to know—from choosing your first Gigantamax partner to defeating titanic raid bosses like Gigantamax Butterfree.

Let’s embark on this transformative journey and discover what makes the Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey a can’t-miss event!

What Is the Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey?

The Gigantamax Journey is a limited-time event in Pokémon Go that introduces exclusive Timed Research, battles, and special encounters centered around Gigantamax Pokémon—massive, alternate forms of select Pokémon that boast increased stats, exclusive G-Max moves, and imposing designs.

Through a special promo code (GOFESTMAX), players unlock access to the Gigantamax Journey questline, which allows them to choose one of the three Galar region starters—Rillaboom (Grass), Cinderace (Fire), or Inteleon (Water)—each in its Gigantamax form. The event celebrates the integration of Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, providing new challenges and rewards.

Choosing Your Partner: Rillaboom, Cinderace, or Inteleon?

At the heart of the Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey is a major decision: which Galarian starter will accompany you? Each has its unique strengths, making this a tactical choice for both casual collectors and competitive battlers.

🥁 Gigantamax Rillaboom

• Type: Grass

• Signature Move: G-Max Drum Solo

• Strengths: High stamina and bulk, useful in Max Battles and against Water-type bosses.

• When to choose: If you lack a strong Grass-type attacker or need coverage against Water or Ground-types.

🔥 Gigantamax Cinderace

• Type: Fire

• Signature Move: G-Max Fireball

• Stats: Max CP 3412, ATK 238, DEF 163, STA 190

• Strengths: Quick and powerful with Fire Spin and G-Max Fireball, ideal against Bug, Steel, and Grass-types.

• When to choose: If you’re missing a Fire-type powerhouse or need a reliable raid attacker.

💧 Gigantamax Inteleon

• Type: Water

• Signature Move: G-Max Hydrosnipe

• Strengths: Highest attack stat among all Gigantamax Pokémon, hits hard but lacks survivability.

• When to choose: If you want raw firepower or lack strong Water-type Pokémon.

All three are the top Gigantamax options for their typing in the current meta, though they may not outperform Mega Evolutions in all scenarios. Choose based on your team needs or simply your favorite!

Max Battles and Power Spots Explained

To engage in battles with Gigantamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go, you need to locate Power Spots—special locations where Dynamax and Gigantamax battles occur. Each Power Spot can only be interacted with once per day, and participation requires 800 Max Particles, which are collected through gameplay or rewards.

Max Battles are more complex than traditional raids. A team of up to four players must cooperate in real-time. Here’s how to prepare:

Requirements:

1. 800 Max Particles to initiate a Max Battle

2. A team of friends or a Remote Raid Pass

3. Knowledge of your opponent’s weaknesses and counters

In remote mode, if you lose the battle, your Raid Pass is consumed—even if you fail. Therefore, preparation is critical.

Battling Gigantamax Butterfree

One of the highlights of the Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey is the chance to face Gigantamax Butterfree—a towering, storm-summoning Bug/Flying-type Pokémon.

Key Details:

• Typing: Bug/Flying

• Double Weakness: Rock

• Single Weakness: Electric, Fire, Ice, Flying

• Resistances: Bug, Fighting (double), Grass (double), Ground

Top Counters:

• Gigantamax Cinderace (Fire Spin + G-Max Fireball)

• Gigantamax Charizard

• Gigantamax Toxtricity

• Dynamax Rampardos (Rock Slide)

• Mega Aerodactyl (for Rock-type damage)

For an efficient team of four:

• Two attackers: Gigantamax Cinderace

• One defender: Crowned Shield Zamazenta or Dynamax Blissey

• One healer: Dynamax Lapras or Gigantamax Lapras

Rewards for Victory:

• 25,000 Stardust

• 25,000 XP

• 30 Butterfree Candy

• 1 Butterfree Candy XL

• 1 Rare Candy XL

• 10 Premier Balls

Pro tip: Use a Lucky Egg and Star Piece before the battle to double your XP and Stardust rewards.

Gigantamax Journey Research Tasks

The Gigantamax Journey Timed Research has five steps. These steps vary slightly depending on the partner Pokémon you choose but include actions like:

1. Collecting Max Particles

2. Feeding your buddy for 7 days

3. Winning a Max Battle

4. Unlocking a Max Move

5. Final challenge and reward

Each step brings you closer to Gigantamax mastery while granting Stardust, XP, and Max Particles.

Is Gigantamax Butterfree Worth It?

In terms of meta relevance, Gigantamax Butterfree is more of a collectible than a competitive powerhouse. While its G-Max Befuddle move can confuse and poison opponents, other Bug-types like Volcarona or Scizor outperform it in raw damage.

However, it’s still worth catching for Pokédex completion, future Max Battle utility, and nostalgia. Bonus: it has a Shiny version! While subtle, Shiny Gigantamax Butterfree can be identified by its green eyes and pink accents.

What Makes the Gigantamax Journey Special?

The Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of collaboration, nostalgia, and discovery. For fans of the mainline games, this is a thrilling fusion of console and mobile experiences. For newcomers, it’s a chance to catch some of the rarest and most visually striking forms in the franchise.

It also signals Niantic’s commitment to deepening gameplay mechanics in Pokémon Go. With Gigantamax forms joining Mega Evolutions and Shadow Pokémon, the variety of strategies, teams, and battles is broader than ever.

What’s Next for Gigantamax in Pokémon Go?

As of July 2025, only 12 of the 32 known Gigantamax forms are available in Pokémon Go. That means more are on the way, including fan favorites like:

• Gigantamax Gengar

• Gigantamax Snorlax

• Gigantamax Venusaur

• Gigantamax Urshifu (Single and Rapid Strike)

Whether these forms are released through future Gigantamax Journeys or special events remains to be seen. But if this first wave is any indication, the future of Dynamaxing in Pokémon Go is very bright—and very big.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet embarked on the Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey, now’s the time! With powerful new forms, challenging raids like Gigantamax Butterfree, and special Timed Research to guide your path, this event offers everything a dedicated trainer could want.

Choose your partner wisely, strategize for Max Battles, and don’t forget to enjoy the thrill of seeing your Pokémon grow to towering heights in epic showdowns. From collecting Max Particles to scoring exclusive G-Max moves, the Pokémon Go Gigantamax Journey is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

Gotta Max ‘Em All!