Pokemon GO’s Max Out season has been a solid outing for fans of Gen 8, with Niantic introducing a variety of mons fromPokemon Sword and Shieldthat have been missing from the game thus far. Additionally, Gen 8’s Dynamax mechanic has introduced a new activity forPokemon GOplayers to participate in, continuing the game’s trend of adapting mechanics from the mainline series for the mobile title. However,Pokemon GO’s latest gameplay addition reveals the limits of group-based activities, especially with the game relying on real-world locations and player availability for participation.
As an extension of the Max Out season,Pokemon GOrecently debuted Gigantamax—or G-Max—critters, who gain a special form and access to powerful G-Max moves when Dynamaxed.Pokemon GO’s Go Bigger event saw the release of G-Max forms for Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, with Gengar also making its debut on October 31. However, manyPokemon GOplayers were unable to battle and catch these mons during the event due to the strict group size requirements for participating and successfully completing these Max Battles.
Pokemon GO’s Increasing Group Requirements for Raids Are Slipping Out of Reach
A huge part ofPokemon GO’s appeal is the way it encourages players to get out into their community, meet up with other players, and take on some of the game’s greatest challenges together. Longtime players might recall the early days of the game when it seemed like there was never a shortage ofPokemon GOplayers around at any given time, and finding others to team up with was as simple as hanging out by a nearbyPokemon Gym. The game functions best when these types of encounters are easy to come by, sincePokemon GOrewards players for grouping up and working together.
However, over eight years sincePokemon GO’s 2016 release, the player base is not as massive as it was in the early days of the game, though it still has a substantial base of dedicated players. Compounded with the fact that there is a wide gap in available content based on the player’s real-world location, with rural players often having far fewer PokeStops and Gyms to interact with compared to urban players, it can be a big ask to gather enough players to take on some ofPokemon GO’s toughest Raidsthese days outside of dedicated events like Pokemon GO Fest or the upcoming Wild Area event. As such, it’s surprising to see just how many players are required to even stand a chance at defeating a G-Max mon in a Max Battle.
G-Max Battles Push the Limit of What is Reasonable for Group Sizes in Pokemon GO
With the introduction of G-Max critters to Max Battles,Pokemon GOrequires a group of 10 to 40 playersto participate in these Raids, which is a massive leap in group size from other Raids. Depending on the Raid’s level, anywhere from one to 20 players can participate and complete a standard Raid inPokemon GO, with some of the higher-level Raids starting to become difficult to complete without a full group.Pokemon GO’s G-Max Battles nearly double the required amount of players needed for a successful raid, often requiring a full group of 40 for any chance at success.
Niantic has addressed this issue by offering moreStardust and an increased catch rate for G-Max Battlesas a way to entice more players to participate.
Gathering a group of 40 players can be difficult in any location, but it is especially discouraging for players in less-populated areas where finding a group to battle with is already difficult enough. Outside of livePokemon GOevents, G-Max Battles will likely be tough for the average player to complete, making them a bittersweet inclusion to the game. Hopefully, future gameplay additions take player density into consideration and will be more lenient with requirements for group battles.
WHERE TO PLAY
Now you can battle other Pokémon GO trainers online! Try the GO Battle League today. Join Trainers across the globe who are discovering Pokémon as they explore the world around them. Pokémon GO is the global gaming sensation that has been downloaded over 1 billion times and named “Best Mobile Game” by the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year” by TechCrunch
UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
