Pokemon GOis finally showing Gen 8 some love by introducingPokemon Sword and Shield’s key Dynamax mechanic during its Max Out season. Along with the introduction of Dynamaxing,Pokemon GOplayers are also being treated to the addition of several mons originally from the Galar region that had yet to make their way into the game, including the Gen 8 starters – Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. Now,Pokemon GOis about to take the season to the next level with the announcement of the Go Bigger event that is set to introduce G-Max mons to the game.
Although very closely tied to the Dynamax mechanic, Gigantamax—or G-Max—critters were not available whenPokemon GO’s Max Out seasonbegan. However, from October 26-27, players will have the opportunity to find special G-Max mons appearing in six-star Max Battles. While this should help liven upPokemon GO’s current season, the creatures that will be featured during this event could have been more thematically appropriate.
Pokemon GO’s Go Bigger Event is Great, But Should Have Featured G-Max Gengar
Thesesix-star Max Battles versus Gigantamax monsare set to bePokemon GO’s greatest challenge yet. Players will likely need to team up in large groups in order to defeat these creatures, with groups of 10 to 40 players required to take down these oversized mons. However, given the effort needed to defeat and obtain these G-Max mons, Niantic could have made these battles more seasonally enticing by featuring the spooky G-Max Gengar as the debut Raid Boss for this mechanic.
G-Max Pokemon Featured in Pokemon GO’s Go Bigger Event
The first three G-Max mons that will be made available during the Go Bigger event are the iconicVenusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. While these mons are fitting for the introduction of the G-Max mechanic given that they are the widely recognizable Gen 1 starters, the timing of this event begs for a debut mon more appropriate for the Halloween season.Pokemon GOwill likely still be able to draw fans to participate in this event with Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise headlining, but it still feels like a missed opportunity when G-Max Gengar is available to represent the spooky season festivities.
G-Max Gengar Would Have Been the Perfect Way to Introduce the Mechanic for the Halloween Season
Out of all the G-Max mons available, there are few that represent the Halloween season quite as well as Gengar. Not only isGengar an iconic Gen 1 Ghost-type, but its G-Max form ups the creep factor by turning the creature into a giant, open-mouthed monstrosity reminiscent of an eerie carnival funhouse. Gengar is also notable for being the only Ghost-type to have G-Max form, making it all the more appropriate for an introduction this spooky season.
Other G-Max forms confirmed to be coming to the game via the latest trailer includeOrbeetle, Kingler, Alcremie, and Toxtricity, although it is unclear when these G-Max forms will debut.
Although the giant UFO-shaped G-Max Orbeetle could be a strong contender for another similarly spooky G-Max mon, Gengar has the luxury of being almost as iconic as the Gen 1 starters debuting the mechanic during the Go Bigger event. With the event running from October 26-27, it’s possible G-Max Gengar will be introduced during part 2 ofPokemon GO’s Halloween 2024 event the following week, but plans remain unclear. While this seasonally appropriate introduction is a missed opportunity to be sure, it shouldn’t detract from the overall excitement of G-Max forms finally coming toPokemon GOand the potential they hold for future themed events.
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
