Get ready to transform your Pokémon GO experience—literally! Imagine your favorite Pokémon growing to colossal sizes, unleashing powerful moves, and dominating battles like never before. This is the magic of Dynamax and Gigantamax, a game-changing mechanic introduced during the Season of Max Out (September 3rd to December 3rd, 2024). But here’s where it gets controversial: while these features were inspired by Pokémon Sword and Shield (Generation VIII), their integration into Pokémon GO has sparked debates about how they differ from the original games. Let’s dive in!
During the Season of Max Out, Pokémon GO players were introduced to Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon—creatures that transform into giant versions of themselves or entirely new, larger-than-life forms. These Pokémon can use Max Moves (or G-Max Moves for Gigantamax forms), which are powerful attacks based on their type. Alongside this, Max Raid Battles made their debut, allowing up to four Trainers to challenge a Dynamax Pokémon. Fun fact: These battles were actually inspired by Pokémon GO’s Raids, even though they were designed before the game’s launch. Talk about coming full circle!
But here’s the twist: Pokémon GO’s version of Dynamax and Gigantamax works a bit differently. To catch these giants, Trainers must defeat them in Max Battles, a new type of Raid found only at Power Spots (not Gyms). And this is the part most people miss: You’ll need up to three Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon of your own to challenge them! Don’t worry—your first Dynamax Pokémon is gifted through the To the Max Special Research, a free quest available during the Season of Max Out. For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive guide on Max Battles, Power Spots, and more.
Now, let’s talk Max Mondays, the weekly event that’s got everyone buzzing. Launched on November 11th, 2024, this one-hour event (similar to Spotlight Hour and Raid Hour) gives Trainers a chance to team up and tackle Max Battles at Power Spots. Niantic announced it in late October, alongside other November events, and shared details on the official Pokémon GO blog. The idea? Make it easier for Trainers to coordinate and even create a “Max Battle Train” by visiting multiple Power Spots in the hour.
This week’s Max Mondays event takes place on Monday, February 9th, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The star of the show? Dynamax Growlithe, which will appear in Power Spots. And yes, shiny hunters, rejoice—Dynamax Growlithe can be shiny! However, Niantic hasn’t announced any active bonuses for this event, so don’t expect extra perks. Looking ahead, Dynamax Machop will take center stage next week.
Controversial question alert: Do you think Pokémon GO’s Dynamax mechanics improve the game, or do they stray too far from the original Sword and Shield experience? Let us know in the comments below!
For more tips and tricks, explore our Pokémon GO Max Mondays guides and other Pokémon GO resources. Written by Jennifer Burch, a Nintendo enthusiast who’s survived countless Mario Party battles and introduced her brothers to gaming oddities like Cubivore. Catch her with her N3DS always within reach!
