As a formidable 6-Star Raid boss making its debut in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler challenges Trainers to assemble a robust 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. This giant evolution of Krabby, the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, demands precise counters to exploit its vulnerabilities effectively.
Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO
As a pure Water-type in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler shares the same type as its base form, making it only susceptible to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which deal 160% super-effective damage. Conversely, Kingler is resistant to Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, which only deal 39% damage. Trainers should avoid using these types of moves to maximize their effectiveness in battle.
Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO
| 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 |
| Crygonal | Ice | Frost Breath | Solar Beam |
While other Grass-type counters like Rillaboom are viable, Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset, including Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type X-Scissor, complicates matters. X-Scissor is super-effective against pure Grass-types, but Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing neutralizes this threat. Similarly, Zapdos' Flying type provides resistance against Ground-type moves like Mud Shot, which would otherwise be devastating to Electric-type Pokemon like Toxitricity.
Prioritizing counters with moves that benefit from the 20% Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) is ideal. However, non-matching types like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, which can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves, serve as excellent backups since they take only neutral damage from Kingler's attacks. In a pinch, neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras can also be used as sturdy defenders.
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 confirmed by the game's announcement for its Max Battle Day event. Defeating Gigantamax Kingler offers a chance to encounter and catch a Shiny version with an alternative color palette. While the exact odds haven't been confirmed, it's speculated to be around 1 in 20, similar to 5-Star Raid bosses.
Don't Forget Max Mushrooms
For Trainers struggling against Gigantamax Kingler, *Pokemon GO* offers Max Mushrooms for purchase. These items double the damage dealt by Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon for 30 seconds, though they come at a steep price of 400 PokeCoins each. Using Max Mushrooms can significantly boost your raid party's performance and potentially turn the battle in your favor.
Now equipped with the knowledge of how to defeat Gigantamax Kingler with the best counters during its Max Battle Day, be sure to check out the *Pokemon GO* event schedule to stay updated on other exciting events happening throughout February.
