In Pokémon Go, Dynamax is a feature where your Pokémon grows to enormous size temporarily during battles. This mechanic, introduced in the Pokémon Sword and Shield games, allows your Pokémon to become so large that clouds appear around their heads. There are numerous Dynamax Pokémon to collect in Pokémon Go, with more expected to be added soon.

The initial release of Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go included Dynamax Wooloo and Skwovet, introduced as part of the ‘To the Max!’ quest on September 4, 2024. On September 10, 2024, the arrival of Max Battles brought Dynamax versions of the Gen 1 starter Pokémon. Going forward, additional Dynamax Pokémon are set to be introduced.

It’s essential to understand all aspects of Dynamax in Pokémon Go, including how to activate it, how to obtain Dynamax Pokémon, and how Max Moves work.

First, how to activate Dynamax in Pokémon Go: You must engage in a Max Battle. Each Fast and Charged Attack you perform during these battles accumulates energy in the Max Meter at the bottom of the screen. You can also gain additional energy by moving your Pokémon during the battle. Once the Max Meter is full, you can select a Pokémon to Dynamax for three turns. As long as the Pokémon hasn’t fainted, it can grow to giant size, allowing you to switch to a Pokémon better suited for the Power Spot Boss you’re facing.

A Dynamax Pokémon remains in its enlarged form for three turns, each turn marked by the use of a Max Move. Every Dynamax Pokémon possesses three moves, with the attack move determined by the Pokémon’s type. The other two moves must be unlocked. The Dynamax Pokémon will automatically use its attack Max Move after a brief countdown unless you choose another option. After three moves, the Pokémon returns to its normal size, and you must refill the Max Meter to activate Dynamax again.

Obtaining Dynamax Pokémon primarily involves defeating them in Max Battles and successfully capturing them. Like raids, you receive Premier Balls after defeating a Power Spot Boss. For example, defeating a one-star boss grants you 10 Premier Balls, which can be increased by spending Poké Coin. Ensure you capture the Dynamax Pokémon while you have balls available, as missing the opportunity means you need to participate in another Max Battle. Shiny Dynamax Pokémon may occasionally appear as rewards from Max Battles.

Currently, there are two alternative methods to obtain Dynamax Pokémon. First, completing the ‘To the Max!’ research quest rewards encounters with Dynamax Wooloo and Skwovet. Second, collecting 100 Max Particles may earn a Dynamax Wooloo encounter, though reports suggest this feature might be bugged. To increase success chances, aim to collect over 1,000 Max Particles. Additionally, Dynamax Pokémon may spawn around Power Spots, though specifics of this mechanic are still unclear.

Notably, Dynamax Pokémon can be evolved and traded. This opens the possibility of obtaining a Lucky Dynamax Pokémon through trading.