How Max Moves work in Pokémon Go

Max Moves are powerful attacks your Pokémon can use in Pokémon Go, but they can only use them in specific instances. They unlock when your Pokémon uses their Dynamax Form, and they aren’t up for long. You want to maximize Max Move attacks during these intense battles.

All Dynamax Pokémon have access to the same Max Move attacks, but there are key features you want to keep in mind. There are ways to make them stronger, and they all do unique things to aid your team in Pokémon Go. Knowing how they work and what you must do to strengthen them is crucial, especially if you want to defeat a Dynamax Pokémon. Here’s everything you need to know about how Max Moves work in Pokémon Go.

What to do with Max Moves in Pokémon Go

A Pokémon that can Dynamax can only use Max Moves during a Dynamax Battle in Pokémon Go. These take place at Power Spots, which are similar to PokéStops and Gyms, but they don’t have a set location and can appear anywhere.

When you activate a Power Spot with three other players, your Dynamax Pokémon face off against a Dynamax Pokémon protecting that location. When you and your teammates gather enough energy to unlock Dynamax, your Pokémon’s moves become their Max Moves, broken into three categories: Max Attack, Max Spirit, and Max Guard. You have to unlock Max Spirit and Max Guard on a Pokémon, and these require a set amount of Candies and Max Particles. You earn Max Particles by visiting Power Spots and exploring your local area.

The Max Moves your Pokémon can use are unique. The Max Attack is a powered-up version of your Pokémon’s fast move, and they use it to damage a Dynamax Pokémon. The Max Spirit move heals your entire team, giving them a better chance to withstand a Dynamax Battle. Finally, Max Guard protects your Pokémon, reducing the incoming damage of the next attack against them.

Max Moves begin at a starting power level in Pokémon Go, but you can increase the effectiveness of these attacks by enhancing them. You can enhance Max Moves by examining your Dynamax Pokémon and giving them Max Particles and Candies. The stronger you make these attacks, the more they assist your Pokémon during a Dynamax Battle, giving you a better chance of beating the more challenging encounters.

You should also coordinate with your team on which Max Moves to use during a Dynamax Battle. Not everyone should be using Max Spirit to heal each other—some players on your team should be healing while others attack the Dynamax Pokémon at the Power Spot to complete it. Teamwork is vital in Pokémon Go, and discussing the best Max Moves to use is critical, especially as you enhance them outside of combat using Max Particles.