How to Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go

Dynamax Pokémon has been a long-awaited Pokémon Go feature. And with the Galar region Starters making their way to the mobile game in the Max Out season, it’s now possible for you to get Dynamax Pokémon.

There’s a specific way you have to go about unlocking Dynamax Pokémon, though. Not every Pokémon you catch or have in your collection can Dynamax in Pokémon Go, and it can be confusing to know what blocks this feature. Even if you have Pokémon who can Dynamax, there are a few steps you have to do before this can happen. Here’s what you need to know about how to Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go for the Max Out season.

How to unlock Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go

The only way to Dynamax one of your Pokémon is to engage in a Dynamax Battle at a Power Spot. Power Spots are similar to PokéStops, as they are interactable locations where you can earn a particular resource known as Max Particles. You can earn Max Particles by interacting with Power Spots or purchasing them from the Pokémon Go store.

When you get enough Max Particles, you can challenge Dynamax Pokémon, protecting the Power Spot location and using your Pokémon in the battle. The only Pokémon you can use during a Dynamax Battle are the ones that can also Dynamax in Pokémon Go, and not every choice can undergo this transformation.

A Dynamax Battle in Pokémon Go involves you and three other players attempting to defeat a Pokémon in its Dynamax form. You and your team will accumulate energy by attacking or collecting it on the field during the battle. After you generate enough, all Pokémon in the lobby can complete their Dynamax transformations. This form lasts for three turns, and you can use three moves during this battle: Max Attack, Max Spirit, or Max Guard. After the three turns have concluded, your Pokémon return to their regular forms.

If you complete the battle against the Dynamax Pokémon, you can choose to station the Pokémon you used in the battle at the Power Spot. Any Pokémon left at a Power Spot generates Candy for you based on the other trainers they help who visit that location. When a Power Spot’s timer ends in Pokémon Go, the location disappears, and your Pokémon return to you.

Can you use Dynamax Pokémon outside of Dynamax Battles?

Outside of Dynamax Battles, a Pokémon cannot use their Dynamax form, such as if you were to take them to raids or battles against Team Rocket. This is because the Dynamax Form is unavailable outside of a Power Spot and can’t be used elsewhere. It’s slightly different from the Mega Evolutions introduced to Pokémon Go where you can bring Mega Evolved Pokémon to raids or have them as your buddies for passive bonuses during events.

If you want to use a Dynamax Pokémon, earn Max Particles from playing Pokémon Go and track down a Power Spot to complete with a few friends.