What is a Max Battle in Pokémon Go?

When getting new quests in Pokémon Go, Niantic is always releasing new terms and keywords throughout the game. One that might throw you for a loop is the term Max Battle, which does have to do with a specific activity in the mobile game.

Max Battles might not always be close to you, but they should be relatively easy to complete. They can appear in random spots and throughout your local area. You need to meet a few requirements, though, if you want to participate in a Max Battle and start one. Here’s what you need to know about Max Battles and how to find them in Pokémon Go.

How to find Max Battles in Pokémon Go

Max Battles are when you challenge a Dynamax Pokémon stationed at a Power Spot. These are large pillar-like structures you can find throughout your local area, and there should be a Dynamax Pokémon standing by them. Power Spots rotate throughout your local area, and they should have a timer when you hover over them to indicate how long they have until they disappear. You have enough time to defeat the Dynamax Pokémon and catch it in Pokémon Go.

You need to meet two requirements to challenge a Dynamax Pokémon to a Max Battle: Max Particles and a Dynamax Pokémon. The first Dynamax Pokémon you can get in Pokémon Go comes from working through the To The Max Special Research. All Pokémon Go players should receive this Special Research when they hit trainer level 14, allowing you to catch a Dynamax Wooloo.

Max Particles are the second requirement you need to get, but you can find these while playing Pokémon Go and exploring your local area. They appear when you get close to a Power Spot, and if you have yet to visit a specific Power Spot location on the same day, it should have Max Particles you can pick up.

Alternatively, if you passed by a Power Spot and missed the particles, they should appear in your Nearby menu on the bottom right of your screen. Click on the tab, move over to Power Spot, and see how many you acquired while walking around. It should also display how many more Max Particles you can get today in Pokémon Go.

After you have all the requirements, track down a Power Spot with a Dynamax Pokémon at it and attempt to defeat it. You and up to three other players can work together to defeat the Pokémon stationed there. Once you beat it, there’s a chance to catch the Pokémon to add it to your collection, and you can choose to station your Dynamax Pokémon there to help other players while playing Pokémon Go.