As a 6-Star Raid boss making its debut in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler poses a formidable challenge. Trainers must assemble a well-equipped raid party with the perfect movesets to exploit its only two weaknesses during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time. As the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, this giant Krabby evolution will demand a strategic approach to be defeated successfully.
Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO
Being a pure Water-type like its base form, Gigantamax Kingler in *Pokemon GO* has vulnerabilities only to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which deal 160% super-effective damage. Conversely, it's resistant to Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, with these types only inflicting 39% damage. Avoid using these types of attacks to maximize your effectiveness in battle.
Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO
Image via Niantic/The Pokemon Company
To successfully take down Gigantamax Kingler, Trainers should focus on Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters such as **Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos**. Keep in mind that only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokémon can be used in these battles, limiting your options but still leaving you with a variety of effective choices:
| **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 Pokémon 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, can pose a threat to pure Grass-types. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing neutralizes the impact of X-Scissor. Similarly, Zapdos' Flying typing negates the Ground-type Mud Shot's effectiveness.
Prioritize counters that benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) for maximum efficiency. However, Pokémon like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, which can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves despite not matching their types, serve as excellent backups since they're only susceptible to neutral damage from Gigantamax Kingler's attacks. If super-effective counters are scarce, neutral tanks such as Blastoise or Lapras can be used as robust 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. After defeating Gigantamax Kingler, there's a chance to encounter a Shiny version with an alternative color. Although the exact odds haven't been confirmed, they are believed to be 1 in 20, similar to those of 5-Star Raid bosses.
Don't Forget Max Mushrooms
If you find yourself struggling against Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. These items double the damage output of your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon for 30 seconds, though they are costly at 400 PokeCoins each. When used strategically, Max Mushrooms can significantly enhance your raid party's performance.
Now armed with the knowledge of how to defeat Gigantamax Kingler using the best counters during its Max Battle Day, don't miss out on other events happening in *Pokemon GO* throughout February. Check out the event schedule to stay updated on all the exciting activities in the game.
