Pokemon GO: Gigantamax Charizard Weaknesses and Best Counters

The world of Pokémon GO is about to witness one of its biggest challenges yet with the introduction of Gigantamax Charizard in Max Raid Battles. As one of the first Gigantamax Raid Bosses to appear in the game, Gigantamax Charizard promises to be a formidable opponent, requiring skilled Trainers to team up and bring their best Pokémon to the battlefield. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from Gigantamax Charizard’s weaknesses to the best counters you can use to defeat this fiery Raid Boss.

Understanding Gigantamax Charizard

Gigantamax Charizard is not just your average Fire-type Pokémon. As part of the special GO Bigger event, running from Saturday, October 26, at 10 AM local time until Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 8 PM, this massive Pokémon will appear in Power Spot raids. Alongside Gigantamax Venusaur and Blastoise, Charizard will be one of the main bosses during the event. But Gigantamax Charizard stands out as a serious threat, boasting supercharged attacks and sky-high CP that will challenge even the most experienced Trainers.

Important Note: To have a shot at defeating Gigantamax Charizard, you’ll need to team up with at least 10 Trainers. The larger the team, the better your odds of victory.

Gigantamax Charizard’s Type Breakdown

Before diving into battle, it’s crucial to understand Gigantamax Charizard’s elemental makeup and the types of moves that will be most effective. Gigantamax Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon, and this dual typing dictates its weaknesses and resistances.

Charizard’s Weaknesses:

• Rock-type: Deals 4x damage due to Charizard’s dual Fire/Flying type.
• Water-type: Deals 2x damage, making Water moves highly effective.
• Electric-type: Deals 2x damage and is a strong secondary choice.

Charizard’s Resistances:

Gigantamax Charizard is resistant to the following types, so avoid using Pokémon with these moves:

• Bug
• Fairy
• Grass
• Fighting
• Fire
• Ground
• Steel

By understanding these strengths and weaknesses, you can choose your Pokémon and movesets strategically to maximize your chances of victory.

Best Counters for Gigantamax Charizard

When it comes to facing off against Gigantamax Charizard, Water-type Pokémon stand out as the most reliable counters. However, only certain Pokémon can compete in Gigantamax Raids, so your options are somewhat limited. Fortunately, there are still a few strong contenders that you can count on to deal significant damage.

1. Dynamax Blastoise

Blastoise is easily one of the best options to counter Gigantamax Charizard. As a Water-type Pokémon, it resists Charizard’s Fire-based attacks and can unleash powerful water moves to exploit Charizard’s weakness.

Recommended Moveset:

• Water Gun (Fast Attack)
• Hydro Cannon (Charged Attack)
• Max Geyser (Max Move)

Blastoise’s bulk and resistance to Fire-type moves allow it to stay in the fight longer, making it a solid anchor for your team.

2. Dynamax Inteleon

Inteleon, a Water-type starter from Generation VIII, is another excellent option. Its Water-based Fast and Charged Attacks can target Charizard’s weaknesses effectively.

Recommended Moveset:

• Water Gun (Fast Attack)
• Surf (Charged Attack)
• Max Geyser (Max Move)

Inteleon is less tanky than Blastoise, but it makes up for it with high attack power, allowing you to dish out serious damage in a short time.

3. Dynamax Gengar

Although Gengar doesn’t have the direct type advantage that Blastoise and Inteleon enjoy, it’s still a solid choice. Gengar’s Ghost-type attacks can provide decent damage, and it avoids having any type weaknesses to Charizard’s moveset.

Recommended Moveset:

• Shadow Claw (Fast Attack)
• Sludge Bomb (Charged Attack)

Gengar’s advantage lies in its immunity to Psychic-type moves and its speed, which allows it to deal damage quickly while dodging some of Charizard’s powerful Charged Attacks.

How to Join a Gigantamax Charizard Raid

Participating in a Gigantamax Charizard raid requires a few preparations. These battles will take place during the GO Bigger event from October 26-27, 2024, at specific Power Spots scattered across the map.

Step-by-Step Guide to Entering a Raid:

1. Find a Power Spot: These are special locations on the map separate from PokéStops and Gyms. You can find them by tapping the ‘Nearby’ button on your game screen and navigating to the Power Spot tab.
2. Save Max Particles (MP): To enter a Gigantamax raid, you’ll need 800 Max Particles (MP). This resource can be collected by visiting Power Spots or walking 3km to collect 300 MP.
3. Gather Your Team: You’ll need at least 10 Trainers to take on Gigantamax Charizard, with the raid battle supporting up to 40 players. Make sure to check the Campfire app for meetups and coordinate with other local Trainers.
4. Prepare for Battle: Once you have enough MP, select the raid and join forces with other Trainers. Aim to use your strongest Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon with high CP to maximize your chances of success.

Battle Strategies for Gigantamax Charizard

Taking down a Raid Boss as powerful as Gigantamax Charizard isn’t easy, but with the right strategy and team coordination, victory is within reach. Here are a few tips to improve your odds of success:

1. Lead with a Water-type Pokémon

Water-type Pokémon are the key to taking down Charizard. Start the battle with a Dynamax Blastoise or Dynamax Inteleon to deal consistent Water damage while resisting Charizard’s Fire-based attacks.

2. Dodge Charged Attacks

Charizard’s Charged Attacks, like Fire Blast and Overheat, can deal heavy damage if not dodged. Keep an eye out for incoming attacks and swipe to dodge to minimize damage to your team.

3. Use Max Moves Wisely

When you Dynamax your Pokémon, prioritize using Max Geyser, Max Lightning, or Max Rockfall (if available). These Max Moves are super-effective against Charizard and can turn the tide of the battle in your favour.

4. Coordinate with Your Team

Communication is key in large raids. Make sure everyone on your team knows to bring their strongest counters, and coordinate Max Move usage to avoid overlap and maximize damage output.

What to Do After Defeating Gigantamax Charizard

Once you’ve successfully defeated Gigantamax Charizard, the challenge isn’t over yet. You’ll get the chance to catch Gigantamax Charizard, but it’s not a guaranteed catch. Make sure to use Golden Razz Berries and aim for Excellent Curveball Throws to increase your chances of success.

Charizard CP Ranges:

• Non-boosted CP: 1,574 – 1,651 (Level 20, IV range of 10/10/10 to 15/15/15)
• Weather-boosted CP (Sunny/Windy): 1,968 – 2,064 (Level 25, IV range of 10/10/10 to 15/15/15)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Gigantamax Charizard Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?

Yes, there is a chance to encounter a Shiny Gigantamax Charizard after defeating it in a Max Raid Battle. The shiny rate is approximately 1 in 128, making it a rare but possible encounter.

2. How Many Trainers Are Needed to Defeat Gigantamax Charizard?

Niantic recommends at least 10 Trainers to take on Gigantamax Charizard, with a maximum of 40 allowed. The more Trainers you have, the better your chances of winning.

3. What Are the Best Moves to Use Against Gigantamax Charizard?

The best moves are Water-type attacks like Max Geyser or Hydro Cannon. If you have access to Electric or Rock-type moves, such as Max Lightning or Max Rockfall, these can also deal significant damage.

Key Takeaways

1. Gigantamax Charizard is weak to Water, Rock, and Electric-type moves, making Water-type Pokémon like Blastoise and Inteleon your best options.
2. Raid Battles require coordination gather a strong team of at least 10 Trainers and make sure to communicate strategies.
3. Shiny Gigantamax Charizard is available as a rare encounter, so keep trying if you’re after that prized shiny!