Issues Reported: Players Encounter Problems with Pokemon GO Gigantamax Release

The introduction of Gigantamax in Pokémon GO has been marred by numerous challenges, as players across the globe have reported various issues. These complications range from technical glitches to game mechanics that have made the new feature less enjoyable for many trainers.

From the very beginning, players have found the battles exceedingly difficult, even when participating in large groups. Reddit users u/Samhulk99, u/nathangome4, and u/PrincessReddit007 have voiced their frustrations within the Pokémon GO and The Silph Road communities, recounting their unwelcome experiences during the launch of Gigantamax.

This article aims to outline some of the challenges players have encountered with the Pokémon GO Gigantamax feature, so you can enter these Max Battles primed for the possibilities that lie ahead.

Gigantamax Battles in Pokémon GO: The Most Daunting Challenges Yet

According to u/Samhulk99, they participated in a Gigantamax Blastoise battle alongside 32 other players, yet the team could not make any significant impact on the Power Spot boss’ health points. They commented further, saying, “I tried again with 40 people, and we didn’t even manage to get it to half.”

The aftermath of a 32-person raid by u/Samhulk99 in pokemongo

User u/BlankDragon294 added:

“If they had similar mons as OP, not surprising.”

This remark refers to the Dynamax Gastly depicted in a shared image. Nevertheless, u/Samhulk99 clarified that they also brought a “high CP Venusaur and Rillaboom”to the battle.

It seems that participating successfully in Gigantamax battles in Pokémon GO may be nearly unattainable unless you assemble a full team of optimized counters leveled up to 40. This implies that extensive preparation is necessary before engaging in these matches.

High Player Count Doesn’t Guarantee Victory in Gigantamax Battles

Heads up to the rest of the world… 👎 Gigantamax 👎 by u/PrincessReddit007 in pokemongo

In another post, u/PrincessReddit007 described the disheartening reality of participating in Gigantamax battles. Despite having a team of 29 players who prepared thoroughly by evolving and powering up their Dynamax Pokémon, they did not succeed in any of the three Gigantamax battles available.

Many players traveled considerable distances for this event, raising concerns about accessibility in Niantic’s Pokémon GO.

The game’s official guidelines recommend involving 10 to 40 players in these battles. Still, even teams nearing 30 individuals struggled to defeat formidable opponents like Gigantamax Charizard.

In comparison, high-tier raids such as Mega, 5-star, Elite, or Primal raids are typically manageable for groups of 15 or more, even without everyone wielding the best counters. This, however, does not apply to Gigantamax battles.

Communication Gaps in Pokémon GO’s Gigantamax Mechanics

The biggest problem with Gigantamax raids – Single target charge moves by u/nathangome4 in TheSilphRoad

One major challenge players face when tackling Gigantamax battles is the uncertainty about how these encounters function. According to u/nathangome4 from The Silph Road forum, the primary obstacles include the boss’s single-target Charged Moves.

Unlike traditional raids, where the battle mechanics are well understood, the nuances of Max Battles remain unclear. u/nathangome4 noted that the Power Spot boss features two Charged Attacks—one targeting the entire group and another that inflicts significant damage on a single player, potentially eliminating them within just a few hits.

Dodging these single-target moves can be effective, but the opportunity to do so is fleeting. Furthermore, the absence of a revival option during the matches means all players must bring dedicated healers utilizing Max Spirit. Effective communication, which was less critical in previous game mechanics, becomes vital in these Gigantamax encounters.

In summary, the collective feedback regarding the initial rollout of Gigantamax in Pokémon GO indicates that it may be overwhelming too soon. Transitioning from relatively easy tier one and three Max Battles to challenging tier six foes that can decimate teams of 30 with ease is a matter the developers need to address.

Source