Pokémon GO Max Battle Guide: Dynamax Cryogonal Strategies for Max Mondays

The latest Max Monday event in Pokémon GO introduces Cryogonal as a formidable icy opponent. Although this boss battle may not reach the difficulty level of 6-Star Raids featuring Gigantamax Pokémon, players should approach it with a well-prepared team to avoid being swiftly defeated. Failing to strategize could lead to a wasted investment of Max Particles, as an ill-suited team can result in a quick loss.

This marks the debut of Dynamax Cryogonal in Pokémon GO, coinciding with the Winter-themed Holiday Part 1 event. Not only can players find Cryogonal as a Three-Star Raid boss, but it’s also featured as a reward for completing various Field Research tasks. Upon catching a Cryogonal, players may find its high Defense stat makes it a viable choice for specific brawls in the future. While it may not compete with top-tier Master League teams, it can enhance your collection significantly.

Understanding Cryogonal’s Weaknesses & Resistances

Key Attack Types: Fire, Steel & More

Image by Ben Williams

Cryogonal is classified as a pure Ice-type Pokémon, which means it has four notable weaknesses: Fire, Fighting, Steel, and Rock-type attacks. In Pokémon GO, utilizing these types results in Cryogonal receiving 160% damage instead of the standard 100%. Implementing STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) can further amplify damage, providing a 20% boost when a Pokémon uses a move matching its own type.

During a Max Battle, participants may only use Pokémon capable of Dynamaxing or Gigantaxing, making the inclusion of STABs particularly critical. Thankfully, Cryogonal has fewer resistances compared to other bosses like Dynamax Charmander. If you select an optimal counter from the recommendations below, you should be able to take down Cryogonal solo. However, teaming up with at least one other player can significantly increase your chances of victory, even if your moves are neutral.

In terms of resistances, Cryogonal only negates Ice-type attacks, dealing only 63% damage. This opens up opportunities for players with fewer counter options to employ neutral attacks effectively.

Top Counters Against Dynamax Cryogonal

Popular Choices: Charizard & Cinderace

Players looking to effectively counter Cryogonal should choose Pokémon with Steel, Fire, and Fighting-type moves. Key contenders include Metagross, Charizard, and Machamp. Although Rock-type attacks are particularly effective against Cryogonal, currently, there are no available Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon of that type in the game. Below is a detailed moveset for recommended counters:

Dynamax Cryogonal Counter	Type	Fast Attack	Charge Attack
Charizard	Fire, Flying	Fire Spin	Blast Burn
Metagross	Steel, Psychic	Bullet Punch	Metal Mash
Machamp	Fighting	Counter	Dynamic Punch
Excadrill	Steel, Ground	Metal Claw	Iron Head
Cinderace	Fire	Human	Flamethrower
Cinderace	Fire	Human	Focus Blast
Gengar	Ghost, Poison	Lick	Focus Blast
Falinks	Fighting	Counter	Superpower
Kingler	Water	Metal Claw	Crabhammer
Choke	Fighting	Low Kick	Dynamic Punch

Even if you’re short on resources, you have solid Fire-type options such as Charizard and Cinderace, along with their earlier evolutions like Charmander and Scorbunny, which are common in game events. This makes Cryogonal one of the more accessible Max Monday bosses to manage successfully.

Schedule for Cryogonal’s Max Monday

Event Date: Christmas Eve Eve

Max Mushrooms promotional image for Pokémon GO's Max Monday event

Mark your calendars! The inaugural appearance of Dynamax Cryogonal in Pokémon GO will take place on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Players will have until 7:00 PM to engage with this boss across Max Battles worldwide, with local times synchronized in all time zones.

Utilize Max Mushrooms to enhance the power of your Pokémon during raids for a duration of 30 minutes if you’re struggling to defeat the boss on your own. However, be cautious as these items will cost at least 400 PokéCoins each. To ensure a successful counter against Cryogonal, prioritize its vulnerabilities with powerful Pokémon such as Charizard, Metagross, and Machamp, guaranteeing a triumph in Pokémon GO’s latest Max Monday event.

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