Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO: Top Counters and Strategies

As a 6-Star Raid boss making its debut in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler poses a significant challenge that requires Trainers to use counters with precisely the right movesets to exploit its two weaknesses. Set to appear during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time, this colossal Krabby evolution will necessitate a well-coordinated raid party to conquer.

Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO

As a pure Water-type, just like its standard form in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler is vulnerable only to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which deal 160% super-effective damage. Conversely, Kingler resists Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, which only inflict 39% damage. It's crucial to steer clear of these types of attacks when battling this giant crustacean.

Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO

To successfully defeat Gigantamax Kingler in *Pokemon GO*, Trainers should deploy Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters such as **Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos**. Due to the Max Battle restrictions, only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokemon can be used, limiting the options, but there are still several effective counters to choose from:

While other counters like the Grass-type Rillaboom could be effective, Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset—including Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type X-Scissor—means that pure Grass-types may face challenges due to X-Scissor's super-effective damage. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur, being part-Poison, mitigate this threat as X-Scissor deals neutral damage to them.

Similarly, the Ground-type Mud Shot would be detrimental to Electric-and-Poison types like Toxitricity. However, Zapdos, being part-Flying, remains unaffected by Mud Shot. Prioritizing counters that can utilize moves of the same type is advisable, as it grants a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus). Even those with non-matching types, such as Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, can serve as excellent backups by using Grass- or Electric-type moves and only taking neutral damage from Kingler's attacks.

For Trainers short on super-effective counters, neutral tanks like 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 appear as a Shiny in *Pokemon GO*, as confirmed by the game’s announcement for its Max Battle Day event. Defeating Gigantamax Kingler gives you a chance to encounter and catch its Shiny variant, although the odds are relatively low. While exact probabilities haven't been disclosed, it's speculated that the chance of encountering a Shiny Gigantamax Kingler is 1 in 20, similar to other 5-Star Raid bosses.

Don't Forget Max Mushrooms

If your raid party is struggling to take down Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. For 30 seconds, Max Mushrooms double the damage output of your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon, though they come at a steep price of 400 PokeCoins each. When used strategically, these can be a game-changer in turning the tide of battle.

Armed with this comprehensive guide on defeating Gigantamax Kingler with the best counters during its Max Battle Day, you're ready to tackle this formidable foe. Don't forget to check out the *Pokemon GO* event schedule to stay updated on other exciting events happening throughout February.