Pokemon Sword and Shield introduced a new gimmick for battles in the Galar Region. While users can regularly battle in most encounters, so can they Gigantamax their Pokemon. These forms transform each Pokemon, giving them fresh looks to match their enormous stature. Although all Pokemon can Dynamax in Galar, only particular creatures have Gigantamax forms. Most of these designs are striking, but which are the best?
Below, we’ve listed the ten best Gigantamax forms from Pokemon Sword and Shield. The rankings factor in design. The better the design, the higher the ranking, though an excellent G-Max attack could boost rankings.
Honorable Mention: Orbeetle
A new insect Pokemon in Sword and Shield, Orbeetle, receives a stellar Gigantamax form. Though this Bug/Psychic hybrid’s standard form is small, the G-Max variation towers over the battlefield. Orbeetle sprouts a flying saucer from its shell with a built-in tractor beam! In addition to its new form, Orbeetle gains a signature move. Gigantamax Orbeetle’s attack, G-Max Gravitas, also intensifies gravity for five turns. With its increased accuracy, it’ll be hard to avoid attacks from this UFO-themed creature, and few Pokemon will look this incredible, shredding other teams.
10. Eevee
Few Pokemon are as beloved as Eevee, so it’s no surprise this first-generation darling got a Gigantamax form. While Eevee’s Gigantamax form may not differ much from its standard appearance, it amplifies its cuteness tenfold. The Evolution Pokemon boasts an enormous chest poof that makes it a fluffy delight. Best of all, this endearing appearance becomes a weapon. Eevee’s signature move, G-Max Cuddle, inflicts Normal-type damage and infatuates opponents. Not even enemy Pokemon can resist falling for Eevee. Just make sure your enemy isn’t a Ghost-type!
9. Alcremie
What’s sweeter than the Cream Pokemon, Alcremie? Try its G-Max form. Gigantamax Alcremie, in contrast to its standard form, is massive, and Alcremie sits atop a gigantic cake, becoming the icing on top. This Fairy-type Pokemon’s G-Max form features bright colors with decorations that make it an eye-catching spectacle. It may look harmless, but don’t let it fool you. Alcremie is exceptionally durable. Not only this, but Alcremie offers lethal offensive options. Best of all, Alcremie’s G-Max attack, G-Max Finale, deals Fairy-type damage healing a sixth of all party members. Alcremie is, by all means, a terrifying tank to add to your team.
8. Corviknight
One of the standout entries of Pokemon Sword and Shield is undoubtedly Corviknight. The Raven Pokemon’s design is already immaculate, but the Gigantamax somehow improves upon perfection. G-Max Corviknight spreads its wings out and sends fragments of its feathers as weapons. Its majesty is a feat of design perfection. The only thing more impressive than its stance is its G-Max move. G-Max Wind Rage blows away effect attacks like Spikes and Stealth Rock. Wind Rage clears the field of hazards while dealing damage to enemies. Thanks to Corviknight’s massive wings, no threat stands a chance. In this case, it pays to be a flying Pokemon.
7. Pikachu
Is there anything better than a good callback? Longtime Pokemon fans will recall the design for Gigantamax Pikachu. Though the franchise mascot slimmed down recently, he was initially a chubby boy. Pikachu returns to its roots with the G-Max transformation, getting rounder as it grows. G-Max Pikachu even gets an elongated tail coated in electricity to add flair. True to its electric origins, the G-Max attack, G-Max Volt Crash, strikes a single opponent, paralyzing all others. You’ll want a Ground-Type handy if you plan to fight this titan.
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6. Charizard
Pikachu isn’t the only first-generation Pokemon to get a Gigantamax form. Its counterpart, Charizard, embiggens as well. Gigantamax Charizard’s tail and wings submerge in fire, and the beast boasts an imposing visage. The beast’s body also sports a unique design with diamonds covering its belly and knees. Though G-Max Charizard is intimidating, its most frightening aspect is its G-Max attack. G-Max Wildfire launches a pillar of fire at opponents. This attack inflicts immediate damage, damaging enemies over time for the following four turns. The only way to avoid this after-effect is using a Fire-type against it.
5. Blastoise
Locked and loaded is an understatement for G-Max Blastoise. Instead of two cannons on its shoulder, Gigantamax Blastoise sports dozens of guns across its massive shell. Those guns aren’t just for show, as Blastoise gains a special attack in this form. G-Max Cannonade launches an all-out assault on opponents, dealing damage instantly. Additionally, non-water-type Pokemon take damage for four turns. Each attack takes one-sixth of the enemy’s max HP so you’ll need a Water-type or a tank to survive this onslaught. Gigantamax Blastoise is, without a doubt, the most weaponized Pokemon in the business.
4. Gengar
Of Ghost-type Pokemon, Gengar is the most notorious. The Shadow Pokemon’s smile is on full display during its Gigantamax. This design creates an aesthetic that’s just as scary as it is enticing. The gaping mouth and glowing eyes on G-Max Gengar are sure to send shivers down your spine. Though this form is haunting, its G-Max move is especially deadly. G-Max Terror damages enemies and prevents targets from fleeing battle or swapping out. If you don’t make it out before it uses G-Max Terror, Gengar will wipe the floor with you and look good doing it.
3. Snorlax
Snorlax is already a massive Pokemon. The Sleeping Pokemon often lazes around, tanking attacks with its fatty body. Gigantamax Snorlax grows to the size of an island, lying flat on its back and exposing the beautiful locale on its tummy. In this form, Snorlax sprouts a tree with berries that can regenerate supply thanks to G-Max Replenish. G-Max Replenish has a 50% chance to restock berries for Snorlax and its allies, allowing them to stick in the fight a bit longer. Because Snorlax is the king of tanking damage, its G-Max form makes it even burlier. I hope you brought a damage dealer, or you’ll be fighting this Pokemon all day.
2. Urshifu (Rapid Strike)
The Isle of Armor DLC brought several new Pokemon to Galar. Urshifu is a new legendary Pokemon that joins players during this expansion. Players can use two forms for Urshifu, each with a unique Gigantamax form. Although each state is powerful, the Rapid Strike form is perfection. Urshifu’s Fighting/Water form is agile and sleek, with a captivating stance. It also gains G-Max Rapid Flow, an attack that ignores all defensive abilities. There’s no avoiding this full-force attack once Urshifu initiates, so I hope you have a few Pokemon ready to face him.
1. Cinderace
The best starter of the eighth generation also has the best Gigantamax form — Cinderace ops to spawn a massive fireball as a supernova chariot. With a design reminiscent of Super Saiyans from Dragon Ball Z, it stands atop its star with its giant ears flowing in the wind. The crossed arms also add to the design’s flair, hinting at some extra attitude. Moreover, Cinderace gains a new attack in G-Max Fireball. G-Max Fireball kicks that massive fireball at foes, ignoring all abilities or effects to deal optimal damage. Cinderace is undoubtedly the most impressive Gigantamax form in the Galar region, and it’s also arguably the most charismatic creature from Gen Eight.
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