"Gigantamax Kingler Counters: Top Tips and Strategies in Pokemon GO"

As a formidable 6-Star Raid boss debuting in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler challenges Trainers to assemble a raid party with precise counters targeting its two weaknesses. This giant Krabby evolution marks the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras and will appear during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time.

Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO

Being a pure Water-type, just like its base form in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler is vulnerable only to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which inflict 160% super-effective damage. Conversely, it resists Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, which deal only 39% damage. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid using these types of moves when battling Gigantamax Kingler.

Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO

Image via Niantic/The Pokemon Company To conquer Gigantamax Kingler in *Pokemon GO*, Trainers should focus on using Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters such as **Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos**. Keep in mind, only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokemon can participate in these Max Battles, limiting your options but still offering a variety of effective counters:

Other potential counters like the Grass-type Rillaboom exist, but Gigantamax Kingler's moveset, which includes Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type X-Scissor, can be problematic for pure Grass-types. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur, being part-Poison, neutralize the impact of X-Scissor. Similarly, Zapdos, with its part-Flying typing, isn't weakened by Ground-type moves like Mud Shot. Prioritize counters that benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) to maximize damage. Non-matching types like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, which can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves, serve as excellent backups since they can only take neutral damage from Gigantamax Kingler’s attacks. If you're low on super-effective counters, neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras can also be effective defenders.

Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks

Can Gigantamax Kingler be Shiny?

Yes, Gigantamax Kingler can indeed be Shiny in *Pokemon GO*, as confirmed by the game's announcement for its Max Battle Day event. Defeating it offers a chance to encounter and catch a Shiny version, although the odds are not confirmed, we estimate them to be around 1 in 20, similar to 5-Star Raid bosses.

Don’t Forget Max Mushrooms

If your raid party struggles against Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. These items double the damage output of your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon for 30 seconds, costing 400 PokeCoins each. While pricey, Max Mushrooms can significantly boost your chances of victory.

With this comprehensive guide on defeating Gigantamax Kingler using the best counters during its Max Battle Day, you're well-prepared. Be sure to check out the *Pokemon GO* event schedule for more exciting activities throughout February.