As a formidable 6-Star Raid boss making its debut in *Pokémon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler presents a thrilling challenge for Trainers. This giant evolution of Krabby, the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, will test your raid party's prowess during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time. To conquer this colossal crustacean, you'll need to arm your team with counters that precisely target its vulnerabilities.
As a pure Water-type, Gigantamax Kingler mirrors its base form's type in *Pokémon GO*, making it susceptible to only Grass- and Electric-type attacks. These super-effective moves deal 160% damage, giving you a significant edge in battle. Conversely, Kingler resists Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, which only inflict 39% damage. It's crucial to steer clear of these types to maximize your chances of success.
**Gigantamax Kingler Counter** | **Type** | **Fast Attack** | **Charged Attack** |
Venusaur | Grass & Poison | Vine Whip | Frenzy Plant |
Ivysaur | Grass & Poison | Vine Whip | Power Whip |
Zapdos | Electric & Flying | Thunder Shock | Thunder |
Greedent | Normal | Bullet Seed | Trailblaze |
Dubwool | Normal | Tackle | Wild Charge |
Cryogonal | Ice | Frost Breath | Solar Beam |
Other viable counters include the Grass-type Rillaboom, but be cautious. Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset, featuring Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type attack X-Scissor, can pose a threat to pure Grass-types. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur, with their Poison typing, neutralize the impact of X-Scissor.
Similarly, the Ground-type move Mud Shot would be detrimental to Electric-and-Poison Toxitricity. However, Zapdos, being part-Flying, remains unaffected by this move. Prioritize counters that benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) for maximum efficiency. Non-matching types like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, which can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves, serve as excellent backups due to their ability to withstand neutral damage from Kingler's attacks.
If you're running low on super-effective counters, consider using neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras, which can endure longer in battle.
Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks
Yes, Gigantamax Kingler can appear in its Shiny form in *Pokémon GO*, as confirmed by the event announcement for its Max Battle Day. Successfully defeating this Raid boss offers a chance to encounter and capture a Shiny variant, though the odds are not guaranteed. While the exact probability remains undisclosed, it's speculated to be around 1 in 20, aligning with the Shiny rates for 5-Star Raid bosses.
If your raid party finds itself struggling against Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokémon GO*. For 30 seconds, these items double the damage dealt by your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon. Although they come at a steep price of 400 PokéCoins each, they can be a game-changer in tough battles.
Now equipped with the knowledge of the best counters and strategies, you're ready to tackle Gigantamax Kingler during its Max Battle Day. Don't miss out on other exciting events in *Pokémon GO* throughout February; check the event schedule for more adventures.