Gigantamax Kingler, a formidable 6-Star Raid boss, is making its debut in *Pokemon GO*. To conquer this giant evolution of Krabby during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time, Trainers will need a well-prepared raid party and the perfect movesets to exploit its weaknesses. As the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, Gigantamax Kingler presents a unique challenge that requires precise counter strategies.
Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO
As a pure Water-type in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler shares the same type weaknesses and resistances as its base form. It is vulnerable to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which deal 160% super-effective damage. On the other hand, it resists Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, with these attacks inflicting only 39% damage. To maximize your chances of success, it's crucial to steer clear of these resistant types entirely.
Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO
Image via Niantic/The Pokemon Company To effectively counter Gigantamax Kingler, Trainers should focus on using Electric- and non-pure Grass-type Pokemon. Notably, only Pokemon capable of Dynamaxing or Gigantamaxing can be used in these battles, narrowing down the options. However, reliable choices include:
| 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 |
While other Grass-type Pokemon like Rillaboom are viable, be cautious of Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset, which includes Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type attack X-Scissor, super-effective against pure Grass-types. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur, with their Poison typing, can neutralize the threat of X-Scissor.
Similarly, Zapdos' Flying type mitigates its vulnerability to Ground-type moves like Mud Shot, which would otherwise be devastating to Electric-and-Poison types like Toxitricity. Prioritizing Pokemon with moves that benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) is key, but versatile counters like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, who can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves, also serve as excellent backups due to their neutral damage intake from Kingler's attacks.
For Trainers lacking super-effective counters, neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras can still be effective as sturdy 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 event announcement. Successfully defeating this Raid boss gives you a chance to encounter a Shiny version with a different color scheme. While the exact odds haven't been disclosed, it's estimated to be around 1 in 20, aligning with the typical Shiny rate for 5-Star Raid bosses.
Don't Forget Max Mushrooms
If your raid party struggles to take down Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. For 30 seconds, these mushrooms double the damage output of your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon. Priced at 400 PokeCoins each, they're an investment, but they could be the key to turning the tide of battle in your favor.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to defeat Gigantamax Kingler using the best counters during its Max Battle Day, don't forget to check the *Pokemon GO* event schedule for more exciting events throughout February.
