Pokémon Sword and Shield: Every Pokémon that can Gigantamax

Pokemon Sword and Shield screenshots
Pokemon Sword and Shield screenshots (Image credit: iMore)

Pokémon Sword and Shield: Every Pokémon that can Gigantamax

Best answer: In Pokémon Sword and Shield, a Pokémon who Gigantamaxes grows to a humungous size during battle. This transformation changes the look of the Pokémon, increases the stats, and allows them to use a special G-Max Move. However, only some Pokémon can Gigantamax.Flashing steel: Pokémon Sword ($60 at Amazon)Defender of the realm: Pokémon Shield ($60 at Amazon)

Information about Gigantamax Pokémon

Dynamaxing vs. Gigantamaxing: What's the difference?

Dynamax: In specific areas of the Galar region, Pokémon can temporarily transform into a colossal version of themselves during battle. This transformation changes the Pokémon's moves and increases their stats. However, it can only be used once during the battle. It's important to note that the effects of Dynamaxing only last for three turns and then a Pokémon turns back to normal. Every Pokémon has the ability to Dynamax.

Gigantamax: As with Dynamaxing, Gigantamaxing makes your Pokémon grow larger and increases their stats. However, it also changes the appearance of your Pokémon. The thing to keep in mind is that only certain species have the ability to Giganamax, and only certain individuals within that species can Gigantamax. For example, Charizard is a Pokémon that can Giganamax, but only a special Charizard will actually be able to do it. A Pokémon that can Gigantamax also gets a powerful G-Max Move specific to its species.

Which Pokémon species can Gigantamax in Sword and Shield?

Remember that only some species of Pokémon are capable of Gigantamaxing, and even then, it's only special Pokémon within that species that can do it. Here are all the Pokémon that have the potential to Gigantamax.

Alcremie

Alcremie Pokemon Sword and Shield

When Gigantamaxing, Alcremie sprouts a multilayered cake beneath its feet, a large bow appears on Alcremies chest, and the whip topping hairdo changes to look like swirling bangs.

G-Max Move: G-Max Finale (Fairy) - this heals all allies

Appletun

Appletun Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: ProsafiaGaming)

Appletun reverts somewhat back to its first evolution and looks a bit like a worm popping out of a red apple. The difference between this Gigantamax Pokémon and Gigantamax Flapple is that the second Pokémon's apple is green instead of red. This Pokémon evolution is exclusive to Shield.

G-Max Move: Max Sweetness (Grass) - heals all allies' status conditions

Butterfree

Butterfree's wings grow exceptionally large and change colors during Gigantamaxing. Additionally, Butterfree's main body becomes more rotund, and the face shape changes slightly.

G-Max Move: G-Max Befuddle (Bug) - either poisons, paralyzes, or causes enemies to fall asleep

Centiskorch

Centiscorch Pokemon Sword and Shield

This centipede Pokémon grows to a frightening height when Gigantamaxing and the designs on its belly become more yellow.

G-Max Move: G-Max Centiferno (Fire) - opponents get trapped in fire for five turns

Charizard

Gigantamax Charizard

Gigantamax Charizard (Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

When a Charizard Gigantamaxes, it becomes a colossal beast. A mantle of fiery wings rests on its shoulders, and the tips of its horns flicker with flame.

G-Max Move: G-Max Wildfire (Fire) - any Pokémon that aren't Fire-types are damaged for five turns in a row

Coalossal

Coalossal Pokemon Sword and Shield

Coalossal's Gigantamax form is a very threatening molten monster and also kind of looks like one of the Titans from Disney's 1997 Hercules. At any rate, you don't want to get on this guy's bad side.

G-Max Move: G-Max Vocalith (Rock) - opponents are damaged for five turns in a row

Copperajah

Copperajah Pokemon Sword and Shield

Copperajah Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: @ProsafiaGaming on YouTube)

Copperajah becomes a lot more truncated (see what I did there?) in its Gigantamax form. To me it's somewhat reminiscent of the Easter Island head statues - ya know, if they had elephant trunks attached to them.

G-Max Move: G-Max Steelsurge (Steel) - spikes get scattered on the battle field

Corviknight

Corviknight Pokemon Sword and Shield

When this bird Gigantamaxes, it gains magenta highlights along with its wings. The spiky crown of feathers on its head becomes longer as well.

G-Max Move: G-Max Wind Rage (Flying) - makes effects like Light Screen or Reflect go away

Drednaw

Drednaw Pokemon Sword and Shield

Drednaw changes from standing on all fours to standing on his hind legs when Gigantamaxing. His head is tucked into his shell, and the horn on his head becomes longer. Additional horns appear on his arms and legs.

G-Max Move: G-Max Stonesurge (Water) - Stealth Rocks appear on the battle field

Duraludon

Duraludon Pokemon Sword and Shield

This Pokémon looks somewhat like a fancy skyscraper you'd see in London. It has a glass looking belly and becomes more triangular than it's normal form.

G-Max Move: G-Max Depletion (Dragon) - the PP of the last move used by your opponent gets reduced

Eevee

Eevee Pokemon Sword and Shield

Eevee Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: Game Freak)

As far as looks go, a Gigantamax Eevee looks pretty much the same, aside from the cream-colored fur being far poofier than normal.

G-Max Move: G-Max Cuddle (Normal) - oppenents become infatuated with Eevee

Flapple

Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: ProsafiaGaming)

Much like Appletun, this Pokémon takes on the look of a worm popping out of an apple. This Pokémon evolution is exclusive to Sword.

G-Max Move: G-Max Tartness (Grass) - the opponent's evasiveness gets reduced

Garbodor

Garbodor Pokemon Sword and Shield

Garbodor Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: @ProsafiaGaming on YouTube)

Garbodor's pile of filth grows to an unpleasant level taking in everything from stuffed animals to wind-up cruise ship toys. It's really rather impressive in its Gigantamax form.

G-Max Move: G-Max Malodor (Poison) - all enemies are poisoned

Gengar

Pokemon sword and shield gengar gigantamax

A Gigantamax Gengar melds with the floor and has a gaping mouth. It really is a terrifying sight to see. His little arms stick up from the floor on either side of him.

G-Max Move: G-Max Terror (Ghost) - opponents are unable to switch out or run away

Grimmsnarl

Pokemon Sword and Shield gigantamax

Pokemon Sword and Shield gigantamax (Image credit: @ Steen @ Gnocchimon Swish - NOW on Twitter)

This enormous creature is a thing of nightmares. Grimmsnarl's body becomes elongated and his fingers grow into super long claws. I definitely wouldn't want to come across this Pokémon in real life.

G-Max Move: G-Max Snooze (Dark) - opponents are put to sleep

Hatterne

Pokemon Sword and Shield hatterne

Hatterne's Gigantamax form takes on the appearance of a classy lady from the 1800s enjoying a sunny day. I love her pointed hat and the way her dress-like body shoots out when it hits the ground.

G-Max Move: G-Max Smite (Fairy) - all opponents become confused

Kingler

Kingler Pokemon Sword and Shield

When in this large state, Kingler's body gets covered in a white seafoam armor giving him the appearance of Santa Claws-er Claus. His large claw is even larger and is sure to be a fearsome spectacle in the arena.

G-Max Move: G-Max Foam Burst (Water) - the opponents Speed gets reduced

Lapras

Lapras Pokemon Sword and Shield

When in the Gigantamax state, Lapras's shell changes appearance and looks more like a luxury cruise ship. It's definitely a more elegant version of this Water-type.

G-Max Move: G-Max Resonance (Ice) - this reduces the amount of damage Lapras receives for five turns

Machamp

Machamp Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: iMore)

Machamp seems to earn himself a pair of leggings, his eyes glow yellow, and his fists develop an almost molten-looking glow.

G-Max Move: G-Max Chi Strike (Fighting) - your chances of landing a critical hit go up

Melmetal

Melmetal Pokemon Sword and Shield

Melmetal Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: @Blaze302 on YouTube)

This Pokémon's legs become extremely elongated and he develops natural iron knuckles in his fists. You definitely wouldn't want to get hit by this powerful creature.

G-Max Move: G-Max Meltdown (Steel) - this makes it so your enemies cannot use the same move twice in a row

Meowth

Meowth Pokemon Sword and Shield

When these sassy cats Gigantamax they develop a symbol on the coin that rests on their heads, their stomachs become elongated, and their eyes glow yellow.

G-Max Move: G-Max Gold Rush (Normal) - this both confuses your opponents and also gives you extra money once the fight is over

Orbeetle

Orbeetle Pokemon Sword and Shield

This bug Pokémon looks a little like an iconic UFO when it Gigantamaxes. The spots all over its body develop a turquoise and white pattern that looks like a target.

G-Max Move: G-Max Gravitas (Psychic) - Gravity increases for the next five turns

Pikachu

Pikachu Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pikachu Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: iMore)

The tail of a Pikachu that Gigantamaxes turns into a large bolt of electricity that extends far above the shocking creature's head. Pikachu's body also becomes quite a bit chunkier.

G-Max Move: G-Max Volt Crash (Electric) - all opponents become paralyzed

Sandaconda

Pokemon Sword and Shield screenshots

Pokemon Sword and Shield screenshots (Image credit: iMore)

This snake looks reminiscent of a tornado when it Gigantamaxes. Sandacondra's head pokes out from above and his nostrils become huge.

G-Max Move: G-Max Sandblast (Ground) - a Sandstorm rages for five turns in a row

Snorlax

Snorlax Pokemon Sword and Shield

Snorlax Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: @ProsafiaGaming on YouTube)

I imagine Gigantamax Snorlax comes from a Rip Van Winkle scenario: He fell asleep so long, he didn't realize that vegetation and life had begun taken residence on his person. I love the tree sticking out from the center.

G-Max Move: G-Max Replenish (Normal) - this move restores the berries that have been eaten

Toxtricity (Amped Form & Low Key Form)

Toxtricity Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: @ProsafiaGaming on YouTube)

This is my favorite looking gigantamax Pokémon. Is it just me, or does this look kind of what Sableye would look like if it evolved? Either way, I love that Gigantamax Toxtricity pulls out an electric guitar while in battle.

G-Max Move: G-Max Stun Shock (Electric) - this either paralyzes or poisons your opponents

How do you get Gigantamax Pokémon?

Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee can be acquired in the train station when you leave Wedgehurst by talking to the boy and girl in the left corner. However, they'll only give these Pokémon to you if your Switch has save data for Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee! on it.

Gigantamax Meowth is an Event Pokémon that can only be obtained by receiving your "Mysterious gift" from Pokémon Sword and Shield's main menu. You should note that he's only available this way until January 15, 2020.

The rest of these Pokémon will need to be found in the Wild Area's dens. You'll need to complete challenging Max Raid Battles in order to have the chance of catching them. However, it's possible that the Pokémon will break out of the ball and run away. Try to use your strongest balls when catching them and good luck on your hunt!

Pokémon Titans

Since Gigantamaxing is only possible for certain Pokémon, it's a lot more exciting when you find a Pokémon that can actually do it. If nothing else, it's sure to give you an edge in battle. I love the look of many of these Gigantamax forms and am currently on the hunt to obtain them all. Good luck in your own game! Maybe I'll see your character in a Max Raid Battle!

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.