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Kingler Raid Guide: Defeating Gigantamax with Strategy

by Lily Feb 18,2025

Conquer the Gigantamax Kingler Raid Boss in Pokémon GO!

This 6-Star Raid boss, Gigantamax Kingler, makes its Pokémon GO debut, demanding precise counter strategies to exploit its two weaknesses. Following the Lapras Gigantamax raid, this colossal crustacean requires a powerful raid team for its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time.

Gigantamax Kingler's Strengths and Weaknesses in Pokémon GO

As a pure Water-type Pokémon, Gigantamax Kingler is vulnerable only to Grass- and Electric-type attacks (160% effectiveness). Conversely, it resists Fire, Water, Steel, and Ice-type moves (39% damage), so avoid these types entirely.

Optimal Counters for Gigantamax Kingler in Pokémon GO

Venusaur & Zapdos, top counters for Gigantamax Kingler in Pokémon GO

Image via Niantic/The Pokemon Company
To defeat Gigantamax Kingler, utilize Electric and non-pure Grass-type counters such as Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos. Remember, only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokémon are permitted in Max Battles. Here's a breakdown of effective options:

Gigantamax Kingler CounterTypeFast AttackCharged Attack
VenusaurGrass & PoisonVine WhipFrenzy Plant
IvysaurGrass & PoisonVine WhipPower Whip
ZapdosElectric & FlyingThunder ShockThunder
GreedentNormalBullet SeedTrailblaze
DubwoolNormalTackleWild Charge
CryogonalIceFrost BreathSolar Beam

While Grass-type Pokémon like Rillaboom are viable, Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset (including X-Scissor) can be problematic for pure Grass types. Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing mitigates this. Zapdos' Flying typing protects it from Ground-type attacks.

Prioritize counters with Same-Type Attack Bonuses (STAB) for a 20% damage boost. Pokémon like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, capable of learning Grass or Electric moves, are excellent backups. In a pinch, neutral damage tanks like Blastoise or Lapras can provide support.

Shiny Gigantamax Kingler?

Yes! The official announcement confirms Shiny Gigantamax Kingler's availability. While the odds aren't specified, they are likely similar to 5-Star raids (approximately 1 in 20).

Leverage Max Mushrooms

If your raid struggles, utilize Max Mushrooms (available for purchase). These temporarily double damage output from Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon (400 PokeCoins each).

Conclusion

Master these strategies to conquer Gigantamax Kingler during its Max Battle Day. Consult the Pokémon GO event schedule for further February events.