Why Dynamax Matters (or Doesn't)

(Guest post by Tyler)

What is Dynamax?

Dynamaxing is the generational gimmick introduced in the Generation 8 games, Sword and Shield. The previous gimmicks introduced (and then discarded) were Mega Evolution in Generation 6 (XY) and Z-Moves in Generation 7 (Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon). Generation 9 (Scarlet and Violet) would introduce Teralistilization for its gimmick. Dynamx is by far the least utilized of them. When dynamaxed, the dynamaxed pokemon gains more HP and all of its moves are turned into Max Moves. The strength and type of the move is determined by the original move. A player’s dynamaxed Pokemon remains dynamaxed for 3 turns. 

Main-Game Lore

Thousands of years before the events of Sword and Shield, Zacian and Zamazenta defeated Eternatus and during the time that it was in hibernation its energy leaked into Galar and created locations referred to as Power Spots. Some of these Power Spots became Max Raid Dens, where players can fight dynamaxed Pokemon that they can capture after defeating. Other spots had gyms created or other stadiums built over them. Items known as Wishing Stars rained across Galar which allowed a trainer to dynamax their Pokemon at a Power Spot. 

In Pokemon Go

Dynamax was released in Pokemon Go back in September. Like the regular games, Pokemon dynamaxed will be able to dynamax during Max Raid and gain access to Max Moves. However, unlike in Sword and Shield, only Pokemon caught Dynamaxed or in Max Raids are able to dynamax. In a similar vein to raid passes, the barrier to participation is Max Particles. These are gained for free at Power Spots. A player can gather up to 800 particles a day. The only Pokemon that can participate in Power Spots are Pokemon with the Dynamax Factor.

Here’s the thing. Dynamax is a decent gimmick in Sword and Shield primarily because the story of the game is focused around Eternatus and there are good lore reasons behind the mechanic. The same can’t be said about the Pokemon Go version. While it may be fun to go out and do regular raids with friends, there isn’t much excitement or reason to go out to do Max Raids.

Dynamax is by far the weakest of the gimmicks largely because the usage of it is so heavily restricted. You can only do it in specific areas of the game (gym leader battles, specific story battles) and not on a regular or consistent basis. A lot of people disliked Z-Moves but at least they were usable in a wide variety of locations. Odds are we won’t be seeing Dynamax in any of the main games again till we return to Galar but in the meantime, it isn’t the worst use of time in Pokemon Go but it is not worth the time to go and seek it out. 

Gigantamax: It's essentially a Mega Evolution vs. Primal Reversion situation.
Just semantics and aesthetics.