Debuting as a 6-Star Raid boss in Pokémon GO, Gigantamax Kingler demands precise counter selections to exploit its dual weaknesses. As the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, this massive Krabby evolution requires a robust raid team for its Max Battle Day on February 1, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time.

Gigantamax Kingler: Weaknesses and Resistances in Pokémon GO

As a pure Water-type in Pokémon GO, Gigantamax Kingler is vulnerable to Grass- and Electric-type moves, which deal 160% super-effective damage.

It resists Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type attacks, each dealing only 39% damage, so avoid these moves entirely in battle.

Top Counters for Gigantamax Kingler in Pokémon GO

To defeat Gigantamax Kingler in Pokémon GO, Trainers should deploy Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters like Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos. Max Battles restrict you to Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokémon, limiting options compared to standard raids, but the following counters remain highly effective:

Other viable counters, like Grass-type Rillaboom, face risks from Gigantamax Kingler’s potential moveset, including Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, and Razor Shell. The Bug-type move X-Scissor deals super-effective damage to pure Grass-types.

Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur’s part-Poison typing neutralizes X-Scissor’s impact.

Similarly, Mud Shot, a Ground-type move, would devastate Electric-and-Poison Toxtricity, but Zapdos’ part-Flying typing mitigates this vulnerability.

Prioritize counters with same-type moves for a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus). Non-matching types like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, capable of Grass- or Electric-type moves, serve as strong backups, taking at most neutral damage from Kingler’s attacks.

If lacking super-effective counters, neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras can act as durable defenders.

Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters and Strategies

Is Shiny Gigantamax Kingler Available?

Yes, Shiny Gigantamax Kingler is available in Pokémon GO, as confirmed by the Max Battle Day event announcement.

Defeating Gigantamax Kingler offers a chance to encounter and catch its Shiny variant with a unique color. While exact odds are unconfirmed, they are likely 1 in 20, aligning with 5-Star Raid boss Shiny rates.

Max Mushrooms: A Game-Changer

If your raid team struggles against Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in Pokémon GO.

Max Mushrooms double the damage of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon for 30 seconds, though they cost 400 PokeCoins each. When used strategically, they can significantly boost your team’s performance.

With these strategies and counters, you’re ready to tackle Gigantamax Kingler on Max Battle Day. Explore the Pokémon GO event schedule for more February activities.