Gigantamax Kingler Counters: Top Strategies and Tips

Get ready, Trainers! Gigantamax Kingler, a formidable 6-Star Raid boss, is making its debut in *Pokemon GO*. As the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, you'll need a well-coordinated raid party to conquer this giant Krabby evolution during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time.

Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO

As a pure Water-type, just like its base form, Gigantamax Kingler has only two weaknesses: Grass and Electric attacks, both dealing 160% super-effective damage. However, it's resistant to Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, which only inflict 39% damage. Make sure to steer clear of these types when selecting your raid team.

Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO

Image via Niantic/The Pokemon Company

To stand a chance against Gigantamax Kingler, your team should focus on Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters such as **Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos**. Keep in mind that only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokemon can participate in these battles, narrowing your options but leaving you with several powerful choices:

While other options like the Grass-type Rillaboom are viable, be cautious of Gigantamax Kingler's diverse moveset, including Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type X-Scissor, which hits pure Grass-types super-effectively. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing neutralizes X-Scissor's impact, while Zapdos' Flying type mitigates Ground-type moves like Mud Shot.

Prioritize counters that benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) for maximum efficiency. Even Pokemon like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, which can learn Grass or Electric moves despite their non-matching types, serve as excellent backups due to their ability to take only neutral damage from Kingler's attacks. If super-effective counters are scarce, consider using neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras as sturdy defenders.

Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks

Can Gigantamax Kingler be Shiny?

Yes, Gigantamax Kingler can be Shiny in *Pokemon GO*, as announced in the game's Max Battle Day event post. Successfully defeating Gigantamax Kingler gives you a chance to encounter and catch a Shiny version with its unique color palette. Though the exact odds are unconfirmed, we estimate a 1 in 20 chance, aligning with the typical odds for 5-Star Raid bosses.

Don’t Forget Max Mushrooms

Struggling against Gigantamax Kingler? Consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. These boost your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon's damage output for 30 seconds, though they're pricey at 400 PokeCoins each. If you and your team decide to splurge, Max Mushrooms could be the key to victory.

Now equipped with all the knowledge needed to defeat Gigantamax Kingler during its Max Battle Day, check out the *Pokemon GO* event schedule to stay updated on other exciting February events.