Dynamax in Pokémon Go: The "Big" Bones

All right, this is going to be the start of a "big" week as far as Pokémon things go, even personally, so some of the discussion topics have to be "big" as well. That starts with the "gargantuan phenomenon" I mentioned earlier this month (and season) that the eighth generation of Pokémon species (and their associated region, Galar) is known for, or at least one part of it... for now. That part is the one called Dynamax, and now it's in Pokémon Go as well, somewhat majorly changing its landscape. That means it's time to explain things, perhaps starting with the most important parts - the "bones", and "big" ones at that. 

Dynamax(-capable) Pokémon are marked by the characteristic "X arch" logo and are able to possess three more moves for their Dynamax form: Max Attack, Max Guard, and Max Spirit. These may be unlocked and/or powered up by exchanging Max Particles and Candy (XL), up to the maximum of Level 3. The first of these Pokémon are obtained through an associated Special Research set, while the rest are obtained through Max Battles (which are to be explained later in this post). Presently, only newly caught Pokémon are capable of Dynamax; this situation may or may not change in the future.

Speaking of Max Particles (MP), these are freely obtained by the Special Research set as well, by walking 2 km (300 each time), or at new locations called Power Spots (120 at each daily) - to be explained separately. These also double as the "currency" for the Max Battles, exchanged at the completion of a victorious battle, but still requiring enough as such before the battle starts. The limit for freely obtained ones is 800 per day and 1000 in possession with surplus; more of them can be obtained by paying PokéCoins for "packs" of 800 each and released as needed.

Then there are the Max Battles, which are for Dynamax Pokémon. These are just like regular raids, but only for Pokémon capable of Dynamax and only for up to four Trainers total with three of their best Pokémon. During the battle, they will charge up a Max Meter, which when filled allows their Pokémon to go into their Dynamax form. They then can use their Max Moves strategically to beat the boss. As usual, at the end, they earn (upgradeable) item rewards and an opportunity to catch the Pokémon, which will be capable of Dynamax. These are repeated as desired for "max" results. 

Other things also need to be noted. It takes rather significant quantities of resources (both Candy and Particles) to power up these Pokémon, so they need to be the best ones possible - Lucky, even - or ones that are intended to be kept. Fortunately, to aid in this regard - and other Trainers in Max Battles - some Pokémon can be left at Power Spots, which will bring back Candy (XL) when they return on their own or by demand. The battles can only be taken on at the usual times from 6 AM to 9 PM, and furthermore, the Power Spots and their Pokémon appear and disappear, rotating by the whims of time and luck. 

Now that Dynamax is present in Pokémon Go, a few things have certainly been shaken up. They're manifested through new ways to encounter, battle, power up, and certainly "max out", befitting the title of this season and what it demands. This part of the Galarian "gargantuan phenomenon" was big when it was introduced in the main series games years ago, as I had written at that time (see above) and now it seems just as big as it makes its way into Pokémon Go at last. There are other "big" nuances that the above explanations may or may not have captured, but at the least they serve as the "primer" for the "big picture".

One year ago: Being a Pokémon... Weeaboo?

Two years ago: New Pokémon Fossil Watches

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Good Drinks and Good Friends

Four years ago: The Firefighters of Pokémon

Five years ago: Pokémon Cable Bite Accessory - Pikachu

Six years ago: An End to Jumps

Seven years ago: Pokémon Suits in Cosplay?