Home News Pokemon GO Gigantamax Kingler Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks

Pokemon GO Gigantamax Kingler Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks

Author: Natalie Feb 28,2025

Conquer the Gigantamax Kingler Raid in Pokémon GO!

This 6-Star Raid boss, Gigantamax Kingler, makes its Pokémon GO debut, demanding strategic counter choices to exploit its two weaknesses. Following the Lapras Gigantamax event, this colossal crustacean requires a powerful raid team to overcome during 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% super-effective damage). Conversely, it resists Fire, Water, Steel, and Ice-type moves (39% damage reduction), so avoid these types entirely.

Optimal Counters for Gigantamax Kingler in Pokémon GO

Venusaur & Zapdos, top counters for Gigantamax Kingler

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 selection of effective counters:

Gigantamax Kingler Counter	Type	Fast Attack	Charged Attack
Venusaur	Grass & Poison	Vine Whip	Frenzy Plant
Ivysaur	Grass & Poison	Vine Whip	Power Whip
Zapdos	Electric & Flying	Thunder Shock	Thunder
Greedent	Normal	Bullet Seed	Trailblaze
Dubwool	Normal	Tackle	Wild Charge
Cryogonal	Ice	Frost Breath	Solar Beam

While other suitable counters exist (e.g., the Grass-type Rillaboom), Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset (Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and X-Scissor) includes the Bug-type X-Scissor, super-effective against 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 increase. Pokémon like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, capable of learning Grass- or Electric-type 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. Defeating the raid boss offers a chance to catch a Shiny variant, although the odds (likely 1 in 20, similar to 5-Star Raids) aren't guaranteed.

Don't Forget Max Mushrooms!

Struggling? Utilize Max Mushrooms (400 PokeCoins each). These temporarily (30 seconds) double the damage output of your Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon, potentially turning the tide.

Now equipped with the knowledge to conquer Gigantamax Kingler, consult the Pokémon GO event schedule for February's upcoming activities.