Kingler Counters & Tactics Emerge in Pokémon GO's Gigantamax Raids

Conquer the Gigantamax Kingler Raid Boss in Pokémon GO!

This 6-Star Raid boss, Gigantamax Kingler, makes its Pokémon GO debut, demanding strategic counter choices to exploit its two weaknesses. Appearing during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, this colossal Krabby evolution necessitates a powerful raid team.

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% effectiveness). Conversely, it resists Fire, Water, Steel, and Ice-type moves (39% damage), so avoid these types entirely.

Optimal Counters for Gigantamax Kingler in Pokémon GO

To defeat Gigantamax Kingler, utilize Electric-type 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 breakdown 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 Grass-type Pokémon like Rillaboom are viable, Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset (including X-Scissor) presents a challenge to pure Grass-types. Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing mitigates this. Zapdos's Flying typing protects it from Ground-type moves.

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, serve as excellent backups. In a pinch, neutral damage tanks such as Blastoise or Lapras can provide support.

Shiny Gigantamax Kingler?

Yes! The announcement confirms the possibility of encountering a Shiny Gigantamax Kingler. While the odds are unconfirmed, they're likely similar to 5-Star Raids (approximately 1 in 20).

Leverage Max Mushrooms

Struggling? Utilize Max Mushrooms (400 PokéCoins each). These temporarily double damage output from Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon, offering a significant advantage.

With this guide, you're well-equipped to conquer Gigantamax Kingler. Consult the Pokémon GO event schedule for further February activities.