How to Beat Dynamax Articuno in Pokémon GO: Best Counters and Teams

Why do we recommend not using Charged Moves in Gigantamax/Legendary Dynamax Battles

We don’t recommend using any Charge Moves in Gigantamax Battles or Legendary Max Battles. The main reasons we recommend not using charged moves during these Battles are as follows:

• The amount of Max Energy generated per attack is based on damage dealt in relation to the maximum HP of the Gigantamax Boss, but has a minimum value of 1, because the formula uses rounding.
• Because of how bulky these Gigantamax Bosses are, there are no charged moves that can generate more than 1 Max Energy per use. In other words, you are losing time using Charge moves.
• Since the execution time of Fast Moves are a lot quicker than those of Charged Moves (charged attacks have a much slower animation), yet they generate the same amount of Max Energy, using only Fast Moves fills up the Max Meter faster.

For Gigantamax battles and Legendary Dynamax battles, using only fast moves is the best strategy. Be sure to advise your fellow Trainers of this when meeting up with your local community to optimise this strategy!

To participate in a Dynamax Battles you either have to:

• be there in-person, at Power Spots, which are easily identified on the map by the purple marking and large ‘X’ above them,
• or join Remotely.

You can take up Dynamax Battles with up to 4 people.

• Each person can bring up to three Pokémon in their team
• Only Pokémon that can Dynamax or Gigantamax can participate in Max Battles
• Max Battles are turn based, differing from both raiding and GO Battle League. 

How to charge up your Max Meter?

In a Dynamax Battle, tap the screen to use Fast Attacks as fast as possible, and it will fill up the Max Meter at the top of the screen. Your Max Meter is filled depending on how much damage you do, but never less than 1 Max Energy.

How to dodge Boss Attacks

When three lines appear above a Pokémon’s head, it means it is being targeted by the Max Battle Boss. You can avoid this by swiping to either the left or the right.

The Dynamax Phase

When your Max Meter reaches its maximum, your Pokémon will automatically Dynamax/Gigantamax. You can fill it up by swiping towards the energy icons that appears from time to time, or by using your Fast and Charged Attacks. Once it is full, your Pokémon will Dynamax for 3 turns.

• You have a 3 second countdown to choose the Pokémon you wish to Dynamax / Gigantamax. You can pick any Pokémon, but it depends on which role you are fulfilling in your group. 
• Once your Dynamax Phase ends you can immediately switch back to another Pokémon in your team if you wish to.
• You can Dynamax more than once in a Max Battle, and will automatically Dynamax once your Max Meter refills.

If all of your Pokémon faint while battling a 3-star or higher level Boss with other Trainers, you can still help your allies by cheering for your them so that their meters fill faster.

For Dynamax battles a maximum of 4 Trainers can enter the battle together. Generally, the best strategy for your group of 4 is to have :

• 2 attackers
• 1 defender
• 1 healer

This will allow your group to stay alive as long as possible, whilst also directing damage towards one specific trainer, and allowing maximum damage to take place.

It is advisable to keep in mind that Trainers are grouped together in the order of joining the lobby, so it may be worth planning to ensure that the most prepared Trainers with leveled up Max Spirit and Max Guard are paired with others who are only prepared for attacks.

It is also worth communicating with your fellow Trainers to ensure that those who may be less prepared, such as children who don’t have the resources of others, are included in groups that can help carry them through.

Max Guard can be used to add a maximum of 3 shields to your Pokémon. How much HP a single shield can absorb depends on the Max Guard level.

• 20HP for level 1
• 40HP for level 2
• 60 HP for level 3

When stacked to a maximum of 3 shields it gives you:

• 60HP for level 1
• 120HP for level 2
• 180HP for level 3

If you find you are re-entering your Dynamax Phase and you still have shields left, it would be recommended to top back up to 3 shields, then use your Max Attack for your other moves.

While shields are only applied to the Pokémon using them, it is a hugely important aspect of a Max Battle. Whilst shielded, the Max Battle boss will direct its focused attacks towards the Pokémon that is shielded only!

The defender therefore draws damage away from the other active Pokémon in battle, protecting them from the more powerful Max Battle attack. Dodging should still be attempted in order to reduce the damage received and keep your shields up for longer. We cannot under-estimate how important Max Guard is due to it drawing damage away for your whole group, it is absolutely key to utilise in your strategy.

Only one person in your group of four needs to use Max Guard, so communication is key here.

Max Spirit heals not only Pokémon using it, but also any other active Pokémon on the battle field in your group of 4. The amount of health restored is based on the level of Max Spirit and the user’s maximum HP. Aim to level up your Max Spirit to at least level 2 for a dedicated healer.

This means that Pokémon with high stamina and HP stats are better healers, even if they don’t have optimal attacks for their Max Battle boss.

Attackers are Pokémon that have Max Attack levelled up. Attackers in Max Battles are the Pokémon you want to use during the Dynamax Phase. These Pokémon deal maximum damage to the Max Boss.

Remember, in Max Battles your Fast Move that determines the typing of your Max Move, so it is key to ensure it has the correct typing that will deal super effective damage to the boss. Attackers are recommended based on their typings, and their attack stats.

Defenders are Pokémon that have Max Guard leveled up. Good defenders are Pokémon who have large defense and stamina stats, and take reduced damage from the Max Boss. This enables you to stay alive longer, and charge up your Max Meter faster.

Defenders are recommended based on having high level defense and stamina stats, along with their typing being resistant to the Max Bosses potential moveset.

Healers are Pokémon that have Max Spirit levelled up. Healers are used in the max phase to apply healing to your team. Healers are recommended based on their stamina stat. Other elements are considered, including their ability to pull double duty as defenders or attackers.