As a formidable 6-Star Raid boss making its debut in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler poses a significant challenge that requires Trainers to utilize counters with precisely the right movesets to exploit its vulnerabilities. This giant evolution of Krabby, the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, will demand a well-prepared raid party to conquer 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, similar to its base form in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler is exclusively vulnerable to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, which inflict 160% super-effective damage. Conversely, it boasts resistance against Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, reducing their damage to just 39%. It's crucial for Trainers to steer clear of these types of moves during the raid.

Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO

Other viable counters, like the Grass-type Rillaboom, are also effective. However, Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset includes Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type X-Scissor, which is super-effective against pure Grass-types. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing neutralizes the impact of X-Scissor, and Zapdos's Flying type mitigates the threat from Ground-type Mud Shot.

Prioritizing counters with moves of the same type to benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) is advisable. Yet, Pokemon like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, which can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves despite their primary typing, serve as excellent backups, as they'll only receive neutral damage from Kingler's attacks.

If super-effective counters are scarce, neutral tanks such as Blastoise or Lapras can still serve as robust defenders.

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

Can Gigantamax Kingler be Shiny?

Yes, Gigantamax Kingler can indeed be Shiny in *Pokemon GO*, as announced by the game’s official post for its Max Battle Day event. This means there's a chance to encounter and catch a Shiny version after defeating it in a raid. While the exact odds aren't confirmed, they are believed to be 1 in 20, aligning with the odds for 5-Star Raid bosses.

Don’t Forget Max Mushrooms

If your raid party is struggling against Gigantamax Kingler, consider utilizing Max Mushrooms, which are available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. These items boost the damage dealt by your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon by double for 30 seconds, although they are pricey at 400 PokeCoins each. Using Max Mushrooms with your team could be the key to victory.

Armed with this knowledge on how to defeat Gigantamax Kingler with optimal counters during its Max Battle Day, be sure to check the *Pokemon GO* event schedule for other exciting events throughout February.