Pokemon GO: Best Counters for Gigantamax Kingler

Author: Caleb Oct 25,2025

Gigantamax Kingler Makes Its Pokemon GO Debut as First 6-Star Raid Boss Since Lapras

As Pokemon GO's newest 6-Star Raid boss, Gigantamax Kingler demands perfectly optimized counters targeting its exclusive dual weaknesses. Making history as the first Gigantamax encounter since Lapras, this colossal crustacean evolution will challenge trainers during its limited-time Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025 (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM local time).

Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances

Retaining its pure Water-type attributes, Gigantamax Kingler maintains critical vulnerabilities to Grass- and Electric-type attacks (160% damage) while resisting Fire, Water, Steel, and Ice moves (39% damage).

Optimal Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler

Top Gigantamax Kingler counters Venusaur and Zapdos

Best counters visualized | Image: Niantic/The Pokémon Company

Success against this formidable raid boss requires Electric-types and hybrid Grass-types like Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos. The exclusive Dynamax/Gigantamax requirement narrows counter options considerably, though several excellent choices remain:

Recommended CounterTypeFast MoveCharged Move
VenusaurGrass/PoisonVine WhipFrenzy Plant
IvysaurGrass/PoisonVine WhipPower Whip
ZapdosElectric/FlyingThunder ShockThunder
GreedentNormalBullet SeedTrailblaze

The presence of X-Scissor in Kingler's potential moveset (Bubble/Mud Shot/Metal Claw/Vise Grip/Water Pulse/Crabhammer/Razor Shell) creates interesting dynamics - while super-effective against pure Grass-types, Grass/Poison hybrids take neutral damage.

Secondary options like Greedent offer strategic value despite lacking STAB, taking only neutral damage from all Kingler attacks. In desperate situations, neutral tanks like Blastoise can fill gaps in raid parties.

Shiny Availability

Official announcements confirm Shiny Gigantamax Kingler availability during its debut event, maintaining Pokémon GO's standard legendary Shiny odds (estimated 1/20 encounter rate).

Max Mushroom Strategy

The premium Max Mushroom consumable (400 PokéCoins) provides a 30-second damage doubling effect for Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon - though the steep price suggests selective team usage.

With this complete raid preparation guide, trainers should consult Pokémon GO's February event calendar to strategically plan their Gigantamax Kingler attempts alongside other upcoming activities.