Pokemon GO: Dynamax Lugia Arrives This Max Battle Weekend
Event Summary (Quick Info)
Dynamax Lugia debut in five-star Max Battles
Event time: Nov 29, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. – Nov 30, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. (local)
Shiny Lugia available
Major bonuses:
Max Particle cap ↑ to 1,600
1/4 adventuring distance for Max Particles
Faster Power Spot refresh
8× Max Particles from Power Spots
Free Timed Research with Dynamax Gastly
Best counters: Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost, Dark types
Difficulty: High — requires strong Max/G-Max attackers and coordinated teams
Dynamax Lugia Arrives in Pokémon GO's Max Battle Weekend
A new Max Battle Weekend is approaching, and this time a true heavyweight takes center stage. Dynamax Lugia will make its first appearance in Pokémon GO, headlining five-star Max Battles from November 29 at 6:00 a.m. to November 30, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. local time—with its Shiny form available.
Event Time
Saturday, November 29 at 6:00 a.m.
→ Sunday, November 30 at 9:00 p.m. (local time)
Event Bonuses
Max Particle cap raised to 1,600
1/4 adventuring distance to earn Max Particles
Faster Power Spot refreshes
8× Max Particles from Power Spots
Make sure you collect your daily Max Particles from the Nearby menu so the distance bonus activates properly.
How Tough Is Dynamax Lugia?
Dynamax Lugia is significantly harder than a standard five-star raid boss. Lugia already has one of the highest bulk stats among Legendary Pokémon, and its Dynamax form boosts that even further. Battles last longer, damage windows are shorter, and its Max Moves hit harder than typical raid attacks.
Expect:
High survivability
Frequent, heavy-hitting Max Moves
A need for multiple solid counters or a coordinated group
Soloing it is not possible. Small groups may struggle unless everyone brings optimized Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon.
How to Battle Dynamax Lugia
Max Battles work differently from raids, so it's important to prepare:
1. Bring Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon Only
Max Battles require all participating Pokémon to be Dynamax or Gigantamax. Regular Pokémon can't join.
2. Match Your Max Move Type
A Dynamax Pokémon's Max Move type is determined by its Fast Attack, so choose Electric-, Ice-, Rock-, Ghost-, or Dark-type Fast Attacks to align your damage with Lugia's weaknesses.
3. Watch Lugia's Move Patterns
Dynamax Lugia tends to use:
Strong Psychic-type Max Moves
Flying-type Max Moves that hit groups hard
Debuff moves that reduce defense or disrupt setups
Team shields may be needed in longer fights.
4. Recommended Team Size
3–5 prepared players with strong Max/G-Max attackers
6–8 casual players if using mixed teams
Going in with random players can work, but expect variable success rates.
Best Counters for Dynamax Lugia
Because of Lugia's Psychic/Flying typing, the best attackers fall into five categories: Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost, and Dark. Since you need Max or Gigantamax Pokémon, here are reliable picks:
Gigantamax Gengar (Ghost)
Gigantamax Lapras (Ice)
Gigantamax Toxtricity (Electric)
Gigantamax Grimmsnarl (Dark)
Dynamax Zapdos (Electric)
Dynamax Raikou (Electric)
Dynamax Toxtricity (Electric/Poison)
If you want ready-made battle Pokémon, you can check out curated Pokémon options here:
Buy Pokémon GO Pokémon – Build Your Battle Team
Free Timed Research
Available from November 25 at 6:00 a.m., this research gives you a chance to add Dynamax Gastly to your lineup along with Gastly Candy, Max Particles, and more. Finish all tasks before November 30 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Find Battles Faster with Campfire
Campfire makes it simple to locate active Max Battles or group up with nearby Trainers. Open the green icon under the compass to see Flare activity.
Dynamax Lugia is one of the toughest Max Battle bosses to date, but with the right counters, a prepared team, and the boosted Particle gains, this weekend is the perfect chance to tackle it—and maybe grab that Shiny.
Good luck, Trainers!
