Pokemon GO Adding New Gigantamax Pokemon for Upcoming Max Battle Day

Niantic confirms all the new details and rewards coming to Max Battle Day in Pokemon GO, including the debut of a brand new Gigantamax Pokemon. 2026 is a big year for both the Pokemon franchise and the hit mobile title Pokemon GO, as each is hitting a major milestone. As the main franchise turns 30 years old, Pokemon GO is also celebrating 10 years and so far, players have been enjoying plenty of bonuses, events, and other rewards.

March has been a busy month so far for players as Pokemon GO launched the All Out event over the past weekend, a special anniversary celebration that brought back nearly every Pokemon that has ever appeared in the mobile title through more frequent spawns. At the same time, there was a special 30th Anniversary event running in the game, giving players a chance to work through a free GO Pass containing a variety of Kanto Pokemon with a Mewtwo at the very end for those who were able to make it through before it expired. While the unique events have come to an end, Niantic has plenty more content coming in March, including Max Battle Day in a few weeks.

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Pokemon GO Confirms New Gigantamax Debut For Max Battle Day

Starting on March 28 from 2pm to 5pm, players can take part in Max Battle Day, which includes the debut of Gigantamax Pikachu. Players can keep an eye out for its debut in 6-star Max Battles and for those who are a bit lucky, they may even come across a shiny variant. Originally introduced to the franchise via the ability to Dynamax in Pokemon Sword and Shield, people were initially struck by Pikachu’s Gigantamax design, seemingly bringing back the chubbier look from the Gameboy version.

In addition to Pikachu making its debut alongside all the current Gigantamax versions available within Pokemon GO, Max Battle Day will have a bunch of event bonuses active as well. The Max Particle collection limit will be increased to 1,600, with Power Spots refreshing more frequently and featuring Gigantamax Battles. Players will also be able to earn 8x Max Particles from Power Spots, while also earning three special trades for the day. Players can also earn double the amount of Max Particles for walking around at a fourth of the distance.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

Naturally, there’s a premium option available for $4.99 unlocking even more goodies during the event. Event-exclusive Timed Research will unlock, rewarding players with 1 Max Mushroom, 25,000XP, and 6,400 Max Particles, while also granting double the amount of XP earned from participating in Max Battles. Max Mushrooms in Pokemon GO are valuable items, temporarily doubling all damage that Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon deal in Max Battles. Using multiple Max Mushrooms will extend the timer they’re active, but it won’t cause damage to multiply any further. Unfortunately, there don’t appear to be any free ways to earn these items, as they can be purchased via the in-game store or through this upcoming Timed Research.

While Max Battle Day is set for an end of the month start time, players will be able to join in with a special Pokopia Celebration event starting on March 10. To celebrate the successful launch of Pokemon Pokopia, Pokemon GO will be featuring Ditto during this event, including versions that are wearing hats and caps. Players will also discover that Costumed Ditto are changing into different Pokemon in the wild as Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Sudowoodo, Zorua will be appearing more often. Three-star raids will be featuring Lapras, Snorlax, and Dragonite, while XP bonuses for spinning PokeStops are also going to be active until the event ends on March 16.