The Max Monday event has returned to Pokémon GO, so keeping up with the schedule is essential if you want to add featured Dynamax Pokémon to your roster. Niantic often introduces recurring monthly events, and this latest weekly chance to battle giant versions of selected Pocket Monsters is an exciting opportunity for dedicated Trainers eager to grow their collection of colossal creatures.
Max Mondays complement other regularly scheduled events, such as battles against Team Rocket Leader Sierra or the lineup of Raid bosses in Pokémon GO. However, this event limits you to a specific selection of Pokémon, making it a bit more challenging. The constraints can increase the thrill of securing a victory and adding a new giant Pokémon to your team.
Max Mondays Schedule for December 2024
Featured Pokémon: Familiar Faces and New Entries
This December, Pokémon GO offers five Max Monday events, kicking off with Squirtle on the 2nd and wrapping up with Bulbasaur on the 30th. You’ll have plenty of time to prepare using the Dynamax Bulbasaur Max Battle guide before the final event. Check out the complete schedule below, which includes details on each Max Monday Pokémon, such as their type, weaknesses, and Shiny availability:
|
Date |
Time |
Pokémon |
Type |
Weaknesses |
Shiny Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Monday, December 2 |
6 PM – 7 PM (local time) |
Dynamax Squirtle |
Yes |
||
|
Monday, December 9 |
6 PM – 7 PM (local time) |
Dynamax Krabby |
Yes |
||
|
Monday, December 16 |
6 PM – 7 PM (local time) |
Dynamax Charmander |
Yes |
||
|
Monday, December 23 |
6 PM – 7 PM (local time) |
Dynamax Cryogonal |
Yes |
||
|
Monday, December 30 |
6 PM – 7 PM (local time) |
Dynamax Bulbasaur |
When entering Max Raids, it’s beneficial to bring a Dynamax-capable Pokémon equipped with moves that target the boss’s weaknesses. For instance, use a Squirtle with Water-type moves against Dynamax Charmander.
The inclusion of the Kanto starters— Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle— is expected, as these Pokémon have been part of the game since its inception and were featured in last month’s Max Monday lineup as well.
On the other hand, Dynamax Cryogonal and Krabby will be making their debut. It’s currently uncertain if these new additions will be permanent or exclusive to this event, so be sure to mark your calendars to catch them when you can.
How Do Max Mondays Function?
Another Weekly Event to Engage With
Since launching in Pokémon GO last month, Max Monday kicks off every Tuesday at 6 PM and runs for an hour until 7 PM local time. Similar to Spotlight Hours or Raid Hours that occur on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively, each Max Monday features a highlighted Pokémon as the boss for all Max Raid battles. Like the standard gameplay, Dynamax battles can only be conducted at Power Spots found on your in-game map.
Power Spots resemble Gyms but are identified as tall purple towers topped with an X. When you approach and interact with one, you can collect the Max Particles needed to participate in the battle. To enter a Max Raid Battle, you must have at least one Dynamax Pokémon, and you can form a party of up to four Trainers, each with three Dynamax Pokémon.
Strategies for Winning Max Raid Battles
Like Regular Raids, but with a Unique Twist
Winning Max Raid Battles follows a similar approach to regular Raids, involving tapping for Fast Attacks while utilizing Charged Attacks as your energy accumulates. However, Max Raids include an additional layer where you gather Max Energy to fill your Max Meter, allowing you to Dynamax your Pokémon. Each time you Dynamax, your Pokémon gains access to three unique Max Moves—Max Attack, Max Guard, and Max Spirit—all of which can be improved as you progress.
Max Attacks cause damage, Max Guard minimizes damage received from opponents, and Max Spirit heals your Pokémon and allies. You may not need to utilize all these features for weaker opponents, but strategy becomes critical when facing tougher challenges. Keep the dates and weaknesses of the bosses in mind from this month’s Max Mondays schedule, and you can expand your collection to include new Dynamax Pokémon like Krabby and Cryogonal in your Pokémon GO game.
