On December 2, 2024, players of Pokémon GO will encounter the Max Monday raid boss, Dynamax Squirtle, a classic Water-type starter from the original Generation. This unique Gigantamax form can only be battled for a short duration of one hour at a designated Power Spot, so it’s crucial to have an effective counter ready for this formidable foe.
Fortunately, Dynamax Squirtle is significantly easier to defeat than Dynamax Blastoise in Pokémon GO. This battle is rated as a one-star raid, allowing players to take it on solo with the right Pokémon selections. As with all Max Monday raiding events, you’ll need 800 Max Particles to activate a Power Spot and engage with Dynamax Squirtle, along with a capable Dynamax Pokémon.
Dynamax Squirtle Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokémon GO
Know Which Pokémon to Bring to the Battle
Dynamax Squirtle’s Water-type classification comes with distinct weaknesses and resistances, consistent with its original form. It’s vital to choose Pokémon that can inflict super-effective damage on Dynamax Squirtle based on its type. See the following table for details on how each type interacts with Dynamax Squirtle in Pokémon GO:
Type |
Relationship |
Bug |
N/A – Neutral |
Dark |
N/A – Neutral |
Dragon |
N/A – Neutral |
Electric |
Weak Against |
Fairy |
N/A – Neutral |
Fire |
Resists |
Fighting |
N/A – Neutral |
Flying |
N/A – Neutral |
Ghost |
N/A – Neutral |
Grass |
Weak Against |
Ground |
N/A – Neutral |
Ice |
Resists |
Normal |
N/A – Neutral |
Poison |
N/A – Neutral |
Psychic |
N/A – Neutral |
Rock |
N/A – Neutral |
Steel |
Resists |
Water |
Resists |
While Gigantamax battles can be daunting, understanding Squirtle’s two main weaknesses gives you a significant edge. This Pokémon resists Fire, Ice, Steel, and Water moves, yet is vulnerable to Grass and Electric-type attacks. Fast and Charged attacks from Pokémon exploiting these weaknesses offer the best chance for a victory in this duel.
If you participated in the previous Max Monday raid with Dynamax Bulbasaur, you might find that your Grass-type starter is an excellent choice against Dynamax Squirtle, capitalizing on its new boss’s vulnerabilities.
Knowing the type match-ups for Dynamax Squirtle is just the first step. You also need to collect Max Particles to initiate the Dynamax Battle. It’s possible to team up with multiple trainers to take on Dynamax Squirtle, so make sure everyone is equipped with effective counters for this one-star raid boss. Only Dynamax Pokémon can be used in these battles, so catching ones from previous raids is necessary to participate.
Best Counters for Dynamax Squirtle in Pokémon GO
Choose Pokémon with High Endurance
Dynamax Squirtle’s Same Type Attack Bonus (S.T.A.B.) enhances the power of all its moves. This added power can quickly diminish your Pokémon’s health, especially if it faces super-effective Water-type moves. Thus, it’s essential to choose a sturdier Pokémon that can endure the boss’s assault despite this increased damage.
As with other raid bosses in Pokémon GO, having a Pokémon that can withstand multiple hits from Dynamax Squirtle is a must. Here are some of the best counters on a team that can effectively work together against Dynamax Squirtle:
- Rillaboom
- Venusaur
- Toxtricity (Low Key Form)
- Toxtricity (Amped Form)
- Metagross
Rillaboom and Venusaur boast high durability and powerful Grass-type S.T.A.B. moves, making them exceptional choices against Dynamax Squirtle. For trainers who prefer quicker Pokémon, either form of Toxtricity offers great speed while remaining effective. Its Electric-type attacks will be particularly beneficial as the battle progresses.
While it may seem counterintuitive to use Metagross against Dynamax Squirtle because the raid boss resists Steel-type attacks, it can still prove useful. As a Steel and Psychic-type Pokémon, Metagross has moves like Zen Headbutt that can utilize S.T.A.B. and deal solid damage. Its impressive bulk combined with resistance to Water-type moves allows it to endure longer in battles against Dynamax Squirtle.
With the right counters in hand, players can defeat Dynamax Squirtle multiple times in quick succession. This strategy not only allows you to capture the Gigantamax version of this Pokémon for future engagements but also increases your chances of encountering a Shiny variant. Participating in the Max Monday event guarantees rare XL Candy with every victory over Dynamax Squirtle in Pokémon GO.