How to Beat Gigantamax Toxtricity in Pokémon Games – Gigantamax Toxtricity is one of the most exciting and challenging opponents in the Pokémon franchise. With its striking appearance and powerful Electric/Poison-type moves, defeating this larger-than-life Pokémon requires a mix of strategy, preparation, and the right team. Whether you’re tackling it in a Max Raid Battle in Pokémon Sword and Shield or facing it in another capacity, this guide will help you emerge victorious.
About Gigantamax Toxtricity
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand what makes Gigantamax Toxtricity such a formidable foe.
1. Key Characteristics
- Typing: Electric/Poison
- Weaknesses: Ground and Psychic
- Strengths: Toxtricity resists Electric, Poison, Steel, Fighting, Bug, Grass, and Fairy moves.
- Signature Move: G-Max Stun Shock – This devastating Gigantamax move can cause paralysis or poison to all opposing Pokémon, making it extremely dangerous.
2. Abilities
Gigantamax Toxtricity often comes with one of two abilities:
- Punk Rock: Boosts the power of sound-based moves while reducing damage taken from them.
- Plus/Minus: These abilities enhance Special Attack when paired with a Pokémon with a complementary ability in Double Battles.
Preparing for the Battle
Success against Gigantamax Toxtricity begins before the battle even starts. Here are the steps to ensure you’re ready.
1. Build the Right Team
- Ground-Type Pokémon: Toxtricity’s Electric attacks won’t affect Ground-types, making them essential. Pokémon like Excadrill, Garchomp, or Mudsdale are excellent choices.
- Psychic-Type Pokémon: For its Poison typing, Psychic-types like Alakazam, Espeon, or Metagross can deal significant damage.
- Bulky Support Pokémon: Bring support Pokémon with moves like Heal Pulse or Light Screen to mitigate damage and keep your team healthy.
2. Choose Effective Moves
- Ground-type moves like Earthquake, High Horsepower, and Bulldoze are super effective against Toxtricity.
- Psychic moves like Psychic, Psyshock, and Zen Headbutt also deal massive damage.
- Avoid Grass, Bug, and Fairy-type moves, as Toxtricity resists them.
3. Items to Equip
- Ground Gem: Boosts the power of Ground-type moves.
- Focus Sash: Prevents a Pokémon from being knocked out in one hit.
- Lum Berry: Heals status conditions like paralysis or poison caused by G-Max Stun Shock.
Battle Strategies
With your team prepared, it’s time to focus on how to approach the battle itself.
1. Exploit Its Weaknesses
Gigantamax Toxtricity’s Electric/Poison typing leaves it vulnerable to Ground and Psychic moves. Use powerful attackers with these move types to quickly whittle down its health.
2. Control the Field
Toxtricity’s G-Max Stun Shock can paralyze or poison your entire team, so taking control of the field is essential:
- Use moves like Safeguard to protect your team from status effects.
- Set up Light Screen to reduce the damage from its Special Attacks.
3. Watch for Its G-Max Stun Shock
This move can devastate unprepared teams. If possible, bring Pokémon with abilities that counteract its effects:
- Limber: Prevents paralysis.
- Immunity: Prevents poisoning.
4. Leverage Dynamax or Terastallization
If you’re playing in Pokémon Sword and Shield, use Dynamax strategically. A Dynamaxed Ground-type Pokémon with Max Quake can deal heavy damage while boosting your team’s Special Defense. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, terastallize into a Ground or Psychic type to further exploit its weaknesses.
Recommended Pokémon to Counter Gigantamax Toxtricity
Here’s a list of strong Pokémon to consider, along with their movesets and roles:
Ground-Type Powerhouses
1. Excadrill
- Moves: Earthquake, Iron Head, Rock Slide, Swords Dance
- Role: Physical Attacker
- Why: Excadrill’s immunity to Electric moves and high Attack make it a top contender.
2. Garchomp
- Moves: Earthquake, Dragon Claw, Stone Edge, Swords Dance
- Role: Versatile Attacker
- Why: Garchomp’s speed and offensive power make it a reliable choice.
3. Mudsdale
- Moves: High Horsepower, Heavy Slam, Counter, Protect
- Role: Tank
- Why: Mudsdale’s bulk allows it to take hits and retaliate with strong Ground-type moves.
Psychic-Type Specialists
1. Alakazam
- Moves: Psychic, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Recover
- Role: Special Attacker
- Why: Alakazam’s high Special Attack can quickly wear down Toxtricity.
2. Espeon
- Moves: Psyshock, Dazzling Gleam, Calm Mind, Morning Sun
- Role: Supportive Attacker
- Why: Espeon combines powerful Psychic moves with utility.
3. Metagross
- Moves: Zen Headbutt, Meteor Mash, Bullet Punch, Earthquake
- Role: Tank/Attacker
- Why: Metagross is both sturdy and strong, making it a versatile counter.
In Max Raid Battles
If you’re tackling Gigantamax Toxtricity in a Max Raid Battle, the mechanics are slightly different. Here are tips specific to these encounters:
1. Team Coordination
Max Raids involve up to four players. Coordinate with your teammates to ensure your team covers all bases:
- One player can focus on healing and support.
- Another can use a high-damage Ground-type Pokémon.
- The others can bring backup attackers or status-effect countermeasures.
2. Break Its Shields
Gigantamax Pokémon in raids generate shields that reduce damage. Focus on breaking these shields quickly to expose Toxtricity to full-power moves. Multi-hit moves like Rock Blast or Triple Axel can help.
3. Revive Fainted Pokémon
In Max Raids, your team can only faint four times before the battle ends. Bring items like Max Revives or use Pokémon with the move Revive to keep everyone in the fight.
Rewards for Defeating Gigantamax Toxtricity
Successfully defeating Gigantamax Toxtricity comes with rewards that make the effort worthwhile:
- Rare Items: Including Dynamax Candies, EXP Candies, and Bottle Caps.
- Gigantamax Toxtricity: You’ll have a chance to catch it and add this powerful Pokémon to your team.
- TRs (Technical Records): These one-time-use items teach powerful moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Gigantamax Toxtricity appear in different forms?
A: Yes, Toxtricity has two forms: Amped Form and Low Key Form. The form it takes depends on its nature. Both forms can Gigantamax, but their stats remain the same.
Q: What is the best ability to use against Toxtricity?
A: Abilities like Limber (prevents paralysis) and Immunity (prevents poisoning) are excellent counters to G-Max Stun Shock.
Q: Can I solo Gigantamax Toxtricity in a Max Raid Battle?
A: While soloing is possible with a strong enough team, it’s much easier with human players rather than NPCs.
Conclusion
Beating Gigantamax Toxtricity in Pokémon Sword and Shield or other Pokémon games is a rewarding challenge that tests your preparation and strategy. By understanding its Electric/Poison typing, exploiting its weaknesses with Ground and Psychic moves, and carefully crafting your team, you can take it down with confidence.
Whether you’re battling solo or with friends, remember to prepare thoroughly, stay adaptable, and have fun. After all, overcoming challenges like this is what makes Pokémon battles so exciting!