Pokémon: How to beat Gigantamax Machamp, Gengar, and Snorlax

Gigantamax Machamp, Gengar, and Snorlax are now spawning more frequently in Pokémon Sword and Shield Max Raid Battles. Here’s a look at the best ways to find and take down these Pokémon to catch them.

Due to the event, these Pokémon can be found in any common raid den (dens with a red beam). Normally, they only appear in certain rare dens (dens with a purple beam). Make sure to check each den and the Y-COMM to find one.

Best Counters

Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus

The three legendary Pokémon are always great picks for Max Raid Battles due to their special moves that deal bonus damage to Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon. Zacian will deal the most damage and Zamazenta will be the most defensive.

Machamp Counters

Gardevoir and Hatterene are great counters for Machamp. His G-Max Chi Strike is a Fighting-type move, which is resisted by both Psychic and Fairy types. These Pokémon can spam Moonblast, Dazzling Gleam, or Psychic against Machamp to deal a lot of damage to it. It’s also nice to have a non-legendary Pokémon that can Dynamax and do double damage against Machamp’s shield.

Gengar Counters

Excadrill and Tyranitar make for great Gengar counters, as its Ghost/Poison typing makes it weak to Ground and Dark-type moves. Both of these Pokémon also have excellent attack stats to take advantage of its mediocre defense stat. Make sure not to use Earthquake, however, as it will damage your teammates as well. High Horsepower on Excadrill is better for raids.

Snorlax Counters

Since Snorlax is a Normal-type, it is only weak to Fighting-type moves. This makes Machamp and Conkeldurr the best non-legendary counters. You can use a Gigantamax Machamp to deal heavy damage to it and up your crit chance with G-Max Chi Strike. Conkeldurr with Guts and Flame Orb or Iron Fist and Drain Punch are also solid options.

Once you beat one of these Pokémon, you will get one opportunity to throw a Poké Ball and catch it. Repeat Balls work well if you already have the Pokémon, and Dusk Balls are good for catching them at night. Be sure to use your best Poké Ball because their catch rates are quite low!