New Gigantamax Forms Revealed for Pokémon Sword and Shield

Gigantamax is a brand new form in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield that trainers can use to transform their Pokémon into large behemoths, as well as altering their physical appearance and giving them access to new moves. In a recent trailer, five new Gigantamax forms have been revealed, and they’re all creatures that originate from the Kanto region.

First up are Gigantamax forms for both Pikachu and Eevee, which can only be obtained by people who have played the respective Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! titles on their Nintendo Switch.

Pikachu’s Gigantamax form closely resembles his original depiction early on in the franchise, where it’s seen with a more rounded and chubby body type, and it also gives Pikachu access to the move “G-Max Volt Crash”, which damages opponents along with paralysing them. Eevee on the other hand will grow a larger mound of fur around its neck when Gigantamaxed, as well as being able to use “G-Max Cuddle”. This move not only damages opponents, but will cause those of the opposite sex to become infatuated with Eevee, meaning that they’ll be less likely to attack.

The final evolutions of Charmander and Caterpie lines Charizard and Butterfree can also be Gigantamaxed. While Butterfree’s physical transformation is more simplistic, with its wing span enlarging and its scales changing colour, Charizard’s new form is more bombastic, with it closely resembling something akin to a thermonuclear Godzilla. Butterfree gains access to “G-Max Befuddle”, which causes the status inflictions of either sleep, poison or paralysis randomly along with causing damage, while Charizard’s new move “G-Max Wildfire” causes damage for four turns after the initial attack to any Pokémon that isn’t fire type.

Lastly is Meowth, who’s Gigantamax form can only be obtained by early adopters. Those who pick up the game between 15th November 2019 and 15th January 2020 will be able to access this new form of Meowth via Mystery Gift in the game, and it’s new transformation sees it stretching out into a much longer, more cylindrical shape. Meowth can use the move “G-Max Gold Rush” in this form, which gives the player a larger cash pay-out upon victory as well as damaging the opponent. It’s essentially an upgraded version of Meowth’s Payday move.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are set to release on 15th November, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.