How to Defeat Gigantamax Machamp in Pokémon GO Counters, Strategies, and Shiny Odds
As Pokémon GO continues to evolve its raid ecosystem with more dynamic and challenging encounters, the arrival of Gigantamax Machamp in Max Raid Battles marks a fresh test for both casual and competitive players. Known for its overwhelming physical prowess and a signature appearance that dominates the battlefield, Gigantamax Machamp requires thoughtful preparation, coordinated teams, and strategic counters to overcome. For those aiming not only to conquer but also to snag its rare Shiny form, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to prevail.
Gigantamax Machamp: An Overview
Gigantamax Machamp brings a new level of intensity to raids, combining the brute strength of a top-tier Fighting-type with enhanced visual effects and expanded hitboxes tied to its Gigantamax form. Unlike its standard variant, this form is available exclusively through limited-time raid events and cannot be evolved or acquired through standard gameplay mechanics.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Combat Power (CP) Range:
- Base: 1667 (at level 20, no weather boost)
- Boosted: 1746 (in cloudy weather conditions)
- Type: Fighting
- Shiny Availability: Yes, post-raid capture chance
- Raid Tier: 5-Star (Max Raid Battle)
Gigantamax Machamp is vulnerable to a specific set of type advantages, making preparation both manageable and essential for success.
Exploiting Weaknesses and Avoiding Resistances
To optimize your chances of success, it’s crucial to understand Gigantamax Machamp’s elemental strengths and vulnerabilities:
- Weak to (1.6x Damage):
- Psychic
- Flying
- Fairy
- Resistant to (0.625x Damage):
- Bug
- Rock
- Dark
Attacks from these latter types should be avoided, as they deal significantly less damage and reduce the overall efficiency of your raid team. Focus on Psychic- and Flying-type Pokémon with high damage output and survivability to tip the scales in your favor.
Shiny Machamp: What You Need to Know
While the prospect of battling Gigantamax Machamp is exciting in itself, the added incentive of catching its Shiny form cannot be overlooked. However, players should temper their expectations. The odds of encountering a Shiny Machamp after a successful raid remain slim and completely random.
- Shiny Rules:
- Shiny availability is determined post-raid.
- Not guaranteed for all players in a group—some may receive the opportunity while others don’t.
- A successful capture phase is required for the chance to encounter the Shiny version.
Because the distribution is randomized, it’s not uncommon for multiple raids to yield no Shiny variant at all. Nonetheless, consistent participation increases your chances over time.
Machamp’s Move Pool: What You’re Up Against
Understanding your opponent’s move set is a foundational element of raid preparation. Gigantamax Machamp comes equipped with a versatile and punishing collection of fast and charged attacks. These moves are capable of exploiting common Pokémon types, so knowing what you’re facing can be the difference between victory and a costly faint.
- Fast Moves:
- Counter: 13 Damage (Fighting-type)
- Bullet Punch: 11 Damage (Steel-type)
- Charged Moves:
- Heavy Slam: 70 Damage (Steel-type)
- Rock Slide: 75 Damage (Rock-type)
- Dynamic Punch: 85 Damage (Fighting-type)
- Cross Chop: 50 Damage (Fighting-type)
- Close Combat: 105 Damage (Fighting-type)
Charged attacks like Dynamic Punch and Close Combat deliver especially punishing blows and can wipe out unprepared Pokémon in one hit. Learning to anticipate these moves—and dodge them effectively—is crucial during prolonged encounters.
Best Counters to Use Against Gigantamax Machamp
Frontline Defenders (First Position)
Your lead Pokémon should combine durability with decent damage output. These Pokémon are tasked with weathering Machamp’s early barrage of attacks while whittling down its health bar.
Recommended Pokémon:
- Blissey
- Fast Move: Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move: Psychic
- Analysis: While not a damage dealer, Blissey’s high stamina allows her to absorb Machamp’s hits and give teammates breathing room.
- Gengar
- Fast Moves: Lick / Shadow Claw
- Charged Moves: Psychic / Shadow Ball
- Analysis: Offers dual-type Ghost and Psychic attacks. Gengar’s low durability means careful dodging is required.
- Suicune
- Fast Move: Extrasensory
- Charged Move: Hydro Pump
- Analysis: Though a Water-type, Suicune brings versatility and defensive capability to the front line.
- Metagross
- Fast Move: Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move: Psychic
- Analysis: A strong Psychic attacker with Steel typing that helps resist Machamp’s physical attacks.
Heavy Hitters (Second and Third Positions)
Once the lead has softened up Machamp, unleash your most powerful attackers. These Pokémon should maximize damage output using Flying- and Psychic-type moves.
Recommended Pokémon:
- Metagross
- Zen Headbutt / Psychic
- Remains effective even deep into the battle due to its high defense and consistent damage.
- Moltres
- Wing Attack / Sky Attack / Overheat
- Benefits from Flying-type advantage and can deal devastating Fire-type damage when needed.
- Unfezant
- Air Slash / Sky Attack
- A lesser-used option that can still deliver respectable damage, especially against Machamp’s fighting tendencies.
- Charizard
- Air Slash / Blast Burn* / Overheat
- With access to the Community Day move Blast Burn, Charizard becomes a dual-threat. Use Elite TMs if necessary.
- Kingler
- Bubble / Crabhammer
- A surprising powerhouse when equipped with Crabhammer, though vulnerable to Machamp’s fighting moves.
- Toxtricity
- Poison Jab / Wild Charge
- Unique typing and hard-hitting Electric attacks make it a niche but interesting option.
- Darmanitan
- Fire Fang / Psychic
- Can offer strong coverage with Psychic, taking advantage of type weakness.
- Inteleon
- Water Gun / Surf
- While not the most effective overall, can round out a team with decent neutral damage.
Pro Tips for G-Max Raid Success
- Prioritize Flying and Psychic Damage: Pokémon in these categories not only exploit Machamp’s weaknesses but also generally maintain strong neutral defense against Fighting moves.
- Watch the Charged Moves: Moves like Close Combat and Dynamic Punch come fast and hit hard. Use Pokémon with higher defense or time your dodges carefully to survive.
- Balance is Key: Don’t rely entirely on glass cannons. Include at least one or two tanky Pokémon to stabilize your lineup.
- Use Your Elite TMs: Don’t hesitate to burn an Elite TM for powerful legacy moves like Charizard’s Blast Burn. These often make the difference in high-stakes battles.
- Stay Coordinated in Group Raids: When raiding with friends or public lobbies, syncing up on move types and strategy can shorten the battle window and reduce fainting risk.
Final Thoughts: Is Gigantamax Machamp Worth the Effort?
Gigantamax Machamp is more than just a strong raid boss—it’s a test of strategic depth and team synergy. With its Shiny form available as a reward, there’s also a collectibility factor that draws in hardcore players and collectors alike. Whether you’re in it for the glory, the shiny, or just the challenge, having a proper game plan elevates your chances of walking away victorious.
In the evolving landscape of Pokémon GO, bosses like Gigantamax Machamp remind players that power alone isn’t enough. Knowledge, preparation, and flexibility are what separate casual raiders from battle-tested veterans.
So gear up, rally your team, and take the fight to one of the most iconic Fighting-types in the franchise. Supercharged and supersized, Machamp is waiting.
And who knows—your next catch screen might just sparkle.
