Dynamax is a mechanic introduced in Pokémon Sword & Shield that allows a Pokémon to grow to a gigantic size for three turns, increasing its maximum HP by 150–200% and changing all of its moves to Max Moves, which hit even harder and have powerful effects. Certain Pokémon have a special form of Dynamax, called Gigantamax, that grants them a different appearance during these turns and gives them a unique G-Max Move, but otherwise they are functionally the same as a Dynamaxed Pokémon in battle.
In order to Dynamax, Trainers need to have a Dynamax Band. On top of that, because Dynamaxed Pokémon are so large, they can only Dynamax in certain areas, such as Stadiums (against Gym Leaders) or in Pokémon Dens for Max Raid Battles. There are a few other places that Pokémon can Dynamax, but generally speaking, unlike previous mechanics such as Mega Evolution and Z-Moves, there are very few places where you are able to Dynamax.
You can only Dynamax once per battle, and it lasts for just three turns or until you switch out your Pokémon (or it’s knocked out). The turn counter for Dynamax starts on the turn you initiate it and ends at the end of the third turn after that, so you get to take three actions with your Dynamax Pokémon on the field and get to see the end of the turn.
Dynamax Level and HP Gain
Every Pokémon, except those caught in Max Raid Battles or in Dynamax Adventures, starts with a Dynamax Level of 0. In order to raise a Pokémon’s Dynamax Level, Dynamax Candy must be used on the Pokémon, and these candies are earned by clearing out Pokémon Dens in the Wild Area or similar areas.
Each use of a Dynamax Candy increases the Pokémon’s Dynamax Level by 1, and Pokémon can have a max Dynamax Level of 10. The only effect this Dynamax Level has is increasing the amount of HP the Pokémon gains when it Dynamaxes (or Gigantamaxes).
Some Pokémon caught from Pokémon Dens or in Dynamax Adventures come with a Dynamax Level greater than 0.
| Dynamax Level | HP Gain % |
| 0 | +50% |
| 1 | +55% |
| 2 | +60% |
| 3 | +65% |
| 4 | +70% |
| 5 | +75% |
| 6 | +80% |
| 7 | +85% |
| 8 | +90% |
| 9 | +95% |
| 10 (Max) | +100% |
The amount of HP gained from Dynamaxing is temporary, and if the Pokémon that Dynamaxes is not at full HP when it Dynamaxes, its current HP after the Dynamax bonus will be at the same % relative to its maximum HP as it was before Dynamaxing. In other words, if you Dynamax when your Pokémon has 50/100 HP (50%) and get a +100% boost, your Pokémon would have 100/200 HP (50%).
Likewise, after the Pokémon is done Dynamaxing, its current HP will stay at the same %, even though the actual number will change.
Other Effects of Dynamax
In addition to gaining access to Max Moves, G-Max Moves (for Gigantamax Pokémon), and extra HP, Dynamaxed and Gigantamaxed Pokémon also have the following effects:
- They cannot flinch from moves or effects.
- Their damaging Max Moves and G-Max Moves break two shields against enemy Pokémon in Max Raid Battles or during Dynamax Adventures.
- They cannot be forced away from the field from moves like Whirlwind, Roar, Circle Throw, etc.
- Any weight-based moves such as Low Kick or Grass Knot don’t work against them.
- The Choice Band, Choice Specs, and Choice Scarf do not restrict the Pokémon from which moves it can use while in that form.
Additionally, there are three Pokémon cannot Dynamax:
The Pokémon Calyrex (along with any of its forms) can Dynamax and takes on a blue glow instead of the usual red glow while Dynamaxed.