Pokémon GO is set to debut Gigantamax Butterfree as the centerpiece of its next Max Battle Day, giving players a chance to add this striking and powerful Pokémon to their collection. The event takes place on August 3, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time, and brings a host of bonuses and new challenges to the mobile AR game.
Gigantamax Butterfree Arrives
Max Battles, introduced in autumn 2024, have already brought Dynamax and Gigantamax transformations to Pokémon GO, with nearly 70 Pokémon capable of Dynamax and around a dozen performing Gigantamax so far. Gigantamax Butterfree, long-awaited by collectors and battlers alike, will be available for the first time during this event.
Every Power Spot on the map will host Max Battles at an accelerated refresh rate, increasing players’ chances of encountering a Gigantamax Butterfree. However, catching it won’t be easy: Gigantamax Butterfree will appear only in six-star Max Battles, requiring strong, well-prepared teams. Players are advised to bring powerful Rock, Flying, Fire, Electric, or Ice-type Pokémon to counter its Bug/Flying typing effectively.
Event Bonuses and Features
As with previous Max Battle Days, several limited-time bonuses will help players maximize their participation:
- Increased Max Particle capacity: Up to 1,600 can be held at once.
- Power Spot boosts: Each will distribute 8x the normal Max Particles.
- Early particle bonuses: Starting 14 hours before the event, players earn double Max Particles while exploring, and the walking distance required to collect them drops to 25% of normal.
- Remote Raid Pass increase: Starting at 5:00 p.m. on August 2, players can carry up to 20 Remote Raid Passes.
For players looking for more, a $4.99 event ticket offers additional perks during the event window, including a larger Max Particle limit, double experience from Max Battles, a Max Mushroom, and 25,000 bonus XP.
Lead-Up Activities and Shiny Chances
The event build-up begins on July 28, when timed research tasks will go live, giving players an opportunity to encounter a Dynamax Darumaka, which also has a chance of being shiny. Both Dynamax Darumaka and Gigantamax Butterfree will have shiny variants available during the event, providing added incentive for collectors.
With Gigantamax Butterfree finally landing in Pokémon GO, and a slew of bonuses to help players along, the August 3 Max Battle Day promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Players are encouraged to stock up on resources and prepare their best counters to take full advantage of this limited-time opportunity.
