Ultimate Guide to Dynamax Darumaka Battles (Max Mondays)

The newest addition to Max Battles featured in Pokémon GO on Max Mondays is Dynamax Darumaka. This Fire-type Pokémon from Generation 5 will make its first appearance as a Dynamax Pokémon during the designated hour set for Monday, February 24, 2025, from 6 PM to 7 PM local time. During this time, it will be the sole Pokémon available in Max Battles. After the event concludes, trainers will also be able to catch Dynamax Darumaka, along with Pidove and Sobble.

While it may not be among the top Fire-types in Pokémon GO, its evolution, Darmanitan, can still play a useful role in various situations. To challenge Dynamax Darumaka, locate it at nearby Power Spots, which are often plentiful like PokéStops. Once you find it, you and up to three friends can join forces to take down Dynamax Darumaka. If you succeed, you’ll have the chance to capture it and use it for future Max Battles.

Weaknesses & Resistance of Dynamax Darumaka in Pokémon GO

Top Three Weaknesses to Target

Though not officially confirmed, Dynamax Darumaka is anticipated to be a one-star difficulty, suggesting that you can likely defeat it solo if you choose the right Pokémon. This stands in contrast to other recent Dynamax Pokémon, like the Legendary Zapdos, which needs a full team of four trainers to take down.

As a pure Fire-type, Darumaka is vulnerable to Ground, Water, and Rock-type attacks. It’s advantageous to select Pokémon with these types of moves to inflict extra damage and swiftly take down Dynamax Darumaka.

On the flip side, Dynamax Darumaka can resist six types of attacks: Bug, Fairy, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Steel. Therefore, using Pokémon with these types of attacks isn’t recommended, as they will deal reduced damage. Given that it’s a pure Fire-type, Darumaka has fewer weaknesses while withstanding a broader range of moves compared to many dual-type Pokémon.

Best Counters for Dynamax Darumaka in Pokémon GO

Key Ground and Water Types

One significant challenge in defeating any Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon GO is that you can only use Pokémon you’ve caught in Max Battles, as well as those acquired through specific research tasks. Fortunately, various Pokémon that have appeared in past Max Battles are effective against Dynamax Darumaka. The strongest choice is likely the Ground- and Steel-type Excadrill. Its initial evolution, Drilbur, was featured in one of the first Max Raids since Dynamax Pokémon were introduced. Excadrill’s Ground-type moves can swiftly take out Darumaka.

Additionally, several Water-type Pokémon have also been available to battle and catch in their Dynamax forms, including Inteleon, Kingler, and Blastoise. Any of these options can help you secure a victory, with Blastoise’s first evolution, Squirtle, having been one of the original three Pokémon introduced into Pokémon GO in Dynamax forms. Greninja also recently joined the ranks as a viable team option this month.

Because it’s the easiest level of Max Raid battles, any formidable Dynamax Pokémon that doesn’t have moves resisted by Dynamax Darumaka can defeat it. This includes choices like Electric or Psychic type Pokémon. In a Dynamax Battle, you will only be able to attack as opposed to the normal battle format. Each successful hit fills up your Max Meter, which, once charged, enables additional Max Moves to assist you further in the fight.

After successfully catching Dynamax Darumaka, you can evolve it into Darmanitan using 50 Darumaka candies. Candies obtained from its standard variations can also be used for evolving Dynamax Pokémon. While Dynamax Darumaka is relatively easy to defeat in Pokémon GO, it’s important for trainers to try to capture it during its first appearance in this form.