Ultimate Guide to Dynamax Moltres for Max Mondays

Dynamax is set to make its debut in Pokémon GO as a formidable Max Battle boss during Max Monday. To have a shot at defeating and capturing it, you’ll need to exploit its weaknesses with the strongest counters available. Following the tough challenges presented by Articuno and Zapdos, prepare yourself because the Flame Pokémon, Moltres, won’t be any walk in the park. Although it falls into the 5-Star category—easier than the merciless 6-Star Gigantamax Lapras—it can still decimate entire teams if you’re not adequately equipped for the fight.

Similar to the other Legendary birds featured in the Legendary Flight event, Moltres will be available for Max Battles in two phases. For the first hour, the fiery bird will be featured as the Max Battle boss at all Power Spots. After that initial window, you’ll still be able to encounter Moltres in Max Battles, but you may need to seek it out as it shares space with different bosses during the latest Max Monday rotations throughout the month.

Weaknesses and Resistances of Dynamax Moltres in Pokémon GO

Rock, Water, and Electric Types

Dynamax Moltres is particularly vulnerable to Rock-type attacks, which inflict 256% damage compared to normal in Pokémon GO. Ice-type and Electric-type moves also do a solid 160% damage, making them effective choices. These weaknesses mirror those found in the main series, albeit with differences in damage output. Targeting these weaknesses is crucial in GO, especially given its status as a 5-Star boss. Additionally, the same-type attack bonus (STAB) can be applied for a 20% boost when a Pokémon uses an attack matching its type.

When facing Dynamax Moltres, it’s essential to strategize carefully. The Pokémon you introduce should ideally avoid using Dark-, Fairy-, Fighting-, Steel-, Ground-, Fire-, and Bug-type moves, all of which will be less effective and only deal 63% damage. Moreover, Bug- and Grass-type attacks are especially weak against Moltres, causing a mere 39% damage. While it’s fine to bring Pokémon that deal neutral damage, always ensure the rest of your team has strong counters lined up.

Best Counters for Dynamax Moltres in Pokémon GO

Numerous Excellent Options

To effectively take down Dynamax Moltres in Pokémon GO, utilize counters that leverage Rock-, Water-, and Electric-type moves. Key Pokémon to consider are Zapdos, Blastoise, and Machamp. Since only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokémon can be used in these battles, your choices are somewhat limited compared to standard raids. Nevertheless, there are still ample options due to Moltres’ typing, as shown in the table below.

If you haven’t yet defeated and captured Dynamax Moltres, the top counters are Machamp and Zapdos, thanks to their ability to use Rock-type moves, Rockslide and Ancient Power. While Rock-type moves yield the best damage against Moltres, currently, there are no Rock-type Pokémon available for STAB bonuses in these battles. Nevertheless, the powerful stats of Machamp and Zapdos, when utilizing their respective moves, are typically sufficient for victory.

Schedule for Moltres’ Max Battles

Early February 2025

The Max Battles featuring Dynamax Moltres are scheduled to commence on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time across all regions. During this hour, Moltres will take center stage as the boss at every Power Spot in the game visible on your local map. After this initial event, you can continue to encounter Dynamax as a Max Battle boss until February 10, 2025. However, be aware that it will share the spotlight with other bosses such as Krabby, Squirtle, and Sobble throughout this period.

If you’re located in a more remote area, you may need to explore or be patient until Moltres appears. Nonetheless, you’ll have ample chances during this week-long event. Just remember to focus on exploiting Dynamax Moltres’s weaknesses employing Rock-, Water-, or Electric-type moves, and you’ll stand a solid chance of succeeding in this special Pokémon GO raid.