How to Unlock & Level Up a Max Move in Pokémon GO

Stuck on Special Research tasks that ask you to "unlock a Max Move" or "level up a Max Move 3 times"? If you're wondering what a Max Move is and how to unlock a Max Move in Pokémon GO, you've come to the right place. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to help you master this powerful feature that came out since 2024.

Part 1. What Is a Max Move in Pokémon GO & How It Works

Simply put, a Max Move is a special, powerful attack that is exclusive to Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon. These are not used in regular Gym battles, raids, or the Go Battle League but are designated specifically for a battle format called Max Battles (G-Max Moves for Gigantamax Battles) which only take place at special places like the Power Spots.

Each Dynamax Pokémons can learn 3 types of Max move, Max Attack, Max Guard, and Max Spirit.

• Max Attack: an offensive Max Move whose effect is based on the Pokémon’s primary Fast Attack (it typically deals heavy damage and may apply extra effects).
• Max Guard: a defensive Max Move that provides temporary protection (think of it as adding extra HP for a short time).
• Max Spirit: a supportive Max Move that heals or otherwise restores HP or status, depending on the specific move.

Part 2. How to Unlock a Max Move in Pokémon GO

In this part, let's walk through how to unlock a Max Move in Pokémon GO and complete the task in the "To the Max!" Special Research. This research is triggered when Professor Willow introduces the Dynamax mechanic to Trainers who are Level 13 or higher. At the very start, you'll need to get Dynamax Pokémon (at leaset one) to trigger and progress the task.

Step 1. Select a Dynamax Pokémon

Open the Main Menu (the Poké Ball icon), tap Pokémon, and type "Max" into the search bar. This filters your Pokémon list to show only your Dynamax Pokémon, which display a small Dynamax icon (two crossed arrows).

Step 2. Locate the Locked Max Move

From your chosen Pokémon's stats screen, tap Dynamax and scroll down to view its available Max Moves.

By default, Max Attack is already unlocked at Level 1, but Max Guard and Max Spirit usually remain locked.

If all Max Moves for that Pokémon are already unlocked, the "unlock" task won’t count. In that case, choose another Dynamax Pokémon that still has a locked Max Move.

Step 3. Spend the Required Resources to Unlock It

Tap the locked Max Guard or Max Spirit, a pop-up window will appear, asking you to spend a specific amount of Max Particles and that Pokémon's Candy. For example, the initial unlock might cost 400 Max Particles and 50 Candy.

Step 4. Confirm the Unlock

After reviewing the cost, tap the Train button to confirm. The selected move will now be unlocked at Level 1, completing that stage of your "To the Max!" Special Research.

Part 3. How to Level Up a Max Move in Pokémon GO

After you've unlocked a Max Move, the next step is figuring out how to level up a Max Move in Pokémon GO. Leveling up boosts your Pokémon's power and makes its Max Moves even more effective in Max Battles. The process works almost the same as unlocking, let's take a look in detail:

Step 1. Select the Pokémon with an Unlocked Max Move. Just go to the summary screen of the same Pokémon you used in Part 2.
Step 2. Tap the "Train" Button. The move that was previously locked will now be at Level 1. Tap the move, and tap the Train button at the pop-up window.
Step 3. Pay the Increased Resource Cost. Each level requires more resources than the last. Leveling up from Level 1 to Level 2 will require another set of Max Particles (typically 600) and Candy. For the highest level (Level 3), you will also need to spend XL Candy.
Step 4. Repeat Until You Reach the Desired Level. Continue this process of spending resources to train the move until you reach the level required by your research task or your personal goal.

For most Pokémon, leveling up their Max Moves costs the following:

However, there are 3 special cases cost more than average:

• Eternatus:
  • Locked → Level 1: 400 MP + 400 Candy
  • Level 1 → 2: 600 MP + 1 200 Candy
  • Level 2 → 3: 800 MP + 1 200 Candy + 320 XL Candy
• Zacian & Zamazenta:
  • Locked → Level 1: 25 000 Stardust + 80 Candy
  • Level 1 → Level 2: 50 000 Stardust + 130 Candy
  • Level 2 → Level 3: 100 000 Stardust + 55 XL Candy

Part 4. Bonus: How to Stock Up Required Items for Max Moves Quickly

To unlock and level up your Max Moves, you'll need a steady supply of two key resources: Max Particles and Pokémon Candy (including XL Candy).

• To get Max Particles: The main way to earn Max Particles is by interacting with Power Spots on the map and participating in Max Battles. Each victory will reward you with a dose of Max Particles - so keep an eye out for these special locations!
• To get Candy and XL Candy: Stick with the traditional methods on how to get Candy and XL Candy for your target Pokémon, like catch more Pokémons, walk with your Pokémon as your buddy, or trade with friends to earn extra Candy bonuses.

Can't go out and gather that many resources right now? Luckily you meet TunesKit Location Changer now.

With TunesKit Location Changer, you can teleport to popular and best places to play Pokémon GO like Central Park in New York, where PokéStops and Power Spots are everywhere. The app's built-in joystick lets you move smoothly between stops, making it easy to farm Max Particles and Candy (including XL Candy) quickly and efficiently - all from the comfort of home.

Just remember: the maximum Max Particles (MP) you can earn each day is 800, and the maximum you can hold at once is 1,500.

Part 5. FAQs on Unlocking Max Moves Pokémon GO

Part 6. Conclusion

While the "To the Max!" research tasks may seem confusing at first, the process becomes simple once you understand the mechanics. By following this guide, you now know exactly how to unlock a Max Move in Pokémon GO and how to level it up, and how to gather enough Max Particles and Candy to train your Dynamax Pokémon efficiently. So, open up Pokémon GO, complete those research tasks, and get ready to dominate your next Max Battle like a pro Trainer!