After years of waiting, the sixth generation of Pokémon got greater representation in Pokémon Go Dynamax being added as a special mechanic, but it’s not easy to understand.

Just like with Mega Evolution, Dynamaxing is linked to a new type of raid, Maximum BattlesThis does not occur in gyms and has unique rewards required to keep the mechanic working outside of specific circumstances. Here’s everything you need to know about Dynamax Pokémon and how to harness their power in Pokémon Go.

Just like in Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Go takes Dynamaxing allows a Pokémon to increase its size and strength exponentially for a limited time. And the mechanic is only available in Max Battles upon its introduction.

However, unlike the original version of the mechanic, a Dynamax Pokémon in Pokémon Go can only know three Max Moves: an attack based on the Pokémon, Max Spirit, and Max Guard. You need to unlock these moves by using Max Particles and Candy on eligible Pokémon, but we’ll talk more about that in a moment. Here is an explanation for each Max Move:

Your Pokémon will only be able to Dynamax in Max Battles and will only stay Dynamaxed for three turns, just like in Sword and Shield, so use your time wisely.

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Before Dynamax is unlocked in Pokémon Go, you need to reach Trainer Level 13 and access the To The Max special research quest, which will help you encounter your first Dynamax Pokémon.

Once done, you will start to see Power Spots appear on the map. These are special locations not tied to existing PokéStops or Gyms that will spawn and allow you to interact with them. If you interact with a Power Spot, you can obtain Max Particles, which can be used to help you upgrade your Pokémon’s Max Moves or gain access to a Max Battle.

Just like Raids, Max Battles are available once the timer above a Power Spot reaches a specific threshold, allowing you to challenge that location’s Power Spot Boss with your own Dynamax Pokémon. Note that only Dynamax Pokémon can fight in a Max Battle, but, once you have defeated a Power Spot boss, you can attempt to catch the boss.

Max Particles are used to power up your Dynamax Pokémon by enhancing their Max Moves and to participate in Max Battles on Power Spots. The number of maximum particles you need to participate in a maximum battle with other players depends on the Power Spot Boss, but your particles will only be consumed if you succeed in the battle.

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Each player can earn a total of 800 Max Particles per day and you can only hold a maximum of 1,000 Max Particles at any given time, with the total displayed in the nearby menu under the Power Spot section. Here are all the ways you can earn Max Particles, not including the various Field Research, Timed, or Special tasks.

Max Battles function like slightly more engaging raids, with turn-based mechanics and requirements to match.

After reaching a Power Spot and having enough Max Particles to participate in a Max Battle, you will be able to select up to three Pokémon to take with you to face the Power Spot Boss. Each Pokémon you choose must be capable of Dynamaxing, and up to four players can participate in a Max Battle in person at a time.

During a Max Battle, your Pokémon will start without being Dynamaxed and without facing the boss. Tap the screen to use your normal moves, swipe when you see a targeting prompt to try to dodge the boss’s attacks, and swipe to move your Pokémon to any floating icon to get more additional energy in order to fill the maximum meter on the screen.

Once the Max Meter is full, your Pokémon will Dynamax for three turns and give you access to your available Max Moves. And, once you defeat the Power Spot Boss, you will receive a number of rewards like berries, rare candies and much more. These rewards and the Max Particle cost to access them vary depending on the level of Max Battle, which can be divided into three categories.

Note: Six-star Pokémon are only available in Gigantamax form.

You can pay 100 PokéCoins to double the rewards you get and choose to leave a Pokémon from your team at the Power Spot until it disappears, which will give other trainers there a damage bonus and earn you even rewards. And, unlike Gyms, you can recall your Pokémon from a Power Spot at any time.

After clearing these menus, you will have a chance to catch the Power Spot Boss you just defeated using the Dynamaxed Premier Balls you earned as a reward.