Forms · Generation VIII
GIGANTAMAX CHARIZARD
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Charizard swells into a colossal, flame-wreathed titan. The Fire/Flying typing stays, but a signature move comes with it: G-Max Wildfire, which sets the whole battlefield burning.
A kaiju-sized inferno
Gigantamax is Generation VIII’s answer to Mega Evolution. It debuted in Pokémon Sword & Shield, where Charizard rears up over the field like a winged volcano, its back and wings erupting in constant fire while the classic Fire/Flying typing stays exactly as it was.
Gigantamax plays by different rules from a Mega. It never touches Charizard’s stats or typing. Instead it multiplies HP for three turns and unlocks one devastating signature move. Any Charizard can Dynamax, but only the rare few carrying the Gigantamax Factor unlock this flame-wreathed form.
That signature move, G-Max Wildfire, turns the arena into a furnace and keeps burning every non-Fire foe for four turns after it lands. Paired with Charizard’s enormous following, Gigantamax became one of the defining faces of the Galar era.
Signature G-Max Move
G-Max Wildfire
When Gigantamax Charizard uses any Fire-type move, it becomes G-Max Wildfire. Beyond the initial hit, it engulfs the battlefield in flame — damaging every non-Fire Pokémon on the opponent’s side at the end of each turn for four turns.
Chips non-Fire foes for 4 turns — even after they switch in.
Stays Fire/Flying; your weaknesses and resistances are unchanged.
Dynamax multiplies max HP for the 3 turns you’re transformed.
Forces switches and punishes passive play across the whole team.
Dynamax vs Gigantamax
Every Charizard can Dynamax, but only those with the Gigantamax Factor unlock the special form and its signature move.
How to Gigantamax
Gigantamax is a Sword & Shield mechanic. Here is what you need before Charizard can go colossal.
Progress the Galar story to receive the Dynamax Band — required to Dynamax or Gigantamax at all.
Catch a Gigantamax-capable Charizard in Max Raid Battles, or use the gift Charmander from the Galar story.
Gigantamax only works in Max Raid Battles and in stadiums with energy — charge up before you transform.
Dynamax, then use any Fire move to trigger G-Max Wildfire and set the field ablaze for four turns.
Gigantamax at a glance
Type
Fire / FlyingGeneration
VIII (Galar)Game
Sword & ShieldG-Max Move
G-Max WildfireDuration
3 turnsEffect
4-turn field burnFrequently asked
What is Gigantamax Charizard?+
Gigantamax Charizard is a special form from Pokémon Sword & Shield. For three turns it becomes a colossal, flame-wreathed version of Charizard with an exclusive G-Max Move, while keeping its Fire/Flying typing.
What does G-Max Wildfire do?+
G-Max Wildfire is Gigantamax Charizard’s signature move. On top of its initial damage, it burns the opponent’s field, damaging all non-Fire Pokémon at the end of each turn for four turns.
How is Gigantamax different from Mega Evolution?+
Mega Evolution changes stats and sometimes typing and lasts the whole battle. Gigantamax keeps the same stats and typing, multiplies HP, lasts only three turns, and grants a unique G-Max Move.
How do I get a Gigantamax Charizard?+
You need the Gigantamax Factor, obtained from certain Max Raid Battles or the gift Charmander in the Galar story, plus a Dynamax Band. Gigantamax only works on Power Spots and in Max Raids.
Can Gigantamax Charizard be shiny?+
Yes. A shiny Gigantamax Charizard keeps the shiny black palette while taking on the giant flame-wreathed form.