Max Guard Pokémon GO is a defensive Max Move that creates a barrier between your Max Pokémon and the Power Spot boss, reducing the damage that Pokémon takes. It is not normally available automatically when you catch a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon, so you need to unlock it with Max Particles and Candy before it can be used.
How to unlock Max Guard Pokémon GO
To unlock Max Guard Pokémon GO, open an eligible Max Pokémon from your Pokémon storage and scroll to the Max Moves section. The Pokémon’s attacking Max Move will already be available, while Max Guard and Max Spirit are usually shown as locked.
Tap Max Guard, choose the training option and confirm the resource cost. Unlocking it at Level 1 costs 400 Max Particles and 50 Candy from that Pokémon’s evolutionary family. Once the payment is confirmed, Max Guard becomes available during Max Battles.
Max Guard unlock and upgrade costs
| Stage | Max Particles | Candy cost |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock Level 1 | 400 | 50 Candy |
| Level 1 to Level 2 | 600 | 100 Candy |
| Level 2 to Level 3 | 800 | 40 Candy XL |
Fully building Max Guard Pokémon GO from locked to Level 3 therefore costs 1,800 Max Particles, 150 regular Candy and 40 Candy XL. You do not need to max it immediately, and for many Pokémon it makes sense to unlock Level 1 first and see how often that Pokémon fills a defensive role.
What does Max Guard do?
Max Guard Pokémon GO reduces incoming damage from the Max Battle boss by placing a protective barrier on the user. It is different from Max Spirit, which restores HP, and from the offensive Max Move, which deals damage.
The value of Guard becomes much more obvious in difficult battles where keeping a strong counter alive is more useful than taking one extra attack. A surviving Pokémon can continue building the Max Meter, contribute damage and reach another Dynamax or Gigantamax phase.
How to use Max Guard in a Max Battle
You cannot press Max Guard Pokémon GO whenever you want during the normal part of the fight. First, the group fills the Max Meter through battle actions. When your Pokémon Dynamaxes or Gigantamaxes, the Max Move choices appear. At that point you can use Guard instead of choosing the attack or Max Spirit.
Timing matters. If the boss is targeting your Pokémon with a dangerous move, using Guard can prevent a knockout. In a coordinated group, one player may focus on protection or healing while other players spend their Max turns attacking.
Should every Max Pokémon unlock Max Guard?
No. Although Max Guard Pokémon GO is useful, the resource cost adds up quickly if you unlock and train it on everything. Max Particles are also needed to enter successful Max Battles and train other Max Moves, while Candy XL is valuable for powering up Pokémon.
A sensible approach is to prioritise Pokémon you expect to use repeatedly in difficult Max Battles. Bulky Pokémon and dedicated support options can get more value from Guard than a glass-cannon attacker whose job is simply to deal as much damage as possible.
Does Max Guard work in raids or Trainer Battles?
No. Max Guard Pokémon GO belongs to the Max Battle system. A Max Pokémon can still be used in other battle formats in its normal form, but it cannot Dynamax or Gigantamax and select Max Guard in standard raids, Gym battles or regular Trainer Battles.
Can Gigantamax Pokémon learn Max Guard?
Yes. Gigantamax Pokémon can use Max Guard Pokémon GO and Max Spirit alongside their special G-Max attack. The same idea applies: the unique G-Max move handles offense while Guard gives the Pokémon a defensive option during the Max phase.
Is Max Guard worth upgrading?
For the hardest Power Spot bosses, yes, especially on Pokémon you use as tanks or support. Leveling Max Guard Pokémon GO improves its defensive effect, but the jump to Level 3 requires Candy XL. If resources are tight, unlock it at Level 1 first, prioritise your strongest attackers, and only spend the XL Candy once you know that Pokémon has a long-term place in your Max Battle teams.
You can also train the move gradually: unlocking Level 1 first preserves Candy XL until you know the Pokémon deserves a permanent support slot.
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