Dynamax Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie have arrived in Pokémon Go, offering challenging Max Battles for players. These powerful forms of the Emotion, Willpower, and Knowledge Pokémon cannot be found in the wild; instead, trainers must locate a Power Spot and defeat them in a Max Battle.
Battling the Lake Guardians
To participate in a Max Battle against any of the Dynamax Lake Guardians, trainers will need 800 Max Particles. The specific region in which the Power Spot is located dictates which players can participate directly, though Remote Raid Passes allow players from anywhere to join. Max Battles require significant coordination, and it is recommended to meet up in urban areas for a better chance of success.
Mesprit Counters and Weaknesses
Dynamax Mesprit is weak against Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type attacks, while resisting Fighting and Psychic-type moves. The most effective offensive counters include Gigantamax Gengar and Gigantamax Grimmsnarl. For defense, consider Pokémon like Dynamax Registeel, Dynamax Blissey, or Dynamax Metagross.
When engaging in a Max Battle, remember that your Fast move determines your Max move. For attackers, prioritize using Fast Moves to unleash Max Attacks frequently. Defenders should focus on quick moves that boost their Max Guard or Max Spirit.
A recommended team composition for defeating Dynamax Mesprit includes two Gigantamax Gengar, one Dynamax Registeel, and one Dynamax Blissey. The ideal raid group comprises 40 trainers, working in teams of four, with each team aiming for a balance of two attackers, one healer, and one defender.
Upon defeating a 6-star Dynamax Mesprit, players can earn rewards such as 25,000 Stardust, 25,000 XP, Rare Candy XL, Mesprit Candy, Mesprit Candy XL, and Premier Balls. It is advised to use a Star Piece and Lucky Egg beforehand to maximize these rewards.
Dynamax Mesprit's maximum CP when caught is 1,747. The best moveset for Mesprit in a Max Battle is Extrasensory and Max Mindstorm. While Mesprit possesses balanced attack and defense with slightly higher HP than its counterparts, it is generally considered less potent for Max Battles compared to Dynamax Azelf.
Shiny Mesprit is available in Pokémon Go, featuring a golden-yellow coloration instead of its usual blue-grey.
Azelf Counters and Weaknesses
Dynamax Azelf is vulnerable to Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type attacks, with resistances to Fighting and Psychic types. Top offensive counters are Gigantamax Gengar and Gigantamax Grimmsnarl. For defensive purposes, Dynamax Lugia, Dynamax Blissey, Dynamax Regirock, and Dynamax Umbreon are recommended.
Similar to Mesprit, maximizing Fast Move usage for attacks and strategic quick moves for defense is crucial. The recommended team for Dynamax Azelf is two Gigantamax Gengar, one Dynamax Lugia, and one Dynamax Blissey, with Blissey serving as both healer and defender.
Rewards for defeating Dynamax Azelf include 25,000 Stardust, 25,000 XP, Rare Candy XL, Azelf Candy, Azelf Candy XL, and Premier Balls. Using Star Pieces and Lucky Eggs is recommended to boost earnings.
Dynamax Azelf's maximum CP when caught is 1,834. Its optimal moveset for Max Battles consists of Extrasensory and Max Mindstorm. Azelf boasts the highest attack among the three Lake Guardians and is considered the best Psychic-type attacker for Max Battles, though less effective in regular raids.
Shiny Azelf is also available, featuring a golden-yellow hue.
Uxie Counters and Weaknesses
Dynamax Uxie shares the same weaknesses as Mesprit and Azelf, being susceptible to Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type attacks, while resisting Fighting and Psychic types. Gigantamax Gengar and Gigantamax Grimmsnarl are the top offensive choices. For defense, consider Dynamax Blissey, Dynamax Registeel, Dynamax Umbreon, Dynamax Lugia, Dynamax Metagross, Dynamax Hydreigon, and Dynamax Rhyperior.
The recommended team for Dynamax Uxie involves two Gigantamax Gengar and two Dynamax Blissey, utilizing Blissey's dual role as healer and defender. Dynamax Hydreigon can also serve as an attacker or defender if needed.
Defeating Dynamax Uxie yields rewards such as 25,000 Stardust, 25,000 XP, Rare Candy XL, Uxie Candy, Uxie Candy XL, and Premier Balls. Strategic use of Star Pieces and Lucky Eggs is advised.
Dynamax Uxie's maximum CP upon capture is 1,442. For Max Battles, its best moveset is Extrasensory and Max Mindstorm. Uxie possesses the highest defense among the Lake Guardians and is viable in Ultra League with Confusion, Swift, and Future Sight, though its Dynamax form is not permitted in PvP.
Shiny Uxie is available, presenting with a golden-yellow coloration.
Lake Guardian Lore
These three Pokémon, known as the Lake Guardians, originate from the Sinnoh region. According to legend, they were created by Arceus. Mesprit represents benevolence and taught humans emotions, Azelf represents willpower and gave humans free will, and Uxie represents knowledge, capable of wiping out memories. Their designs are inspired by fae creatures and Japanese Imperial Regalia, with their names referencing pronouns and fantasy beings like sprites and elves.