
Just when you thought Pokémon GO had reached its peak, Niantic has dropped a bombshell. The Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale is here, and it’s about to rewrite raid history with the debut of Eternamax Eternatus—the largest and most destructive raid boss the game has ever seen. Taking place on August 23–24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, this two-day showdown isn’t your standard seasonal festival. It’s a high-stakes, once-in-a-lifetime global challenge that demands coordination, preparation, and nerves of steel.
Why Eternamax Eternatus Changes Everything
Eternamax Eternatus isn’t just another raid boss—it’s a franchise-defining encounter. In Pokémon lore, this form is so colossal it bends reality itself, and now it’s coming to Pokémon GO in a way that breaks all the rules.
For the first time ever, up to 100 trainers can enter the same Max Raid lobby, separated into smaller squads of four. That means more teamwork, more chaos, and more pressure to strategize. But here’s the kicker—you won’t be able to catch Eternamax after the fight. Instead, the rewards come in the form of Eternatus Candy, XL Candy, and Max Particles, all essential if you plan on powering up your standard Eternatus during the event.
Oh, and before you ask—no shiny Eternamax reveal (yet). The real grind is about stockpiling enough resources for the long run.
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GO Pass vs. GO Pass Deluxe – Which One Should You Choose?
Starting August 18 at 10 a.m. local time, every trainer gets the GO Pass: Max Finale for free. This pass unlocks quests that feature encounters with Eternatus, Dynamax Pokémon, and Candy rewards.
But if you want to maximize your haul, the GO Pass Deluxe: Max Finale is where it’s at. The Deluxe upgrade gives you extra Max Particles, bonus Candy, more XL Candy, and a higher chance at Shiny Dynamax Pokémon encounters. In competitive terms, it’s basically a shortcut to squeezing every possible advantage from the event.
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Event Bonuses That Raise the Stakes
Niantic isn’t holding back this time. During the Max Finale, you’ll benefit from:
- Double Candy and Candy XL for catching Pokémon
- More Power Spots with daily refreshes
- Higher Max Particle storage capacity
- No limit on Remote Raids (yes, you read that right!)
Whether you’re raiding from your couch or leading a squad at your local park, these bonuses ensure every hour you invest pays off.
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Gigantamax Raid Throwback Schedule
Eternamax may be the centerpiece, but Niantic is also reviving a lineup of classic Gigantamax bosses in hourly rotations.
August 23, 2025
- 10 a.m. – Lapras
- 11 a.m. – Snorlax
- 12 p.m. – Gengar
- 1 p.m. – Inteleon
- 2 p.m. – Venusaur
- 3 p.m. – Machamp
- 4 p.m. – Toxtricity (Amped Form)
August 24, 2025
- 10 a.m. – Rillaboom
- 11 a.m. – Charizard
- 12 p.m. – Butterfree
- 1 p.m. – Kingler
- 2 p.m. – Blastoise
- 3 p.m. – Cinderace
- 4 p.m. – Toxtricity (Low Key Form)
Each raid has shiny chances, making it a golden opportunity to expand your collection while farming Candy.
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Other Raids & Wild Spawns
The battlefield doesn’t stop at Eternamax. Trainers can also encounter:
- 1-Star Raids: Dapper Pikachu (with red, blue, and yellow accents)
- 3-Star Raids: Falinks
- 5-Star Raids: Zacian (Crowned Sword) & Zamazenta (Crowned Shield)
Meanwhile, the wild will be packed with fan favorites like Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Gastly, Beldum, Darumaka, Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble, and more—perfect for shiny hunters.
Eternamax Eternatus Battle Guide
Make no mistake—this raid is brutal. Eternamax carries a Poison and Dragon dual-typing, leaving it vulnerable to Dragon, Ice, Ground, and Psychic attacks, while shrugging off strikes from Bug, Grass, Fire, Water, Electric, Fighting, and Poison Pokémon.
Raid Details:
- Dates: August 23–24 (10 a.m.–6 p.m. local)
- Max Trainers: 100 (divided into squads of 4)
- Entry Fee: 800 Max Particles (only if you win)
- Catch: Not possible (Candy & XL Candy instead)
- Shiny: Not available at launch
Best Counters:
- Dynamax Latios (Dragon Breath, Zen Headbutt)
- Dynamax Metagross (Zen Headbutt, Max Attack)
- Dynamax Excadrill (Mud Shot, D-Max Quake)
- Dynamax Hatterene (Confusion, D-Max Mindstorm)
- Regular Eternatus (Lick, Max Attack)
- Zamazenta (Crowned Shield) – defensive wall
- Dynamax Blissey – raid group healer
Moveset to Watch For:
- Fast: Dragon Tail, Poison Jab
- Charged: Flamethrower, Hyper Beam, Sludge Bomb, Dynamax Cannon
⚠️ Dynamax Cannon is the real wipe-out move—be ready with tanks like Metagross or Zamazenta to soak the damage.
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Research Rewards
Both Timed and Field Research tie directly into Eternamax prep:
- Timed Research will center around strengthening your Pokémon and taking on Eternamax, with rewards ranging from Max Particles and XL Candy to other valuable bonus items.
- Field Research: Encounters with Omanyte, Kabuto, Trubbish, plus Candy for Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus.
My Pro Tips for Trainers
- Stockpile early – Aim for ~1,800 Max Particles and 2,800 Candy before the event ends.
- Build mixed squads – DPS, tanks, and at least one healer in your 4-man sub-group.
- Don’t raid underleveled – Upgrade counters’ Max Moves to Level 3 first.
- Remote Raids are your friend – With no cap, join global lobbies endlessly.
- Have fun – Stream your runs, voice chat with your team, or race friends for fastest clears.
Final Word
Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale is more than an event—it’s a milestone for the game itself. With Eternamax Eternatus setting records, global-scale raids, and rewards stacked to the ceiling, this is Niantic’s boldest move yet.
If you’ve ever dreamed of fighting alongside a literal Pokémon army, now’s your chance. Prep your best counters, rally your squad, and dive in—because Eternamax won’t just test your strength, it’ll define your legacy as a trainer.