How to Unlock a Max Move in Pokémon GO (2025 Guide)

In Pokémon GO, having the strongest Pokémon doesn’t just come down to high CP or IVs. Your moveset matters just as much. Many top Pokémon rely on special “Max Moves”, a term players often use for exclusive, Legacy, or Community Day moves that push a Pokémon to its full potential.

But these powerful attacks aren’t always easy to get. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a Max Move is, why it’s so important, and how to unlock one without missing out on special events.

A “Max Move” isn’t an official term, but the community uses it to describe the strongest possible move a Pokémon can learn, usually a Legacy Move, a Community Day exclusive, or a charged attack that was once only available for a limited time.

Examples include Dragonite’s Draco Meteor, Charizard’s Blast Burn, or Mewtwo’s Shadow Ball. These moves can make a huge difference in PvP, Raids, or defending Gyms.

Why Are Max Moves Important?

Max Moves separate average Pokémon from top-tier counters. Many Pokémon are only meta-relevant if they know their exclusive signature move.

For example, a Metagross with Meteor Mash is a top Steel attacker, but without it, it’s much weaker. Unlocking these moves gives you the best damage output, better matchups in battles, and more flexibility when building your team.

Unlocking a Max Move usually means getting that Pokémon to learn a move it can’t learn by default anymore. Here’s how:

1 Use an Elite TM

An Elite TM (either Fast or Charged) lets you manually teach a Pokémon any move it has ever been able to learn, including Legacy or Community Day moves that are normally locked.

For example, if you have a Metagross without Meteor Mash, an Elite Charged TM can instantly give it that exclusive Steel-type move, making it one of the best Steel attackers in raids. Elite TMs are rare, so use them wisely on Pokémon where the move really impacts performance.

2 Evolve During a Community Day

Most Community Day exclusive moves are only available when you evolve during the event hours, or sometimes during a special ‘make-up window’ later in the season. Always check the event schedule and hold onto good IV Pokémon until the right moment to evolve. Once the event window closes, that special move usually can’t be learned again unless you use an Elite TM.

3 Complete Special Research

Some rare moves are tied to Special Research or Timed Research tasks. For instance, past special tasks have rewarded Pokémon like Mewtwo with Shadow Ball or Pikachu with Surf.

Keep an eye out for seasonal research that includes encounters with Pokémon that know a Legacy or event-only move. It’s an easy way to get a Max Move without spending an Elite TM.

4 Trade for Legacy Move Pokémon

If you missed out on a Community Day or event in the past, you can sometimes trade with another trainer who still has an extra Pokémon with that Legacy move.

This is rare but possible if you find a trusted trading partner.

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Leveling up a Max Move in Pokémon GO involves using the Dynamax/Gigantamax system, which lets certain Pokémon power up special moves beyond their base strength. Here’s how it works:

1 Open the Dynamax/Gigantamax Menu

Go to your Pokémon’s profile, tap the Dynamax/Gigantamax option to access the upgrade menu.

2 Select the Max Move You Want to Train

Each qualifying Pokémon can have up to three Max Moves: a primary attack, Max Spirit, and Max Guard. Pick the one you want to level up.

3 Check Upgrade Requirements

You’ll see how many Max Particles, regular Candy, and sometimes XL Candy are needed for the next level. Higher levels cost more resources.

4 Tap Train

If you have enough materials, hit Train to increase the move’s power. This boosts its damage and overall effectiveness in battle.

Note

Unlocking vs. Leveling: Unlocking a Max Move gets you from locked to level 1, but leveling up means pushing it to a higher tier.

Max Particles + Candy: These are essential to upgrade any Max Move.

XL Candy: Needed for pushing moves to level 3 and beyond.

Tips 1 Follow the Official Event Calendar

Always keep an eye on Pokémon GO’s official event updates, including Community Days, special Raid Days, and seasonal research tasks. Many exclusive moves are tied to these limited-time events, so tracking the exact schedule helps you prepare which Pokémon to catch, hold, or evolve.

Tips 2 Save Pokémon for the Right Time

Don’t rush to evolve your Pokémon right away, especially if it has a Community Day move you might want later. Instead, hold onto high IV or shiny versions and evolve them during special windows to get the exclusive move without wasting an Elite TM.

Tips 3 Explore Other Time Zones with AnyTo

If you can’t play during your local event time, use AnyTo to jump to a region where the event is still active. This way, you can catch or evolve your Pokémon for its exclusive Max Move even if you missed it in your area. It’s a smart trick for Community Day and other timed windows.

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• Catch Every Exclusive Move: Don’t let time zones limit you. Use AnyTo to jump to active Community Days worldwide and secure rare Max Moves before they disappear.
• One-Click Location Change: Teleport your Pokémon GO map in seconds. Perfect for finishing last-minute evolutions or raids where exclusive moves drop.
• Stay Ahead of Events: Combine official event tips with smart location switching to never miss another shiny, raid boss, or Legacy Move window.

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Tips 4 Use Elite TMs Wisely

Elite TMs are precious and not easy to get. Save them for Pokémon with the most impactful Legacy or Community Day moves, like Meteor Mash Metagross or Blast Burn Charizard. Don’t waste them on moves you can easily get during future events.

Tips 5 Trade for Legacy Move Pokémon

Sometimes you can get a Pokémon with a rare Max Move by trading with another trainer who has extras from past events. This is a good backup if you missed a Community Day or special Raid. Just make sure you trust your trading partner.

1．How do I get an Elite TM in Pokémon GO?

You can earn Elite TMs from seasonal GO Battle League rewards, buy them in special event boxes, or get them as bonuses during Community Days. They’re rare, so use them wisely!

2．Can I unlock a Community Day move after the event ends?

Yes, but only with an Elite TM. Once the event window is over, the special move is locked again, so you’ll need an Elite TM to teach it manually.

3．Do I need to power up a Pokémon before or after unlocking its Max Move?

It’s smart to get the right move first, then power up. That way you won’t waste Stardust or Candy on a Pokémon you might later want to re-roll for better IVs.

4．Is it worth spoofing locations to join more Community Days?

Many trainers do it to catch more Pokémon or evolve during overlapping event hours. Tools like AnyTo can help you explore other time zones, just use them carefully.

Max Moves can turn an average Pokémon into a top-tier battler, and missing one can mean losing your edge. Whether you’re using an Elite TM, planning for Community Day, or hopping across time zones with AnyTo, knowing how to unlock a Max Move is essential for any serious trainer. Don’t settle for second best — make your Pokémon the best they can be.

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Article by Ryan Miles

Ryan Miles is a seasoned gamer and mobile strategy writer with over 5 years of hands-on experience in Pokémon GO spoofing and GPS-based games. Known for breaking down complex location tricks into beginner-friendly guides, Ryan’s mission is simple: help you explore more, catch faster, and play smarter without ever leaving home.