Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Starter Form Design Origins Explained

Gigantamaxing is one of the most exciting battle mechanics included in Pokémon Sword and Shield, with Pokémon growing to super-sized heights and gaining special Gigantimax designs. Currently, there are 33 Pokémon species who possess the ability to Gigantamax, and of those, there are 7 different starter Pokémon to pick from. Much like Mega Evolution during X and Y, Gigantamax and Dynamax mechanics are a special form of evolution only available during battles taking place over Power Spots. The ability can only be used once during an eligible battle, and can deal serious damage to opponents.

Currently, only the Galar and Kanto starters have been given Gigantamax forms, and it is unclear if other starters will be added to this list at a later date. Each Kanto starter has special design alterations so they can stand out from their 3rd evolution forms. These changes aren’t similar to their Mega-evolutions, giving their Gigantamax forms a unique and powerful appearance when blown up on the battlefield. Sword and Shield’s Galar starters weren’t initially able to Gigantamax when the game released, but the ability was added during the Isle of Armor DLC expansion.

Each Kanto starter Gigantamax design for Sword and Shield has elements that have exaggerated original design choices, while also adding new, interesting features to each Pokémon. While some of these designs are purely aesthetic and don’t appear to be based on anything, others may have been picked with specific design originals in mind. This is especially true for the Galar Pokémon, who each offer a designed based on specific ideas.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Venusaur

Venasaur’s Gigantamax design expands the jungle flower that protrudes from its back, with the petals now acting as a full umbrella over the dinosaur-like body. Venasuar’s original design was reminiscent of a small, moving island. With the flower now dominating the design, it seems like nature has fully reclaimed this Grass-type Pokémon, making it appear almost feral when it Gigantamaxes. It doesn’t appear that Vensuar’s Gigantamax design was based on anything specifically, but was meant to make it appear more dangerous in battle.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Charizard

While Charizard has had many interesting designs thanks to its black Shiny form and its two different Mega Evolutions, Charizard’s Sword and Shield Gigantamax form is ethereal in comparison. To make this fan-favorite Pokémon stand out, it has been given wings of flame, and a dominating, dragon-like appearance. This is likely to make Charizard look more like a legendary beast than a regular, over-sized Pokémon. While it doesn’t appear to have its designs rooted in a specific idea, the effect of a dragon-like beast of flame and destruction easy to appreciate.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Blastoise

Gigantamax Blastoise appears from the back, with cannons protruding from each segment of its shell. Cannons have always been a part of Blastoise’s original and Mega designs, but in Gigantamax form, there are dozens added in pairs. Blastoise’s evolutionary chain has always had a focus on being tough in battle.

While Squirtle is a seemingly harmless water turtle, its evolution Wartortle is regularly described as tough, and powerful in battle. It is likely Blastoise’s Gigantamax design was meant to highlight its tank-like appearance and how hydro-pump from these cannons is a dangerous weapon for any opponents.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Pikachu

It is regularly debated if Pikachu technically counts as a Kanto starter. However, there is no question chubby Pikachu is an adorable Sword and Shield Gigantimax option, nodding to the electric mouse’s original, chubby design from Red and Blue. Pikachu’s tail has also been modified in its Gigantamax form to appear as a glowing bolt of lightning crashing down from the clouds behind it. This choice makes Pikachu’s cute smile almost sinister, especially with the backlit glow shadowing its face.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Rillaboom

Fans of the many music-themed Galar Pokémon can likely appreciate Sword And Shield’s design for Gigantamax Rillaboom. While the Grass-type ape has a drum as part of its initial design, once it has Gigantamaxed, Rillaboom has a set of three to pound on as it blasts opponents with powerful Grass-type Max moves. Rillaboom’s musically-inspired rock design is only amplified by its mane of hair and fierce expression, and the halo of pink Gigantamax light makes it look like it is backlit on stage at a rock concert.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Cinderace

Cinderace is a Rabbit Pokémon with a design like a professional soccer player. While Fire-type starter Pokémon often end up with odd, two-legged designs, including Incineroar’s wrestler appearance and Emboar’s stout, blackbelt design, Cinderace is actually a cute reference to the love of soccer in the UK, which Pokémon’s Galar region is based on.

When it Gigantamax’s, Cinderace is seen balancing on a large soccerball of fire, holding a powerful stance like a proud athlete.

Pokémon Sword & Shield Gigantamax Designs: Inteleon

One of the more sinister Gigantamax designs belongs to the Galar Water-type starter Inteleon. The fully evolved form of Sobble is a sleek, elegant lizard. When it Gigantamaxes, it is elevated into the air by a stream of water, where it aims a sniper barrel down at its opponent. This is likely to build on its unique evolutionary attack “Snipe Shot,” a powerful move where it blasts a shot of water from its fingertip at an opponent. However, to have a sniper Inteleon staring down the barrel of its finger gun as it towers above an opponent is intimidating.

While it is unclear what exactly developers were aiming for when creating each different Gigantamax design, the guesses made by fans are a fun way to speculates. Because starter Pokémon are often in the spotlight for the game they represent, and for the Pokémon franchise as a whole, creating unique designs for each can help mechanics like Gigantamax stand out. While it is uncertain whether Gigantamax mechanics will appear in other games besides Pokémon Sword and Shield, playing an extra-powerful Pokémon like an ethereal Charizard, or a giant, chubby Pikachu can make a Gigantamax battle more fun for fans of region starters.

About The Author