A new Max Raid event is now underway in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Unlike most previous Max Raid events, this one features only a single Pokemon, but it's a rare one: Gigantamax Pikachu. [Update: Gigantamax Pikachu will only be around in Max Raids until 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET today, May 18, making this your last chance to catch one before the games' next Wild Area event begins.]

　　Until May 18, Gigantamax Pikachu will appear as a Raid boss in dens across the Wild Area. This marks the first chance most players will have to catch the Pokemon. Previously, the only way to obtain Gigantamax Pikachu was if you had save data for Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu on your Switch. If you fell into that category, you would receive the special Pokemon as a free gift from a character in the Wild Area station.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Firearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023

　　State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerThompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Saeko Mukoda Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Seonhee Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Koichi Adachi Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Yu Nanba Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter

　　Now Playing: Pokemon Sword And Shield - Expansion Pass Nintendo Direct Mini

　　Even if you already have a Gigantamax Pikachu, there are a few good incentives to participate in this event. Not only do you have a chance of finding a Shiny Gigantamax Pikachu, but each Pikachu you catch from five-star Raids will know the move Surf. You may also earn some helpful items from the Raids like Nuggets, Exp. and Dynamax Candy, and more.

　　After the Gigantamax Pikachu event ends, two more previously exclusive Pokemon will be featured in Max Raids. First, Gigantamax Eevee--which was similarly only available as a bonus for playing Let's Go, Eevee--will appear from May 19-25. After that, Gigantamax Meowth--which was available as an early purchase bonus--will appear from May 25 to June 1.

　　Two DLC expansions are on the way for Pokemon Sword and Shield this year: Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. The former is slated to launch next month, while the latter is set to follow sometime this fall, and each will introduce a new area to explore, new and returning Pokemon to catch, and more. You can catch up on all the details in our roundup of everything we know about Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra.

　　Pokemon Sword And Shield News & Guides

　　Pokemon Sword And Shield Raid Event Now Live, Features Lots Of Ground And Water Pokemon Pokemon Sword And Shield: How To Get The Newly Added Pokemon Without Buying DLC Pokemon Sword & Shield DLC: All The Confirmed Returning Pokemon So Far