Nintendo's Pokémon Sword and Shield are launching a new Max Raid Battle event today, featuring Gigantamax Pikachu. Originally, Gigantamax Pikachu was only available as a gift for players who also owned Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! Now, during this event, all trainers will be able to try for the exclusive Pokémon.

Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon were introduced in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield as special forms Pokémon can take during battles. All Pokémon are capable of Dynamaxing, which makes them physically larger as well as stronger by boosting their stats and changing some of their moves. However, only certain Pokémon are able to take Gigantamax forms, which changes their looks in a more drastic way and gives them special G-Max moves.

Related: Pokémon Sword and Shield: How to Gigantamax Effectively

According to DotEsports, the Gigantamax Pikachu event begins May 12. All raids, no matter the star rating, will feature Gigantamax Pikachu. Pikachu caught during five star raids will be more likely to have special moves like Surf, which was previously only attainable in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield by transferring a Pikachu from Pokémon Yellow to the Switch games via Pokémon Home. It is unclear how long this raid event will last.

Obtaining a Gigantamax Pikachu will be a game changer for trainers. Gigantamax Pokemon are incredibly powerful, and offer a huge advantage in Raid Battles and trainer battles alike. While Dynamaxing is helpful in that any Pokémon can get a special boost in stats, the appeal of Gigantamax Pokémon is in both the rarity and even more powerful moves. Being able to boast about having a special Gigantamax Pikachu is a boost in street cred and will be even more helpful in other Raid Battles, especially those against other rare Gigantamax Pokémon.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are setting a clear precedent for post-game events and content. There have been other special Max Raid Battles already, but none of them have featured an exclusive Pokémon like Gigantamax Pikachu, that was previously only available if players owned and played a separate game. Likewise, trainers can get Gigantamax Eevee by owning Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, so it makes sense that another special Max Raid Battle will come soon that features the chance to catch that very same Eevee. These events, alongside the upcoming expansion packs for the game, are keeping Pokémon Sword and Shield relevant and playable. By introducing new and exclusive content and Pokémon, trainers will likely continue to return to the games in order to experience the ever-changing world of Galar.

Next: Pokemon Sword and Shield Dynamaxing Allows Every Pokemon To Shine

Source: DotEsports