Giovanni’s crew had a refresh in Pokémon Go following the arrival of the winter “Vogue Week: Taken Over” occasion.
Because it stands in February 2025, following an replace rolled out on Jan. 15, Giovanni’s crew sees a number of potentialities, together with a finale in opposition to Palkia, the newest legendary to see the Shadow remedy.
For individuals who wish to catch Shadow Palkia, attempt to get it accomplished earlier than later, as there’ll seemingly be one other Workforce Rocket refresh in coming months that’ll swap out the legendary for a brand new one.
Nonetheless, know that everytime you face Giovanni, he’s a tricky opponent to battle, and this web page will checklist out his present crew and counters in case you’re having hassle.
The best way to discover Giovanni in Pokémon Go
Workforce Go Rocket boss Giovanni is usually solely out there to battle whereas finishing Workforce Go Rocket Particular Analysis. We get a brand new set of this sort of analysis each few months, usually with a brand new Shadow legendary Pokémon as a reward on the very finish.
From mid-January 2025, this quest is “Vogue Week: Taken Over.”
As a part of the search, after beating all three Workforce Go Rocket leaders, you’ll get a Tremendous Rocket Radar, permitting you to search out Giovanni.
Similar to the leaders, Giovanni will seem in Workforce Go Rocket balloons or at taken over PokéStops with the Tremendous Rocket Radar geared up. He received’t typically be within the first you encounter — there will likely be decoy grunts alongside the best way — however preserve making an attempt and Giovanni will seem.
As soon as you discover him and use the radar, you’ll be able to battle him as many instances because it takes to beat him — so long as you’re inside distance of the PokéStop — which is nice, as a result of he’s usually a reasonably robust battle.
Pokémon Go Giovanni crew line-up
At the moment, Giovanni could have the next crew:
- Persian (regular)
- Kingdra (water/dragon)
Rhyperior (floor/rock) - Palkia (water/dragon)
Pokémon Go Giovanni counters
As a result of there are fewer potential celebration choices for Giovanni than there are for the Rocket leaders, he’s really simpler to plan in opposition to, even when his Pokémon are a lot stronger. You have to to deliver the strongest Pokémon you may have, along with your A-game with a purpose to take him down.
Opening Pokémon (Persian) counters
For Persian, deliver a fighting-type Pokémon, akin to:
- Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
- Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Second doable Pokémon counters
If he makes use of Kingdra throughout the second encounter, take into account fairy-types akin to:
- Togekiss with Allure and Dazzling Gleam
- Gardevoir with Allure and Dazzling Gleam
- Sylveon with Allure and Dazzling Gleam
If he makes use of Rhyperior throughout the second encounter, take into account grass-types akin to:
- Decidueye with Leafage and Frenzy Plant
- Venusaur with Vine Whip and Frenzy Plant
Closing Pokémon (Palkia) counters
For the ultimate encounter in opposition to Palkia, we advocate utilizing a fairy-type Pokémon, akin to:
- Xerneas with Geomancy and Moonblast
- Togekiss with Allure and Dazzling Gleam
- Gardevoir with Allure and Dazzling Gleam
The best way to beat Giovanni in Pokémon Go
As with preventing the leaders, Giovanni will block the primary two charged assaults with shields. As such, you’ll ideally need a fighting-type that may chip away at Persian’s well being, whereas additionally having charged strikes to destroy these two shields as quick as doable. From there, it’s a case of switching to the counters which swimsuit the line-up that follows.
After defeating Giovanni, you’ll get to catch whichever Shadow legendary seems within the remaining encounter. It’s a assured catch, so don’t neglect to make use of a Pinap Berry to attain some further sweet.
Lastly, know that profitable in opposition to Giovanni is an environment friendly approach of incomes Shadow Shards for Purified Gems, with every battle rewarding 4 Shards — sufficient to make one Gem.