Pokemon GO developers are quick to recognize what keeps players engaged, and one of the features they repeatedly highlight is Team GO Rocket. This August, the franchise's most powerful antagonist, Giovanni, is making a return with an impressive Shadow roster in Pokemon GO.
Defeating the main boss of Team GO Rocket is already a difficult task, but finding Giovanni in the first place is an even greater challenge. Players must face multiple grunts and leaders such as Cliff, Arlo, and Sierra in order to progress. The battle against Giovanni is divided into three phases, with the second phase being particularly unpredictable. With that in mind, this guide provides comprehensive information about Giovanni's roster for August 2023.
How to Beat Giovanni in Pokemon GO
Giovanni's roster for August 2023 features five Shadow Pokemon for a three-round battle. The initial phase comprises a single opponent, while the second phase poses the greatest challenge. In this phase, Giovanni has three potential representatives, requiring Pokemon GO players to carefully assess his roster in order to strategically counter them. Conversely, the final or third phase entails only one representative.
Phases | Shadow Pokemon |
---|---|
First Phase | Shadow Persian |
Second Phase |
|
Third Phase | Shadow Regirock |
Pokemon GO: Giovanni’s First Phase Counters
Giovanni always starts the battle with his Shadow Persian, a Normal-type Pokemon with boosted offensive capabilities as a Shadow monster.
Shadow Persian
Type: Normal-type
Weakness: Fighting-type
Resistance: Ghost-type
Shadow Persian Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
---|---|---|
Machamp | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
Conkeldurr | Counter | Focus Blast |
Hariyama | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
Lucario | Counter | Aura Sphere |
Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword |
Pokemon GO: Giovanni’s Second Phase Counters
Giovanni utilizes a particular monster during the initial stage, but his choice of Pokemon for the second stage remains uncertain. The primary leader of Team GO Rocket possesses formidable options such as Shadow Nidoking, Shadow Rhyperior, or Shadow Garchomp. Players must carefully choose suitable Pokemon to counter each of them in the game Pokemon GO.
Type: Poison and Ground
Weakness: Ground, Ice, Psychic, and Water-type
Resistance: Electric, Poison, Bug, Fairy, Fighting, and Rock-type
Shadow Nidoking Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
---|---|---|
Kyogre | Waterfall | Surf |
Garchomp | Mud Shot | Earth Power |
Galarian Darmanitan | Ice Fang | Avalanche |
Lunala | Confusion | Psychic |
Espeon | Zen headbutt | Psychic |
Shadow Rhyperior
Type: Ground and Rock
Weakness: Fighting, Grass, Ground, Ice, Steel, and Water-type
Resistance: Electric, Poison, Fire, Flying, Normal, and Rock-type
Shadow Rhyperior Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
---|---|---|
Kartana | Razor Leaf | Leaf Blade |
Kyogre | Waterfall | Origin Pulse |
Zarude | Vine Whip | Power Whip |
Samurott | Fury Cutter | Hydro Cannon |
Kingler | Bubble | Crabhammer |
Shadow Garchomp
Type: Dragon and Ground
Weakness: Dragon, Fairy, and Ice-type
Resistance: Electric, Fire, Poison, and Rock-type
Shadow Garchomp Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
---|---|---|
Galarian Standard Darmanitan | Ice Fang | Avalanche |
Weavile | Ice Shard | Avalanche |
Mamoswine | Powder Snow | Avalanche |
Articuno | Frost Breath | Ice Breath |
Dragonite | Dragon Tail | Outrage |
Pokemon GO: Giovanni’s Third Phase Counters
is Giovanni's only challenger in the third phase of the battle. To emerge victorious, it is necessary to employ effective counters that can exploit its weaknesses.
Type: Rock
Weakness: Fighting, Grass, Water, Steel, and Ground-type
Resistance: Fire, Flying, Normal, and Poison-type
Shadow Regirock Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
---|---|---|
Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword |
Kartana | Razor Leaf | Leaf Blade |
Kyogre | Waterfall | Origin Pulse |
Lucario | Counter | Aura Sphere |
Conkeldurr | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
Pokemon GO is available for Android and iOS.