If you're aiming to complete your Pokédex in Pokémon Go with Legendary Shadow Pokémon, keep an eye on the Team Go Rocket boss Giovanni. While finding him may be tricky, a showdown with him is well worth the effort for rare Pokémon.
As part of the Psychic Spectacular: Taken Over event, Giovanni's line-up was updated in September 2025 with his Legendary Pokémon now being Shadow Giratina.
The following highlights the best Giovanni Counters to step up your game against one of the toughest bosses and tips for locating him, along with the rewards for conquering him.
How to Find Giovanni
Finding the Team Go boss requires a Super Rocket Radar. Here's how to track him down:
- Complete the Psychic Spectacular: Taken Over Special Research quest from Professor Willow, defeating Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra along the way.
- Upon beating the Team Go Rocket Leaders, you'll receive a Super Rocket Radar.
- Equip the Super Rocket Radar and visit a PokeStop; there's a chance you might encounter Giovanni.
Keep in mind you may need to check several PokeStops, and you may run into some decoys along the way. Once you find him, you can battle as many times as necessary until you capture his Legendary Shadow Pokémon.
Giovanni Line-up
Giovanni's Pokémon team changes frequently. His current line-up includes:
- First Pokémon: Persian
- Second Pokémon: Nidoking / Kangaskhan
- Third Pokémon: Incarnate Forme Tornadus / Rhyperior
Best Giovanni Counters
Preparing for a challenging match against Giovanni is essential, as his Pokémon possess considerable strength compared to previous encounters. Don’t be discouraged if it takes multiple attempts to defeat him!
Some recommended counters include:
- Slot 1: Primal Kyogre, Mega Garchomp, or your strongest Water/Ground-type
- Slot 2: Mega Lucario or the strongest Fighting-type
- Slot 3: Regieleki or the strongest Electric-type
How to Beat Giovanni
Remember, Giovanni utilizes two Protect Shields, so having a Pokémon with two quick Charged moves will help dismantle his defense effectively.
Best Persian Counter
Start with the first Pokémon, Persian, which is weak to Fighting-types. Your best bet is using Mega Lucario with Force Palm and Aura Sphere or Terrakion. Alternatively, Machamp and Lucario serve as accessible counters.
A strategic approach is to switch your fighter into the second slot, capitalizing on a two-second delay Giovanni experiences during the switch, allowing you to attack first.
Best Counters for Rhyperior, Nidoking, and Kangaskhan
Giovanni’s second Pokémon could either be Rhyperior, Nidoking, or Kangaskhan:
For Rhyperior, optimal counters include Primal or Shadow Kyogre, Kartana, and Mega Swampert. If unavailable, a strong Water-type or Grass-type suffices.
When facing Nidoking, consider using Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, or Mega Garchomp. If not available, a strong Psychic, Ground, or Water-type would work.
Lastly, against Kangaskhan, Mega Lucario, Machamp, or Terrakion are effective. Ensure a second Fighting-type is ready as backup.
Best Counter for Incarnate Forme Tornadus
Incarnate Forme Tornadus is susceptible to Electric, Ice, and Rock-type Pokémon. Excellent choices for Electric-types include Regieleki and Zekrom. If opting for Ice-types, Baxcalibur and White Kyurem are good picks. For Rock-types, consider Rhyperior, Rampardos or Tyranitar.
Using a Mega Evolution is advisable; if you haven’t already, a Mega Diancie or Mega Manectric can be instrumental in this battle.
Giovanni Rewards
Defeating Giovanni grants various rewards, including 5,000 Stardust, healing items like Max Potions, and a chance to acquire a Unova Stone. Each victory progresses you toward the Ultra Hero medal, unlocking Giovanni-themed clothing.
Most importantly, you'll have a shot at catching his Legendary Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Giratina.
Good luck in your battle against Giovanni and keep an eye out for more helpful guides, including weakness charts and Mega Pokémon lists.
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