Giovanni Pokémon GO 2025 Guide Counters, Rewards & Strategies

Giovanni pokemon go the infamous boss of Team GO Rocket, continues to challenge trainers in Pokémon GO with powerful Shadow Pokémon and evolving lineups. As the final showdown in the Team GO Rocket storyline, Giovanni’s battles are not just a test of your skills but also offer a chance to catch powerful Legendary Shadow Pokémon. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trainer, this complete guide will walk you through how to find Giovanni, his current team lineup, best counters, and how to defeat Giovanni pokemon go.

Who is Giovanni Pokémon GO?

Giovanni is the Team GO Rocket Boss and one of the most challenging opponents in the game. Introduced in late 2019, he plays a central role in Pokémon GO’s ongoing battle against Team GO Rocket. Each month, Giovanni pokemon go team lineup changes, often featuring a rotating Shadow Legendary Pokémon, making his appearance one of the most anticipated events.

How to Find Giovanni Pokémon GO (2025)

To battle Giovanni, trainers must complete a Special Research taskline involving Team GO Rocket. Here’s how to track him down:

1. Complete Team GO Rocket Special Research: Look out for new research like “Shadowy Skirmishes” or seasonal tasks.
2. Defeat the Three Rocket Leaders: Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra must be defeated to get a Super Rocket Radar.
3. Equip the Super Rocket Radar: Once you have it, it’ll help you locate Giovanni.
4. Battle Giovanni: You may encounter decoy Grunts using the radar, so keep checking different PokéStops or wait for a hot air balloon appearance.

Tip: Giovanni often appears in a Team GO Rocket balloon once per day, especially when a radar is active.

Giovanni Pokémon GO Team Lineup (April 2025)

Giovanni pokemon go team usually includes:

• First Pokémon: Always Persian
• Second Pokémon: One of three rotating strong Pokémon
• Third Pokémon: A Shadow Legendary Pokémon

Current Giovanni Team (April 2025)

1. Slot 1: Persian
2. Slot 2 (Randomized): Nidoking / Garchomp / Rhyperior
3. Slot 3 (Shadow Legendary): Shadow Groudon

Best Counters to Beat Giovanni Pokémon GO

Let’s break down the best counters for each of Giovanni pokemon go possible team members:

How to Beat Persian (Normal Type)

Weak to: Fighting
Best Counters:

• Lucario – Counter + Power-Up Punch / Aura Sphere
• Conkeldurr – Counter + Dynamic Punch
• Machamp – Counter + Cross Chop / Dynamic Punch
• Hariyama – Counter + Close Combat

Tip: Persian deals heavy Fast Move damage, so consider leads with shields ready.

How to Beat Nidoking (Poison/Ground Type)

Weak to: Water, Ice, Ground, Psychic
Best Counters:

• Kyogre – Waterfall + Surf
• Mewtwo – Psycho Cut + Psystrike
• Garchomp – Mud Shot + Earth Power
• Swampert – Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon

How to Beat Garchomp (Dragon/Ground Type)

Weak to: Dragon, Fairy, Ice
Best Counters:

• Galarian Darmanitan – Ice Fang + Avalanche
• Mamoswine – Powder Snow + Avalanche
• Togekiss – Charm + Dazzling Gleam
• Dragonite – Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw

How to Beat Rhyperior (Ground/Rock Type)

Weak to: Water, Grass, Fighting, Ice, Steel
Best Counters:

• Kyogre – Waterfall + Surf
• Roserade – Razor Leaf + Grass Knot
• Swampert – Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
• Zarude – Vine Whip + Power Whip

How to Beat Shadow Groudon (Ground Type Legendary)

Weak to: Water, Ice, Grass
Best Counters:

• Kyogre – Waterfall + Surf
• Swampert – Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
• Mamoswine – Powder Snow + Avalanche
• Sceptile – Bullet Seed + Frenzy Plant

Pro Tip: Shadow Groudon is a powerful Pokémon with high CP. Make sure to use your Charged TMs to remove Frustration once you catch it.

Giovanni Battle Strategy

Here’s a winning strategy to maximize your chances:

• Use Lucario as your opener: Fast Counter moves and Power-Up Punch allow you to deplete shields early.
• Second slot for hard counters: Choose Pokémon strong against his rotating midline team.
• Save your best tanky Water/Ice Pokémon for Shadow Groudon in the final slot.
• Shield baiting: Charge moves early to burn Giovanni’s shields on Persian.

Giovanni Rewards in Pokémon GO

Here’s what you get for beating Giovanni:

• Stardust (5000+)
• Super Rocket Radar for future use
• Rare Items (Revives, Max Potions)
• A chance to catch a Shadow Legendary Pokémon (currently: Shadow Groudon)

Tips for Beating Giovanni

1. Time your Switches: Mastering fast swaps between Pokémon helps preserve health.
2. Utilize Pokémon with multi-type moves: This increases flexibility against the rotating lineup.
3. Practice against Grunts and Leaders: Giovanni’s style mimics Rocket Leaders but at a higher level.
4. Keep track of Shadow Rotation Events: Giovanni’s lineup changes during Rocket Takeovers or new seasons.
5. Turn off AR Mode: Makes catching Shadow Legendaries easier post-battle.

How Often Does Giovanni Appear in Pokémon GO?

Giovanni reappears roughly once per month tied to seasonal events or new Special Research tasks. These are often announced via the Pokémon GO blog or app notifications.

Look out for events like:

• Team GO Rocket Takeover
• Seasonal Questlines (e.g., Shadowy Threat, A Troubling Situation)

Upcoming Giovanni Lineup Predictions (May–June 2025)

While not officially confirmed, leaks and past patterns suggest upcoming Shadow Legendaries could include:

• Shadow Kyogre
• Shadow Xerneas
• Shadow Lugia (Redux)
• Shadow Rayquaza (Highly anticipated)

Stay prepared with maxed-out counters and plenty of Rocket Radars.

Final Thoughts: Is Giovanni Worth Battling in Pokémon GO?

Absolutely. Facing Giovanni pokemon go offers some of the best rewards in the game—especially his Shadow Legendary Pokémon, which are PvP and raid game-changers. With each monthly lineup refresh, Giovanni keeps trainers engaged with strategic combat and rare Shadow catches.