How to Defeat Giovanni in Pokémon GO – January 2025 Strategy Guide

Preparing to challenge Giovanni in Pokémon GO? The notorious Team GO Rocket leader is back for January 2025, ready to test your skills with his formidable Shadow Pokémon lineup. This encounter occurs in a three-phase battle format, culminating in a showdown with the powerful Shadow Heatran. To enhance your chances of victory, it’s crucial to enter this battle well-equipped with effective counters and a sound strategy. Interested in succeeding against Giovanni? Read on as we provide a detailed guide on how to triumph in this challenging battle.

Team Rocket Giovanni’s Lineup (January 2025)

Giovanni’s battle consists of three phases featuring Shadow Pokémon. While the first and last Pokémon are predetermined, Giovanni has three potential options for his second Pokémon, which adds an element of unpredictability to the fight.

Phase	Pokémon	Type	Weaknesses
First	Shadow Persian	Normal	Fighting
Second	Shadow Rhyperior	Ground/Rock	Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Ice, Steel
Second	Shadow Nidoking	Poison/Ground	Ground, Ice, Psychic, Water
Second	Shadow Kingdra	Water/Dragon	Dragon, Fairy
Third	Shadow Heatran	Fire/Steel	Ground, Fighting, Water

Counter Strategies for Shadow Persian

As Giovanni’s first Pokémon, Shadow Persian is a Normal-type with notable offensive capabilities due to its Shadow boost. To take it down quickly, utilize Fighting-type Pokémon. Here are some effective counters:

Pokémon	Fast Move	Charged Move
Mega Lucario	Force Palm	Aura Sphere
Terrakion	Double Kick	Sacred Sword
Machamp	Counter	Dynamic Punch
Conkeldurr	Counter	Dynamic Punch
Mega Blaziken	Counter	Focus Blast

Counter Strategies for Shadow Rhyperior

When Shadow Rhyperior enters the fray, capitalize on its dual Ground/Rock typing by deploying Water or Grass-type Pokémon for maximum damage. Consider these effective counters:

Pokémon	Fast Move	Charged Move
Primal Kyogre	Waterfall	Origin Pulse
Mega Sceptile	Bullet Seed	Frenzy Plant
Can	Razor Leaf	Leaf Blade
Zarude	Vine Whip	Power Whip

Counter Strategies for Shadow Nidoking

Shadow Nidoking’s Poison/Ground typing renders it susceptible to Psychic, Ice, and Water-type moves. Utilize the following counters for a strategic advantage:

Pokémon	Fast Move	Charged Move
Mewtwo	Psycho Cut	Psystrike
Mega Garchomp	Mud Shot	Earth Power
Therian Landorus	Mud Shot	Sandsear Storm
Mamoswine	Powder Snow	Avalanche

Counter Strategies for Shadow Kingdra

Due to its Dragon/Water typing, countering Kingdra is best achieved with Dragon or Fairy-type moves. Here are some recommended counters:

Pokémon	Fast Move	Charged Move
Mega Rayquaza	Dragon Tail	Outrage
Origin Forme Palkia	Dragon Tail	Spacial Rend
Mega Garchomp	Dragon Tail	Outrage
Salamence	Dragon Tail	Outrage
Gardevoir	Charm	Dazzling Gleam

Counter Strategies for Shadow Heatran

In the final phase, Giovanni will unleash Shadow Heatran, which is best countered using Ground-type moves. Consider the following Pokémon for this critical battle:

Pokémon	Fast Move	Charged Move
Primal Groudon	Mud Shot	Precipice Blades
Mega Garchomp	Mud Shot	Earth Power
Therian Landorus	Mud Shot	Sandsear Storm
Excadrill	Mud Shot	Scorching Sands
Rhyperior	Mud-Slap	Earthquake

Locating Giovanni in Pokémon GO

To engage with Giovanni, players must complete specific Team GO Rocket Special Research tasks to obtain a Super Rocket Radar. Access to these quests unlocks upon reaching Level 8. Players will first need to defeat several Team GO Rocket Grunts and the three Team Leaders—Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra. With your Super Rocket Radar equipped, you can pinpoint Giovanni’s location at PokéStops or during Team GO Rocket balloon encounters.

Rewards for Defeating Giovanni

Successfully defeating Giovanni in Pokémon GO grants multiple rewards, including:

5,000 Stardust
A chance to capture Shadow Heatran
Four item bundles potentially containing:
- Max Potions
- Max Revives
- Hyper Potions
- Regular Revives
- 1x You Become Stone

Keep in mind that capturing Shadow Heatran is guaranteed, so consider using a Pinap Berry for additional candy when you catch it. Although it cannot be shiny, Shadow Heatran remains a valuable asset for your Pokémon collection. That concludes our guide on defeating Giovanni in Pokémon GO. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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