Giovanni, the leader of Team GO Rocket in Pokémon GO, is one of the toughest opponents you will face in the game. His lineup changes periodically, requiring trainers to adjust their strategies accordingly. If you are looking to defeat Giovanni in March 2025, you’ll need the right counters and tactics to overcome his powerful Shadow Pokémon.
Understanding Giovanni’s March 2025 Lineup
Giovanni always starts the battle with his signature Pokémon, Persian. The second Pokémon in his lineup is chosen from a pool of three potential options, and he ends the battle with a legendary Shadow Pokémon.
- First Pokémon: Persian
- Second Pokémon (randomized): Could be Machamp, Rhyperior, or Kingdra
- Third Pokémon (Legendary Shadow): Shadow Lugia
Best Counters to Defeat Giovanni
1. Countering Persian
Persian is a Normal-type Pokémon with fast attacks that can whittle down your health quickly. It is weak to Fighting-type moves.
- Recommended counters: Lucario (Counter, Aura Sphere), Conkeldurr (Counter, Dynamic Punch), Machamp (Counter, Cross Chop)
2. Countering the Second Pokémon
The second Pokémon will be one of three possible choices, so your team should be prepared for all scenarios.
If Giovanni uses Machamp:
Machamp is a Fighting-type Pokémon, weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy moves.
- Recommended counters: Togekiss (Charm, Dazzling Gleam), Espeon (Confusion, Psychic), Mewtwo (Psycho Cut, Psystrike)
If Giovanni uses Rhyperior:
Rhyperior is a Ground/Rock-type Pokémon with weaknesses to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ice, and Steel moves.
- Recommended counters: Kyogre (Waterfall, Surf), Swampert (Mud Shot, Hydro Cannon), Zarude (Vine Whip, Power Whip)
If Giovanni uses Kingdra:
Kingdra is a Water/Dragon-type Pokémon that is weak to Dragon and Fairy moves.
- Recommended counters: Garchomp (Dragon Tail, Outrage), Dragonite (Dragon Tail, Dragon Claw), Sylveon (Charm, Moonblast)
3. Countering Shadow Lugia
As the final boss, Shadow Lugia is a Psychic/Flying-type Pokémon with weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, Rock, Electric, and Ice moves.
- Recommended counters: Tyranitar (Smack Down, Crunch), Zekrom (Charge Beam, Wild Charge), Chandelure (Hex, Shadow Ball)
Battle Strategy Tips
Simply having the right Pokémon is not enough; you need a solid strategy to take down Giovanni effectively.
Use Shields Wisely
Giovanni’s Pokémon hit hard, and he has two shields. Try using fast-charging moves to bait out his shields early in the battle.
Switch When Necessary
If you find that your lead Pokémon is struggling against his second Pokémon, don’t hesitate to switch to a more effective counter.
Maximize Charged Moves
Charge up energy before firing off your charged moves. Landing a super effective charged attack at the right moment can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
Beating Giovanni in Pokémon GO requires preparation, patience, and the right counters. By understanding his lineup and selecting strong Pokémon with effective move sets, you can defeat him and capture his Shadow Legendary Pokémon. Stay persistent, refine your strategy, and good luck battling Team GO Rocket’s boss!
