How to Beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO

Giovanni is back in Pokémon GO, and if you want to take him down, you need to come prepared. As the leader of Team GO Rocket, he doesn’t hold back, and his lineup of Pokémon is always a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right counters. If you’ve tried and failed, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This guide will break down his team, recommend the best Pokémon to use, and give you some battle strategies on how to beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO.

Giovanni’s Pokémon Lineup

Like always, Giovanni starts with his trusty Persian, but the real challenge comes with his second and third Pokémon. His second Pokémon rotates between different choices, and his final Pokémon is usually a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon that requires the right counters. Here’s what you’ll be up against in March 2025:

1. Persian – Weak to Fighting-type moves
2. Second Pokémon – Either Kangaskhan or Honchkrow (Both weak to Fairy-type moves)
3. Final Pokémon – Cresselia (Weak to Dark, Bug, and Ghost-type moves)

If you’re struggling, chances are you’re not countering his Pokémon effectively. The right Pokémon and move sets make all the difference in this fight.

Best Pokémon to Use Against Giovanni

Now that we know Giovanni’s lineup, let’s build a team to take him down efficiently.

Best Counter for Persian

Persian can be a real pain with its Fast Attacks that hit hard and charge quickly. Since it’s weak to Fighting-type moves, bring a strong Fighting-type Pokémon.

• Machamp (Counter + Dynamic Punch)
• Lucario (Counter + Aura Sphere)
• Conkeldurr (Counter + Dynamic Punch)
• Hariyama (Counter + Close Combat)

Lucario is an excellent choice because it has resistance to Normal-type moves and can charge up Aura Sphere quickly. Machamp and Conkeldurr are also great because of their high attack stats and strong Fighting-type moves.

Best Counter for Kangaskhan/Honchkrow

Both of Giovanni’s potential second Pokémon are weak to Fairy-type moves, so you’ll want a strong Fairy-type attacker to take them down.

• Togekiss (Charm + Dazzling Gleam)
• Sylveon (Charm + Moonblast)
• Gardevoir (Charm + Shadow Ball)
• Primarina (Charm + Moonblast)

Togekiss is one of the best options because it has high bulk and can deal a ton of damage with Charm. Sylveon and Gardevoir are also great picks due to their strong Fairy-type moves.

Best Counter for Cresselia

Cresselia is a tanky Psychic-type, meaning you’ll need Dark, Bug, or Ghost-type moves to take it down effectively.

• Tyranitar (Bite + Crunch)
• Hydreigon (Bite + Brutal Swing)
• Gengar (Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball)
• Beedrill (Fury Cutter + X-Scissor)

Tyranitar and Hydreigon are top choices due to their high damage output and Dark-type moves. Gengar works well too, but it’s a bit fragile, so you’ll need to dodge effectively.

Battle Strategy: How to Take Down Giovanni

Giovanni fights are not just about picking strong Pokémon—you need strategy to win. Here’s how to outplay him:

1. Take Advantage of Stun Lock

When you use a Charged Attack, Giovanni’s Pokémon will be briefly stunned. Use this window to switch Pokémon or build energy for another attack. You can also use a fast swap strategy to reset his attack cycle.

2. Shield Baiting and Energy Management

Giovanni always has two shields, so you need to bait them out early. Use fast-charging Charged Attacks like Cross Chop (Machamp) or Dragon Claw (Hydreigon) to force him to waste his shields.

3. Dodging and Timing Your Attacks

Giovanni’s Pokémon hit hard, and if you take too many hits, you’ll go down fast. Learn the attack patterns and dodge whenever possible to avoid unnecessary damage.

Recommended Team Composition

If you want a balanced team to handle Giovanni’s Pokémon efficiently, try this setup:

1. Lucario (Counter + Aura Sphere) – Handles Persian
2. Togekiss (Charm + Dazzling Gleam) – Counters Kangaskhan/Honchkrow
3. Tyranitar (Bite + Crunch) – Destroys Cresselia

This setup allows you to counter each of Giovanni’s Pokémon efficiently, ensuring you have the best chance of winning.

Final Tips Before You Battle

• Max out your Pokémon’s CP – Giovanni’s Pokémon are strong, so you need high-level Pokémon to compete.
• Use Star Pieces and Lucky Eggs – If you’re fighting him during an event, maximize your rewards!
• Practice against Team GO Rocket Leaders – Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff have tough battles that can help prepare you for Giovanni.
• If you fail, try again! – You can keep battling Giovanni until you win, so don’t give up if you lose the first time.

Now that you have the strategy and the right Pokémon, it’s time to take down Giovanni in Pokémon GO. Get out there and show Team GO Rocket who’s boss!