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How to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO (May 2025 guide): Best counters & battle strategy
Are you ready to take down the notorious Team GO Rocket leader? Whether you're a seasoned Trainer or just looking to finally conquer the monthly Special Research, understanding how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO is a must. In May 2025, Giovanni returns with a tricky lineup including Persian, Rhyperior, Kingdra, and the legendary Shadow Palkia. Defeating him is no easy task, but with the right strategy and Pokémon counters, you'll claim victory - and some incredible rewards.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to find Giovanni, counter his current team, and maximize your battle strategy. Along the way, we’ll also recommend collectible Pokémon figures inspired by his roster - perfect for fans looking to celebrate their in-game victories with high-quality Japanese merch from Japan Figure.
1. How to find Giovanni in Pokémon GO
Before you learn how to defeat Giovanni, you need to track him down. Giovanni isn’t always available on the map like regular Team Rocket Grunts - you need to complete specific steps:
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Complete Special Research: Niantic releases monthly Team Rocket-themed research quests. Finishing these gives you a Super Rocket Radar.
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Activate the Radar: This item reveals Giovanni’s location, but beware - he may be disguised as a decoy.
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Locate Giovanni: Use your radar at PokéStops or on the map to initiate the real battle.
Giovanni only becomes available during certain times of the month, usually tied to special events or Team GO Rocket takeovers. Make sure your Super Rocket Radar is ready to go when the time comes.
>>> Pro Tip: If you're a fan of Team Rocket, check out our Team Rocket Figure Collection featuring Giovanni, Jessie, James, and their iconic Pokémon - available now on Japan Figure!
2. How to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO
Once you’ve found Giovanni, the real challenge begins. His team is powerful, fast, and strategically built to test even the most experienced Trainers. If you're wondering how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO, you’ll need more than just high-CP Pokémon - you’ll need knowledge of his lineup, type matchups, and tactics.
Step 1: Understanding Giovanni’s team rotation (May 2025)
To defeat Giovanni Pokémon GO in May 2025, you need to anticipate his team. Giovanni always starts with Persian, followed by one of three rotating Pokémon, Kingdra, Rhyperior, or Nidoking. The final challenge is the Legendary Shadow Palkia.
Giovanni's team lineup:
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First Pokémon: Persian (Normal type)
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Second Pokémon: Kingdra (Water/Dragon), Rhyperior (Ground/Rock), or Nidoking (Poison/Ground)
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Third Pokémon: Shadow Palkia (Water/Dragon)
This rotation is important for Trainers specifically searching how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Persian, how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Rhyperior, or how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Kingdra. And while Seadra is not part of this month's team, it may appear in later events as Kingdra’s base form, so it’s worth keeping an eye on guides related to how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Seadra as well.
Step 2: Best Pokémon counters by type
Learning how to fight Giovanni in Pokémon GO means knowing the best counters for each of his possible Pokémon. Type advantage is everything in these battles.
How to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Persian (Normal-type)
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Weakness: Fighting
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Top counters:
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Lucario – Counter + Power-Up Punch or Aura Sphere
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Machamp – Counter + Cross Chop
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Conkeldurr, Hariyama
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>>> Trainer tips: Persian attacks fast and can chip away your HP quickly. Use a fast-charging Fighting-type to burn Giovanni’s two shields early on.
>>> Power up your collection with our Lucario Figures, available now on Japan Figure, a must-have for true Lucario mains.
How to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Rhyperior (Ground/Rock-type)
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Weaknesses: Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Steel
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Top counters:
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Kyogre – Waterfall + Surf
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Swampert – Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
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Zarude, Torterra, Kartana
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>>> Battle Tip: Rhyperior is bulky, so prioritize Pokémon with STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) and strong energy gain to wear it down quickly.
How to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Kingdra (Water/Dragon-type)
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Weaknesses: Dragon, Fairy
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Top counters:
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Togekiss – Charm + Dazzling Gleam
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Gardevoir – Charm + Shadow Ball
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Dragonite, Rayquaza – Dragon Tail + Outrage
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>>> Collectors can bring home the power of Palkia with premium Legendary Pokémon Figures, available now at Japan Figure.
How to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO Palkia (Shadow, Water/Dragon-type)
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Weaknesses: Dragon, Fairy
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Top counters:
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Dialga – Dragon Breath + Draco Meteor
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Zekrom – Dragon Breath + Outrage
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Garchomp, Rayquaza, Xerneas
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>>> Warning: Shadow Palkia hits hard and fast. Dialga’s resistance to Dragon-type moves makes it a strong, reliable choice if you're trying to beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO without burning through your full team.
Step 3: Charge TM and shield baiting tactics
Even if you have the best counters, you won’t defeat Giovanni unless you manage his shields wisely.
Here are essential tips to outsmart Giovanni:
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Open with fast-charging moves like Power-Up Punch, Cross Chop, or Night Slash to burn his 2 shields early.
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Use a bulky Pokémon to survive his opening spam-heavy Persian.
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Save high-damage Charged Moves after he runs out of shields, especially against Palkia.
Shield baiting and timing your swaps properly can turn the tide of the battle. Learning how to fight Giovanni in Pokémon GO means combining both team strength and strategic play.3. Rewards for defeating Giovanni in Pokémon GO
If you’ve followed all the steps and finally learned how to beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO, the victory comes with major perks. Giovanni doesn’t just offer bragging rights - he rewards you with one of the most coveted catches in the game.
What you’ll get after winning:
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Shadow Legendary Pokémon: In May 2025, this is Shadow Palkia, a rare and powerful Water/Dragon-type Pokémon.
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Premier Balls: The number you receive depends on your battle performance, including surviving Pokémon and remaining health.
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Stardust and XP: A hefty bonus perfect for leveling up or strengthening your roster.
Defeating Giovanni is also required to complete Special Research missions, which are often tied to global Pokémon GO events. This means you're not just collecting rare Pokémon - you’re also unlocking exclusive content and opportunities.
4. FAQs - People also ask about how to defeat Giovanni Pokemon Go in the shortest time
If you're still working on your strategy or facing tough matchups, you're not alone. Many Trainers around the world search for tips and tricks on how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you fine-tune your battle plan.
4.1. What is the easiest way to beat Giovanni?
The easiest way to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO is to use type-advantaged counters, burn his shields early with fast-charging moves, and prepare for Shadow Palkia. Knowing how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO means mastering his team rotation and using strong Fighters, Fairies, and Dragons strategically.
4.2. What is Giovanni's weakness in Pokémon Go?
Giovanni’s weakness lies in type matchups. His Persian is weak to fighting, while Shadow Palkia is vulnerable to Dragon and Fairy-types. Understanding how to defeat Giovanni Pokémon GO depends on exploiting these weaknesses and managing your shields smartly during the battle.
4.3. Why is Giovanni so hard to beat?
Giovanni is hard to beat because his team is powerful, has high stats, and uses smart shield mechanics. He also rotates his second Pokémon, making it tricky to prepare. Learning how to fight Giovanni in Pokémon GO requires precise planning and well-timed attacks.
4.4. What is the best Pokémon to defeat the Team Rocket leader?
The best Pokémon to defeat a Team Rocket leader like Giovanni are Lucario, Togekiss, and Dialga. Each counters key parts of his lineup. If you're wondering how to defeat Giovanni Pokémon GO, these picks give strong type coverage and quick energy gains.
4.5. Can I fight Giovanni multiple times?
Yes, you can fight Giovanni again whenever you earn a new Super Rocket Radar through Special Research. However, you can only battle him once per radar. For those asking how to beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO repeatedly, consistent radar access is key.
Mastering how to beat Giovanni Pokémon GO is a badge of honor for every serious Trainer. With the right counters for Persian, Rhyperior, Kingdra, and Shadow Palkia, combined with smart shield strategies, you’ll be well on your way to victory.
But why stop in-game? At Japan Figure, we believe that celebrating your Pokémon journey should go beyond the screen. Whether you’re a fan of Dragon-type icons like Rayquaza, Fighting-types like Lucario, or villainous legends like Giovanni himself, our collection of officially licensed Japanese figures lets you display your passion proudly.
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