Facing off against Giovanni in Pokemon GO? You'll need to know the best counters!
Once Pokemon GO trainers have defeated the Team Go Rocket Leaders they'll earn themselves the Super Rocket Radar which will help you track down the boss of Team Rocket - Giovanni.
It's not quite that simple though, because the Super Rocket Radar also displays some grunts disguised as Giovanni.
When you do eventually find Giovanni you'll want to know your best possible line-up to help you counter his strong Pokemon team.
This is even more important if you want to get hold of the 12km Strange Eggs or complete the Inter-Egg-Sting Development Quest.
Need Help? Then keep reading for tips and counters on how to defeat Team Rocket Leader Giovanni.
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Pokemon GO Team Rocket Guides - Pokemon Go Arlo Counters | Pokemon Go Sierra Counters | Pokemon Go Giovanni Counters | Pokemon Go James & Jesse Counters | Pokemon GO Team Rocket Grunts Counters (Coming Soon)
Team Rocket Leader Giovanni Line-Up
Giovanni will always use Persian as his first Pokemon.
For Giovanni's second Pokemon, he will either use Kangaskhan, Nidoking or Garchomp.
For his Third Pokemon, it will be Mewtwo.
Below is a list of counters and the most effective moves against each of Giovanni's Pokemon, as of January 2021.
Team Rocket Leader Giovanni Pokemon Counters
Persian Counters
Persian is weak to Fighting and Ghost types.
Here's a list of Pokemon and their moves that counter Persian.
- Melmetal - Thunder Shock (Fast Move) + Thunderbolt (Charge Move)
- Machamp - Counter ( Fast Move) + Cross Chop (Charge Move)
- Rhyperior - Mud Slap (Fast Move) + Stone Edge (Charge Move)
- Conkeldurr - Counter (Fast Move) + Dynamic Punch (Charge Move)
Kangaskhan Counters
Kangaskhan is weak to Fighting.
Here's a list of Pokemon and their moves that counter Kangaskhan.
- Dragonite - Dragon Breath (Fast Move) + Outrage (Charge Move)
- Giratine - Dragon Claw ( Fast Move) + Dragon Breath (Charge Move)
- Togekiss - Charm (Fast Move) + Ancient Power (Charge Move)
- Gyarados - Dragon Breath (Fast Move) + Crunch (Charge Move)
Nidoking Counters
Nidoking is to Ground, Water and Psychic types.
Here's a list of Pokemon and their moves that counter Nidoking.
- Empoleon - Waterfall (Fast Move) + Hydro Cannon (Charge Move)
- Jirachi - Confusion (Fast Move) + Doom Desire (Charge Move)
- Dialga - Dragon Breath (Fast Move) + Iron Head (Charge Move)
- Kyogre - Waterfall (Fast Move) + Surf (Charge Move)
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Garchomp Counters
Garchomp is weak to Fairy and Fighting types.
Here's a list of Pokemon and their moves that counter Garchomp.
- Togekiss - Charm (Fast Move) + Ancient Power (Charge Move)
- Articuno - Ice Shard (Fast Move) + Icy Wind (Charge Move)
- Gardevoir - Charm (Fast Move) + Psychic (Charge Move)
- Dragonite - Dragon Breath (Fast Move) + Dragon Claw (Charge Move)
Mewtwo Counters
Mewtwo is weak to Bug and Dark types.
Here's a list of Pokemon and their moves that counter Mewtwo.
- Tyranitar - Bite (Fast Move) + Fire Blast (Charge Move)
- Hydreigon - Bite (Fast Move) + Dragon Pulse (Charge Move)
- Darkrai - Feint Attack (Fast Move) + Shadow Ball (Charge Move)
- Muk - Bite (Fast Move) + Acid Spray (Charge Move)
Hopefully, this helps you defeat and takedown Team Rocket Leader Giovanni.
Head back to our main Pokemon category for all the latest news and detailed step-by-step guides. Otherwise, make sure you're up to date on the current Egg pool, Ditto Disguises and Field Research Tasks, including the current Spinda you can catch in the wild. We've also recently learnt about some of the upcoming Pokemon GO January 2021 Events, including the next January 2021 Community Day and a special New Years Eve Event - So there's plenty to look forward too!