Giovanni’s Pokémon Go team changed after the June 2026 “Flying Taxi: Taken Over” event. In August 2026, the Team Go Rocket boss can finish the battle with Shadow Reshiram, the latest legendary Pokémon given the shadow treatment.
Shadow legendary encounters rotate periodically, so trainers hoping to catch Shadow Reshiram should obtain a Super Rocket Radar while it is available. Giovanni remains a challenging opponent, but the right fighting-, water- and ground-type Pokémon make this line-up manageable.
Guide update: Giovanni’s current legendary and the other team changes introduced in June 2026 are included below.
How to find Giovanni in Pokémon Go
Since the “Steeled Resolve: Taken Over” event in April 2026, access to Giovanni has changed. Instead of regularly receiving a Super Rocket Radar through takeover-themed Special Research, trainers appear to obtain one through the Go Pass during the event.
The deluxe pass costs $4.99 and unlocks the Super Rocket Radar immediately. Alternatively, trainers can use the free pass and reach rank 30 before the event ends to gain the opportunity to battle Giovanni. At the time covered by this guide, it was not confirmed whether additional distribution methods would become available.
With the Super Rocket Radar equipped, search taken-over PokéStops. Giovanni may not be the first Team Go Rocket encounter: decoy grunts can appear, so continue checking nearby stops until you locate him.
Since the June 2026 “Flying Taxi: Taken Over” event, Giovanni no longer appears in Team Go Rocket balloons. He must be found at a PokéStop. Once located, you can retry the battle as many times as necessary while you remain within range of that PokéStop.
Before this system change, Giovanni was generally accessed through Team Go Rocket Special Research. The most recent example was “Precious Pals: Taken Over” in mid-January 2026. Completing the quest involved defeating Sierra, Arlo and Cliff before earning a Super Rocket Radar to track down Giovanni.
Pokémon Go Giovanni team line-up
Giovanni’s August 2026 party is currently:
- Persian — Normal type
- Kangaskhan — Normal type, Rhyperior — Ground/Rock type, or Machamp — Fighting type
- Reshiram — Dragon/Fire type
Fighting-, water- and ground-type Pokémon cover many of the possible match-ups. The line-up has fewer variations than those used by the other Team Go Rocket leaders, making it easier to prepare for, even though Giovanni’s Pokémon are considerably stronger.
The current line-up was cross-checked with Leek Duck and Serebii.net.
Pokémon Go Giovanni counters
Use your strongest available Pokémon and be prepared to adjust your team after seeing Giovanni’s second choice. A prepared battle plan is as important here as choosing the right equipment for an arcade machine buying guide.
Persian counters
Persian is best answered with a strong Fighting-type Pokémon:
- Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
- Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Second Pokémon counters
If Giovanni sends out Kangaskhan, use the same Fighting-type options recommended for Persian:
- Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
- Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Because Persian may defeat one of these Pokémon, bringing two suitable Fighting-types can be worthwhile.
Against Rhyperior, choose Grass- or Water-type attackers:
- Decidueye with Leafage and Frenzy Plant
- Venusaur with Vine Whip and Frenzy Plant
- Kyogre with Waterfall and Origin Pulse
- Quaquaval with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
If the second Pokémon is Machamp, Psychic- and Flying-type counters are suitable:
- Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike
- Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
- Rayquaza with Air Slash and Dragon Ascent
- Moltres with Wing Attack and Fly
Reshiram counters
For the final battle against Reshiram, bring a Ground- or Rock-type Pokémon:
- Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
- Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
- Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
- Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
How to beat Giovanni in Pokémon Go
Giovanni uses both shields against your first two charged attacks. Start with a Fighting-type that can steadily damage Persian while charging moves quickly enough to remove those shields. Once both shields are gone, switch to the counter required by Giovanni’s second Pokémon.
After winning, you can encounter the Shadow legendary used in Giovanni’s final slot. The catch is guaranteed, so use a Pinap Berry if you want extra candy.
Defeating Giovanni also provides four Shadow Shards per battle, which is enough to create one Purified Gem. For more gaming and arcade coverage, browse the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, or explore arcade machines for a dedicated home gaming setup.
Leave a Reply