To beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO in August 2025, the best strategy involves using a strong team with Fighting-type Pokémon like Machamp and Mega Lucario, paired with a Water/Ground-type like Groudon or Swampert for coverage.
Giovanni's Team and Counters
- Giovanni's lineup starts with Shadow Persian, which is weak to Fighting-type moves. Using Machamp, Mega Lucario, or Terrakion is effective here. A key technique is to put your fighter in the second slot and switch to it immediately to gain an advantage.
- In the second slot, Giovanni can have Shadow Nidoking, Shadow Kangaskhan, or Shadow Rhyperior. Use:
- Water/Ground types like Groudon, Swampert, or Kyogre against Rhyperior.
- Ground and Psychic moves with Garchomp, Mewtwo, or Excadrill against Nidoking.
- Fighting types like Machamp and Lucario against Kangaskhan.
- The third Pokémon is typically Shadow Dialga. Counters for Dialga include strong Fighting and Ground types like Lucario, Machamp, Groudon, and Garchomp.
Recommended Team
- Machamp and Mega Lucario provide strong Fighting-type attacks effective against Persian, Kangaskhan, and Dialga.
- Groudon or Swampert cover Water/Ground needs against Nidoking and Rhyperior.
- Use charged moves efficiently to break Giovanni’s two shields, and switch tactics as needed based on Giovanni’s Pokémon.
Battle Tips
- Giovanni has two Protect Shields that he uses for the first two charged attacks, so using Pokémon that have two quick charged moves can help remove these shields efficiently.
- Switching Pokémon right after selecting them can exploit a delay in Giovanni's reaction, giving extra seconds to attack.
This strategy, using the right team and move tactics, should help defeat Giovanni and claim the rewards, including catching his Shadow Legendary Pokémon in August 2025.
