Team Go Rocket Boss Giovanni Returns with New Event in May 2025
Team Go Rocket Boss Giovanni is back in Pokémon Go this month, offering a new challenge for players. Giovanni has always been known for providing the toughest AI test for trainers in Pokémon Go. This month, players have the final chance to capture one of the best rewards yet as a new event, Crown Clash, kicks off on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, featuring Shadow Dialga.
Before the new event begins, Giovanni remains a formidable opponent, rewarding players with fantastic prizes. To face Giovanni this month, players must defeat six Rocket Grunts followed by the three Rocket Leaders: Arlo, Sierra, and Cliff. Once all opponents are defeated, players can track down Giovanni by visiting pokestops and gyms. However, players must be well-prepared to take on Giovanni and his powerful team.
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Team Rocket Boss Giovanni Lineup & Counters (May 2025)
An Unchanged Lineup for Now
As of the beginning of May 2025, Giovanni’s Pokémon lineup remains the same as in April 2025. However, players should expect a change on May 14 for the new event, with Shadow Dialga making an appearance. Giovanni typically leads with the Normal-type Persian.
All of Giovanni’s Pokémon are Shadow variants, making them even more challenging to defeat.
Giovanni always finishes battles with his strongest Pokémon, the Dragon/Water-type Palkia. His second Pokémon will vary between Poison/Earth-type Nidoking, Dragon/Water-type Kingdra, or Rock/Ground-type Rhyperior.
|
Wave |
Pokémon and Type |
Weaknesses |
Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
(Shadow) Persian – Normal |
Struggle |
|
|
2 |
(Shadow) Nidoking – Poison/Earth |
Earth, Ice, Psychic, Water |
|
|
2 |
(Shadow) Kingdra – Dragon/Water |
Dragon, Fairy |
|
|
2 |
(Shadow) Rhyperior – Rock/Ground |
Grass, Water, Fight, Earth, Ice, Steel |
|
|
3 |
(Shadow) Palkia – Dragon/Water |
Dragon, Fairy |
|
Machamp is a great choice to start each battle against Giovanni, as Persian is weak to Fighting-type attacks. Additionally, having a Fairy-type like Xerneas in your lineup can give you an advantage against Palkia. Lastly, a Water-type Pokémon like Swampert can handle Nidoking or Rhyperior effectively.
Rewards for Beating Team Rocket Leader Giovanni (May 2025)
One Last Chance to Catch Shadow Palkia
Players have one final opportunity to capture Shadow Palkia as they face Giovanni in May 2025. This legendary Pokémon is a coveted reward for overcoming Giovanni’s challenges.
