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This March in Pokémon GO, Giovanni returns with formidable Shadow Pokémon. Although his lineup has not changed from last month, defeating him remains a significant challenge. Success hinges on selecting the right counters for an effective strategy.
First, you must locate Giovanni within Pokémon GO before you can challenge him. This involves defeating six GO Rocket Grunts and the three leaders: Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff. Once you accomplish this, you will receive a Rocket Radar that reveals Giovanni’s location. With his strong Shadow Pokémon, preparation becomes essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of the best counters against Giovanni’s Shadow Pokémon for March 2025.
Giovanni’s Shadow Pokémon and Best Counters (March 2025)
Giovanni’s battle consists of three rounds; he presents a unique Shadow Pokémon in the first and last rounds. The second round adds complexity with three possible Shadow Pokémon. This randomness necessitates a well-thought-out approach when choosing your counters to effectively defeat Giovanni.
| Round | Pokémon |
|---|---|
| 1st | Shadow Persian |
| 2nd |
|
| 3rd | Shadow Palkia |
Shadow Persian
- Type: Normal
- Weakness: Fighting-type moves
- Resistance: Ghost-type moves
Shadow Persian Counters
- Mega Lucario – Force Palm (Fighting) & Aura Sphere (Fighting) (Legacy)
- Mega Blaziken – Counter (Fighting) & Focus Blast (Fighting)
- Mega Heracross – Counter (Fighting) & Close Combat (Fighting)
- Lucario – Force Palm (Fighting) (Legacy) & Aura Sphere (Fighting)
- Terrakion – Double Kick (Fighting) & Sacred Sword (Fighting) (Legacy)
Shadow Nidoking
- Type: Poison and Ground
- Weakness: Ground, Ice, Psychic, Water
- Resistance: Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Rock, Electric, Poison
Shadow Nidoking Counters
- Primal Kyogre – Waterfall (Water) & Origin Pulse (Water) (Legacy)
- Primal Groudon – Mud Shot (Ground) & Precipice Blades (Ground) (Legacy)
- Shadow Mewtwo – Psycho Cut (Psychic) & Psystrike (Psychic) (Legacy)
- White Kyurem – Ice Fang (Ice) & Ice Burn (Ice)
- Mega Garchomp – Mud Shot (Ground) & Earth Power (Ground) (Legacy)
Shadow Kingdra
- Type: Water and Dragon
- Weakness: Dragon, Fairy
- Resistance: Steel, Fire, Water
Shadow Kingdra Counters
- Mega Rayquaza – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Breaking Swipe (Dragon) (Legacy)
- Shadow Palkia – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Draco Meteor (Dragon)
- Origin Forme Palkia – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Spacial Rend (Dragon) (Legacy)
- Mega Garchomp – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Outrage (Dragon)
- Black Kyurem – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Outrage (Dragon)
Shadow Rhyperior
- Type: Ground and Rock
- Weakness: Grass, Water, Fighting, Ground, Ice, Steel
- Resistance: Fire, Flying, Normal, Rock, Electric, Poison
Shadow Rhyperior Counters
- Primal Kyogre – Waterfall (Water) & Origin Pulse (Water) (Legacy)
- Mega Swampert – Water Gun (Water) & Hydro Cannon (Water) (Legacy)
- Mega Sceptile – Bullet Seed (Grass) & Frenzy Plant (Grass) (Legacy)
- Shadow Kyogre – Waterfall (Water) & Origin Pulse (Water) (Legacy)
- Mega Blastoise – Water Gun (Water) & Hydro Cannon (Water) (Legacy)
Shadow Palkia
- Type: Water and Dragon
- Weakness: Dragon, Fairy
- Resistance: Steel, Fire, Water
Shadow Palkia Counters
- Mega Rayquaza – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Breaking Swipe (Dragon) (Legacy)
- Mega Garchomp – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Outrage (Dragon)
- Mega Salamence – Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Outrage (Dragon) (Legacy)
- Mega Gardevoir – Charm (Fairy) & Dazzling Gleam (Fairy)
- Origin Forme Dialga – Dragon Breath (Dragon) & Roar of Time (Dragon) (Legacy)
Best Giovanni Counter Team (March 2025)
Among the most effective counter teams for Giovanni in this month are Machamp, Swampert, and Xerneas/Togekiss. Machamp, a Fighting-type Pokémon, is particularly useful against Shadow Persian by exploiting its weaknesses. If Giovanni opts for Rhyperior in the second round, Machamp will also deal significant damage before being defeated.
For the second round, consider using Swampert, a Water and Ground-type Pokémon. Its Ground-type moves are especially effective against Shadow Nidoking, helping to quickly deplete Giovanni’s shields. Alternatively, utilize Togekiss if Kingdra appears as an opponent.
In the final round, the Fairy-type Togekiss can counter Shadow Palkia effectively. Likewise, employing Fairy-types like Xerneas or Togekiss can deliver substantial damage while defending against attacks from either Kingdra or Palkia.
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