Despite a number of big changes in Pokémon GO recently, Team GO Rocket Leader Giovanni is still here to cause players problems in April 2025. For a number of years now, Team GO Rocket has taken over PokéStops in Pokémon GO and infiltrated the game in Rocket Balloons, led by the powerful Giovanni.

To have a chance of taking him down this month, you need to know his line-up, along with the best Pokémon to counter him. Before you can face him this month, you need to find him. You will first need to defeat six Rocket Grunts before then beating the three GO Rocket Leaders Sierra, Cliff and Arlo. After you have done that, Giovanni will send decoys to try and stop you, but eventually you will be able to challenge him at either a Pokéstop or Rocket Balloon.

Team Rocket Boss Giovanni Lineup & Counters (April 2025)

Fighting Water And Fairy Types Key Counters

At the start of April 2025, Giovanni's line-up remains unchanged, meaning that he will use the same five Pokémon that the GO Rocket Boss used in March 2025. He continues to start every battle with Normal-type Persian. His second Pokémon will be chosen at random for each battle out of Poison- and Ground-type Nidoking, Dragon- and Water-type Kingdra or Rock- and Ground-type Rhyperior. Regardless of who he picks second, he will finish the battle with the Legendary Water- and Dragon-type Palkia. All of Giovanni's Pokémon are shadow variants which make their attacks stronger and increase their HP.

One of the best teams to counter Giovanni with is Machamp, Swampert and Xerneas. Until Giovanni moves away from starting with his faithful Persian, you should always start against him with a Fighting-type Pokémon. The best options are to use one of Machamp, Lucario or Terrakion, but Persian will still be able to take a few hits. Your Pokémon should still have some HP, which will come in handy if he selects Rhyperior second as it is also weak against Fighting-type attacks.

Next, you want to include a Water-type. If you haven't been able to defeat Rhyperior with your opening Pokémon, it is double weak to Water-type attacks, while Nidoking also takes increased damage from the type. Swampert and Kyogre are currently two of the strongest Water-types that you can pick.

If you have the chance to, you should change the best counters into their mega version before the battle due to the increased damage they can deal.

For a final choice, your best bet to beat him is with a Fairy-type. It is the best type of Pokémon to combat Palkia, who only has two weaknesses, Fairy- or Dragon-types. The two strongest Fairy-types that you can use are either Xerneas or Togekiss. Legendary Xerneas can overpower Palkia with a few attacks, especially if you have forced Giovanni to use his shields. The benefit of using a Fairy-type is it is also super-effective against Kingdra if it is picked by Giovanni as his second Pokémon.

Rewards For Beating Rocket Leader Giovanni (April 2025)

Chance To Catch Legendary Palkia

Giovanni provides the toughest challenge when facing the AI in Pokémon GO due to the strength of his Pokémon, but with this comes some of the best rewards. The biggest of which is the opportunity to catch his current final Shadow Pokémon, Palkia. The Water- and Dragon-type has cemented its place as one of the strongest meta Pokémon in Pokémon GO since its arrival in the game. This includes being part of many of the best teams for the GO Battle League, including, The Master League Cup.

Unlike the GO Rocket Leaders, Giovanni will never drop the strange red 12km eggs that are associated with Team GO Rocket. In addition to the Legendary Palkia, you will receive 5,000 Stardust, which can be used to power it up or any of your other Pokémon.

Finally, you will get three out of five items at random, which will all be added to your bag. These are 4x Revives, 4x Max Revives, 4x Hyper Potions, 4x Max Potions or an Unova Stone. Despite remaining unchanged for this month, Giovanni's Team in Pokémon GO remains one of the hardest to beat, making it vital you use the best counters.