Understanding Giovanni’s Battle Phases
Like any Team GO Rocket Leader, Giovanni fights in three phases. He always starts with his signature Pokémon, Persian, followed by a second Pokémon from a rotating pool, and ends with a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. Each of these phases requires different approaches, making team preparation essential.
Giovanni’s Lineup in March 2024
- Phase 1: Persian
- Phase 2: Rotation of possible Pokémon (Nidoking, Garchomp, or Kangaskhan)
- Phase 3: Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (Shadow Mewtwo)
Now, let’s break down each phase and how to prepare for them.
Phase 1: Defeating Giovanni’s Persian
Persian is always Giovanni’s opening Pokémon. While Persian may not be particularly powerful, it is known for its high speed and annoying fast attacks. The key to overcoming Persian is choosing a Pokémon that can withstand its attacks while delivering solid damage.
Best Counters for Persian
Persian is a Normal-type Pokémon, making it weak to Fighting-type moves. Additionally, because Giovanni often uses Pokémon with high fast attack speeds, it’s crucial to pick counters that can absorb these hits while delivering super effective damage.
Here are the best Pokémon and moves to counter Persian:
- Lucario: With Counter and Power-Up Punch, Lucario can not only deal high damage but also boost its attack with each use of Power-Up Punch.
- Conkeldurr: Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch can also handle Persian efficiently.
- Machamp: A classic Fighting-type, Machamp with Counter and Cross Chop or Dynamic Punch is great for this matchup.
Tips for Defeating Persian
- Shield Management: Giovanni’s Persian will often burn through your shields quickly with its fast attacks. Save your shields for later phases if your Fighting-type Pokémon can tank the hits.
- Staggering Charged Moves: If you use Lucario’s Power-Up Punch, time it to break Giovanni’s shields early. This will make the later phases easier.
Phase 2: Countering Giovanni’s Second Pokémon
The second phase of Giovanni’s battle will feature one of three rotating Pokémon. In March 2024, these are expected to be Nidoking, Garchomp, and Kangaskhan. Each of these Pokémon presents its own set of challenges, so we’ll go over the best counters for each.
Nidoking
Nidoking is a Poison/Ground-type Pokémon. It has a varied movepool, including Poison Jab, Earth Power, and Megahorn. The key to defeating Nidoking is exploiting its weakness to Ground, Ice, Water, and Psychic moves.
Best counters:
- Mamoswine: With Powder Snow and Avalanche, Mamoswine can make quick work of Nidoking.
- Kyogre: Kyogre’s Waterfall and Surf are perfect for dealing heavy damage while resisting some of Nidoking’s attacks.
- Mewtwo: Psycho Cut and Psystrike Mewtwo will destroy Nidoking thanks to its Psychic-type moves.
Garchomp
Garchomp is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon and one of Giovanni’s more dangerous options due to its high attack power. Garchomp is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves, making it vulnerable to specific types of Pokémon.
Best counters:
- Mamoswine: Once again, Powder Snow and Avalanche make Mamoswine an excellent counter for Garchomp.
- Togekiss: With Charm and Dazzling Gleam, Togekiss can quickly whittle down Garchomp’s health.
- Glaceon: Frost Breath and Avalanche will take advantage of Garchomp’s double weakness to Ice-type moves.
Kangaskhan
Kangaskhan, like Persian, is a Normal-type Pokémon, but it is much bulkier. Kangaskhan’s moveset may include Low Kick, Earthquake, and Crunch, making it a more formidable foe. The key here is to use powerful Fighting-type Pokémon.
Best counters:
- Machamp: Counter and Dynamic Punch work well against Kangaskhan’s Normal-typing.
- Lucario: Power-Up Punch can both deal damage and raise Lucario’s attack as the battle progresses.
- Breloom: Counter and Dynamic Punch Breloom is another viable option with strong Fighting-type moves.
Tips for Phase 2
- Use Super Effective Attacks: Focus on countering Nidoking, Garchomp, or Kangaskhan’s weaknesses. Having Pokémon like Mamoswine or Kyogre in your lineup can be game-changers.
- Prepare for Versatility: Since you won’t know which of the three Pokémon Giovanni will bring out until battle, it’s a good idea to build a well-rounded team that can handle each potential threat.
Phase 3: Battling Giovanni’s Shadow Mewtwo
For March 2024, it is predicted that Giovanni’s third and final Pokémon will be Shadow Mewtwo. As one of the most powerful and iconic Pokémon, Shadow Mewtwo comes with increased attack power due to its shadow boost, making it a formidable foe. However, Mewtwo is a Psychic-type, giving it several weaknesses you can exploit.
Best Counters for Shadow Mewtwo
Shadow Mewtwo is weak to Dark, Ghost, and Bug-type moves. Given its enormous attack power, your goal should be to outlast its fast and charged moves while dealing super effective damage.
Best counters:
- Tyranitar: With Bite and Crunch, Tyranitar is a tanky option that can deal massive damage to Mewtwo while resisting its Psychic-type moves.
- Darkrai: Darkrai’s Snarl and Dark Pulse are perfect for dealing high damage to Shadow Mewtwo.
- Gengar: A Glass Cannon option, Gengar with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball can deliver huge damage quickly but may not last long against Mewtwo’s attacks.
Tips for Defeating Shadow Mewtwo
- Save Shields: Mewtwo’s charged moves, like Psystrike or Shadow Ball, hit hard. Save your shields for this phase to avoid being one-shot by its devastating attacks.
- Maximize Damage: Pokémon like Tyranitar and Darkrai can dish out enough damage while resisting Mewtwo’s Psychic-type attacks, allowing you to win this crucial phase.
General Tips for Beating Giovanni in March 2024
1. Shield Baiting Strategy
Giovanni’s Pokémon will use shields in the first two phases. Use fast-charging moves like Lucario’s Power-Up Punch or Machamp’s Cross Chop to break his shields early in the battle. Once Giovanni’s shields are down, you can unleash your most powerful charged moves without fear of them being blocked.
2. Use Type Resistances
Choosing Pokémon that can resist your opponent’s moves can make all the difference. For example, Tyranitar resists Psychic-type moves, which will give you an edge against Shadow Mewtwo. Similarly, Mamoswine’s Ice-type attacks exploit Garchomp’s weaknesses, and Kyogre is a solid counter for Nidoking.
3. Time Your Charged Moves
Timing is crucial. You want to time your charged moves when Giovanni’s shields are down. Additionally, make sure to stagger your Pokémon’s fast moves in a way that allows you to charge your most powerful attacks as efficiently as possible.
4. Revive and Heal Between Phases
Giovanni’s battle is difficult, and you may need to revive or heal your Pokémon between battles. After each phase, don’t forget to use Max Revives and Potions to restore your Pokémon to full health before moving to the next phase.
5. Keep an Eye on Events and Bonuses
March 2024 may come with special events or bonuses in Pokémon GO, such as increased Stardust rewards, new research tasks, or even bonus damage during battles. Stay informed about these events and use them to your advantage when preparing for your battle with Giovanni.
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Defeating Giovanni in March 2024 will not be easy, but with the right strategy and team of Pokémon, you can emerge victorious. Focus on countering his Persian, use super effective counters against his second Pokémon, and save your best attackers for the final showdown with Shadow Mewtwo. By following the tips and strategies in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to beating Giovanni and claiming your rewards in Pokémon GO.