Giovanni Pokemon Go May 2025, Shadow Mewtwo, Team GO Rocket, best counters for Giovanni, how to beat Giovanni May 2025, Giovanni lineup, Pokemon GO battle guide.
Giovanni is back in May 2025 with an updated and powerful lineup in Pokemon Go, making him one of the toughest Team GO Rocket leaders to defeat. If you’re looking to defeat Giovanni this month and catch a rare Shadow Legendary Pokémon, you’ve come to the right place.
This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Giovanni in May 2025, including his lineup, best counters, top strategies, and expert tips. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trainer, this guide will help you take down the Team GO Rocket boss with confidence.
Who is Giovanni in Pokémon GO?
Giovanni is the ultimate boss of Team GO Rocket in Pokémon GO. He occasionally returns with new Shadow Legendary Pokémon and a revamped team lineup. Defeating him rewards you with a rare Shadow Pokémon and premium items.
How to Find Giovanni in May 2025
To battle Giovanni, you must first complete the monthly Team GO Rocket Special Research, typically titled “Shadowy Skirmishes” or a variation of it. Here’s how you can find him:
Step-by-Step:
- Complete the Special Research to receive the Super Rocket Radar.
- Equip the Super Rocket Radar.
- Visit PokéStops to locate Giovanni.
- Beware of decoy Grunts – look for the real Giovanni!
Giovanni’s Lineup in May 2025
Giovanni’s team usually consists of three Pokémon, with multiple possible second slots. As of May 2025, here is his confirmed lineup:
Giovanni May 2025 Team:
- Phase 1: Persian (Always first)
- Phase 2 (Randomized):
- Nidoking
- Garchomp
- Rhyperior
- Phase 3: Shadow Mewtwo (Confirmed)
Each of these Pokémon has a specific weakness, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Best Counters to Defeat Giovanni (May 2025)
Let’s break down the best counters for each phase of Giovanni’s team.
Phase 1: Persian (Normal type)
Weakness: Fighting
Best Counters:
- Lucario with Counter + Aura Sphere
- Conkeldurr with Counter + Dynamic Punch
- Machamp with Counter + Cross Chop
Phase 2 Options:
1. Nidoking (Poison/Ground type)
Weakness: Water, Ice, Ground, Psychic
Best Counters:
- Mewtwo with Confusion + Psystrike
- Kyogre with Waterfall + Surf
- Garchomp with Mud Shot + Earth Power
2. Garchomp (Dragon/Ground type)
Weakness: Ice, Dragon, Fairy
Best Counters:
- Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang + Avalanche
- Mamoswine with Powder Snow + Avalanche
- Togekiss with Charm + Dazzling Gleam
3. Rhyperior (Ground/Rock type)
Weakness: Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Steel
Best Counters:
- Swampert with Water Gun + Hydro Cannon
- Roserade with Razor Leaf + Grass Knot
- Metagross with Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash
Phase 3: Shadow Mewtwo (Psychic type)
Weakness: Dark, Bug, Ghost
Best Counters:
- Chandelure with Hex + Shadow Ball
- Darkrai with Snarl + Shadow Ball
- Tyranitar with Bite + Crunch
Strategy to Beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO (May 2025)
Beating Giovanni requires both strong Pokémon and smart tactics. Follow these tips:
Key Tips:
- Use shields wisely – especially against Shadow Mewtwo’s powerful charged attacks.
- Charge your moves early – attack aggressively to remove Giovanni’s shields.
- Start with a Fighting-type – take out Persian fast and save your main attackers for later.
- Revive and retry – if your first attempt fails, reassess and change your team accordingly.
Rewards for Defeating Giovanni
Once you defeat Giovanni in May 2025, you’ll receive:
- Shadow Mewtwo encounter
- Stardust (5000+)
- Revives & Max Potions
- Chance of Unova or Sinnoh Stones
Note: Shadow Mewtwo is one of the strongest attackers in Pokémon GO. Purifying is optional but generally not recommended for PvP.
Is Shadow Mewtwo Good in 2025?
Yes, Shadow Mewtwo remains one of the best PvE attackers in Pokémon GO, especially in raids. With high CP, great stats, and deadly moves, it’s a must-have for any trainer.
Best Moveset:
- Psystrike + Confusion or Shadow Ball + Psycho Cut (depending on use case)
Use Shadow Mewtwo in:
- Legendary raids
- PvP battles (limited leagues)
- Rocket battles
Tips to Prepare Before Battling Giovanni
- Max out your counters – Use Stardust and Rare Candies to power them up.
- Practice against Grunts and Leaders – This helps fine-tune your strategy.
- Have backups ready – In case the second phase is unexpected.
- Stock up on potions and revives – You might need them after each attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the current Shadow Legendary Pokémon Giovanni has in May 2025?
A: It is Shadow Mewtwo, confirmed as Giovanni’s final Pokémon for May 2025.
Q2: How often can you battle Giovanni?
A: Once per Super Rocket Radar obtained via special research. Usually once per month.
Q3: Is Shadow Mewtwo better than regular Mewtwo?
A: For PvE raids, yes. Shadow Mewtwo has higher DPS but less bulk.
Q4: Can I find Giovanni without a Super Rocket Radar?
A: No, the Super Rocket Radar is required to locate and battle Giovanni.
Q5: Should I purify Shadow Mewtwo?
A: No. Shadow Mewtwo is much stronger unpurified.
Defeating Giovanni in Pokémon GO May 2025 is both challenging and rewarding. With this detailed guide, you’re now equipped with the best strategies, counters, and insights to take him down and claim your Shadow Mewtwo.
Don’t forget to power up your team, complete the special research, and share this guide with fellow trainers.
➡️ Ready to face Giovanni? Open Pokémon GO now and show Team GO Rocket who’s boss!
Stay tuned for our monthly updates and strategy guides on Giovanni’s latest teams.
Best Browser Games 2025 – Play Instantly Without Download
