How To Find Giovanni In Pokémon Go: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding Giovanni, the notorious boss of Team GO Rocket, is a sought-after challenge for many Pokémon GO trainers. He’s not just wandering around; encountering him requires strategy and preparation. Here’s a direct and comprehensive answer to the question, “How do I find Giovanni?” followed by a detailed guide and frequently asked questions to help you in your quest. You need a Super Rocket Radar. This special item is acquired by completing specific steps within the Team GO Rocket Special Research. This research typically involves defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, then defeating the three Team GO Rocket Leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra), who all appear at PokéStops that have been taken over by Team Go Rocket or in Team Go Rocket Balloons. Once these are done, the research will reward you with the coveted Super Rocket Radar and you’ll be able to battle Giovanni. Keep reading for more detailed information about how to get your chance to battle Giovanni.
Understanding the Basics of Finding Giovanni
The Importance of the Super Rocket Radar
The key to finding Giovanni lies in the Super Rocket Radar. Unlike the regular Rocket Radar, which is used to find Team GO Rocket Leaders, the Super Rocket Radar specifically tracks down the elusive Giovanni. You can’t encounter him without this essential item. It is not a random encounter and will require effort to acquire through research tasks.
How to Obtain the Super Rocket Radar
To get the Super Rocket Radar, you need to actively participate in the Team GO Rocket Special Research. This type of research is released periodically, usually every few months, and comes with a series of tasks that involve battling Team GO Rocket. Here’s a general outline of what the process typically looks like:
- Complete the Initial Tasks: Begin by working your way through the initial tasks that are often tied to defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, who will be found at PokéStops. These tasks are basic and are meant to prepare you for the more challenging encounters ahead.
- Defeat Team GO Rocket Leaders: Once you’ve made progress through the initial tasks, you’ll be tasked with defeating each of the three Team GO Rocket Leaders: Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra. These encounters are more challenging than Grunt battles and require specific strategies, so make sure you have good counters for their Pokemon. Defeating these leaders often takes more than one try to learn their patterns.
- Claim Your Reward: The Super Rocket Radar: After successfully defeating all three leaders, the Special Research will finally reward you with the Super Rocket Radar. This is your ticket to track down Giovanni.
Locating Giovanni with the Super Rocket Radar
Once you have the Super Rocket Radar, the hunt for Giovanni begins. He can appear in two primary ways: at a PokéStop taken over by Team GO Rocket, or in a Team GO Rocket Balloon.
Giovanni at PokéStops
When you use the Super Rocket Radar, some Team GO Rocket-controlled PokéStops on the map will show the image of Giovanni. These stops will show Giovanni on a normal basis, however sometimes a Grunt will be dressed as Giovanni to trick you. If the Giovanni encounter turns out to be a Grunt, your Super Rocket Radar will not be consumed. Be sure to investigate each PokéStop carefully and prepare for a battle with Giovanni and his powerful Pokemon once you find the real thing.
Giovanni in Team GO Rocket Balloons
Giovanni will always appear in the next Team GO Rocket Balloon that appears on your map if you have an active Super Rocket Radar. These balloons are unique to each player, so your friends might not see the same balloons, even if they’re nearby. This makes balloons a reliable method to encounter Giovanni since you know he’ll be there and you won’t be deceived by a Grunt in disguise.
Important Timing Notes
Giovanni is typically available to encounter between 6 AM and 10 PM local time, both at PokéStops and in Team GO Rocket Balloons. Make sure to be active during these hours to maximize your chances of encountering him.
Preparing for the Battle
Before you engage with Giovanni, consider that he has some seriously powerful Pokemon, so prepare accordingly. Here are some things to keep in mind before you get into battle:
Giovanni’s Pokemon Lineup
Giovanni’s team typically starts with Persian, and moves to one of Nidoking, Rhyperior, or Garchomp as his second Pokemon, and ends with a Shadow Legendary Pokemon. Since October 2023, that final Pokemon has been Shadow Regigigas. His lineup can change with new Team GO Rocket Special Research. It is crucial to know the types of Pokemon Giovanni uses in order to prepare appropriate counters.
Recommended Battle Strategies
- Fighting-type Pokémon: Persian is a Normal-type Pokémon, but it’s still vulnerable to Fighting-type attacks. Consider using powerful Fighting-type Pokémon to swiftly take down Persian.
- Ice or Water Type Pokémon: These types can be effective against Giovanni’s second Pokemon, depending on which one he has. Ice can take down Garchomp and Water can take down Rhyperior. Nidoking can be weak to either type.
- Have a Pokemon ready for the Shadow Legendary: You will have to adjust your third Pokemon accordingly for the current Shadow Legendary that he is using.
- Stock Up on Potions and Revives: As with any challenging battle, be sure to stock up on Potions and Revives before taking on Giovanni. You might not win on the first attempt, and you’ll want to be ready to try again if you don’t.
- Don’t Rush: Make sure you aren’t in a hurry when you find him, as he will not leave for the rest of the day. If you don’t have the time or resources to battle him at that moment, you can always retreat and try again later.
Rewards for Defeating Giovanni
After successfully defeating Giovanni, you’ll be able to catch the Shadow Legendary Pokémon that he used in the battle. This is a significant reward and is a huge incentive for completing the Team GO Rocket Special Research. You also get a collection of items as well as experience points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Can’t I Find Giovanni?
You can’t find Giovanni without an active Super Rocket Radar. Make sure you’ve completed the steps of the latest Team GO Rocket Special Research to acquire one.
2. Does Giovanni’s Pokemon Change Every Month?
Yes, the Shadow Legendary Pokémon that Giovanni uses changes every month as the Team GO Rocket Special Research rotates out. You must complete the Research to catch the new Shadow Legendary.
3. How Do I Get a Super Rocket Radar?
You get a Super Rocket Radar by completing the tasks of the Team GO Rocket Special Research, which involves defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts and all three Team GO Rocket Leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra).
4. Can I find Giovanni Without the Super Rocket Radar?
No, you cannot find Giovanni without the Super Rocket Radar. It is essential for triggering his encounter at both PokéStops and in Team GO Rocket Balloons.
5. Can Giovanni Appear at any PokéStop?
No, Giovanni will only appear at PokéStops that have been taken over by Team GO Rocket if you have the Super Rocket Radar equipped. The stop will show Giovanni when you look at it on the map.
6. Can Giovanni Appear in a Rocket Balloon?
Yes, if you have a Super Rocket Radar, the next Team GO Rocket Balloon to appear will be piloted by Giovanni.
7. Why Am I Encountering Grunts Instead of Giovanni?
Sometimes, Grunts will disguise themselves as Giovanni. These fake encounters will not use up your Super Rocket Radar. Keep searching the PokéStops or wait for another Team GO Rocket Balloon.
8. What Time Does Giovanni Appear?
Giovanni typically appears between 6 AM and 10 PM local time, in both PokéStops and Team GO Rocket Balloons.
9. Can I Leave the Giovanni Battle and Come Back Later?
Yes, like the other bosses, you can leave the Giovanni battle and he will remain on the map for the remainder of the day.
10. Does Giovanni Give Eggs?
No, Giovanni does not drop Strange Eggs as a reward. However, you will have the opportunity to catch the Shadow Legendary Pokémon that he uses.
11. How Often Does the Team GO Rocket Special Research Change?
The Team GO Rocket Special Research typically changes every few months, with each change bringing a new Shadow Legendary Pokémon.
12. What Was Giovanni’s Team in July 2023?
In July 2023, Giovanni’s team started with Persian, followed by one of Nidoking, Rhyperior or Garchomp. The Shadow Legendary he used at the end was Shadow Mewtwo.
13. What is Giovanni’s Legendary Pokemon Right Now?
Currently in October 2023, Giovanni uses Shadow Regigigas as his final Pokemon during the “Showdown in the Shadows” quest.
14. How Do I Find Giovanni After Completing the Quest?
Once you have the Super Rocket Radar, Giovanni will appear at PokéStops taken over by Team GO Rocket or in Team GO Rocket Balloons, until you battle him and complete the related quest.
15. What Kind of Pokemon Should I use Against Giovanni?
Use Fighting-type Pokémon against Persian, Ice or Water type Pokemon against his second Pokemon, and have a Pokemon ready to counter the current Shadow Legendary Pokemon.
By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to find and battle Giovanni, and collect some very powerful Shadow Pokemon. Happy hunting, trainers!