How to Summon Giovanni in Pokemon Go
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To summon Giovanni in Pokémon Go, you need to complete the Special Research quest “A Troubling Situation” and obtain a Super Rocket Radar, which allows you to hunt him down in Team Go Rocket balloons or at taken over PokéStops. With the Super Rocket Radar equipped, Giovanni will be available to battle at certain PokéStops between 6am and 10pm local time, or guaranteed to appear in any Rocket Balloon.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What are the Requirements to Find Giovanni?
Giovanni can be found after completing the Special Research quest “A Troubling Situation” and obtaining a Super Rocket Radar.
Why Won’t Giovanni Spawn?
The Special Research quest “A Troubling Situation” needs to be completed before you can find Giovanni, and you only receive this research quest once.
Is Giovanni Only Available in Events?
Giovanni is always available to encounter as long as you have a Super Rocket Radar equipped.
Location and Summoning
Can You Find Giovanni at a Pokestop?
You’ll need to approach each PokéStop and investigate yourself to find where Giovanni’s hiding.
Can Giovanni Spawn in Balloons?
If you have a Super Rocket Radar equipped, the next balloon will be piloted by Giovanni himself.
How Do You Get Giovanni Balloon to Spawn?
Simply equip a Super Rocket Radar and wait for your next spawn window.
Battles and Rewards
How Often Can You Encounter Giovanni?
As long as you have a Super Rocket Radar, you’ll be able to fight Giovanni, but these are mostly locked beyond Team Go Rocket quest rewards, which only roll out every few months.
What Pokémon Does Giovanni Have?
Giovanni’s team includes Shadow Regirock, and his second Pokémon can be one of Nidoking, Rhyperior, or Garchomp.
Does Giovanni Always Give You a Legendary?
After defeating Giovanni, you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to catch the Shadow Legendary Pokémon used by him, with a 100% catch rate.
Additional Tips
Should You Save Your Super Rocket Radar?
If you only have one, it’s recommended to save it, as you can unequip your Super Rocket Radar from the item menu to stop balloons from being Giovanni.
Can You Trigger Giovanni Without a Quest?
You can’t find Giovanni without the Super Rocket Radar, meaning completing the necessary steps will be a must if you want to take him down.
Does Giovanni Give You an Egg?
Giovanni does not drop Strange Eggs as a reward, regardless of open egg inventory slots.
Do You Lose Your Rocket Radar if You Lose to Giovanni?
You will not lose a Super Rocket Radar for losing against Giovanni.
Can You Re-Engage in Battle if You Lose to Giovanni?
If you lose, you can re-engage in battle until the Leader Hideout disappears from the map.
Should You Purify Shadow Pokémon?
Purified Pokémon will have better appraisal and receive 2 points towards all their IVs, which can potentially bring a 2-star Shadow Pokémon to a 3-star if it’s purified.
How Do You Lure a Team Rocket Balloon?
There isn’t a way to trigger Rocket Balloons from appearing, but you can tap the balloon icon to trigger a battle with a Team GO Rocket Grunt or a Team Rocket Leader.
How Do You Get a Mew in Pokemon Go?
To catch Mew, players must complete the Special Research “A Mythical Discovery”, a story-stylized quest told by Professor Willow.