How to Get a Super Rocket Radar in Pokémon GO (February 2023 Edition)
So, you’re eager to hunt down Giovanni and snag yourself a powerful Shadow Pokémon? The key to finding the Team GO Rocket boss is the coveted Super Rocket Radar. In February 2023 (and generally throughout the year), obtaining this valuable item involves completing specific Special Research tasks tied to Team GO Rocket’s nefarious activities. In February 2023, specifically, these tasks were centered around the ongoing Team GO Rocket takeover. Essentially, you need to work your way through a Special Research questline, typically one that requires you to defeat Team GO Rocket Grunts, then the three Team GO Rocket Leaders, Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra. Successfully overcoming those Leaders unlocks the Super Rocket Radar, enabling you to locate Giovanni.
Understanding the Super Rocket Radar
The Super Rocket Radar isn’t something you can just find lying around in Pokémon GO. It’s a reward, a hard-earned tool given to Trainers who demonstrate the skill and determination to thwart Team GO Rocket’s plans. Unlike the regular Rocket Radar, which leads you to Team GO Rocket’s hideouts occupied by Arlo, Cliff, or Sierra, the Super Rocket Radar hones in on Giovanni’s secret lair.
The Path to a Super Rocket Radar: Special Research
The primary way to obtain a Super Rocket Radar is through Special Research. These questlines are released periodically, often coinciding with Team GO Rocket events in Pokémon GO. In February 2023, this would have been related to a special quest line that accompanied the Team GO Rocket Takeover Event. The specifics vary from research task to research task, but the overall structure usually involves several stages:
- Defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts: You’ll need to battle and defeat numerous Team GO Rocket Grunts at PokéStops. Collecting Mysterious Components that they drop is also part of the process.
- Assembling Rocket Radars: You’ll need to assemble normal Rocket Radars by collecting mysterious components after battling Team Go Rocket Grunts.
- Defeating the Team GO Rocket Leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra): Once you have assembled a normal Rocket Radar, you need to track down Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra at Team GO Rocket hideouts (shown as dark PokéStops on your map) and defeat them in battle.
- Completing Special Research Tasks: The quest line will require you to also do tasks like catching Pokemon, spinning Pokestops, etc. Make sure to follow all the steps.
Once you’ve successfully completed all these tasks, the Special Research will reward you with a Super Rocket Radar.
Activating and Using Your Super Rocket Radar
Once you have the Super Rocket Radar in your inventory, you need to activate it. To do this, simply navigate to your Item Bag, find the radar, and tap it. This will equip the Super Rocket Radar. Now, when you look at your map, you’ll see PokéStops that are Giovanni’s Hideouts. However, be aware that some of these are decoys!
Finding Giovanni: PokéStops and Balloons
With the Super Rocket Radar active, you can find Giovanni in two ways:
- PokéStops: Look for the PokéStops marked with the Team GO Rocket symbol, these are potential hideouts of Giovanni. Approach the PokéStop, and you may encounter him. Be prepared for a tough battle!
- Team GO Rocket Balloons: Keep an eye on the skies! Team GO Rocket Balloons will occasionally appear above you, and if you have the Super Rocket Radar equipped, one of these balloons might be piloted by Giovanni himself.
Battling Giovanni and Rewards
Battling Giovanni is no easy feat. He uses powerful Pokémon, so you’ll need to bring your A-game and have a well-prepared team. Remember to exploit his Pokémon’s weaknesses and use effective Charged Attacks. In February 2023, Giovanni typically led with Persian, followed by a possible second Pokémon like Nidoking, Cloyster, or Garchomp, and finished with Shadow Registeel.
Defeating Giovanni brings great rewards, including:
- An opportunity to catch the current Legendary Shadow Pokémon (like Shadow Registeel in February 2023).
- Stardust.
- Potions and Revives.
Important Considerations
- Patience is Key: Finding and defeating Giovanni can take time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first attempt.
- Team Composition: Research Giovanni’s potential team beforehand to build a strong counter team.
- Inventory Management: Make sure you have enough space in your Item Bag to collect the rewards after defeating Giovanni.
By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining a Super Rocket Radar, battling Giovanni, and adding a powerful Shadow Pokémon to your collection. Good luck, Trainer!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I lose to Giovanni?
Don’t worry! You won’t lose your Super Rocket Radar if you lose to Giovanni. You can re-engage him in battle at the same PokéStop or balloon until the hideout or balloon disappears.
2. Can I find Giovanni without a Super Rocket Radar?
No. You absolutely need a Super Rocket Radar to encounter Giovanni. It’s the only way to reveal his location.
3. Do I lose my Super Rocket Radar if I defeat a decoy Giovanni?
No, you do not lose your Super Rocket Radar if you battle and defeat a decoy Giovanni from a fake Pokestop. The radar only is used after beating the real Giovanni
4. I’m not getting Mysterious Components. What’s wrong?
Make sure you don’t already have a Rocket Radar in your Item Bag, and that your Item Bag isn’t full. You can’t collect Mysterious Components if either of those conditions are true.
5. What Pokémon does Giovanni have?
Giovanni’s team varies. Generally, the first Pokemon is always Persian. The second and third Pokemon varies from month to month. Check resources such as community pages or reputable online guides for the most up-to-date information.
6. What are the best counters for Giovanni?
The best counters depend on Giovanni’s current team. Look for weaknesses in his Pokémon and build your team accordingly. Generally, Fighting-type Pokémon are effective against Persian.
7. Can I rematch Giovanni in a balloon if I lose?
No. The balloon will disappear after you battle Giovanni. You’ll need to wait for another balloon to appear or find him at a PokéStop.
8. How often does Giovanni change his Pokémon?
Giovanni changes his Pokémon lineup periodically, usually coinciding with Team GO Rocket events or updates to the game. Keep an eye on news and community resources for the latest information.
9. Are Shadow Pokémon from Giovanni worth it?
It depends on the Pokémon. Some Shadow Pokémon are very powerful and worth the investment, while others are less useful. Research the specific Shadow Pokémon you’re hoping to catch to determine its value.
10. Can I have more than one Super Rocket Radar at a time?
Typically, no. You usually need to complete the current Special Research before you can acquire another Super Rocket Radar.
11. Is there a Timed Research to get a Super Rocket Radar?
Yes, sometimes. Typically, Timed Research tasks are only temporarily active and have a timeframe for completion. Make sure to keep an eye on in-game news for such tasks. The Super Rocket Radar is rewarded for completing Special Research or Timed Research tasks associated with Giovanni.
12. What if I have multiple Team Rocket leaders on my map and which one to choose?
If you have multiple Team Rocket leaders on your map, that means you have assembled and activated a normal Rocket Radar. You can choose the one with the Pokemon you’re most interested in battling or the closest one to you. However, to find Giovanni, you must first complete the Special Research task to obtain and equip a Super Rocket Radar.
13. Does my Super Rocket Radar expire?
No, Super Rocket Radars do not expire. You can hold onto them indefinitely and use them whenever you’re ready to battle Giovanni.
14. Can I use a Super Rocket Radar to find Team Rocket Leaders?
No, you need to use a normal Rocket Radar to find Team Rocket Leaders. The Super Rocket Radar is specifically for tracking down Giovanni.
15. How long does it take to complete the Special Research and get a Super Rocket Radar?
The time it takes to complete the Special Research varies depending on your activity level and the specific tasks involved. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, or even longer, depending on how frequently you play and how quickly you can defeat Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders.