Conquer Giovanni in Pokémon GO: May 2025 Strategy Guide

Team GO Rocket’s leader Giovanni is back in Pokémon GO for May 2025, bringing a new line-up of Pokémon. Known for being one of the toughest challenges for trainers, Giovanni continues to uphold that reputation this month. With the ongoing Taken Over event, his team features new additions, including a rare Shadow Dialga that you can rescue from his control.

To challenge Giovanni this month, you must first defeat six Rocket Grunts, followed by all three Team GO Rocket leaders: Arlo, Sierra, and Cliff. After defeating each Rocket leader, you’ll be able to track down Giovanni by spinning PokeStops and Gyms. Once you get past his decoys, you’ll eventually confront him—just be sure you’re ready for the battle.

Giovanni’s Lineup & Counters (May 2025)

An Initial Steady Line-up

As May 2025 kicks off, Giovanni’s Pokémon line-up remains unchanged from April. However, starting May 14, 2025, his team will shift during the Taken Over event, bringing Shadow Dialga as his final Pokémon instead of Shadow Palkia. He will still start with his reliable Shadow Persian, while the rest of his team offers variety throughout the month.

Giovanni will consistently end battles with his most formidable Pokémon, Shadow Dialga, a Steel- and Dragon-type. However, his second Pokémon will change each time and can be one of three potential choices: his returning Poison- and Ground-type Nidoking, the familiar Ground/Rock-type Rhyperior, or a new addition, the strong Normal-type Kangaskhan.

Machamp is a solid choice to start every encounter with Giovanni. Since Persian is weak to Fighting-type moves, leading with a Fighting-type Pokémon is advisable. The original Machamp remains a formidable opponent, and many players should have a strong one given its longstanding presence in the game. It’s also super effective against Rhyperior or Kangaskhan if Giovanni opts to use either.

If you’re looking for alternatives, a powerful Water-type Pokémon can effectively handle Nidoking or Rhyperior. Swampert is an excellent choice, thanks to its great stats and ability to withstand damage. Additionally, Swampert’s Ground type makes it effective against Shadow Dialga, as its Steel type is vulnerable to moves like Earthquake or Mud Shot.

To round out your team, consider adding another strong Fighting, Water, or Ground-type Pokémon to counter Giovanni’s heavy hitters. Pokémon like Lucario, Heracross, Blaziken, Garchomp, or Kyogre are all top-tier options to tackle Giovanni’s Ground, Steel, or Normal-types, depending on the wave you face.

Rewards for Beating Giovanni (May 2025)

A Last Chance to Catch Shadow Palkia

Unfortunately, Palkia—one of the most sought-after Pokémon for the Master League Cup—will become unavailable for capture from Giovanni after May. However, you still have the opportunity to encounter Shadow Dialga after defeating him following the changes in the Taken Over event. This rare Pokémon is just as valuable as Palkia could have been for your team.

Each time you take down Giovanni, you’ll receive several helpful items, including a significant 5,000 Stardust—essential for powering up your Pokémon in Pokémon GO. In addition, you’ll gain three random items from a pool of 4x Revives, 4x Max Revives, 4x Hyper Potions, 4x Max Potions, or an Unova Stone.

While Giovanni’s lineup changes may take away some previous opportunities, many rewards from his battles remain intact. With the chance to catch Shadow Dialga for your collection, the new benefits from defeating Team Rocket will likely be valuable long after the Taken Over event in Pokémon GO wraps up, at least until the next one rolls around.