Mastering Giovanni in Pokémon GO: Tips for May 2026

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The “Steeled Resolve: Taken Over” event in Pokémon GO features the return of Team Rocket, with updates to the Pokémon each of their leaders, including the secretive Giovanni, are using. The Shadow Pokémon on Giovanni’s team are stronger than usual, with more health and damage output, making them tougher opponents. Successfully defeating Giovanni can be rewarding, especially with the new team lineup for May 2026. Completing the associated research and developing effective counters against Giovanni’s Pokémon offer many unique rewards.

Until May 4, 2026, players can start the “GO Pass: Steeled Resolve” research to earn a Super Rocket Radar. This special tool helps locate many imposters of Giovanni, leading you to the real leader. To reach this point, you will need to defeat multiple Team Rocket trainers and leaders who also use Shadow Pokémon. Understanding this structure will make your battles against Giovanni easier.

### Giovanni’s Lineup and Counters (May 2026)

Giovanni’s team varies during the event, with the first and third waves always using the same Pokémon. Only the second wave can change, featuring one of three possible Pokémon. His Shadow Pokémon are all more powerful, with increased damage and health, and his final Pokémon is a Legendary he has captured. Here is a breakdown of Giovanni’s current lineup along with some effective counters:

You don’t necessarily need rare Pokémon to defeat Giovanni, but having a Mega Evolution or Legendary Pokémon definitely helps. A versatile team can often beat him, such as:

– Mamoswine
– Lucario
– Empoleon

For example, Mamoswine’s Ice and Ground moves make it a great counter to Landorus and Rhyperior. Lucario works well against Persian or Kangaskhan, especially if it can Mega Evolve. Empoleon, with its Water/Steel typing, can cover multiple threats from Giovanni’s team. Using a mix of these Pokémon can prepare you for any battle scenario.

### Rewards for Beating Giovanni (May 2026)

When you succeed, you’ll earn 5,000 Stardust immediately, which is helpful for powering up Pokémon. The biggest reward is a chance to catch Giovanni’s latest Legendary — Incarnate Landorus. After the battle, Landorus will be available for capture, adding a powerful Ground/Flying-type Pokémon to your collection. This Legendary is part of the “Forces of Nature” trio from Unova, which also includes Thundurus and Tornadus.

In addition to the Legendary, you will also receive three types of item bundles. These bundles can be the same type repeatedly, with each containing useful items like Revives, Max Revives, Hyper Potions, Max Potions, and Unova Stones. These items are valuable for future battles, giving you a boost to your team’s strength.

Though Giovanni’s team changes in May 2026, it is reported to be slightly easier to defeat with more universal counters available. No matter your team, the rewards make the effort worthwhile, and strengthening your Pokémon will prepare you for future challenges.