In Pokémon GO, Giovanni is the leader of Team Rocket and one of the most challenging bosses to fight. As the head of a notorious criminal organization, Giovanni is known for his strong Pokémon team, which includes legendary creatures like Mewtwo.

To defeat him, you should carefully prepare, select strategies, and be aware of his team composition. In this guide, we will explain step by step how to defeat Giovanni in Pokémon GO.

Step 1: Obtain the Super Rocket Radar

Before challenging Giovanni, you need to obtain the Super Rocket Radar. This special item allows you to locate Giovanni's hideout on the map.

You can obtain the Super Rocket Radar by completing special tasks related to Team Rocket or during certain events. Make sure to keep an eye on time-limited events, as it's often rewarded during such events.

Once you obtain the Super Rocket Radar, activate it, and it will show Giovanni's location. Be prepared for a tough battle!

Step 2: Giovanni's Team Composition

Giovanni's team constantly changes, but he typically uses a combination of powerful Pokémon that require different countermeasures. As of the latest updates, Giovanni's team usually consists of three Pokémon:

First Pokémon: This is usually a strong Normal or Fighting type Pokémon.

Second Pokémon: Battles with Giovanni can be more challenging here, as he often uses Pokémon that require a well-thought-out strategy.

Third Pokémon: Giovanni's final Pokémon is almost always a legendary Pokémon—often Mewtwo, although this can change depending on the season and events.

Current lineup:

• First Pokémon: Persian (Normal type)
  
  
• Second Pokémon: Rhyperior (Rock/Ground type), Nidoking (Poison/Ground type), Kingdra (Water/Dragon type)
  
  
• Third Pokémon: Heatran (Fire/Steel type)

It's important to know which Pokémon you will face to prepare your team for further battles and develop a battle strategy.

Step 3: Giovanni Counters

How to fight against Persian

Often, Giovanni's first Pokémon is Persian, a Normal type. Normal Pokémon are weak to Fighting-type attacks, so you should use Fighting-type Pokémon to quickly overcome it.

How to fight against Rhyperior

Rhyperior, a formidable Ground/Rock type Pokémon, is vulnerable to Grass, Water, Fighting, Ground, Ice, and Steel type attacks, but is resistant to Electric, Poison, Fire, Flying, Normal, and Rock type attacks.

How to fight against Nidoking

Nidoking, a Poison/Ground type Pokémon, has weaknesses to Ground, Ice, Psychic, and Water type attacks, while being resistant to Electric, Poison, Bug, Fairy, Fighting, and Rock type attacks, making these types less effective against it.

How to fight against Kingdra

Kingdra, a Water/Dragon type Pokémon, is vulnerable to Dragon and Fairy type attacks but is resistant to Fire, Water, and Steel type attacks.

How to fight against Heatran

Heatran is a Fire/Steel type Pokémon known for its strong defensive and offensive abilities. It is vulnerable to Ground, Fighting, and Water type attacks. However, it has significant resistance to Bug, Fairy, Grass, Ice, Poison, Steel, Dragon, Flying, Normal, and Psychic type attacks.

Step 4: Maximizing Your Pokémon's Effectiveness

1. Use a revival strategy

Battles with Giovanni are challenging, and it's not uncommon for some of your Pokémon to be knocked out. Make sure you have enough Revive and Potions to restore your Pokémon between battles. You will want to maximize your team's effectiveness, especially during the battle with Mewtwo, who can quickly knock out weaker Pokémon.

2. Optimize attack sets

Ensure your Pokémon have the best attack sets for the battle, as mentioned above. For example, if you're using Mamoswine against Rhydon, make sure it has Mud-Slap (for quick energy build-up) and Avalanche (for great damage). Additionally, you can use TM to teach your Pokémon better attacks if necessary.

3. Use the correct charged attacks

For maximum effect, ensure your Pokémon have the correct charged attacks. For example, if you're competing against Mewtwo, having dark attacks (Crunch) or ghost attacks (Shadow Ball) will be very useful. Check your Pokémon's attacks and, if needed, use TM to adjust them before the battle with Giovanni.

Step 5: Catching Giovanni's Pokémon

After defeating Giovanni, he will escape, giving you the opportunity to catch one of his Pokémon. Mewtwo may appear, and you will have a chance to catch it during a special encounter. Make sure you have Ultra Balls and Razz Berries to increase the chance of a successful catch. Keep in mind that Mewtwo is difficult to catch, so save your best Poké Balls for this encounter.

Tips for defeating Giovanni:

• Always carry restorative items and status effect potions in case something goes wrong.
  
  
• If Giovanni's team composition changes in the future, make sure to update your counterpick team according to the enemy changes.
  
  
• Pay attention to event bonuses that may enhance your Pokémon's effectiveness in battle (e.g., bonuses to type attacks or reduced damage taken).

Defeating Giovanni in Pokémon GO is no easy task given his powerful Pokémon. However, with proper preparation, a good strategy, and strong Pokémon, you can succeed in defeating him.