Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 uses Shadow Persian first, Shadow Kangaskhan, Shadow Rhyperior or Shadow Machamp second, and Shadow Reshiram as his final Pokémon. The best Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 counters include Lucario for Persian, Swampert for Rhyperior, Mewtwo for Machamp and strong Ground, Rock or Dragon attackers for Shadow Reshiram.
Players need a Super Rocket Radar to locate Giovanni. After defeating the Team GO Rocket Boss, players receive an opportunity to rescue Shadow Reshiram, which can also be shiny.
This Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 guide covers Giovanni’s complete current team, the best counters for every possible opponent, recommended teams, how to find Giovanni and whether Shadow Reshiram is worth keeping.
Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Team
The current Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 lineup is:
| Battle slot | Giovanni’s Pokémon |
|---|---|
| First Pokémon | Shadow Persian |
| Second Pokémon | Shadow Kangaskhan, Shadow Rhyperior or Shadow Machamp |
| Final Pokémon | Shadow Reshiram |
Persian and Reshiram are guaranteed.
Giovanni randomly chooses one of three Pokémon for his second position, meaning players may encounter Kangaskhan, Rhyperior or Machamp.
A flexible Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 team should therefore cover Normal, Fighting, Ground, Rock, Dragon and Fire-type opponents.
Best Team to Beat Giovanni in August 2026
The best general Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 team is:
| Team position | Recommended Pokémon | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First | Lucario | Persian, Kangaskhan and Giovanni’s shields |
| Second | Swampert | Rhyperior and Reshiram |
| Third | Mewtwo | Machamp and neutral damage |
This team covers every possible member of Giovanni’s current lineup.
Lucario uses fast Fighting-type pressure against Persian and Kangaskhan.
Swampert can defeat Rhyperior with Water attacks and damage Reshiram with Ground attacks.
Mewtwo handles Machamp with Psychic-type damage.
Players without these exact Pokémon can use alternatives with similar typings and moves.
Best Alternative Giovanni Teams
Several teams can defeat Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026.
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
| Lucario | Swampert | Mewtwo |
| Machamp | Kyogre | Garchomp |
| Terrakion | Swampert | Gardevoir |
| Poliwrath | Kyogre | Rhyperior |
| Conkeldurr | Primarina | Excadrill |
| Annihilape | Greninja | Dragonite |
The strongest team is usually the one containing Pokémon that are already powered up and have the correct moves.
A Level 40 Machamp with Counter and Cross Chop will normally be more useful than a low-level Lucario that has not been prepared for battle.
How to Beat Giovanni in Pokémon GO
The most important Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 strategy is removing Giovanni’s two Protect Shields quickly.
Giovanni automatically blocks the first two Charged Attacks used against him.
Players should begin with a Pokémon capable of reaching low-energy Charged Attacks rapidly.
Useful shield-breaking attacks include:
| Pokémon | Fast Attack | Shield-breaking Charged Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Lucario | Force Palm or Counter | Power-Up Punch |
| Machamp | Counter | Cross Chop |
| Poliwrath | Counter | Icy Wind or Power-Up Punch |
| Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword |
| Annihilape | Counter | Night Slash |
| Swampert | Mud Shot | Hydro Cannon |
Do not begin the battle by slowly charging an expensive attack.
Giovanni will shield it regardless of its potential damage.
Use cheaper attacks first, remove both shields and save stronger attacks for the remainder of the battle.
Use the Team GO Rocket Battle Delay
Giovanni briefly stops attacking after certain actions.
The pause normally happens after:
- The player switches Pokémon
- Either side uses a Charged Attack
- One of the player’s Pokémon faints
- A new Pokémon enters the battle
Players can use this pause to perform several free Fast Attacks.
One effective method is to place the intended Persian counter in the second team position.
Start the battle with another Pokémon, then immediately switch to the Persian counter.
Giovanni will pause briefly, allowing the counter to begin generating energy before Persian resumes attacking.
Best Persian Counters for Giovanni August 2026
Giovanni always begins with Shadow Persian.
Persian is a Normal-type Pokémon and is weak only to Fighting-type attacks.
| Best Persian counter | Recommended moves |
|---|---|
| Lucario | Force Palm or Counter and Power-Up Punch |
| Terrakion | Double Kick and Sacred Sword |
| Machamp | Counter and Cross Chop |
| Poliwrath | Counter and Power-Up Punch |
| Conkeldurr | Counter and Dynamic Punch |
| Annihilape | Counter and Close Combat |
| Hariyama | Force Palm and Dynamic Punch |
| Pangoro | Karate Chop and Close Combat |
Lucario is one of the best Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Persian counters because Power-Up Punch charges quickly and increases Lucario’s Attack.
This allows Lucario to remove Giovanni’s Protect Shields while dealing increasing Fast Attack damage.
Best Lucario Moveset Against Persian
A useful Giovanni Lucario moveset is:
- Fast Attack: Force Palm or Counter
- Charged Attack: Power-Up Punch
- Second Charged Attack: Aura Sphere
Power-Up Punch is primarily used to remove shields.
Aura Sphere can be used after Giovanni has no shields remaining.
Players who do not have a Lucario can use Machamp with Counter and Cross Chop. Machamp is more accessible and can still defeat Persian effectively.
Best Kangaskhan Counters for Giovanni August 2026
Shadow Kangaskhan is one of Giovanni’s possible second Pokémon.
Kangaskhan is a Normal-type Pokémon and is weak to Fighting attacks.
| Best Kangaskhan counter | Recommended moves |
|---|---|
| Lucario | Force Palm and Aura Sphere |
| Terrakion | Double Kick and Sacred Sword |
| Machamp | Counter and Dynamic Punch |
| Conkeldurr | Counter and Dynamic Punch |
| Annihilape | Counter and Close Combat |
| Mega Blaziken | Counter and Focus Blast |
| Hariyama | Force Palm and Dynamic Punch |
| Poliwrath | Counter and Dynamic Punch |
The Pokémon used against Persian can often continue fighting and defeat Kangaskhan.
This makes Kangaskhan the easiest possible second-slot opponent when Lucario, Machamp or Terrakion still has enough health remaining.
Players should continue using quick Charged Attacks to take advantage of Giovanni’s brief attack pauses.
Best Rhyperior Counters for Giovanni August 2026
Shadow Rhyperior is a Ground and Rock-type Pokémon.
Rhyperior has double weaknesses to Grass and Water-type attacks.
It is also weak to Fighting, Ground, Ice and Steel attacks.
| Best Rhyperior counter | Recommended moves |
|---|---|
| Kyogre | Waterfall and Surf or Origin Pulse |
| Swampert | Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon |
| Kartana | Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade |
| Mega Sceptile | Fury Cutter and Frenzy Plant |
| Greninja | Water Shuriken and Hydro Cannon |
| Primarina | Waterfall and Hydro Cannon |
| Venusaur | Vine Whip and Frenzy Plant |
| Roserade | Magical Leaf and Grass Knot |
| Zarude | Vine Whip and Power Whip |
| Gyarados | Waterfall and Aqua Tail |
Water and Grass are the best Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Rhyperior counters because they exploit its double weaknesses.
Swampert is particularly useful because it can defeat Rhyperior with Hydro Cannon and later damage Reshiram using a Ground-type Charged Attack.
A flexible Swampert moveset is:
- Fast Attack: Mud Shot
- Charged Attack: Hydro Cannon
- Second Charged Attack: Earthquake
Hydro Cannon handles Rhyperior, while Earthquake can be saved for Reshiram.
Best Machamp Counters for Giovanni August 2026
Shadow Machamp is Giovanni’s third possible second-slot Pokémon.
Machamp is a Fighting-type Pokémon and is weak to Fairy, Flying and Psychic-type attacks.
| Best Machamp counter | Recommended moves |
|---|---|
| Mewtwo | Psycho Cut and Psystrike |
| Mega Rayquaza | Air Slash and Dragon Ascent |
| Rayquaza | Air Slash and Dragon Ascent |
| Gardevoir | Charm and Dazzling Gleam |
| Togekiss | Charm and Dazzling Gleam |
| Lunala | Confusion and Psychic |
| Tapu Lele | Confusion and Future Sight |
| Primarina | Charm and Moonblast |
| Sylveon | Charm and Dazzling Gleam |
| Metagross | Zen Headbutt and Psychic |
Mewtwo is one of the strongest Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Machamp counters because Psycho Cut generates energy quickly and Psystrike deals powerful Psychic damage.
Fairy Pokémon such as Gardevoir, Togekiss and Primarina can also defeat Machamp using Charm.
Players should be careful if Machamp has a Steel-type Charged Attack that can deal super-effective damage to Fairy Pokémon.
Best Shadow Reshiram Counters for Giovanni August 2026
Shadow Reshiram is always Giovanni’s final Pokémon.
Reshiram is a Dragon and Fire-type Pokémon.
It is weak to:
- Dragon
- Ground
- Rock
| Best Shadow Reshiram counter | Recommended moves |
|---|---|
| Primal Groudon | Mud Shot and Precipice Blades |
| Mega Garchomp | Mud Shot and Earth Power |
| Mega Rayquaza | Dragon Tail and Breaking Swipe |
| Origin Forme Palkia | Dragon Tail and Spacial Rend |
| Origin Forme Dialga | Dragon Breath and Roar of Time |
| Garchomp | Mud Shot and Earth Power |
| Groudon | Mud Shot and Precipice Blades |
| Rhyperior | Smack Down and Rock Wrecker |
| Excadrill | Mud-Slap and Scorching Sands |
| Swampert | Mud Shot and Earthquake |
| Dragonite | Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw |
| Tyrantrum | Rock Throw and Meteor Beam |
Ground-type counters are often the safest choice against Shadow Reshiram.
Dragon Pokémon deal super-effective damage but may also take super-effective damage from Reshiram’s Dragon moves.
Ground Pokémon such as Groudon, Garchomp, Excadrill and Swampert avoid that Dragon weakness.
Rhyperior is another strong option because Rock attacks are super effective against Reshiram.
Best Budget Shadow Reshiram Counters
Players do not need a Primal, Mega or rare Legendary Pokémon to defeat Shadow Reshiram.
| Accessible counter | Recommended moves |
|---|---|
| Garchomp | Mud Shot and Earth Power |
| Rhyperior | Smack Down and Rock Wrecker |
| Excadrill | Mud-Slap and Scorching Sands |
| Swampert | Mud Shot and Earthquake |
| Dragonite | Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw |
| Haxorus | Dragon Tail and Breaking Swipe |
| Flygon | Mud Shot and Scorching Sands |
| Tyrantrum | Rock Throw and Meteor Beam |
A powered-up Pokémon with a correct moveset is more valuable than an unprepared Legendary counter.
Players should use TMs to check their chosen counter’s attacks before starting the Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 battle.
Best Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Team Explained
The most reliable all-purpose team remains:
- Lucario
- Swampert
- Mewtwo
| Giovanni opponent | Recommended counter |
|---|---|
| Persian | Lucario |
| Kangaskhan | Lucario |
| Rhyperior | Swampert |
| Machamp | Mewtwo |
| Reshiram | Swampert |
Lucario handles two possible opponents and removes shields.
Swampert handles Rhyperior and Reshiram.
Mewtwo handles Machamp and can provide powerful neutral damage if another counter faints.
Players can replace Lucario with Machamp, Swampert with Kyogre or Garchomp, and Mewtwo with Gardevoir or Togekiss.
Can You Change Teams After Seeing Giovanni’s Lineup?
Yes.
Players can begin the battle, discover Giovanni’s second Pokémon and then leave to change their team.
The Super Rocket Radar is not consumed when a player:
- Loses the battle
- Leaves the battle
- Finds Giovanni without battling
- Encounters a Decoy Grunt
- Changes their battle party
The radar is only consumed after Giovanni has been defeated.
This means players do not need to predict whether Giovanni will use Kangaskhan, Rhyperior or Machamp.
Start with a flexible team, identify the second Pokémon and adjust the party when necessary.
How to Find Giovanni in August 2026
Players need a Super Rocket Radar to locate Giovanni.
A normal Rocket Radar only locates Arlo, Cliff and Sierra.
To find Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026:
- Obtain a Super Rocket Radar.
- Open the Item Bag.
- Select the Super Rocket Radar.
- Choose Equip.
- Check marked Team GO Rocket PokéStops.
- Visit each marked location.
- Identify Giovanni or a Decoy Grunt.
- Continue searching until Giovanni is found.
- Battle and defeat Giovanni.
Giovanni’s Shadow Reshiram lineup was introduced through the Flying Taxi: Taken Over GO Pass. During this rotation, Giovanni is found at occupied PokéStops rather than Team GO Rocket balloons.
Why Can’t I Find Giovanni?
Several issues can prevent players from finding Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No Super Rocket Radar | Complete eligible Rocket Research or GO Pass rewards |
| Normal Rocket Radar equipped | Equip the Super Rocket Radar instead |
| Radar is disabled | Activate it from the Item Bag |
| Only checking balloons | Search marked occupied PokéStops |
| Decoy Grunts appear | Continue checking other marked PokéStops |
| Giovanni already defeated | Obtain another Super Rocket Radar |
| Few local PokéStops | Search a busier area |
Players can unequip the Super Rocket Radar without losing it.
This prevents Giovanni and Decoy Grunts from occupying Rocket Radar locations until the player is ready to continue searching.
What Are Giovanni Decoy Grunts?
Some PokéStops marked by the Super Rocket Radar contain Decoy Grunts instead of Giovanni.
Decoy Grunts exist to make Giovanni harder to locate.
Players can battle them for:
- Stardust
- Mysterious Components
- Shadow Pokémon encounters
- Progress towards Team GO Rocket medals
Defeating a Decoy Grunt does not consume the Super Rocket Radar.
Players who only want Giovanni can leave the encounter and continue checking another marked PokéStop.
Can You Battle Giovanni More Than Once?
Players can defeat Giovanni once for each Super Rocket Radar they own.
Someone holding two Super Rocket Radars can defeat Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 twice and receive two Shadow Reshiram encounters.
The radar is consumed only after Giovanni is defeated.
Players cannot repeatedly battle and catch Shadow Reshiram using the same radar.
Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Rewards
Defeating Giovanni provides rewards that can include:
- An encounter with Shadow Reshiram
- Stardust
- Premier Balls
- Healing items
- Evolution items
- Progress towards Research
- Progress towards the Ultra Hero medal
Shadow Reshiram is the most important reward.
The number of Premier Balls awarded depends on factors such as remaining Pokémon and the player’s Team GO Rocket medals.
Can Shadow Reshiram Be Shiny?
Yes, Shadow Reshiram can be shiny.
Normal Reshiram is primarily white, while Shiny Reshiram has gold rings and other subtle golden details.
The difference is less dramatic than many shiny Pokémon, so players should check for the shiny symbol beside its name.
A shiny encounter is not guaranteed.
Players may receive either normal Shadow Reshiram or Shiny Shadow Reshiram after defeating Giovanni.
Is Shadow Reshiram Good in Pokémon GO?
Shadow Reshiram is an extremely valuable Fire-type raid attacker.
Its Shadow bonus increases the damage it deals, while also increasing the damage it receives.
Shadow Reshiram is especially useful against raid bosses weak to Fire, including:
- Bug Pokémon
- Grass Pokémon
- Ice Pokémon
- Steel Pokémon
Its strongest Fire performance depends on its available attacks, including the powerful Fire-type Charged Attack Fusion Flare when available.
Shadow Reshiram is primarily valuable for raids rather than open Pokémon GO Battle League formats.
Should You Purify Shadow Reshiram?
Most players should not purify Shadow Reshiram.
Keeping it as a Shadow Pokémon preserves its increased damage.
Purification provides:
- Two additional points to each IV
- Reduced Candy costs
- Reduced Stardust costs
- A level increase
- The Charged Attack Return
However, purification permanently removes the Shadow attack bonus.
A Shadow Reshiram with imperfect IVs may still deal more raid damage than a perfect purified Reshiram.
Purification cannot be reversed.
How to Remove Frustration From Shadow Reshiram
Shadow Reshiram will normally know Frustration when caught.
Frustration cannot usually be removed with an ordinary Charged TM.
Players must wait for a Team GO Rocket event that specifically allows Shadow Pokémon to forget Frustration.
During an eligible event:
- Open Shadow Reshiram.
- Select Items.
- Use a Charged TM.
- Confirm the move change.
- Check that Frustration has been replaced.
Unlocking a second Charged Attack does not remove Frustration.
It simply gives Shadow Reshiram another move slot.
Can Giovanni’s Team Change During August 2026?
The Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 team can change if another Team GO Rocket takeover introduces a different Shadow Legendary.
Until a new lineup is announced, Giovanni continues to use:
- Persian
- Kangaskhan, Rhyperior or Machamp
- Shadow Reshiram
Players saving a Super Rocket Radar should check the current reward before defeating Giovanni.
A saved radar can normally be used against a future Giovanni lineup, but the resulting Shadow Legendary will be whichever Pokémon Giovanni is using when the battle is completed.
Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 Summary
The Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 lineup is:
| Slot | Current Pokémon |
|---|---|
| First | Shadow Persian |
| Second | Shadow Kangaskhan, Rhyperior or Machamp |
| Final | Shadow Reshiram |
The best all-purpose team is Lucario, Swampert and Mewtwo.
Use Fighting attacks against Persian and Kangaskhan.
Use Water or Grass attacks against Rhyperior.
Use Psychic, Fairy or Flying attacks against Machamp.
Use Ground, Rock or Dragon attacks against Shadow Reshiram.
Players should remove Giovanni’s Protect Shields quickly, use the pause created by switching and leave the battle to adjust their team after identifying his second Pokémon.
Defeating Pokémon GO Giovanni August 2026 provides an opportunity to rescue Shadow Reshiram, which may also be shiny.
