Team GO Rocket’s big bad is back in a big way after a brief and mysterious disappearance fromPokemon GO. Now that the mobile game’s enemy faction has returned there are going to be plenty of reasons tobattle grunts and the Rocket leadersthroughout the remainder of November 2021. There are some tough battles ahead and they’re all leading up towards a dramatic encounter with Giovanni.

Giovanni is back this month and trainers are finally getting to face off against a Shadow Pokemon that has been requested for months. The Team GO Rocket leader has a very tough lineup this month andPokemon GOplayers are going to need to prepare a roster that can handle a high DPS Legendary if they want to defeat Giovanni during November 2021.

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Like always, Giovanni will kick off the fight with Persian, but after that point things get a little tougher. The second spot has three possible Pokemon (Kinglear or Rhyperior or Nidoking), so it’s very likely players may have to prepare for all the options and then take a gamble on their first attempt. Failing and then jumping right back in for a rematch with the correct counters is a totally viable strategy, so just be sure to get through Persian on the first attempt and learn what he has in slot number two. Finally, trainers will end the battle going up against theLegendary Pokemon Lugia.

Persian (like always)

Kinglear or Rhyperior or Nidoking

Tyranitar with Smack Down and Crunch

Machamp with Counter and Cross Chop

Lucario with Counter and Power-Up Punch

Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch

Shadow Machamp with Counter and Cross Chop

Empoleon with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon

Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike

Mega Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon

Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon

Kyogre with Waterfall and Surf

Tyranitar - Smack Down/Stone Edge

Sandslash (Alola) - Powder Snow/Ice Punch

With that lineup of potential counters, players should have no problems countering any configuration of challengers that Giovanni shows up to the fight with. There are obviously lots of other Pokemon that can work as substitutes for this ideal roster, but most players shouldn’t have much trouble assembling the team recommended above. All of those Pokemon are very relevant to thecurrentPokemon GOPvE and PvP metagame, so it’s worth investing in them beyond this fight anyway.

Over the next week or so players should begin to learn a lot more about thefinal days of the Season of Mischiefand what is coming next. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!

Pokemon GOis available on Android and iOS.