Team GO Rocket’s notorious Boss, Giovanni, is making a comeback in Pokémon GO this May 2025, and trainers have an exciting opportunity ahead. Giovanni has historically posed the greatest challenge for trainers in Pokémon GO, and he continues this trend this month. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, when a special Team GO Rocket-themed event titled Crown Clash: Taken Over will kick off, featuring Shadow Dialga.

Until this new event commences, Giovanni remains a formidable opponent for those who have battled him in recent months, offering exciting rewards that are too valuable to overlook. To challenge him this month, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts and then conquer all three Team GO Rocket leaders: Arlo, Sierra, and Cliff. After defeating these leaders, you can track down Giovanni by spinning PokeStops and Gyms. Once you overcome his decoys, you will eventually face him, but prepare thoroughly if you hope to secure a victory.

Giovanni’s Lineup and Effective Counters for May 2025

Current Lineup Details for Giovanni

As of May 2025, Team GO Rocket Leader Giovanni’s Pokémon lineup remains unchanged from April 2025. However, be on the lookout for an update on May 14, when at least his final Pokémon is expected to transition to Shadow Dialga. Currently, he leads with the Normal-type Persian.

Giovanni will consistently conclude the battle with his most powerful Pokémon, the Water- and Dragon-type Palkia. However, his second Pokémon will vary with each battle, presenting one of three possible options: the Poison- and Ground-type Nidoking, the Dragon- and Water-type Kingdra, or the Rock- and Ground-type Rhyperior.

Machamp is an excellent choice to lead your battles against Giovanni. Since Persian has a sole weakness to Fighting-type attacks, it is wise to start with a Fighting-type Pokémon. The classic Generation 1 Pokémon, Machamp, remains a formidable contender, and many players likely possess a strong version due to its long-standing presence in the game. Additionally, Machamp is particularly effective against Rhyperior if Giovanni opts to use it.

It’s also crucial to include a Fairy-type Pokémon in your team to gain an advantage over Palkia, which you will encounter in every battle. The Legendary Pokémon Xerneas is an excellent option, as it can quickly charge its powerful attacks. Like Machamp, Xerneas also holds an advantage over one of Giovanni’s potential second Pokémon, Kingdra.

For your final team member, consider a powerful Water-type Pokémon that can effectively counter either Nidoking or Rhyperior, depending on which one Giovanni selects. Swampert is an exceptional choice as a strong Water-type, capable of dealing substantial damage while also being resilient to attacks.

Rewards for Defeating Giovanni: May 2025 Edition

Last Opportunity to Capture Shadow Palkia

One of the most significant rewards for defeating Giovanni in May is that it could be your last opportunity to capture the Legendary Shadow Palkia in Pokémon GO for an indefinite period. Upon defeating Giovanni, you’ll immediately face his final Pokémon, which is currently Palkia. However, once the anticipated change to Dialga occurs on May 14, Palkia, recognized as one of the finest Pokémon for the Master League Cup, will no longer be available for capture.

Additionally, every time you triumph over Giovanni, you will receive a variety of useful items. Among these rewards is a substantial 5,000 Stardust, a vital resource in Pokémon GO used to power up and enhance the CP of any Pokémon you own. Along with the Stardust, you will receive three random items, which could include 4x Revives, 4x Max Revives, 4x Hyper Potions, 4x Max Potions, or even an Unova Stone.

Giovanni’s lineup will remain consistent at the beginning of May 2025 in Pokémon GO. However, it is crucial to assemble the right team to ensure your victory against him. This lineup will also change once the new event begins on May 14, 2025.