Pokemon GO players have made through a holiday season full of events and the laundry list of new features rolled out during early 2020, but things aren't slowing down in the mobile AR game. As Niantic starts to tease the next Unova region wave of Pokemon, there are also some updated Team GO Rocket villains to deal with.
Starting in late 2019, Pokemon GO trainers have been able to battle Giovanni once per month if they finish the appropriate pre-requisite Special Research. With the arrival of January, trainers can now start preparing for their big fight against the boss and the chance to encounter Giovanni's shadow legendary Pokemon.
Giovanni's February lineup of Pokemon features some challenging matches, so players should make sure they take the time to build a strong roster that will be up to the challenge. It's worth using a bit of Candy, Stardust, and a few TMs to prepare for this fight.
Here's what trainers are up against and our recommendation for how to counter them...
Giovanni's February Roster
Persian (obviously)
Cloyster or Steelix or Hippowdon
Raikou
Best Giovannni Counters
Machamp - Counter, Cross Chop, Dynamic Punch
Venusaur - Vine Whip, Leaf Blade, Frenzy Plant
Kyogre - Waterfall, Surf, Hydro Pump
Rhyperior - Mud Slap, Earthquake, Stone Edge
With that lineup of Pokemon, 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 the current Pokemon GO PvE and PvP metagame, so it's worth investing in them beyond this fight anyway.
For now, players may want to keep hunting down the best Unova Pokemon in the game if improving their Battle Raid rosters is their primary goal. Be sure to check back soon for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates.
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO Hub