Giovanni's formidable team in Pokémon Go has received an update with the June 2026 "Flying Taxi: Taken Over" event, introducing Shadow Reshiram as his potential legendary Pokémon. Players aiming to capture this powerful shadow creature will need a Super Rocket Radar, obtainable through the event's Go Pass.

Finding and Battling Giovanni

Following the "Steeled Resolve: Taken Over" event in April 2026, Giovanni's encounters have shifted. Super Rocket Radars are now primarily distributed via the Go Pass. A deluxe pass, costing $4.99, grants immediate access, while the free pass requires reaching rank 30 before the event concludes. The article notes that it is currently unknown if other methods for obtaining Super Rocket Radars will become available. Giovanni can be found at PokéStops while a Super Rocket Radar is equipped, though decoy grunts may appear first. Unlike previous months, he will not appear in Team Go Rocket balloons. Once located, players can battle him multiple times as long as they remain within PokéStop proximity, a welcome feature given his challenging battles. Previously, Giovanni was accessible through Team Go Rocket Special Research, with the last such opportunity being the "Precious Pals: Taken Over" quest in mid-January 2026.

Giovanni's Current Team Composition

As of the June 2026 update, Giovanni's team consists of:

  • Persian (Normal)
  • Kangaskhan (Normal), Rhyperior (Ground/Rock), OR Nidoking (Poison/Ground)
  • Reshiram (Dragon/Fire)

Players are advised to bring fighting, water, and ground-type Pokémon to effectively counter Giovanni's lineup due to shared weaknesses among his potential team members.

Recommended Counters for Each Pokémon

Persian: Fighting-type Pokémon are recommended, including Terrakion (Double Kick/Sacred Sword), Machamp (Counter/Dynamic Punch), Lucario (Counter/Aura Sphere), and Conkeldurr (Counter/Dynamic Punch).

Second Pokémon:

  • Kangaskhan: The same fighting-type Pokémon effective against Persian will work here.
  • Rhyperior: Grass-types like Decidueye (Leafage/Frenzy Plant) and Venusaur (Vine Whip/Frenzy Plant), or water-types such as Kyogre (Waterfall/Origin Pulse) and Quaquaval (Water Gun/Hydro Cannon) are advised.
  • Nidoking: Ice-types like Mamoswine (Powder Snow/Avalanche) and Galarian Darmanitan (Ice Fang/Avalanche), or water-types like Kyogre and Quaquaval are suitable.

Reshiram: Ground- or rock-type Pokémon are the best choice for this final encounter. Strong options include Groudon (Mud Shot/Precipice Blades), Garchomp (Mud Shot/Earth Power), Rhyperior (Smack Down/Rock Wrecker), and Rampardos (Smack Down/Rock Slide).

Battle Strategy and Rewards

When facing Giovanni, it's crucial to remember that he will shield his first two charged attacks. Utilizing a fighting-type Pokémon that can quickly break through these shields is paramount. After overcoming the initial defenses, switch to Pokémon that counter Giovanni's subsequent team members. Upon defeating Giovanni, players are guaranteed to catch the Shadow Legendary Pokémon, with a Pinap Berry recommended to maximize candy gains. Furthermore, each victory against Giovanni yields four Shadow Shards, enough to craft one Purified Gem, making these battles an efficient way to earn these valuable items.