It’s August and Giovanni is back, which means of course people are wondering how to beat him.

The Team GO Rocket Boss is hoarding a Shadow Ho-Oh this time out, alongside his notoriously difficult party of other Pokemon.

So, to help you on the way, here is how you’re able to beat Giovanni in🥚 Which of these Pokémon hatching during the Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space event have you hatched? 🥚 Let us know below!pic.twitter.com/HmHHNq5q8F— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp)August 19, 2025">Pokemon GOin August 2021, including the best counters for his toughest Pokemon.

🥚 Which of these Pokémon hatching during the Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space event have you hatched? 🥚 Let us know below!pic.twitter.com/HmHHNq5q8F

What Pokemon Does Giovanni Bring to Battles This Month?

As you’d expect, Giovanni has a range of difficult Pokemon to take down, starting with his surprisingly strong Persian and ending with the Shadow Ho-Oh.

Fortunately, if you’ve battled him recently, his Pokemon haven’t changed, so this will act as a nice refresher.

You can find the full breakdown below:

Pokemon One

Pokemon Two

Pokemon Three

How to Beat Giovanni in August 2021 - All Weaknesses and Best Counters

While Giovanni’s Pokemon haven’t changed, the meta is constantly evolving. Here are the best counters for all of his Pokemon:

Slot One: Shadow Persian- (Weaknesses = Fighting)

Slot Two: Shadow Garchomp –(Weakness = Dragon, Fairy and Ice x4)

Slot Two: Shadow Kangaskhan –(Weaknesses = Fighting)

Slot Two: Shadow Nidoking– (Weaknesses = Ground, Ice, Psychic and Water)

Slot Three: Shadow Ho-Oh –(Weaknesses = Electric, Water and Rock x4)

What is the Optimal Team?

This all depends on what Pokemon Giovanni brings with him, however, you can definitely be smart about it.

Giovanni’s Persian will always be out first, so you’ll want to start your team with a Fighting-type Pokemon to counter this, plus maybe Kangaskhan in second place.

That’s Persian/Kangaskhan covered, so now onto Nidoking and Garchomp - both of which are weak against Ice-type moves.

Finally, seeing as Rampardos is the best counter for Ho-Oh, that’s who I’d bring. However, any Rock-type Pokemon are solid choices.

Overall, I’d choose: