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Naturally, the best way to counteract this is by having a strong Pokémon team. Couple this with the most effective types and Giovanni won't stand a chance!

With that in mind, head below for the best tactics and counters to defeat Giovanni in Pokémon Go in February 2024.

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Best Giovanni counters for Pokémon Go in February 2024

As with each of the major trainer battles in Pokémon Go, your fight with Giovanni will last for three rounds. He always uses the same first and last Pokémon, but there are three options he might choose from in that second stage in the middle.

As of February 2024, this is what you can expect to go up against, and what Pokémon types you'll want in each round:

First round:

  • Persian (a Normal-type Pokémon, weak against Fighting-type attacks)

Second round:

  • Nidoking (a Ground and Poison-type Pokémon, weak against Ground, Ice, Psychic and Water-type attacks)
  • Rhyperior (a Ground and Rock-Type Pokémon, weak against Ice, Water, Ground, Fighting, Grass and Steel-type attacks)
  • Garchomp (a Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon, weak against Dragon and Fairy-type attacks, double weak against Ice-type attacks)

Third round:

  • Kyogre (a Water-type Pokémon, weak against Grass and Electric-type attacks)

Looking at those Pokémon listed together, a few patterns emerge which could help you put your battle party together.

A powerful Fighting-type Pokémon is a great pick against Giovanni. The likes of Machamp and Lucario are both strong picks against both Persian and Rhyperior, while also being capable against Nidoking and Garchomp.

Similarly, an Ice-type Pokémon like Regice or Mamoswine is super effective against Nidoking, Rhyperior and Garchomp.

For Kyogre, a Grass-type or Electric-type will be the best course of action – think Raikou or Zapdos.

It’s worth noting that if Giovanni defeats you once, you can demand a rematch at the same location and he will send out the same team again – which will help you prepare better. See our full thoughts below!

Best Persian counters in Pokémon Go

Being a Normal-type Pokémon, Persian is very weak against Fighting-type attacks. Any Fighting-type move that you dish out should do 160 per cent extra damage. With this in mind, something like Machamp or Lucario would be a strong counterattack choice! Lucario's Power-Up Punch or Machamp's Cross Chop would both be solid attacks to use against Persian.

One thing you will not want to use is a Ghost-type Pokémon. Persian has a resistance to these ghoulish creatures, with their attacks doing 39 per cent less damage to Persian. So don't use any of those!

Read more on Pokémon:

Best Nidoking counters in Pokémon Go

Being a Ground and Poison-type Pokémon, Nidoking presents something of a challenge, since it'll be resistant to Bug, Electric, Fairy, Poison, Rock and Fighting-type moves. None of those attacks will do full damage here.

Nidoking's weaknesses are Ground, Ice, Psychic and Water-type Pokémon, so you'll want to bring something along those lines with you.

What do we recommend in terms of counters, then? Well, it might be wise to bring a powerful Water-type like Blastoise or Kyogre with you, just in case Nidoking does make an appearance. A powerful Ice-type such as Regice should do well, too.

Best Rhyperior counters in Pokémon Go

Rhyperior is a Ground and Rock-type Pokémon, so is strong against a number of different types. It will be strong against Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, Electric, Flying and Bug Pokémon, so you're best leaving them out of your team.

In terms of weaknesses, Rhyperior will be weak against Ice, Water, Ground, Fighting, Grass and Steel Pokémon. So bring something with any of those types along with you and you'll counter Rhyperior well.

Powerful Ice or Water-type Pokémon such as Kyogre, Regice and Blastoise will do well here. Equally, Grass-Type Pokémon like Roserade and Venusaur are examples of Grass-type Pokémon that would work as a solid choice, too.

Best Garchomp counters in Pokémon Go

Garchomp is a Ground and Dragon-type Pokémon so it will be strong against Dragon, Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, and Electric-type Pokémon. We recommend you don't bring along one of those types to fight against Garchomp (other than Dragon).

As a Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon, Garchomp has a number of weaknesses. It will be weak against Dragon and Fairy-type attacks and double weak against Ice-type attacks.

With this in mind, a strong Ice-type Pokémon should be a great counter against Garchomp. Again, Regice is a strong pick here, as is Mamoswine.

Best Kyogre counters in Pokémon Go

As a Water-type Pokémon, Kyogre will be great against Fire, Ground and Rock-types and weak against Electric and Grass. As a Legendary Pokémon, expect Giovanni's Kyogre to pack a surprise move or two.

Water-type Pokémon like Kyogre are best fought with Electric Pokémon like Zapdos, Raikou and Xurkitree. Grass would be the second best option, so use Sceptile, Torterra, Venusaur or Celebi if you go this route.

For the most part, a team made up of Electric, Fighting and Ice should serve you well taking down Giovanni. Just make sure to heal when needed and focus on special attacks that hone in on the opposition Pokémon's weaknesses.

Pokémon Go is available to download on iOS and Android devices.

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