Giovanni in Pokémon Go July 2025: Best Counters and How to Beat Shadow Dialga

Ready to take on Giovanni in Pokémon Go this July 2025? If you’re looking to snag that Shadow Dialga and need the latest counters, you’re in the right place. Giovanni’s team just got a shake-up with the “Crown Clash: Taken Over” event, and this guide will show you exactly who he’s bringing to the fight and how you can beat him. Whether you’re after quick counters or want to know how to find Giovanni, we’ve got the key info below.

Who Giovanni uses on his team this month
How to find and challenge Giovanni
Best counters for each of Giovanni’s Pokémon
Tips for winning and catching Shadow Dialga

How to Find Giovanni in Pokémon Go

First things first: Giovanni only shows up when you’re completing Team Go Rocket Special Research. Since mid-May 2025, that means the “Crown Clash: Taken Over” quest. Beat all three Team Rocket leaders, and you’ll get a Super Rocket Radar. This handy item lets you hunt down Giovanni, either in Team Go Rocket balloons or at invaded PokéStops. Don’t worry if you run into decoys—just keep going until the real boss appears!

Giovanni’s Team Line-up for July 2025

This month, Giovanni’s team looks like this:

Persian (normal)
Kangaskhan (water/dragon)
Rhyperior (ground/rock)
Nidoking (poison/ground)
Dialga (steel/dragon) – the final Shadow Legendary

Pro tip: If you bring a strong fighting-type, a grass-type, and a ground-type, you’ll be well prepared for most of Giovanni’s picks. Handy, right?

Best Counters for Giovanni’s Pokémon

Let’s break down what to use against each member of Giovanni’s team:

Persian:

Terrakion (Double Kick, Sacred Sword)
Machamp (Counter, Dynamic Punch)
Lucario (Counter, Aura Sphere)
Conkeldurr (Counter, Dynamic Punch)

Second Pokémon:

Kangaskhan: Same fighting-types as above.
Rhyperior: Try grass-types like Decidueye (Leafage, Frenzy Plant) or Venusaur (Vine Whip, Frenzy Plant).
Nidoking: Use water-, grass-, or ground-types. Good picks: Kyogre (Waterfall, Hydro Pump), Primarina (Waterfall, Hydro Cannon), Kartana (Razor Leaf, Leaf Blade), Rillaboom (Razor Leaf, Grass Knot), Groudon (Mud Shot, Precipice Blades), Garchomp (Mud Shot, Earth Power).

Dialga (Final Boss):

Groudon (Mud Shot, Precipice Blades)
Garchomp (Mud Shot, Earth Power)

How to Beat Giovanni – Top Tips

Remember, Giovanni will use shields on your first two charged attacks. It’s smart to start with a fighting-type that can hit hard and burn those shields quickly. After that, swap in your best counters for whatever comes next. Bring your strongest Pokémon and don’t be afraid to try a few times—once you’ve found Giovanni, you can battle as many times as you need (as long as you stay near the PokéStop).

Defeat Giovanni, and you’ll have a guaranteed catch on the Shadow Legendary at the end—so don’t forget to use a Pinap Berry for extra candy! Plus, every win earns you Shadow Shards for Purified Gems, making each battle even more rewarding.

Want More Pokémon Go Guides?

Check out all Pokémon Go leader counters for Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff in July 2025, and learn how to Mega Evolve or get Mega Energy for your squad. Stay sharp, trainers!