Team GO Rocket Leaders Cliff, Arlo, and Sierra have now entered the world of Pokémon GO, bringing with them a new level of challenge to any Trainer who dares to take them on.
For those of you planning to go head to head with these awesome new foes, here’s a quick “how to” to help you out.
Basics
In order to have the opportunity to take on a Team GO Rocket Leader, you’ll need to first follow a few simple steps.
- Win 6 grunt battles and, in doing so, acquire 6 Mysterious Components.
2. Once the 6 components have been acquired, they’ll be assembled into a Mysterious Device. After this happens, you’ll need to equip the device to make it work.
3. Once equipped, the device will appear in the upper right hand area of your PGO screen, under the weather symbol and the compass.
4. Whenever you’re ready to take on a Team GO Rocket Leader, simply touch the symbol (pictured above) and let the Mysterious Device/Rocket Radar track down your nearest opponent(s). (You will need to be near Pokéstops for this to work).
5. Once the Team GO Rocket Leader has been spotted, simply go into the fight by spinning (or tapping on) the Pokéstop like you would a regular grunt battle. (Note: Sometimes you’ll have a choice of fighting one Leader, sometimes you’ll be able to choose from more than one).
6. After successfully winning a Rocket Leader battle, Trainers will receive rewards such as potions, revives, and Unova Stones. Of course, you may need more than one shot at battling the Leader before you experience success. The great news is that you can try as many times as you like because the Mysterious Device/Rocket Radar will not disappear until you’ve successfully won a battle.
Battles
Although battling a Team GO Rocket Leader is quite similar to fighting a grunt in many ways, there are a few major differences.
- Unlike grunts, Team GO Rocket Leaders do use their 2 shields for blocking charge moves
- Choosing counters based on defensive AND attack moves is crucial
- The 1st Pokémon used by each Leader in battle will always be the same –{Arlo: Scyther, Sierra: Sneasel, Cliff: Meowth}
- The 2nd & 3rd Pokémon used by a Leader will fluctuate between 3 possibilities
- Only the 1st monster in the fight will be catchable after a win
- The catchable monsters (Meowth, Sneasel, Scyther) can be shiny & shadow
Counters
As mentioned above, having the right counters, at the right time is crucial to your success. In these battles, it’s not just about having the right attackers but using Pokémon with defensive moves that outlast your opponent’s hits.
Since the 1st Pokémon is always the same, your goal is to start with a monster that will force the Team GO Rocket Leader to use both of his/her shields right away.
As for the 2nd and 3rd Pokémon, the counters you use will fluctuate depending on which monster your adversary throws into the fight.
Here’s a list of some suggested counters based on what may come your way. (NOTE: This is only a start. We’ll continue to add to this list as we discover more monsters/moves that are effective).
Arlo
1st Pokémon:
Pineco
Counters:
– Rhyperior: Smack Down/Rock Wrecker
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
Mawile (Go Fest)
Counters:
– Chandelure
– Blaziken: Counter/Blast Burn
– Moltres
Bagon
Counters:
– Regirock w/Stone Edge
– Giratina (Origin Forme): Shadow Claw/Dragon Claw
Scyther
Counters:
– Blaziken: Counter/Blaze Kick (power up to 8,000 Stardust)
– Golem: Rock Throw/Stone Edge (power up to 8,000 Stardust)
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
2nd Pokémon: (7 possibilities)
Scizor (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Reshiram: Fire Fang/Overheat
– Blaziken: Counter/Blaze Kick (power up to 8,000 Stardust)
– Alolan Sandslash with Bulldoze (might work in some battles)
Charizard
Counters:
– Regirock
– Golem
– Tyranitar w/Smack Down
Steelix
Counters:
– Swampert w/Hyrdo Cannon
– Reshiram: Fire Fang/Overheat
– Entei
– Heatran
– Blaziken: Counter/Blast Burn
Blastoise
Counters:
– Roserade: Razor Leaf/Grass Knot (power up to 8,000 Stardust)
– Raikou: Thunder Shock/ Wild Charge
Gyarados
Counters:
– Palkia: Dragon Tail/Draco Meteor
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide (not quite as effective, but not bad)
Crobat
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
Magnezone
Counters:
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
3rd Pokémon: (5 possibilities)
Moltres (GO Fest)
Counters:
Rhyperior:
Smack Down/Stone Edge
Smack Down/Surf
Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
Alolan Golem: Rock Throw/Wild Charge
Golem:
Rock Throw/Stone Edge
Rock Throw/Rock Blast
Regirock: Rock Throw/Stone Edge
Salamence
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Regirock w/ Stone Edge
– Tyranitar w/Smack Down
– Raikou: Thunder Shock/ Wild Charge
Charizard
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Kyogre: Waterfall/Hydro Pump (Not quite as effective, but not bad)
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide (not bad)
– Dragonite: Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw
Dragonite
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Tyranitar w/Smack Down
– Raikou: Thunder Shock/ Wild Charge
– Togekiss: Charm/Dazzling Gleam
Scizor
Counters:
– Reshiram: Fire Fang/Overheat
– Blaziken: Counter/Blaze Kick (power up to 8,000 Stardust)
– Alolan Sandslash with Bulldoze (might work in some battles)
Note: If you have a Garchomp as your 2nd monster, leave him in even after your 2nd Pokémon has been defeated. He’s great at taking a hit which will save your 3rd counter from taking on as much damage.
Sierra
1st Pokémon:
Lapras
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
Beldum (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Machamp
– Scizor: Fury Cutter/X-Scissor
– Giratina Origin Forme: Shadow Claw/Shadow Ball
– Blaziken
– Entei
– Darkrai
Absol
Counters:
– Metagross w/Meteor Mash
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
Sneasel
Counters:
-Lucario with Counter/Power-Up Punch
2nd Pokémon (7 possibilities)
Houndoom (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Swampert: Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
Sharpedo
Counters:
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
Exeggutor
Counters:
– Scizor: Fury Cutter/X-Scissor
– Tyranitar: Bite/Crunch
– Giratina Origin Forme: Shadow Claw/Shadow Ball
– Pinsir: Bug Bite/X-Scissor
Cacturne:
Counters:
– Metagross w/Meteor Mash
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
Hypno
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Bite/Stone Edge (Smack Down/Stone Edge could also work, but not quite as effective)
Lapras
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Metagross with Meteor Mash (Not as effective w/July 2020 moveset)
Sableye
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Bite/Crunch
3rd Pokémon (5 possibilities)
Zapdos (GO Fest)
Counters:
For 5 of the 6 movesets:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Rhyperior: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Terrakion: Smack Down/Rock Slide
– Rampardos: Smack Down/Rock Slide
– Golem: Rock Throw/Stone Edge
When going against the Charge Beam/Thunder moveset:
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Outrage
– Weavile: Ice Shard/Avalanche
– Torterra: Razor Leaf or Bite/Stone Edge
– Mamoswine: Powder Snow/Avalanche or Stone Edge
Shiftry
Counters:
– Metagross w/Meteor Mash
Alakazam
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Bite/Crunch
– Metagross w/Meteor Mash
– Giratina Origin Forme: Shadow Claw/Shadow Ball
Houndoom
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Swampert: Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
Gardevoir
Counters:
– Metagross with Meteor Mash
Cliff
1st Pokémon:
Pinsir (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Moltres w/Sky Attack
– Blaziken
– Chandelure
– Charizard with Blast Burn
– Togekiss: Hidden Power/Flamethrower
Grimer
Counters:
– Swampert w/Hydro Cannon
– Azelf (Good, but dies quickly)
– Lugia w/Sky Attack
– Mewtwo w/Psystrike
NOTE: If Cliff fights with Grimer, Electivire, & Tyranitar (Swampert will take out/almost take out all 3)
Stantler
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
Meowth
Counters:
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Lucario with Counter/Power-Up Punch
2nd Pokémon (8 possibilities)
Tyranitar (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
– Skarmory: Air Slash/Flash Cannon
– Toxicroak: Counter/Mud Bomb
– Shiftry with Razor Leaf
– Leafeon: Razor Leaf/Leaf Blade
– Swampert: Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
– Rhyperior: Mud Slap/Earthquake
– Groudon: Mud Shot/Earthquake
Omastar
Counters:
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
– Torterra
– Leafeon: Razor Leaf/Leaf Blade
Onix
Counters:
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
Marowak
Counters:
– Kyogre: Waterfall/Hydro Pump
– Moltres w/Sky Attack
– Lugia: Extrasensory/Sky Attack
Electivire
Counters:
– Swampert: Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
Sandslash
Counters:
– Ludicolo: Razor Leaf/Ice Beam
– Mewtwo: Psycho Cut/Ice Beam
– Honchkrow: Snarl/Sky Attack
– Shiftry with Razor Leaf
Snorlax
Counters:
– Tyranitar: Bite/Stone Edge
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
– Mewtwo: Psycho Cut/Psystrike
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
Flygon
Counters:
– Skarmory: Air Slash/Sky Attack
– Ludicolo: Razor Leaf/Ice Beam
– Mewtwo: Psycho Cut/Ice Beam
– Honchkrow: Snarl/Sky Attack (vs ground attacks)
3rd Pokémon (5 possibilities)
Articuno (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Aggron: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Metagross: Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash
– Heatran: Fire Spin/ Stone Edge
Swampert
Counters:
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
– Leafeon: Razor Leaf/Leaf Blade
– Rhyperior: Mud Slap/Earthquake
– Groudon: Mud Shot/Earthquake
Tyranitar
Counters:
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Earthquake
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch
– Skarmory: Air Slash/Flash Cannon
– Toxicroak: Counter/Mud Bomb
– Shiftry with Razor Leaf
– Leafeon: Razor Leaf/Leaf Blade
– Swampert: Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
– Rhyperior: Mud Slap/Earthquake
– Groudon: Mud Shot/Earthquake
Torterra
Counters:
– Rayquaza: Air Slash/Aerial Ace
– Tyranitar: Bite/Crunch
– Blaziken: Counter/Brave Bird
– Moltres w/Sky Attack
Infernape
Counters:
– Skarmory: Air Slash/Sky Attack
– Swampert: Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
– Mewtwo: Psycho Cut/Psystrike
– Blaziken: Counter/Brave Bird
– Toxicroak: Counter/Mud Bomb
Giovanni
In order to take on Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket, Trainers will need to complete levels 1-4 of the Special Research entitled; Looming in the Shadows. Once those tasks are fulfilled, it’ll then be time to find, fight, and defeat the big boss.
Here’s a few suggestions of counters to use against the Pokémon Giovanni might toss your way.
1st Pokémon: Persian
Counters:
– Lucario: Counter/Power-Up Punch**
– Altered Forme Giratina with Dragon Claw
– Metagross with Meteor Mash
– Conkeldurr: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Rhyperior: Smack Down/Surf
– Terrakion: Smack Down/Rock Slide
**NOTE: If you’re using Lucario, and can afford to add a 2nd move to him, this is a great situation to have Aura Sphere as that additional move. After Power-Up Punch has forced both opposing shields to be used, Aura Sphere will finish Persian off with one hit.
If the Persian does NOT have Feint Attack, you can give these a try:
– Altered Forme Giratina: Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw
– Tyranitar: Bite/Crunch
If the Persian DOES have Feint Attack, then try:
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Machamp: Counter/Rock Slide
– Breloom: Bullet Seed/Dynamic Punch
– Blaziken with Blaze Kick
2nd Pokémon (11 possibilities)
Sandslash (GO Fest)
Counters:
– Lucario w/Power-Up Punch
– Ludicolo: Razor Leaf/Ice Beam
– Mewtwo: Psycho Cut/Ice Beam
– Honchkrow: Snarl/Sky Attack
– Shiftry with Razor Leaf
Nidoking
Counters:
– Kyogre w/ Surf
– Swampert w/Hydro Cannon
Rhyperior
Counters:
– Swampert: Mud Slap/Hydro Cannon
– Venusaur: Vine Whip/Frenzy Plant
– Lucario: Counter/Aura Sphere
Kingler
Counters:
– Swampert: Mud Slap/Earthquake
– Leafeon
– Roserade: Razor Leaf/Grass Knot
– Venusaur: Vine Whip/Frenzy Plant
Steelix
Counters:
– Swampert: Mud Slap/Hydro Cannon
– Lucario: Counter/ Aura Sphere
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Poliwrath: Mud Shot/Power-Up Punch or Dynamic Punch
– Kyogre
Cloyster
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Poliwrath: Mud Shot/ Power-Up Punch or Dynamic Punch
– Machamp: Counter/Dynamic Punch
– Lucario: Counter/Power Up Punch
– Blaziken: Counter/Blaze Kick
Kangaskhan
Counters:
– Lugia: Extrasensory/Sky Attack
– Dragonite: Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw
– Salamence: Dragon Tail/Outrage
Garchomp
Counters:
– Articuno: Ice Shard/Ice Beam
– Dragonite: Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw
– Togekiss: Charm/Aerial Ace
– Mamoswine: Powder Snow/Avalanche
Dugtrio
Counters:
– Metagross with Meteor Mash
Rhydon
Counters:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Metagross with Meteor Mash
Hippowdon
Counters:
– Groudon: Mud Shot/Solar Beam
– Kyogre: Waterfall/Surf
– Swampert:
Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon
Water Gun/Hydro Cannon
3rd Pokémon:
Shadow Mewtwo (GO Fest)
Counters:
Shadow Tyranitar: Bite/Crunch
Giratina Origin: Shadow Claw/Shadow Ball
Darkrai: Snarl/Dark Pulse
Hydreigon: Bite/Dark Pulse
Suicune (current)
Counters:
Raikou w/Wild Charge
Electivire w/ Wild Charge
Mewtwo: Psycho Cut/Thunderbolt
Zekrom
Entei (previous)
Counters:
Swampert:
Mud Slap/Hydro Cannon
Mud Slap/Hydro Pump
Garchomp: Mud Slap/Earthquake
Kyogre: Waterfall/Surf
Flygon: Mud Slap/Earth Power
Rhyperior w/ Rock Tomb OR Stone Edge
Raikou (previous)
Counters:
– Rhyperior: Mud Slap/Earthquake
– Excadrill: Mud Shot/Drill Run
– Groudon
Moltres (previous)
Counters:
Rhyperior:
Smack Down/Stone Edge
Smack Down/Surf
Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
Alolan Golem: Rock Throw/Wild Charge
Golem:
Rock Throw/Stone Edge
Rock Throw/Rock Blast
Regirock: Rock Throw/Stone Edge
Zapdos (previous)
Counters:
For 5 of the 6 movesets:
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Rhyperior: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Terrakion: Smack Down/Rock Slide
– Rampardos: Smack Down/Rock Slide
– Golem: Rock Throw/Stone Edge
When going against the Charge Beam/Thunder moveset:
– Garchomp: Mud Shot/Outrage
– Weavile: Ice Shard/Avalanche
– Torterra: Razor Leaf or Bite/Stone Edge
– Mamoswine: Powder Snow/Avalanche or Stone Edge
Articuno (previous)
Counters:
– Aggron: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Melmetal: Thunder Shock/Rock Slide
– Tyranitar: Smack Down/Stone Edge
– Metagross: Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash
– Heatran: Fire Spin/ Stone Edge
Helpful Tips
Tip #1: Be sure your item bag isn’t full before going into battle so you don’t miss out on receiving valuable resources after a win.
Tip #2: Make sure your counters are powered up to at least 5,000 Stardust to help them last longer in battle.
Tip #3:
To avoid the hassle of manually choosing 3 Pokémon each time you go into a fight, set-up teams beforehand. This can be accomplished under the “Great League” area. (Note: When creating your teams, make sure to give each a name that helps you remember when it should be used).
Tip #4: Consider purchasing a 2nd charge move so you’ll have a monster that can do damage against multiple types of Pokémon.
If you decide to make a purchase, remember that it’s always cheaper to buy a move for a baby Pokémon than it is for a fully evolved monster. (However, keep in mind, you will need enough Stardust & Candy to do the evolve).
Two terrific monsters to invest in are Tyranitar (so it’ll have both Stone Edge & Crunch) and Lucario (so it’ll have both Shadow Ball & Power-Up Punch). Skarmory is also a nice choice for a 2nd move expenditure to give it both Flash Cannon & Sky Attack (w/Air Slash as the fast move).
Tip #5: Always use a counter with a 3 bar charge move upfront to force your opponent to use both his/her shields early on.
Tip #6: If possible, only use 1 of your 2 shields when fighting with your first Pokémon. Saving the 2nd shield for later in the fight just might mean the difference in a win versus a loss. (This strategy may or may not work depending on the fight).
Tip #7: If you defeat the 1st or 2nd opposing Pokémon and your monster still has some life left in it, let it take a hit before moving onto the next counter needed. (This is especially effective when using Garchomp).
Tip #8: Open gifts from friends, participate in raids, and spin Pokéstops in order to stock up on Revives and Potions. You’ll need quite a few if you’re planning to take part in Team GO Rocket battles. (Note: If you’re opening gifts, be sure to acquire some as well so you can reciprocate the favor).
Tip #9: When searching for Giovanni, save yourself some time by not participating in the battles with grunts disguised as their boss. Once you spin the Pokéstop and find out it’s not really Giovanni, simply choose not to engage any further.
Good luck on taking down the new Team GO Rocket Leaders!
Need help with grunt battles? Check out our “how to” for taking down Team GO Rocket grunts which includes advice on when it’s best to purify your shadow monsters.
NOTE: (Work in progress) denotes that these counters may change as we continue to experiment with the new Leader battles.
Have a counter or “how to” tip you’d like to add to our list? Be sure to let us know via the comment section of this article or by e-mail at [email protected].
Source: Niantic
Article co-written/edited by Stephanie Sanderson
