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Giovanni’s team received an update in Pokémon Go with the introduction of the winter “Fashion Week: Taken Over” event.

As of May 2025, following the update released on January 15, Giovanni’s team now includes a showdown against Palkia, which has recently received the Shadow treatment.

If you’re aiming to capture Shadow Palkia, it’s advisable to act quickly, as another Team Rocket refresh is expected soon, potentially swapping out the legendary Pokémon for a different one.

Keep in mind that Giovanni is a formidable adversary, and this guide will provide details on his current lineup and effective counters if you’re finding him challenging to defeat.

How to Locate Giovanni in Pokémon Go

To battle Team Go Rocket boss Giovanni, you’ll typically need to complete the Team Go Rocket Special Research tasks. New tasks are introduced every few months, usually culminating in the opportunity to capture a new Shadow legendary Pokémon.

Starting mid-January 2025, the current quest is “Fashion Week: Taken Over.”

Upon defeating all three Team Go Rocket leaders, you will receive a Super Rocket Radar, enabling you to track down Giovanni.

Similar to the leaders, Giovanni can be found in Team Go Rocket balloons or at PokéStops that have been taken over, provided you have the Super Rocket Radar activated. He might not be the first foe you encounter due to decoy grunts, but persistence will lead to his appearance.