The Pokemon GO Memories in Motion season started on March 3, bringing much-needed excitement. While everyone is talking about the massive 30th Anniversary event and the new Pressure Rising Volcanion research, the big boss Giovanni is still waiting for challengers.

Giovanni is currently using Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus, which is a powerful Electric and Flying-type legendary that acts like a lightning bolt in a bottle. You require a Super Rocket Radar to find him, which is a reward for completing the Precious Pals: Taken Over Research tasks. Think of this battle as a three-part play; save your best counters for the final act while making sure you do not get knocked out during the opening rounds.

Tip: If you do not see the new Special Research, make sure you have finished your previous Rocket quests. You can only hold one Super Rocket Radar research at a time!

Pokemon GO: Giovanni’s March 2026 Lineup

Giovanni always starts with his favorite Pokemon but the middle part of his team can change at random. You need to be ready for any of these three options in the second round to avoid getting caught off guard. Here is exactly what he will throw at you during each stage of the fight:

• Round 1: Shadow Persian
• Round 2: Shadow Machamp, Shadow Rhyperior, or Shadow Kangaskhan
• Round 3: Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus

Tip: Giovanni’s second Pokemon choice can be tricky. If you get unlucky with his pick, you can always leave the battle and restart; he will use the same Pokemon again, allowing you to pick a perfect counter.

Pokemon GO: Giovanni’s Best Counters

If you are a serious player and own a collection of rare legendary Pokemon, these are your best tools for the job. These top-tier picks can resist Giovanni’s Shadow Pokemon attacks while hitting back incredibly hard. Here are the champions you should pick if you have them:

Crowned Sword Zacian

Pokemon GO Zacian in its Crowned Sword form is like a knight in shining armor for your team. Use Close Combat to take down Persian or Rhyperior. Because it is a Fairy and Steel-type, it can survive much longer than other types. Ensure you have enough Crowned Energy to maintain this form’s Steel typing.

Tip: Since Zacian is a Steel-type, it is weak to Ground-type moves.

Mega Lucario

Mega Lucario’s Power-Up Punch move charges up very quickly, which forces Giovanni to use his shields early. Once those shields are gone, his team is wide open for your big attacks.

Tip: Use the Switch Trick, never start with Lucario in the first slot. Put it in the second slot and swap to it as soon as the battle begins. This freezes Giovanni for two seconds, giving you free hits. Farm Charged Energy until he starts moving again.

White or Black Kyurem

Shadow Thundurus is very weak to Ice, and the Kyurem twins are the strongest Ice-types in Pokemon GO. Using them is like hitting a lightbulb with a hammer. One or two big Ice-type moves will usually end the fight instantly.

Pokemon GO: Giovanni Budget Counters

You do not need any rare legendary to win this fight if you use common Pokemon with the right types. Many players have achieved great success using Pokemon they found during regular Community Days or local events. These budget-friendly options are strong enough to get the job done without costing a fortune:

Machamp

Machamp is the classic choice for beating Persian and Kangaskhan because its Fighting-type moves work amazingly. Most players have a few of these from past events, making it the most reliable teammate you can find.

Swampert

Swampert is a great pick if Giovanni brings out Rhyperior, as Water-type moves easily wash away Ground-types. Its Hydro Cannon puts pressure throughout the entire match. If he brings Kangaskhan, you are better off sticking with a Fighting-type like Machamp.

Mamoswine

If you do not have a legendary Ice-type Pokemon, Mamoswine is your best friend against Thundurus. It can take a few hits and then finish the battle with a powerful Avalanche.

Tip: If Shadow Thundurus is using the move Brick Break, it might defeat Mamoswine. If that happens, try using a bulky Rock-type like Rhyperior instead.

Strategic Tip: The Super Radar Gap

Even though you have a Super Rocket Radar, you should consider if now is the best time to use it on Shadow Thundurus. The Pokemon is powerful, but can be defeated easily if you have the right counter.

With the 30th Pokemon Anniversary bringing major events soon, you may choose to save your Super Rocket Radar for a future opportunity. This could give you the chance to catch a more desirable Shadow Legendary when Giovanni updates his lineup.

Rewards & 2026 Shiny Rates

Have you heard about the China’s Demon Slayer Ban?