Team GO Rocket Boss Giovanni is back for the holiday season in December 2022 with a lineup slightly different from his previous team in Pokémon GO. He still finds it hard to part with his beloved Persian and yet holds onto Rhyperior from earlier lineups. However, he has now swapped Machamp and Nidoking for Nidoqueen and Steelix, two combatants that can be just as devasting in the arena. Furthermore, his previous Legendary of Shadow Latios has now been swapped with Shadow Mewtwo, an opponent bound to give many Trainers a rough time.

Players should keep in mind that, to defeat Boss Giovanni in Pokémon GO in December 2022, they will need counters with the highest possible CP values. Of course, not everyone has the Candy or Stardust to Power Up their Pokémon to the max for the battle, but it is essential to avoid taking counters with Combat Power lower than Giovanni's picks. Unlike his three Team GO Rocket Leaders, the Boss does not mess around and will make quick work of any player who recklessly enters the arena with the ultimate enemy.

Related: Celesteela Pokémon GO: Raid Guide (Counters, Movesets)

Best Counters for Giovanni in Pokémon GO (December 2022)

Giovanni Boss Battle in December 2022 of Pokémon GO

Understandably, not all Trainers have a roster of Legendaries or highly rare pocket monsters to take on Giovanni in December 2022 of Pokémon GO. Therefore, those who fit into this group can refer to the optimal counters and Movesets below, sourced from Pokebattler:

Giovanni's Pokémon

Type & Weakness

Top Three Counters

Optimal Moveset

Persian

  • Type: Normal
  • Weakness: Fighting

Lucario

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charge Move: Aura Sphere

Conkeldurr

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charge Move: Dynamic Punch

Machamp in Pokémon GO

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charge Move: Dynamic Punch

Nidoqueen

  • Type: Poison and Ground
  • Weakness: Ground, Water, Psychic, and Ice

Alakazam

  • Fast Move: Confusion
  • Charge Move: Psychic

Espeon

  • Fast Move: Confusion
  • Charge Move: Psychic

Mamoswine

  • Fast Move: Mud-Slap
  • Charge Move: Avalanche

Steelix

  • Type: Steel and Ground
  • Weakness: Fighting, Ground, Fire, and Water

Lucario

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charge Move: Aura Sphere

Darmanitan

  • Fast Move: Fire Fang
  • Charge Move: Overheat

Conkeldurr

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charge Move: Dynamic Punch

Rhyperior

  • Type: Rock & Ground
  • Weakness: Water & Grass

Swampert

  • Fast Move: Water Gun
  • Charge Move: Hydro Cannon

Samurott

  • Fast Move: Waterfall
  • Charge Move: Hydro Cannon

Kingler

  • Fast Move: Bubble
  • Charge Move: Crabhammer

Shadow Mewtwo

  • Type: Psychic
  • Weakness: Ghost, Dark, and Bug

Hydreigon

  • Fast Move: Bite
  • Charge Move: Brutal Swing

Chandelure

  • Fast Move: Hex
  • Charge Move: Shadow Ball

Weavile in Pokémon GO

  • Fast Move: Snarl
  • Charge Move: Foul Play

On the other hand, YouTube content creator DrKendo has devised the perfect "dream team" for more veteran and experienced players who have exceptionally rare pocket monsters in their roster. These three Pokémon will make quick work of Giovanni's team in December 2022 of Pokémon GO:

Pokémon

Optimal Moveset

Yveltal

  • Fast Move: Snarl
  • Charge Move: Dark Pulse

Giratina (Altered Forme)

  • Fast Move: Dragon Breathe
  • Charge Move: Dragon Claw

Heatran

  • Fast Move: Fire Spin
  • Charge Move: Flamethrower

More: Pheromosa Pokémon GO: Raid Guide (Counters, Movesets)

Source: YouTube/DrKendo | Pokebattler

  • Pokemon Go Poster
    Pokemon GO
    Released:
    2016-07-06
    Developer:
    The Pokemon Company, Nintendo, Niantic
    Genre:
    Augmented Reality, RPG
    Platform:
    Android, iOS
    Publisher:
    Niantic, Nintendo
    ESRB:
    E
    Franchise:
    Pokemon