Team GO Rocket Lineups
See which Shadow Pokémon Giovanni, the Rocket Leaders, and Grunts are currently using in battle.
Jump to a Grunt
The counters are strong attackers of each lineup's weak types. They haven't been tested in Rocket battles yet, and a ranking made for those is on the way.
Giovanni
Giovanni
ROCKET BOSS"I will not tolerate your interference."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs Persian, Kangaskhan, RhyperiorFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
White KyuremSuper Effective vs Rhyperior, ZekromIceIce FangIceIce Burn
Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs Rhyperior, ZekromGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
Also Good: Crowned Sword Zacian, Shadow Garchomp, Shadow Mewtwo
GO Rocket Leaders
Cliff
LEADER"My strength comes from my loyalty to Team GO Rocket."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
Shadow KyogreSuper Effective vs Cubone, Golurk, Tyranitar, CameruptWaterWaterfallWaterSurf
KartanaSuper Effective vs Cubone, Golurk, TyranitarGrassRazor LeafGrassLeaf Blade- White KyuremSuper Effective vs Cubone, GolurkIceIce FangIceIce Burn
Also Good: Shadow Excadrill, Crowned Sword Zacian, Shadow Kingler
Arlo
LEADER"It's time to learn your place in the world."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs Grimer, SteelixGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
- Shadow KyogreSuper Effective vs Steelix, Golurk, CharizardWaterWaterfallWaterSurf
Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Steelix, ScizorFireFire FangFireOverheat
Also Good: Shadow Groudon, Shadow Kingler, Shadow Chandelure
Sierra
LEADER"I envy you—you get to battle me!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs Ferrothorn, Houndoom, SteelixFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
RayquazaSuper Effective vs PanchamFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs Pancham, FlygonSteelMetal ClawFairyPlay Rough
Also Good: Shadow Excadrill, Shadow Blaziken, Shadow Moltres
Rocket Grunts
Normal-type Male Grunt
Normal"Normal does not mean weak."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs Teddiursa, Porygon, Loudred and 3 MoreFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
- Shadow ZekromSuper Effective vs Hoothoot, Starly, SwellowElectricCharge BeamElectricWild Charge
- White KyuremSuper Effective vs Hoothoot, Starly, SwellowIceIce FangIceIce Burn
Fire-type Female Grunt
Fire"Do you know how hot Pokémon fire breath can get?"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow KyogreSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupWaterWaterfallWaterSurf
- Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs Litwick, Ponyta, Torchic and 4 MoreRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
Water-type Female Grunt
Water"These waters are treacherous!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- KartanaSuper Effective vs Mudkip, Krabby, Swampert and 3 MoreGrassRazor LeafGrassLeaf Blade
- Shadow ZekromSuper Effective vs Mudkip, Tentacool, Krabby and 5 MoreElectricCharge BeamElectricWild Charge
- Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs Tentacool, TentacruelGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
Water-type Male Grunt
Water"These waters are treacherous!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow ZekromSuper Effective vs Magikarp, Feebas, GyaradosElectricCharge BeamElectricWild Charge
- KartanaSuper Effective vs Magikarp, FeebasGrassRazor LeafGrassLeaf Blade
- Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs GyaradosRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
Electric-type Female Grunt
Electric"Get ready to be shocked!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs Voltorb, Shinx, Helioptile and 5 MoreGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
- Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs Helioptile, Magnemite, GeodudeFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Magnemite, GalvantulaFireFire FangFireOverheat
Grass-type Male Grunt
Grass"Don't tangle with us!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- White KyuremSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupIceIce FangIceIce Burn
- RayquazaSuper Effective vs Phantump, Fomantis, Tangela and 4 MoreFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Phantump, Fomantis, Tangela and 4 MoreFireFire FangFireOverheat
Ice-type Female Grunt
Ice"You're gonna be frozen in your tracks."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs Delibird, Spheal, Sealeo and 4 MoreRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
- Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs Delibird, Froslass, Ninetales and 2 MoreSteelMetal ClawSteelBehemoth Blade
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Delibird, Froslass, Ninetales, GlalieFireFire FangFireOverheat
Fighting-type Female Grunt
Fighting"This buff physique isn't just for show!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- RayquazaSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
Shadow MewtwoSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupPsychicConfusionPsychicPsychic- Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs Timburr, Mankey, Makuhita and 5 MoreSteelMetal ClawFairyPlay Rough
Poison-type Female Grunt
Poison"Coiled and ready to strike!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow MewtwoSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupPsychicConfusionPsychicPsychic
- Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs Qwilfish, Weezing, Nidorino and 2 MoreGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
- RayquazaSuper Effective vs Oddish, Toxicroak, AmoongussFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
Ground-type Male Grunt
Ground"You'll be defeated into the ground!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- White KyuremSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupIceIce FangIceIce Burn
- Shadow KyogreSuper Effective vs Rhyhorn, Gligar, Trapinch and 3 MoreWaterWaterfallWaterSurf
- KartanaSuper Effective vs Rhyhorn, Trapinch, Claydol and 2 MoreGrassRazor LeafGrassLeaf Blade
Flying-type Female Grunt
Flying"Battle against my Flying-type Pokémon!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- White KyuremSuper Effective vs Taillow, Rookidee, Swablu and 5 MoreIceIce FangIceIce Burn
- Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs Taillow, Rookidee, Swablu and 5 MoreRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
- Shadow ZekromSuper Effective vs Taillow, Rookidee, Swablu and 4 MoreElectricCharge BeamElectricWild Charge
Psychic-type Male Grunt
Psychic"Are you scared of psychics that use unseen power?"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
Shadow VikavoltSuper Effective vs Wobbuffet, Drowzee, Duosion and 2 MoreBugBug BiteBugX-Scissor
Dawn Wings NecrozmaSuper Effective vs Wobbuffet, Ralts, Drowzee and 3 MorePsychicPsycho CutGhostMoongeist Beam
Shadow DarkraiSuper Effective vs Wobbuffet, Drowzee, Duosion, ReuniclusDarkSnarlDarkFoul Play
Bug-type Male Grunt
Bug"Go, my super bug Pokémon!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs Venonat, Weedle, Wimpod and 5 MoreRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Venonat, Weedle, Pinsir and 3 MoreFireFire FangFireOverheat
- RayquazaSuper Effective vs Venonat, Weedle, Wimpod and 3 MoreFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
Rock-type Male Grunt
Rock"Let's rock and roll!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- KartanaSuper Effective vs Onix, Kabuto, Cranidos and 3 MoreGrassRazor LeafGrassLeaf Blade
- Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
- Shadow KyogreSuper Effective vs Onix, Cranidos, Shieldon and 3 MoreWaterWaterfallWaterSurf
Ghost-type Male Grunt
Ghost"Ke...ke...ke...ke...ke...ke!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Dawn Wings NecrozmaSuper Effective vs Duskull, Sandygast, Yamask and 4 MorePsychicPsycho CutGhostMoongeist Beam
- Shadow DarkraiSuper Effective vs Duskull, Sandygast, Yamask and 4 MoreDarkSnarlDarkFoul Play
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs FroslassFireFire FangFireOverheat
Dragon-type Female Grunt
Dragon"ROAR! ...How'd that sound?"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- White KyuremSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupIceIce FangIceIce Burn
- Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupSteelMetal ClawFairyPlay Rough
- Shadow GarchompSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupDragonDragon TailDragonBreaking Swipe
Dark-type Female Grunt
Dark"Wherever there is light, there is also shadow."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
- Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs Carvanha, Poochyena, Rattata and 4 MoreSteelMetal ClawFairyPlay Rough
- Shadow VikavoltSuper Effective vs Carvanha, Poochyena, Rattata and 4 MoreBugBug BiteBugX-Scissor
Steel-type Male Grunt
Steel"You're no match for my iron will!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Resolute Form KeldeoSuper Effective vs Sandshrew, Aron, Lairon and 3 MoreFightingLow KickFightingSecret Sword
- Shadow ExcadrillSuper Effective vs Sandshrew, Aron, Beldum and 5 MoreGroundMud-SlapGroundScorching Sands
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Sandshrew, Beldum, Skarmory and 2 MoreFireFire FangFireOverheat
Fairy-type Female Grunt
Fairy"Check out my cute Pokémon!"
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs the Whole LineupSteelMetal ClawSteelBehemoth Blade
EternatusSuper Effective vs Ralts, Snubbull, Kirlia and 2 MorePoisonPoison JabPoisonSludge Bomb- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Vulpix, NinetalesFireFire FangFireOverheat
Male Grunt
"Winning is for winners."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs Charmander, Charmeleon, CharizardRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
- RayquazaSuper Effective vs Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, VenusaurFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
- Shadow MewtwoSuper Effective vs Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, VenusaurPsychicConfusionPsychicPsychic
Female Grunt
"Winning is for winners."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow ZekromSuper Effective vs Lapras, Poliwrath, GyaradosElectricCharge BeamElectricWild Charge
- Shadow RampardosSuper Effective vs Lapras, Gyarados, DragoniteRockSmack DownRockRock Slide
- Crowned Sword ZacianSuper Effective vs Poliwrath, Gardevoir, DragoniteSteelMetal ClawFairyPlay Rough
Decoy Grunts
Decoy Female Grunt
"Fooled ya, twerp."
First Pokémon
Second Pokémon
Third Pokémon
Recommended Counters
- Shadow ReshiramSuper Effective vs Bellsprout, WeepinbellFireFire FangFireOverheat
- White KyuremSuper Effective vs Bellsprout, WeepinbellIceIce FangIceIce Burn
- RayquazaSuper Effective vs Bellsprout, WeepinbellFlyingAir SlashFlyingDragon AscentK
How This Works
We look at every Shadow Pokémon a Rocket can send out and find the types most of them are weak to. A Pokémon that resists a type counts against it, and a type that any of them resists twice over is left out. When a slot has three possible Pokémon you only face one, so each counts for a third.
The counters are the strongest attackers with a move of those types, ranked by how they do in raids. Rocket battles use shields and their own move stats, so a pick that does well in raids can do worse here. We're working on a ranking built for Rocket battles.
Mega Evolutions can't be used against Team GO Rocket, so they're never suggested. Neither are moves that need an Elite TM or can no longer be learned.