Lead with a strong Fighting-type for Persian
Use Lucario, Machamp, Conkeldurr, Terrakion, or Hariyama
Use fast, high-damage Charged Moves to break shields quickly
Save your best counter for Rhyperior if Giovanni has it
Use Water, Grass, or Fighting attacks against Rhyperior
Use Swampert, Kyogre, Kartana, Zarude, or Roserade against Rhyperior
Use Ice, Rock, or Dragon attacks against Kingdra
Use Mamoswine, Weavile, Tyranitar, Rampardos, or Dragonite against Kingdra
Use Electric, Grass, or Ground attacks against Nidoking
Use Mewtwo, Groudon, Excadrill, Garchomp, or Swampert against Nidoking
Use Dark, Ghost, or Fairy attacks against Garchomp
Use Togekiss, Gardevoir, Mamoswine, Weavile, or Dragonite against Garchomp
Use Ice, Rock, or Dark attacks against Honchkrow
Use Mamoswine, Rampardos, Tyranitar, Rhyperior, or Weavile against Honchkrow
Use Water, Grass, or Electric attacks against Gyarados
Use Zekrom, Raikou, Magnezone, Swampert, or Kartana against Gyarados
Use a shield baiting strategy with cheap Charged Moves
Bring at least one Pokémon with strong bulk
Prioritize type advantage over raw CP
Keep a backup counter for Giovanni’s second slot
Adjust your team if Giovanni’s lineup changes after rotation
Use the best available counters for the Shadow Legendary in the third slot
Check Giovanni’s current February 2025 lineup before battling
Use Pokémon with quick energy generation and strong coverage moves
Avoid weak-to-Persian leads that lose too much health early
Use a team built around fast shield pressure and safe swaps