When Does Giovanni’s Legendary Change in Pokémon Go? (Is Giovanni’s Legendary Changing Soon?)
I was disappointed when I didn’t capture Shadow Mewtwo during GO Fest 2020 😞, and although I got in the 2023 Shadow Raid event, it wasn’t the same. I guess I really wanted to beat Giovanni.
That and subsequent Giovanni encounters made me wonder how often this character changes his Pokémon. Curious, I scoured the internet for answers.
Here’s what I learned…
How long does it usually take for Giovanni to change his Pokémon?

Giovanni changes his Pokémon every few months, particularly during the Team Rocket Take Over Event. During these events, the frequency of Team Rocket’s invasions increases, and there’s an influx of Shadow Pokémon.
Additionally, you can make your Shadow Pokémon forget the move, “Frustration 🤓.”
Giovanni uses a new Shadow Legendary during these events. For instance, he used a Shadow Mewtwo in 2022 and a Shadow Registeel in 2023.
Here’s a table summarizing Giovanni’s Shadow Pokémon choices 👇.
Date |
Shadow Legendary |
Shadow Pokémon |
Nov. 2019 |
Articuno |
Hippowdown, Rhydon, Dugtrio, Persian. |
Dec. 2019 |
Zapdos |
Hippowdown, Rhydon, Dugtrio, Persian. |
Jan. 2020 |
Moltres |
Garchomp, Kangaskhan, Cloyster, Persian. |
Feb. 2020 |
Raikou |
Hippowdon, Steelix, Cloyster, Persian. |
March – July 2020 |
Entei |
Rhyperior, Steelix, Kingler, Persian. |
July – October 2020 |
Suicune |
Garchomp, Dugtrio, Nidoking, Persian |
Oct 2020 – Feb 2021 |
Mewtwo |
Garchomp, Kangaskhan, Nidoking, Persian. |
Feb – March 2021 |
Articuno |
Garchomp, Kangaskhan, Nidoking, Persian. |
Apr – June 2021 |
Zapdos |
Garchomp, Kangaskhan, Nidoking, Persian. |
May 2021 |
Moltres |
Garchomp, Kangaskhan, Nidoking, Persian. |
June – Sept 2021 |
Ho-oh |
Cloyster, Golem, Machamp, Persian. |
Nov 2021 – Apr 2022 |
Lugia |
Rhyperior, Kingler, Nidoking, Persian. |
Apr – Jul 2022 |
Latias |
Rhyperior, Honchkrow, Gyarados, Persian |
Jul – Nov 2022 |
Latios |
Rhyperior, Machamp, Nidoking, Persian. |
Nov 2022 – Jan 2023 |
Mewtwo |
Rhyperior, Honchkrow, Steelix, Persian. |
Feb – March 2023 |
Registeel |
Garchomp, Cloyster, Nidoking, Pesian. |
March – June 2023 |
Regice |
Kingdra, Kingler, Nidoking, Persian. |
June 2023 |
Regirock |
Garchomp, Rhyperior, Nidoking, Persian. |
Is Giovanni’s Legendary Pokémon changing soon?

Yes. Giovanni’s legendary Pokémon is set to change once again. October 2023 saw him use Shadow Regigigas; he is set to use Shadow Kyogre in the January 2024 Taken Treasure Event.
Kyogre is a legendary Water-type known to undergo Primal Reversion if it holds the Blue Orb. Lore-wise, this legendary can expand the oceans and is said to oppose Groudon, a Legendary that can extend the continents.
Players can expect Shadow Kyogre to have the following moves: Waterfall, Hydro pump, Blizzard, Thunder, Surf, and Origin Pulse.
What is Giovanni’s next legendary?
Giovanni’s next legendary is Shadow Kyogre, available in the Taken Treasures event from January 27th, 2024, to February 1st, 2024 📅.
As mentioned, this Legendary Pokémon is a water-type, making it vulnerable to Electric and Grass Pokémon but resistant to Fire, Water, Steel, and Ice Pokémon.
How do you beat Giovanni’s next Legendary?

As mentioned, Giovanni’s next Legendary is Shadow Kyogre. Here are the best Pokémon to face Shadow Kyogre
PvE
- Mega Rayquaza
- Kartana.
- Shadow Raikou.
- Mega Sceptile.
- Mega Manectric.
- Mega Venusaur.
PvP
- Xurkitree.
- Zarude.
- Shadow Raikou.
- Shadow Electivire.
- Shadow Tangrowth.
- Shadow Magnezone.
- Kartana.