The latest Team GO Rocket invasion brings Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra back to PokéStops with refreshed Shadow Pokémon teams. Overcoming these executives grants encounters with rare Shadow creatures – Sierra currently deploys Feebas, Arlo commands Wobbuffet, and Cliff utilizes Larvitar as of September 2025. Defeating all three unlocks a confrontation with Giovanni and his Shadow Giratina through special research missions.
Arlo’s Battle Strategy and Rotation
Arlo’s September 2025 team features guaranteed Wobbuffet first, followed by random selections from listed options:
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
| Steelix | Alakazam | |
| Crobat | Alolan Muk | |
| Wobbuffet | Slowbro | Scizor |
Effective counters include:
- Slot 1: Powerful Bug (Genesect, Volcarona), Dark (Tyranitar, Darkrai), or Ghost types (Dawn Wings Necrozma)
- Slot 2: Mamoswine with Ice/Ground moves or alternative Fire/Dark attackers
- Slot 3: Ground (Groudon) or Fire types (Reshiram) to handle Scizor and Alolan Muk
Combat adjustments may be necessary based on Arlo’s selections. Crobat presents unique challenges requiring Ice-type moves from Mamoswine. Utilize persistent Bug/Dark/Ghost attackers against Wobbuffet and secondary opponents when possible.
Cliff’s Combat Configuration
Cliff’s September roster features Larvitar followed by shuffled selections:
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
| Annihilape | Luxray | |
| Honchrow | Machamp | |
| Larvitar | Skarmory | Tyranitar |
Recommended counters:
- Slot 1: Ice specialists (Baxcalibur, Shadow Mamoswine)
- Slot 2: Fairy or Psychic types (Primarina, Mewtwo)
- Slot 3: Ground powerhouses (Primal Groudon, Excadrill)
Ice attackers handle Larvitar and Honchkrow efficiently. Fairy types counter multiple secondary threats, while Ground specialists dominate final-stage opponents. Adapt teams when facing Skarmory by incorporating Fire/Electric counters.
Sierra’s September Squad
Sierra’s updated lineup includes Feebas with rotating companions:
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrothorn | Drapion | |
| Mismagius | Camerupt | |
| Feebas | Staraptor | Houndoom |
Counter strategies:
- Slot 1: Electric types (Regieleki, Zekrom)
- Slot 2: Ground attackers (Primal Groudon, Terrakion)
- Slot 3: Dark/Ghost types (Hydreigon) for Mismagius or Ground specialists
Electric starters counter Feebas and Staraptor effectively. Ground types handle multiple secondary threats except Mismagius, requiring specific Dark/Ghost counters. Adapt team composition based on encountered opponents.
Recognition and Rewards
Victorious trainers receive:
- Premier Ball rewards (5+ based on performance)
- Chance to capture Sierra’s Feebas, Arlo’s Wobbuffet, or Cliff’s Larvitar
- Potential shiny encounters
Strategic Combat Mechanics
Key battle dynamics:
- Leaders use shields for initial Charged Attacks⏤optimize fast-charging moves
- Optimize fast move energy generation for shield breaking
- Exploit type weaknesses across multiple opponents
- Adapt teams based on failed attempts
Strategize Pokémon selection around overlapping vulnerabilities. Adjust teams using battle data from initial attempts. Utilize delay periods after shield use for maximal damage output.