Pokemon GO trainers are having a busy month and things are still just getting started. There aren't as many events as some prior months, but the ones that are running are longer than usual and full of bonuses, features, and activities. As part of the festivities, many trainers will be facing off against Team GO Rocket leaders in an attempt to finish some timed research chains.
Working through all of the Team GO Rocket leaders is going to mean coming face-to-face with Arlo at some point this month, so Pokemon GO Trainers will want to make sure they've done all of their homework to prep for that big fight before it arrives. Arlo has a pretty interesting lineup this month, so trainers may need to make some updates to their saved rosters in order to best prepare for Beldum and everything else Arlo has in store for them...
Beldum in the first slot may throw some players for a loop, but it's a pretty easy Pokemon to prepare counters for. Beyond that, trainers are going to need to get creative and prepare some versatile rosters since there are so many different Pokemon who can possibly appear in the second and third slots of Arlo's lineup (much like Cliff and Sierra).
Arlo's Lineup
Beldum
Gardevoir or Infernape or Aggron
Armaldo or Salamence or Scizor
Against Beldum Counters
Moltres – Fire Spin, Overheat
Entei – Fire Spin, Overheat
Mega Houndoom – Fire Fang, Foul Play
Gengar – Shadow Claw, Shadow Ball
Darkrai – Snarl, Shadow Ball
Reshiram – Fire Fang, Overheat
Against Gardevoir Counters
Metagross – Bullet Punch, Meteor Mash
Beedrill – Poison Jab, Sludge Bomb
Chandelure – Hex, Shadow Ball
Dialga – Metal Claw, Iron Head
Excadrill – Metal Claw, Iron Head
Gengar – Shadow Claw, Sludge Bomb
Against Infernape Counters
Mewtwo – Confusion, Psystrike
Alakazam – Confusion, Psychic
Metagross – Zen Headbutt, Psychic
Mega Blastoise – Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
Moltres – Wing Attack, Sky Attack
Rayquaza – Air Slash, Hurricane
Kyogre – Waterfall, Surf
Against Aggron Counters
Excadrill – Mud Slap, Earthquake
Lucario – Counter, Aura Sphere
Conkeldurr – Counter, Dynamic Punch
Machamp – Counter, Dynamic Punch
Groudon – Mud Shot, Earthquake
Alakazam – Counter, Focus Blast
Against Salamence Counters
Tyranitar - Smack Down/Crunch
Regice - Lock On/Blizzard
Giratina - Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw
Against Scizor Counters
Heatran - Fire Spin/Flamethrower
Moltres - Fire Spin/Overthrow
Charizard - Fire Spin/Blast Burn
Against Armaldo Counters
Mega Blastoise – Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
Metagross – Bullet Punch, Meteor Mash
Kyogre – Waterfall, Surf
Dialga – Metal Claw, Iron Head
Rhyperior – Smack Down, Rock Wrecker
Rampardos – Smack Down, Rock Slide
As always, trainers should keep in mind that there are a ton of different configurations they can use and there isn't one perfect lineup to take on any of the Team GO Rocket leaders. The most important thing is to focus on the crossover counters and try to field a roster of Pokemon that isn't weak to any of the possible matchups. That is very difficult on the first attempt, but trainers can aim to use a first try to gain some valuable intel and then head right back into the fight for a second attempt with more optimized counters in place.
Over the next week or so players should begin to learn a lot more about what other events are on the way during the finals days of the Season of Legends. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.
Source: HITC