One of the most frequent events in Pokémon Go (second only to catching Pokémon) is crossing paths with a Team GO Rocket Grunt. While these villainous troublemakers are usually easy to defeat, sometimes their Pokémon lineup can surprise you with a change that includes a stronger-than-usual Pokémon. In this guide, we cover each possible roster for the Team GO Rocket Grunts and the best way to counter them.
Currently, there is only one way to determine what kind of Pokémon you're going to battle against when you run into a Grunt: their catchphrase. What may surprise you is that no matter what they say, it will determine what kind of Pokémon you should put into your own roster before the battle begins. To make things easy, we've sorted the catchphrases alphabetically below. To go to that list of Pokémon, simply click whichever phrase matches what is said by the Team GO Rocket Grunt you've encountered.
Notes: This is a temporary lineup. Generally, the Grunt who uses Water Pokémon will use Pokémon that are more difficult to defeat. Regardless, it's still best to counter with Electric or Grass Pokémon.
Type: Water
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Option #1:
Magikarp
Magikarp
Magikarp
Option #2:
Gyarados
Option #3
Best Counter:
Electric or Grass
This buff physique isn’t just for show!
Type: Fighting
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Option #1:
Hitmonlee
Makuhita
Hitmonchan
Option #2:
Hitmonchan
Machop
Hitmonlee
Option #3
Hariyama
Best Counter:
Psychic
Wherever there is light, there is also shadow.
Type: Dark
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Option #1:
Poochyena
Cacturne
Sharpedo
Option #2:
Houdour
Sableye
Shiftry
Option #3
Nuzleaf
Best Counter:
Fighting
You’ll be defeated into the ground!
Type: Ground
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Option #1:
Hippopotas
Sandslash
Hippowdon
Option #2:
Sandshrew
Hippopotas
Option #3
Best Counter:
Grass
You’re gonna be frozen in your tracks.
Type: Ice
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Option #1:
Spheal
Cloyster
Lapras
Option #2:
Swinub
Snover
Abomasnow
Option #3
Best Counter:
Fire or Steel
That's all there is to know about the Team Go Rocket Grunts currently in the game! This list has changed before and may change again, so be sure to check back any time there is an update!
