Whether you're aiming to complete research tasks or eager to add formidable Shadow Pokémon to your collection, tackling *Pokémon GO*'s Team GO Rocket Leaders can be quite the challenge. With their boosted shadow Pokémon and ever-shifting teams, it's tough to predict what Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff might throw at you. But don't worry—we've got you covered with comprehensive details on these leaders and a list of counter-picks to help you overcome them, no matter which leader shows up in your area.
Jump To:
- Where To Find Team GO Rocket Leaders: Sierra, Arlo, & Cliff
- Pokemon GO Rocket Current Sierra Team
- Best Counters for Team Leader Sierra in Pokemon GO
- Pokemon GO Rocket Current Arlo Team
- Best Counters for Team Leader Arlo in Pokemon GO
- Pokemon GO Rocket Current Cliff Team
- Best Counters for Team Leader Cliff in Pokemon GO
Where To Find Team GO Rocket Leaders: Sierra, Arlo, & Cliff
Locating Team Rocket Leaders in *Pokémon GO* is no simple task. Unlike the common Team Rocket Grunts, these leaders are more elusive. To encounter a Team GO Rocket Leader, you'll need to defeat six Rocket Grunts first. Each defeated grunt will drop a Mysterious Component. Collect six of these to assemble a Rocket Radar. Grunts appear randomly at PokeStops, and a hot air balloon carrying a Grunt will follow you every six hours for 20 minutes before vanishing. Once you equip your Rocket Radar, Team GO Rocket Leaders will take the place of grunts at black PokeStops and in the hot air balloons.
Pokemon GO Rocket Current Sierra Team
Sierra, the cunning strategist of Team GO Rocket, has a versatile lineup for January 2025:
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
**Skorupi** Bug/Poison | 
**Sableye**
Dark/Ghost | 
**Houndoom**
Dark/Fire |
**Steelix** Ground/Steel | 
**Nidoqueen**
Ground/Poison | |
**Milotic**
Water | 
**Gardevoir**
Fairy/Psychic |
Best Counters for Team Leader Sierra in Pokemon GO
Sierra's current team is a mix of types, but you'll likely encounter Dark, Psychic, and her Bug/Poison starter, Skorupi. Here are some top counters to help you tackle her:
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
**Terrakion** | Smack Down Rock Slide |
**Gengar** | Shadow Claw Shadow Ball |
**Excadrill** | Metal Claw Iron Head |
Pokemon GO Rocket Current Arlo Team
Arlo, the fierce rival within Team GO Rocket, brings a powerful lineup to the field for January 2025. While his first Pokémon is set, the rest of his team remains flexible:
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
**Alolan Grimer**
Poison/Dark | 
**Hypno** Psychic | 
**Metagross**
Psychic/Steel |
**Charizard**
Flying/Fire | 
**Scizor**
Bug/Steel | |
**Gyarados**
Flying/Water | 
**Snorlax**
Normal |
Best Counters for Team Leader Arlo in Pokemon GO
Arlo's January team is diverse, featuring Flying, Psychic, and Poison types. To prepare effectively, consider these top counters:
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
**Tyranitar** | Bite Brutal Swing |
**Blaziken** | Fire Spin Blast Burn |
|
**Excadrill** | Mud Slap Drill Run |
Pokemon GO Rocket Current Cliff Team
Cliff, the muscular powerhouse of Team GO Rocket, boasts a formidable team for January 2025:
| First Pokémon | Second Pokémon | Third Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
**Cubone** Ground | 
**Venusaur**
Grass/Poison |
**Tyranitar**
Dark/Rock |
**Marowak**
Ground | 
**Obstagoon**
Dark/Normal | |
**Aerodactyl**
Flying/Rock | 
**Crobat**
Flying/Poison |
Best Counters for Team Leader Cliff in Pokemon GO
Cliff's team for January 2025 includes several Dark-type Pokémon, so you'll want to be ready for those. With Cubone as his starter, you're guaranteed to face a Ground type, alongside potential Flying and Poison types. Here are the best counters to bring into battle:
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
**Mamoswine** | Powder Snow Avalanche |
**Lucario** | Force Palm Aura Sphere |
|
**Blaziken** | Counter Blast Burn |
That wraps up everything you need to know to effectively counter the Team GO Rocket Leaders in *Pokémon GO* for January 2025. We'll keep this guide updated as their teams evolve, ensuring you're always ready for the next challenge *Pokémon GO* presents!
*Pokémon GO is available now on mobile devices.*
*The above article was updated on 1/14/2025 by Amanda Kay Oaks to reflect the current Team GO Rocket Leader line-ups and best counters for January 2025.*
