Team GO Rocket Grunts are no doubt the villains in Pokémon GO. They continually challenge trainers while offering an engaging diversion from standard gameplay. You find them taking over PokéStops and also appearing in their Rocket balloons at different hours during the day.
Although these Grunts are the villains, they do leave Shadow Pokémon for Pokémon GO trainers to catch after they get defeated. These corrupted Pokémon with boosted attacks and unique stats have become very desirable to most Pokémon GO trainers.
Best Team GO Rocket Grunts
Every encounter with a Team GO Rocket Grunt begins with a taunt that hints at the type of Pokémon they are using. Examples of these taunts are “Don’t tangle with us!”, “Do you know how hot Pokémon fire breath can get?”, etc. Since there are 18 different Pokémon-types in Pokémon GO, these Grunts can use different Pokémon when encountered. Their different lineups often include Pokémon types such as Fighting, Water, and Ground. Sometimes, dual types like Normal- and Flying-type Pokémon.
The list below contains the best grunts to battle in Pokémon GO. It is important to know that the table is based on the usefulness of the Shadow Pokémon in battles. If you are looking for which Grunts to battle for the chance of encountering a Shiny Pokémon, please check the Shiny Shadow Pokémon available in Pokémon GO.
Before we get into the list, please note that you definitely should battle the Team GO Rocket Boss (Giovanni) and leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra) whenever you get the chance to. The Pokémon they leave after you defeat them are mostly useful.
Normal-type
“Normal does not mean weak.”
- Shadow Swablu: Its final evolution, Shadow Altaria, is useful in the GO Battle Great League
- Shadow Teddiursa: Its final evolution, Shadow Ursaluna, is useful in Raids
Fighting-type
“This buff physique isn’t just for show!”
- Shadow Mankey: Its evolutions, Shadow Primeape and Shadow Annihilape, are useful in the GO Battle Great League and Ultra League
- Shadow Machop: Its final evolution, Shadow Machamp, is useful in Raids.
- Shadow Timburr: Its final evolution, Shadow Conkeldurr, is useful in Raids.
Flying-type
“Battle against my Flying-type Pokémon!”
- Shadow Swablu: Its final evolution, Shadow Altaria, is useful in the GO Battle Great League
- Shadow Gligar and its final evolution, Shadow Gliscor, are useful in the GO Battle League.
- Shadow Scyther: Its final evolution, Shadow Scizor, is useful in the GO Battle Ultra League.
Poison-type
“Coiled and ready to strike!”
- Shadow Galarian Weezing is useful in the GO Battle Ultra League.
- Shadow Nidorina: Its final evolution, Shadow Nidoqueen, is useful in the GO Battle Ultra League.
Ground-type
“You’ll be defeated into the ground!”
- Shadow Gligar and its final evolution, Shadow Gliscor, are useful in the GO Battle League.
- Shadow Claydol is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
Rock-type
“Let’s rock and roll!”
- Shadow Cranidos: Its final evolution, Shadow Rampardos, is useful in Raids.
- Shadow Shieldon: Its final evolution, Shadow Bastiodon, is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
Ghost-type
“Ke…Ke…Ke…Ke…Ke…Ke!”
- Shadow Duskull: Its evolutions, Shadow Dusclops and Shadow Dusknoir, are useful in the GO Battle Great League. Shadow Dusknoir, also in the Ultra League.
- Shadow Dusclops: Its final evolution, Shadow Dusknoir, is useful in the Ultra League.
- Shadow Sableye is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
- Shadow Yamask: Its final evolution, Shadow Cofagrigus, is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
- Shadow Cofagrigus is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
Steel-type
“You’re no match for my iron will!”
- Shadow Alolan Sandshrew: Its final evolution, Shadow Alolan Sandslash, is useful in the GO Battle Great League and Ultra League
- Shadow Beldum: Its final evolution, Shadow Metagross, is useful in Raids and in the GO Battle Master League.
- Shadow Metang: Its evolution, Shadow Metagross, is useful in Raids and in the GO Battle Master League.
- Shadow Skarmory is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
Fire-type
“Do you know how hot Pokémon fire breath can get?“
- Shadow Litwick: Its final evolution, Shadow Chandelure, is useful in Raids.
Water-type
“These waters are treacherous!”
- Male Grunt
- Shadow Magikarp: Its final evolution, Shadow Gyarados, is useful in the GO Battle Master League and in Raids.
- Female Grunt
- Shadow Froakie: Its final evolution, Shadow Greninja, is useful in the GO Battle Great League and in Raids.
- Shadow Tentacool: Its final evolution, Shadow Tentacruel, is useful in the GO Battle Great and Ultra League.
Electric-type
“Get ready to be shocked!”
- Shadow Magnemite: Its final evolution, Shadow Magnezone, is useful in Raids.
- Shadow Electabuzz: Its final evolution, Shadow Electivire, is useful in Raids.
Psychic-type
“Are you scared of psychics that use unseen power?”
- Shadow Ralts: One of its final evolutions, Shadow Gardevoir, is useful in Raids and in the GO Battle Master League.
Ice-type
“You’re gonna be frozen in your tracks.”
- Shadow Sneasel: Its final evolution, Shadow Weavile, is useful in Raids.
- Shadow Swinub: Its final evolution, Shadow Mamoswine, is useful in Raids.
Dragon-type
“Roar!… How’d that sound?”
- Shadow Deino: Its final evolution, Shadow Hydreigon, is useful in Raids and the GO Battle Master League.
- Shadow Bagon: Its final evolution, Shadow Salamence, is useful in Raids and the GO Battle Master League.
- Shadow Dratini: Its final evolution, Shadow Dragonite, is useful in Raids and the GO Battle Master League.
Fairy-type
“Check out my cute Pokémon!”
- Shadow Ralts: One of its final evolutions, Shadow Gardevoir, is useful in Raids and in the GO Battle Master League.
- Shadow Galarian Weezing is useful in the GO Battle Ultra League.
Multi-type
“Winning is for Winners.”
- Male Grunt
- Shadow Charmander: Its final evolution, Shadow Charizard, is useful in Raids.
- Female Grunt
- Shadow Snorlax is useful in some GO Battle Leagues.
Decoy Female Grunt
“Fooled ya twerp”
- Shadow Bellsprout: Its final evolution, Shadow Victreebel, is useful in the GO Battle Great League.
READ ALSO: Guaranteed Shadow Hundo Pokémon by CP in Pokémon GO
Why Battle Team GO Rocket Grunts?
Battling Grunts have become an integral part of Pokémon GO’s experience. We need to battle and defeat them to complete certain Research tasks (either Field, Timed, or Special Research). Likewise, we need to defeat them to earn Mysterious Components to assemble a Rocket Radar. This radar unlocks encounters with the Team GO Rocket Leaders, such as Arlo, Sierra, and Cliff.
Furthermore, during Special events, you need to defeat the Grunts and their leaders to eventually encounter the boss, Giovanni, with a Super Rocket Radar. Giovanni offers coveted Shadow Legendary Pokémon. In addition, you need to defeat the Grunts to accomplish some trainer-level-up tasks and medals. Defeating Grunts has also become one of the recommended ways to grind Stardust.
READ ALSO: Shadow Legendaries in Pokémon GO
In conclusion, Team GO Rocket Grunts are more than mere villains. They are relevant in-game challengers who encourage players to explore diverse battling strategies. They provide trainers with Shadow Pokémon they can use for other in-game battles, e.g., Raids and GO Battle League. Their presence in Pokémon GO keeps the spirit of adventure alive.
Fun fact: The Team GO Rockets was first introduced in Pokémon GO in 2019.
