Team GO Rocket is back with a vengeance in Pokémon Go’s “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over” event, running from October 8 to 11, 2024. Prepare to face off against Rocket Grunts and leaders more frequently than ever, unlock new Special Research tasks, and most importantly, rescue the elusive Shadow Heatran before time runs out. Will you be ready to take down Giovanni and save the day? This guide has everything you need to know to conquer the takeover.
The meat of this event is actually the addition of new Special Research Tasks to the “Galar Calling” research. These steps include the Team Go Rocket leader and Giovanni encounters, so if you want the Shadow Heatran, you’ll need to progress in “Galar Calling” to do so.
As usual with these events, Team Go Rocket members will appear more frequently at PokéStops and in the hot air balloons. You can also use a Charged TM to get rid of the move Frustration during the event, allowing you to slot in something more powerful.
Below, we list out the other event perks for the “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over” event, including Field Research and shadow raid targets. Note that there’s not much here, as the main part of the event is the aforementioned Special Research and the “Galarian Expedition” is still running.
Pokémon Go ’Galarian Expedition: Taken Over’ event Field Research
During the Pokémon Go “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over” event, players can engage in special Field Research tasks that focus on Team GO Rocket activities. By spinning PokéStops, trainers may receive tasks such as defeating one Team GO Rocket grunt to earn a Mysterious Component or purifying three Shadow Pokémon to obtain a Fast or Charged TM. These tasks are part of the event’s emphasis on battling Team GO Rocket, which appears more frequently during this period. Completing these Field Research tasks helps players progress through the event and supports the Special Research storyline involving Giovanni and the chance to rescue Shadow Heatran.
Spinning a PokéStop during the event period may yield one of these tasks:
- Defeat 1 Team Go Rocket grunt (1 Mysterious Component)
- Purify 3 Shadow Pokémon (1 Fast or Charged TM)
Pokémon Go ’Galarian Expedition: Taken Over’ event raid targets
During the Pokémon Go “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over” event, players can face a variety of Shadow Pokémon in special Shadow Raids hosted by Team GO Rocket. The raid targets include 1-star Shadow Pokémon such as Machop, Grimer, Exeggcute, and Sudowoodo, as well as 3-star Shadow Pokémon including Pinsir, Sableye, and Mawile. These raids require players to be physically present as Remote Raid Passes are disabled for Shadow Raids during the event. This lineup offers trainers a diverse challenge and the opportunity to rescue and purify these Shadow Pokémon.
How can I maximize my chances to rescue Shadow Heatran during the event
To maximize your chances of rescuing Shadow Heatran during the Pokémon Go “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over” event, follow these key strategies:
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Focus on completing the Special Research tasks that lead to the Giovanni battle, as defeating him is required to encounter Shadow Heatran.
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Use strong counters against Heatran’s Fire/Steel typing, such as Fighting, Ground, and Water-type Pokémon; Lucario with Fighting moves is highly recommended for its resistance and damage output.
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Stock up on Purified Gems and use them in Shadow Raids to improve your rewards and chances of success during the event.
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Take advantage of any double candy events or use Silver Pinap Berries to maximize candy gains for powering up Shadow Heatran later.
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Consider waiting for sunny weather in-game to battle Giovanni, as weather boosts Fire-type moves, potentially making the fight easier and more rewarding.
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Use the best moveset for Shadow Heatran (Fire Spin and Magma Storm) after capture, and be prepared to TM away frustration moves to optimize your new Pokémon.
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Remember that Remote Raid Passes are disabled for Shadow Raids during this event, so you must be physically present to participate.
By combining efficient Special Research completion, optimal counters, resource management, and timing your battles, you can maximize your chances to successfully rescue and catch Shadow Heatran during the event.
What are the best counters to defeat Giovanni’s Shadow Heatran efficiently
The best counters to defeat Giovanni’s Shadow Heatran efficiently in Pokémon Go are Ground, Fighting, and Water-type Pokémon, exploiting Heatran’s Fire/Steel typing weaknesses. Top recommended counters include:
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Primal Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
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Mega Garchomp with Mud Shot and Sand Tomb
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Shadow Groudon and Shadow Garchomp
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Landorus Therian
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Shadow Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
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Swampert with Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon
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Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
These Pokémon deal significant damage due to Heatran’s 2.56× weakness to Ground moves, and also benefit from strong Fighting and Water-type attacks for additional effectiveness.
For a balanced team against Giovanni’s full lineup, Fighting-type Pokémon like Lucario (Counter/Aura Sphere), Machamp (Counter/Dynamic Punch), and Conkeldurr are excellent choices to quickly dispatch his Persian and other Pokémon before focusing on Shadow Heatran.
Using these counters with charged moves timed well will maximize your chances of defeating Shadow Heatran efficiently during the event.
