Step into the shadows and prepare for an epic confrontation in Pokémon Go’s latest Special Research quest, “Showdown in the Shadows.” This thrilling new chapter pits you against the notorious Team GO Rocket, culminating in a high-stakes battle with Giovanni himself-and the chance to rescue the Legendary Shadow Pokémon, Regigigas. Ready your Poké Balls and sharpen your skills as you embark on a quest filled with ghostly encounters, challenging battles, and exclusive rewards that will test even the most seasoned trainers.
“Showdown in the Shadows” is part of a long line of Giovanni research quests, which started back in 2019 with “A Troubling Situation.” If “Showdown in the Shadows” is not appearing for you, first clear the most recent Giovanni quest in your quest log – the previous one was June 2023’s “A Shadowy Disturbance” – to allow this new quest to become available.
’Showdown in the Shadows’ tasks and rewards
The “Showdown in the Shadows” Special Research in Pokémon Go consists of five steps with various tasks and rewards. Players begin by catching Pokémon, spinning PokéStops or Gyms, and defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts to earn items like Pinap Berries, Poké Balls, and Mysterious Components, along with XP and Stardust. Progressing through the quest involves defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra, which grants significant XP and a Super Rocket Radar. The final steps require finding, battling, and defeating the Team GO Rocket Boss Giovanni, rewarding players with rare encounters such as a Gengar in a Trick or Treat costume and ultimately leading to a battle with Shadow Regigigas. Completing all steps yields substantial Stardust, XP, and special berries, making it a rewarding challenge for trainers seeking to confront Giovanni and capture his Shadow Legendary Pokémon.
“Showdown in the Shadows” Special Research will be available until the next Giovanni quest and highlighted Shadow Legendary encounter, which rolls out every few months. Once unlocked, there is no time limit to complete the quest.
Step 1 of 5
- Catch 15 Pokémon (5 Pinap Berries)
- Spin 5 Poké Stops or Gyms (10 Poké Balls)
- Defeat 3 Team Go Rocket grunts (1 Mysterious Component)
Rewards: 1,000 XP, 1,000 Stardust, Phantump encounter
Step 2 of 5
- Catch 15 Pokémon (5 Pinap Berries)
- Transfer 10 Pokémon (10 Great Balls)
- Defeat 6 Team Go Rocket Grunts (3 Mysterious Components)
Rewards: 1,500 XP, 1,500 Stardust, Galarian Yamask encounter
Step 3 of 5
- Defeat the Team Go Rocket Leader Arlo (2,500 XP)
- Defeat the Team Go Rocket Leader Cliff (2,500 XP)
- Defeat the Team Go Rocket Leader Sierra (2,500 XP)
Rewards: 2,500 XP, 300 Stardust, 1 Super Rocket Radar
Step 4 of 5
- Find the Team Go Rocket Boss (10 Max Potions)
- Battle the Team Go Rocket Boss (10 Ultra Balls)
- Defeat the Team Go Rocket Boss (6 Max Revives)
Rewards: 3,000 XP, 3,000 Stardust, Gengar encounter
You’ll be able to catch the final Shadow Pokémon in Giovanni’s team once you have used your Super Rocket Radar. This varies depending on when you play the quest; from June 2023 until when the next Giovanni quest debuts, this will be Shadow Regigigas.
Step 5 of 5
- Claim reward (2,500 XP)
- Claim reward (2,500 XP)
- Claim reward (2,500 XP)
Rewards: 5,000 XP, 4,500 Stardust, 2 Silver Pinap Berries
Team Go Rocket Takeover event changes
The recent Team GO Rocket Takeover event in Pokémon GO, titled “Crown Clash: Taken Over,” introduced several notable changes. Running from May 14 to May 18, 2025, Team GO Rocket appeared more frequently at PokéStops and in balloons, increasing opportunities for encounters. Players could use Charged TMs to remove the Charged Attack Frustration from Shadow Pokémon, a long-awaited feature. The event also featured new Shadow Pokémon for Rocket Grunts and Leaders, including Shadow Dialga, and expanded the variety of IVs in Shadow Pokémon caught from one-star and three-star Shadow Raids. Additionally, a new Special Research quest was unlocked, rewarding players with a Super Rocket Radar to locate Giovanni and battle his updated lineup.
As well as the above quest, the second half of the “Solstice Horizons” event is also host to a Team Go Rocket Takeover until Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. local time, with the following changes:
- Boosted Team Go Rocket balloon spawns and PokéStop encounters
- Shadow Pokémon can forget Charged Attack Frustration with a Charged TM
- Shadow raids appear more often
- Rocket Grunts change their Shadow Pokémon line-ups
- Leaders Sierra, Cliff, and Arlo change their team line-ups
- Giovanni changes team line-up
How does the ‘Showdown in the Shadows’ quest unlock Giovanni’s Shadow Regigigas
The ‘Showdown in the Shadows’ Special Research quest in Pokémon Go unlocks Giovanni’s Shadow Regigigas by guiding players through a series of tasks that culminate in earning a Super Rocket Radar. This radar allows players to locate and battle Giovanni himself. The quest involves multiple stages, including catching Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, and overcoming Rocket Leaders Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra. Upon defeating all three leaders, players receive the Super Rocket Radar, which is essential to find Giovanni. Once you defeat Giovanni in the final battle, you unlock the opportunity to catch his latest Shadow Legendary Pokémon, Shadow Regigigas.
Why is the Super Rocket Radar crucial for unlocking Giovanni’s Shadow Regigigas
The Super Rocket Radar is crucial for unlocking Giovanni’s Shadow Regigigas in Pokémon Go because it is the key item that allows players to locate and battle Giovanni, the Team GO Rocket boss who holds Shadow Regigigas. To obtain the Super Rocket Radar, players must complete the Special Research quest “Showdown in the Shadows,” which involves defeating the three Team GO Rocket leaders-Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra. Once these leaders are defeated, the Super Rocket Radar is awarded, enabling players to scan nearby PokéStops to find Giovanni’s hideout. Battling and defeating Giovanni with the Super Rocket Radar equipped grants the chance to rescue his legendary Shadow Pokémon, including Shadow Regigigas. Without the Super Rocket Radar, players cannot track or challenge Giovanni, making it essential for unlocking this rare Shadow Legendary encounter.
