The Team GO Rocket Grunts in Pokemon GO are just like the bad guys you remember from the mainline titles. They’re all pretty much just speed bumps on your way to Giovanni. But if you don’t know what they have in store, then these mediocre trainers might catch you by surprise. Here’s everything you need to know about the Team Rocket Grunt counters and lineups in Pokemon GO.
Team Rocket Grunt Guide: Counters & Lineups in Pokemon GO (May 2022)
Before jumping into the fray, it’s important to recognize that each Grunt will give you a hint about what Pokemon they’ll have in their party. Some are extremely obvious like, “Go, my super Bug Pokemon!” and others are a bit vague like, “Winning is for winners.” Down below, we’ll break down which hints correspond to specific lineups and the Pokemon to use as counters.
And keep in mind that if you don’t have the exact counters, other strong Pokemon of the same type are usually solid substitutes.
Kanto Starters
As is implied, these Grunts only use starter Pokemon from the Kanto region and their evolutions. The lines they say are listed below.
- “Don’t bother — I’ve already won.”
- “Get ready to be defeated.”
- “Winning is for winners.”
Be careful when you see any of those lines because another type of Grunt uses the same ones and they have vastly different lineups. Just remember that the Kanto starter Grunts will always be male. Down below is a table with all of their potential Pokemon.
| Pokemon 1 | Bulbasaur | Charmander | Squirtle |
| Pokemon 2 | Ivysaur | Charmeleon | Wartortle |
| Pokemon 3 | Venusaur | Charizard | Blastoise |
Don’t overthink this one. Just because the Grunt could have three different Pokemon for each battle, the number of types is fairly limited. Any combination of your best Water, Grass, and Fire types should do the job.
- Suggested Counters
- Mega Charizard Y, Chesnaught, Omastar
Strong Grunt
These Grunts are the most difficult to defeat on your first try. You can usually take them out with your Master League team, but there are likely better options than whatever you use for PvP battles. This Grunt has the same lines as the starter, but only females will have these strong Pokemon.
| Pokemon 1 | Snorlax | ||
| Pokemon 2 | Snorlax | Poliwrath | Gardevoir |
| Pokemon 3 | Snorlax | Gyarados | Dragonite |
You might look at this and think you would be lucky to run into three Snorlax. But that’s probably not going to happen. This Snorlax is one beefy Pokemon, but it’s still susceptible to Fighting-type moves.
- Suggested Counters
- Obstagoon, Melmetal, Walrein
Decoy Grunt
Before getting into the type-specific Grunts, let’s take a look at the decoy. You’ll only encounter this enemy when you have a Super Rocket Radar equipped. Just when you think you found Giovanni, it turns out to be one of these lowly members of Team GO Rocket.
| Pokemon 1 | Bellsprout | |
| Pokemon 2 | Raticate | Weepinbell |
| Pokemon 3 | Snorlax | Raticate |
For someone who is trying to impersonate Giovanni, they don’t exactly have the strongest Pokemon. Not only that, but they only have a few types that are easily countered.
- Suggested Counters
- Reshiram, Obstagoon, Melmetal
Grass Grunt
Now it’s time to get into the type-specific Grunts. First up is the Grass-type trainer. There’s not really anything too intimidating here until you get to the final Pokemon. But knowing it’s a Grass-type is a huge advantage. This trailer will say the line, “Don’t tangle with us!”
| Pokemon 1 | Cacnea | Chikorita |
| Pokemon 2 | Cacturne | |
| Pokemon 3 | Meganium |
The only Pokemon here that’s somewhat tricky is Cacturne since it’s also part Dark. But none of the counters have to worry about getting hit by Dark-type attacks.
- Suggested Counters
- Mega Charizard Y, Cobalion, Genesect
Poison Grunt
Poison-types, fortunately, can’t poison your ‘mons in Pokemon GO. But their attacks can still pack quite a punch. Again, don’t overthink it. Just blow these creatures away with Psychic-type attacks. Ground attacks are fine too, but they won’t do much against Zubat. Poison Grunts say the line, “Coiled and ready to strike!”
| Pokemon 1 | Zubat | Nidoran♀ | Nidoran♂ |
| Pokemon 2 | Nidorino | Weezing | |
| Pokemon 3 | Weezing | Muk |
Steel, Ground, and Psychic types will do well here. Steel-type attacks aren’t super effective like the other two mentioned. Instead, they have a massive resistance to Poison attacks.
- Suggested Counters
- Excadrill, Melmetal, Mewtwo
Fire Grunt
Fire Pokemon are some of the most popular in the franchise. And fortunately for you, they also have plenty of strong counters. The only one you have to watch out for here is Camerupt. Don’t use a Rock-type unless you plan on saving shields to block Earthquake. You’ll know they’re a Fire Grunt when they say the line, “Do you know how hot Pokemon fire breath can get?”
| Pokemon 1 | Charmander | Cyndaquil | Numel |
| Pokemon 2 | Camerupt | Quilava | |
| Pokemon 3 | Camerupt | Typholshion | Ninetails |
It’s Water-type or bust here. Sure, you can use Rock or Ground-type Pokemon. But Water Pokemon don’t have to worry about getting hit by any of their weaknesses. Ground-types don’t either, but Water ‘mons are more plentiful.
- Suggested Counters
- Swampert, Palkia, Omastar
Flying Grunt
Flying-type Pokemon are some of the first you’ll encounter in the mainline games. Pidgey, Zubat, Pidove, Starly, and Fletchling are just a few of the many notable Flying Pokemon. There are much better ‘mons than those as well, but the GO Rocket Grunt doesn’t use them. Look out for a trainer who says, “Battle against my Flying-type Pokemon!”
| Pokemon 1 | Starly | Murkrow | Zubat |
| Pokemon 2 | Golbat | Staravia | |
| Pokemon 3 | Crobat | Staraptor |
Any good Pokemon with powerful Electric or Rock attacks will do the trick here. Ice-types are good too, but they’re just not as common.
- Suggested Counters
- Regirock, Alolan Golem, Rhyperior
Water Grunt
This is a fun one. The Water Grunt is the only one of the group that has different Pokemon based on if the trainer is male or female. However, they’ll both use the line, “These waters are treacherous!” First up is the female Water Grunt.
| Pokemon 1 | Mudkip | Totodile |
| Pokemon 2 | Marshtomp | Croconaw |
| Pokemon 3 | Swampert | Feraligatr |
Normally, Electric-types would be the way to go here, but Swampert throws a wrench into those plans with its secondary Ground typing. That means you should go Grass all the way.
- Suggested Counters
- Leafeon, Zarude, Sceptile
The male Water Grunt is quite a bit easier.
| Pokemon 1 | Magikarp | |
| Pokemon 2 | Magikarp | |
| Pokemon 3 | Magikarp | Gyarados |
Gyarados is the only Pokemon in this lineup that can do anything. But a Pokemon with good Electric-type attacks on your team will make short work of anything this Grunt throws at you.
- Suggested Counters
- Melmetal, Raikou, Magnezone
Bug Grunt
Before Genesect debuted in Pokemon GO, the type pretty much had no viable attackers. And since no Grunts have Mythical Pokemon, they’re stuck with ‘mons that are average at best. Before a battle they’ll say, “Go, my super Bug Pokemon!”
| Pokemon 1 | Venomoth | Weedle | |
| Pokemon 2 | Skorupi | Beedrill | |
| Pokemon 3 | Forretress | Pinsir | Scizor |
Just blast these weak bugs away with Fire. Rock and Flying attacks work too, but they won’t do much against the part-Steel Forretress and Scizor.
- Suggested Counters
- Mega Charizard Y, Heatran, Ho-Oh
Normal Grunt
All you need to know about the Grunt is that they say “Normal does not mean weak.” That just confirms that Normal does, in fact, mean weak.
| Pokemon 1 | Bidoof | Rattata | |
| Pokemon 2 | Bibarel | Raticate | Loudred |
| Pokemon 3 | Bibarel | Exploud |
Just throw your best attackers with FIghting-type moves at this Grunt and don’t worry about it too much.
- Suggested Counters
- Melmetal, Chesnaught, Obstagoon
Electric Grunt
Electric-types are some of the most popular Pokemon in the franchise. Pikachu and ‘mons like it — Pachirisu, Plusle, Minun, etc. — certainly play a big role in that. On top of that, some of them are decently strong. Fortunately, Ground-types make short work of them. The Electric Grunt says, “Get ready to be shocked!”
| Pokemon 1 | Mareep | Voltorb | |
| Pokemon 2 | Flaaffy | Voltorb | Electrode |
| Pokemon 3 | Ampharos | Electrode | Electabuzz |
There are many different Pokemon you could face here, but they’re all monotype Electric. That certainly makes building a good team against them pretty straightforward. Just load up on powerful Ground-type attackers. Just look out for Electabuzz though since it can deal major damage to Rhyperior and Excadrill with Low Kick.
- Suggested Counters
- Garchomp, Flygon, Groudon
Ground Grunt
Ground-type Pokemon come in many shapes and sizes, but for some reason, this Grunt is really into quadrupeds. Look out for Grunts who say, “You’ll be defeated into the ground!”
| Pokemon 1 | Hippopotas | |
| Pokemon 2 | Camerupt | Hippopotas |
| Pokemon 3 | Camerupt | Hippowdon |
Water-type attackers are the best option here. Hippowdon’s Thunder Fang can deal super-effective damage, so you’ll just want to pick Water-types that don’t take a ton of damage from Electric attacks. Avoid Grass Pokemon since Camerupt and Hippowdon can use Fire-type attacks.
- Suggested Counters
- Swampert, Palkia, Mega Gyarados
Fairy Grunt
The newest type to be added to the franchise packs a punch against Dragon-types. Fortunately, the Team GO Rocket Grunt that uses these Pokemon isn’t too intimidating. Keep your eyes open for a Grunt that says, “Check out my cute Pokemon!”
| Pokemon 1 | Ralts | Snubbull | |
| Pokemon 2 | Kirlia | Snubbull | Granbull |
| Pokemon 3 | Kirlia | Granbull |
You would normally want to bring Poison-types to a Fairy fight, but Kirlia’s Psychic-type attacks change that strategy for you. A single Poison attacker is fine, but don’t load your team with them.
- Suggested Counters
- Metagross, Mega Steelix, Nidoqueen
Fighting Grunt
The Fighting-type Go Rocket Grunt in Pokemon GO doesn’t have enough variety to make the battle a challenge. Fighting ‘mons are strong in general but they have common weaknesses and often have average to poor defense. Before the battle, this Grunt will say, “This buff physique isn’t just for show!”
| Pokemon 1 | Machop | Makuhita | |
| Pokemon 2 | Hitmonchan | Hitmonlee | |
| Pokemon 3 | Hitmonchan | Hitmonlee | Machoke |
Just load up on Flying or Psychic Pokemon and you’ll be just fine. Some Ghost-types are good here since they have such great resistance to Fighting attacks.
- Suggested Counters
- Mega Gengar, Lugia, Zapdos
Psychic Grunt
It’s unclear why so few Grunts have stage-two Pokemon, but you might finally encounter one in this battle. Alakazam is a strong Psychic-type that can KO a few ‘mons if you’re not prepared, but you might also run into the much weaker Girafarig three times. You can identify this Grunt when they ask, “Are you scared of psychics that use unseen power?”
| Pokemon 1 | Girafarig | Ralts | |
| Pokemon 2 | Girafarig | Kadabra | |
| Pokemon 3 | Girafarig | Alakazam | Hypno |
Even though Hypno and Alakazam have Focus Blast, none of the other Pokemon this Grunt has should put up enough of a fight to burn through your shields. Just go with an all Dark-type lineup and you should be able to glide through this battle.
- Suggested Counters
- Bisharp, Yveltal, Mega Gyarados
Rock Grunt
Like many other Grunts, this one falls an evolution short of having a good Pokemon at the end. Pupitar is no Tyranitar. And it’s unfortunate because Pupitar is the best Rock-type Pokemon that Grunts can have. This Grunt will say, “Let’s rock and roll!”
| Pokemon 1 | Shuckle | Sudowoodo | |
| Pokemon 2 | Larvitar | Anorith | Lileep |
| Pokemon 3 | Pupitar |
A mix of some Fighting, Steel, and Water attackers should do the trick here. Even if you overload your team with one or another, you shouldn’t have too much trouble beating this Grunt.
- Suggested Counters
- Terrakion, Dialga, Empoleon
Ice Grunt
Finally, a Grunt that makes you actually think before just filling your team with a single type of Pokemon. The Ice-type GO Rocket Grunt covers weaknesses with Ground, Steel, Water, and Grass attacks from their Icy ‘mons. Be on the lookout for a trainer that says, “You’re gonna be frozen in your tracks!”
| Pokemon 1 | Alolan Sandshrew | Swinub | |
| Pokemon 2 | Alolan Sandslash | Snover | Snorunt |
| Pokemon 3 | Lapras | Abomasnow | Cloyster |
The possibilities here may intimidate you at first, but it becomes much easier once you figure out some safe choices. Steel-types are good and safe options. Electric-types are good too, but don’t do much against the non-Water Pokemon.
- Suggested Counters
- Magnezone, Melmetal, Heatran
Ghost Grunt
More Ghost-types like Pumpkaboo and Phantump were added to Pokemon GO last Fall, but it looks like the Grunts didn’t get the memo. They’re still living back in the Sinnoh days with Dusknoir. This Grunt will say, “Ke… ke… ke… ke… ke… ke!”
| Pokemon 1 | Misdreavus | Sableye | |
| Pokemon 2 | Shuppet | Banette | Sableye |
| Pokemon 3 | Banette | Dusknoir | Sableye |
There are many different Pokemon here, but Sableye is the only one with a somewhat interesting typing. It used to not have any weaknesses until Fairy-types were introduced. However, Sableye is not strong enough to worry about.
- Suggested Counters
- Obstagoon, Bewear, Pangoro
Dragon Grunt
Dragon-type Pokemon are some of the most powerful in the game. That was even true before there were any Legendary Dragons introduced. But don’t let their power make you think they’re any more difficult to take out than other Grunt Pokemon. Their identifying quote is fairly distinctive, “ROAR! …How’d that sound?”
| Pokemon 1 | Dratini | ||
| Pokemon 2 | Dragonair | Alolan Exeggutor | Flygon |
| Pokemon 3 | Dragonite | Dragonair | Flygon |
Ice is a solid option for taking on Dragon-type Pokemon. But resisting their attacks is another bonus you can get by having Ice-types that are also Fairy or Steel.
- Suggested Counters
- Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Ninetails, Togekiss
Dark Grunt
Finally, we have made it to the Dark Team GO Rocket Grunt. They have a decent lineup of Pokemon that helps cover Dark-type weaknesses, but none of the ‘mons they use are too overwhelmingly powerful. You can identify this Grunt by the line, “Wherever there is light, there is also shadow.”
| Pokemon 1 | Alolan Rattata | Stunky | |
| Pokemon 2 | Alolan Raticate | Skunktank | |
| Pokemon 3 | Alolan Raticate | Cacturne | Honchkrow |
Fighting-type Pokemon will have a major advantage against Raticate and Cacturne, but a much harder time against Honchkrow. Your best bet would be to go with Pokemon that have Fighting-type attacks and don’t take super-effective damage from Flying attacks. Fairies are also good here, but you just have to be careful since they can take a lot of damage against Stunky and Skunktank.
- Suggested Counters
- Melmetal, Lucario, Togekiss
That’s all there is to know about the Team Rocket Grunt counters and lineups in Pokemon GO.
Grunt List Source: Pokebattler
Featured Image Source: Pokemon GO Live
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