In Pokémon GO you can battle Rocket Grunts and receive their Crypto-Pokémon upon victory. And some are really good.
These are Rocket Grunts: The villains from Team GO Rocket occupy PokéStops all over the map or arrive in a balloon to cause trouble.
If you challenge them, you will always face three Crypto-Pokémon, one of which you can catch at the end of the battle. These monsters rotate every now and then.
The exciting part: Some of the Crypto-monsters, or at least their evolutions, belong to the best Raid attackers in Pokémon GO.
We will show you 5 Rocket Grunts that may have strong Pokémon for your raid teams that you should secure.
How can I recognize the Rocket Grunts? All Rocket Grunts have a specific phrase that reveals what type of Pokémon or which team they have. Before the battle starts, you can recognize if it’s one of the rewarding Rocket Grunts.
You should note this: Most Rockets have several reward options. We will show you the most exciting ones here, but will list possible alternatives in the section You should note this.
Dragon Grunt with Kaumalat
Phrase: “Well roared is half won!”
The best reward: Depending on which team the Dragon Grunt has, you can receive Crypto-Kaumalat. Its evolution Crypto-Knakrack is among the best attackers in Pokémon Go.
You should note this: Dragon Grunts are very rare and appear infrequently. So if you encounter them, definitely engage in battle. Attack with Ice or Fairy Pokémon.
Another downside: Instead of Crypto-Kaumalat, it may happen that you receive Crypto-Alola-Kokowei as a reward. Unfortunately, that is significantly weaker.
A good alternative is Rocket Leader Cliff. He has Crypto-Dratini with him.
Ground Grunt with Rihorn or Rotomurf
Phrase: “We will stomp you into the ground!”
The best reward: With the Ground Grunt, you can hope for two strong Pokémon: Crypto-Rihorn or Crypto-Rotomurf. Rihorn’s evolution Crypto-Rihornior is one of the top Ground and Rock attackers, while Rotomurf’s evolution Crypto-Stalobor also shines as a Ground attacker.
You should note this: The Grunt might alternatively have the significantly weaker Hippopotas. It’s best to fight with strong Water or Grass Pokémon.
Fire Grunt with Lichtel
Phrase: “Do you actually know how hot the fire breath of a Pokémon can be?”
The best reward: Fire Grunts can have the Crypto-Pokémon Lichtel. Its evolution Crypto-Skelabra is among the best Fire attackers and also among the best Ghost attackers in the game.
You should note this: Fire Grunts can also yield two additional Pokémon, Crypto-Vulpix or Crypto-Camaub. Both are less useful than Lichtel. In battle, you should use Water, Rock, or Ground Pokémon.
Ice Grunt with Quiekel
Phrase: You are walking on thin ice!
The best reward: With the Ice Grunt, you can receive Crypto-Quiekel, which can evolve into Crypto-Mamutel. And it is one of the most useful Pokémon in the game: As the best Ice attacker and a strong Ground attacker, it is a real weapon against many interesting raid bosses.
You should note this: Here you can alternatively receive Crypto-Vulpix or Crypto-Alola-Sandan. They do have some utility in the PvP League when you evolve them. Ice Pokémon are vulnerable to Fire, Steel, and Rock attacks.
Rock Grunt with Koknodon
Phrase: Let’s get the rock rolling
The best reward: You can receive Koknodon from the Rock Grunt, if you are lucky. Its crypto-evolution, Rameidon, is one of the absolute top Rock attackers in the game. But there is a problem.
You should note this: Rock Grunts have six possible reward Pokémon: Besides Koknodon, these are Alola-Kleinstein, Schilterus, Georok, Liliep, and Anorith. Your chance of Koknodon is therefore comparatively low. Use Fighting and Water Pokémon.
Do you want to know what else is happening in the game? Here you can find the current events in November 2023 in Pokémon GO.
