In Pokémon GO, Arlo, Sierra, Cliff, and Giovanni are focusing on new monsters. This also means: New rewards for you! But which ones are worth it?
In Pokémon GO, the current Rocket takeover has caused the Rocket leaders to change their teams.
In this context, you can now also receive new Pokémon from them.
- Giovanni brings you Crypto-Giratina
- Sierra has Crypto-Karnimani
- Cliff relies on Crypto-Feurigel
- Arlo uses Crypto-Endivie
At the end of the battle, you will receive these Pokémon from the bosses. But which ones are worth it? Let’s take a quick overview of where the strengths of the monsters lie.
Important: As a rule, with the Cryptos: You should not “redeem” them, as they will lose their attack bonus, which makes them strong attackers. Instead, you must remove their useless charge attack “Frustration” using a TM. But this is only possible without “redeeming” as long as the Rocket takeover is ongoing. Once the event is over, you will have to wait until the next Rocket takeover to remove the attack.
To ensure your Cryptos are strong attackers, it is crucial that they retain their Crypto status and the charge attack Frustration is removed. This also applies to the following four Pokémon.
How strong is Crypto-Giratina from Giovanni?
Crypto-Giratina is the Pokémon of the four that is the hardest to obtain. You first need to get a Super Rocket Radar and then ultimately challenge Giovanni, who will provide you with the toughest battle of the four.
But: Giratina is also the only Legendary Pokémon among the four. How does that reflect on its usefulness?
- In the PvP Super League, the new Crypto-Giratina has directly entered rank 4 of the rankings from PvPoke. Thus, it is one of the top Pokémon in the PvP League.
- In the Ultra League, it ranks 35, making it interesting. However, the non-Crypto variant of the Pokémon is even better, currently ranking 22. So one could also consider a redemption.
- Crypto-Giratina also stands well at rank 32 in the Master League.
- And in Raids? There it is at least a decent Ghost attacker, although you have better options. Check out the best attackers in Pokémon GO.
In short: For PvP, especially in the Super League, Crypto-Giratina is particularly interesting. The duel against Giovanni is worth it. Here you can find the guide to the battle against Giovanni.
How strong is Crypto-Karnimani from Sierra?
Karnimani can evolve into Tyracroc and then into Impergator, a strong Water attacker. The Water crocodile has its uses.
- In the Super League, Crypto-Impergator ranks 31 in the rankings. Its normal variant ranks even higher at 18.
- The Ultra League, on the other hand, is just the right playing field for Crypto-Impergator. Here it ranks 12 while the normal variant is at rank 30.
- In the Master League, it is less useful.
- And in Raids? There, Crypto-Impergator is a very good Water attacker. It is weaker than top options like Proto-Kyogre or the Mega evolutions, but otherwise fits well into the Crypto starters of Water type.
Crypto-Impergator is overall very usable. Here you can find the guide to the battle against Sierra.
How strong is Crypto-Feurigel from Cliff?
Feurigel evolves into Igelavar and then further into Tornupto. What can this Fire Pokémon offer?
- In the Super League, Tornupto is useless – Crypto or not.
- Likewise in the Ultra League.
- And, unsurprisingly: It does not perform well in the Master League either.
- And in Raids? There, Tornupto in the Crypto variant is quite usable. But again there are some other, better options.
Do you still want to secure Feurigel? Here are the counters against Cliff.
How strong is Crypto-Endivie from Arlo?
The starter trio is completed by the Grass Pokémon Endivie. It evolves into Lorblatt and then into Meganie.
- In the Super League, you can unfortunately forget about Meganie. This also goes for the Crypto.
- In the Ultra League? Better than in the Super League. But still not good.
- And in the Master League? Unfortunately, it is also rather useless.
- In Raids? There are also stronger options.
In short: Meganie is probably the least interesting. Nevertheless: Here are the counters against Arlo.
What’s next in Pokémon GO? You still have a few days to take advantage of the Rocket event. Many opportunities to counter the bullies at Pokéstops and in balloons. After that, however, many other dates are on the calendar, such as the Dyna Finals or the Darkness event. What exactly are those dates? You can find that here in our overview of all events in Pokémon GO in August 2025.
