Pokemon GO: Mastering the Battle Against Sierra (June 2024)

Embarking on a quest to defeat Team GO Rocket leader Sierra in Pokémon GO requires not only courage but also strategic foresight. As of June 2024, Sierra's roster includes some fierce Shadow Pokémon, but with comprehensive preparation, victory is within your grasp.

Step 1: Locating Sierra

Before engaging in battle, you need to determine Sierra’s location. Assemble a Rocket Radar by collecting 6 Mysterious Components, which are dropped by defeating Team GO Rocket grunts. Once constructed, the Rocket Radar will pinpoint Sierra’s whereabouts.

Step 2: Understanding Sierra’s Battle Phases

Sierra’s battle sequence comprises three distinct phases. Knowledge of each phase and its potential Pokémon is vital for devising an effective counter-strategy.

First Phase: Shadow Trapinch

In the initial phase, Sierra will always deploy Shadow Trapinch, a Ground-type Pokémon. Shadow Trapinch is weak in grass, water, and ice-type moves. Prepare your team to exploit these weaknesses effectively.

• Sky Forme Shaymin - Magical Leaf (Fast), Grass Knot (Charged)
• Kartana - Razor Leaf (Fast), Leaf Blade (Charged)
• Kyogre - Waterfall (Fast), Origin Pulse (Charged)
• Zarude - Vine Whip (Fast), Power Whip (Charged)
• Galarian Standard Mode - Ice Fang (Fast), Avalanche (Charged)

Second Phase: Multiple Potential Opponents

The second phase could feature any of three different Pokémon: Shadow Sableye, Shadow Honchkrow, or Shadow Milotic. Each requires a unique strategy:

Shadow Sableye

Type: Dark/Ghost. Weakness: Fairy-type moves.

• Incarnate Forme Enamorus - Fairy Wind (Fast), Dazzling Gleam (Charged)
• Xerneas - Geomancy (Fast), Moonblast (Charged)
• Tapu Koko - Volt Switch (Fast), Nature's Madness (Charged)

Shadow Honchkrow

Type: Dark/Flying. Weakness: Electric, Fairy, Ice, Rock-type moves.

• Xurkitree - Thunder Shock (Fast), Discharge (Charged)
• Zekrom - Charge Beam (Fast), Wild Charge (Charged)
• Rampardos - Smack Down (Fast), Rock Slide (Charged)

Shadow Milotic

Type: Water. Weakness: Electric, Grass-type moves.

• Kartana - Razor Leaf (Fast), Leaf Blade (Charged)
• Xurkitree - Thunder Shock (Fast), Discharge (Charged)
• Zekrom - Charge Beam (Fast), Fusion Bolt (Charged)

Step 3: Anticipating the Final Showdown

The third and final phase features Sierra’s most challenging Pokémon: Shadow Houndoom, Shadow Victreebel, or Shadow Alakazam. Ready your powerhouse counters to withstand their attacks and clinch your victory.

Shadow Houndoom

Type: Dark/Fire. Weakness: Rock, Fighting, Ground, Water-type moves.

• Terrakion - Double Kick (Fast), Sacred Sword (Charged)
• Keldeo - Low Kick (Fast), Sacred Sword (Charged)
• Kyogre - Waterfall (Fast), Origin Pulse (Charged)

Shadow Victreebel

Type: Grass/Poison. Weakness: Fire, Flying, Ice, Psychic-type moves.

• Rayquaza - Air Slash (Fast), Dragon Ascent (Charged)
• Mewtwo - Psycho Cut (Fast), Psystrike (Charged)
• Reshiram - Fire Fang (Fast), Fusion Flare (Charged)

Shadow Alakazam

Type: Psychic. Weakness: Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type moves.

• Pheromosa - Bug Bite (Fast), Bug Buzz (Charged)
• Hydreigon - Bite (Fast), Brutal Swing (Charged)
• Tyranitar - Bite (Fast), Brutal Swing (Charged)

Step 4: Assemble your Elite Team

Utilize both regular and shadow Pokémon to maximize your battle effectiveness against Sierra’s unpredictable lineup. Consider the following elite counters:

Top Shadow and Mega Counters

Primal Kyogre

Fast Move: Waterfall
Charged Move: Origin Pulse

Mega Sceptile

Fast Move: Bullet Seed
Charged Move: Frenzy Plant

Shadow Gardevoir

Fast Move: Charm
Charged Move: Dazzling Gleam

With these top-shelf strategists, you’re well-equipped to face Sierra. Remember, versatility and preparedness are your best allies in these intense showdowns.

Step 5: Final Preparation and Execution

Before stepping into the battle arena, ensure all your Pokémon are at peak condition. Utilize Revives and Potions to guarantee your team fights at full strength. Double-check your counters and their movements to ensure you’re ready for each potential phase of the battle.

Victory over Sierra in Pokémon GO is a testament to your strategic planning and combat prowess. By following this guide and adapting to the unique challenges she poses, you can emerge victorious and capture her powerful Shadow Pokémon. Best of luck, Trainer!