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Team GO Rocket Grunts are common adversaries who invade PokéStops and challenge players with battles using Shadow Pokémon. In this detailed guide, we explore everything about these Pokemon Go Grunts, including their lineups, taunts, battle strategies, and the best counters to defeat them efficiently. Players face Grunts who use diverse Pokémon types like Normal, Fire, Ice, Dark, Dragon, and more, each accompanied by unique taunts hinting at their team composition. Understanding the “Pokemon Go Grunts” mechanic is crucial for trainers aiming to capture rare Shadow Pokémon, earn valuable rewards, and thwart Team GO Rocket’s plans. This article covers the latest Grunt lineups, battle tips, and recommended Pokémon to build an unbeatable team against these persistent foes.
Who Are Team GO Rocket Grunts?
Team GO Rocket Grunts are the foot soldiers of the villainous Team GO Rocket faction in Pokémon GO. They appear at invaded PokéStops, aboard hot air balloons, and in Shadow Raids, challenging players to battles using Shadow Pokémon-corrupted versions of regular Pokémon with increased attack but reduced defense. Defeating a Grunt rewards players with the chance to catch one of their Shadow Pokémon and sometimes valuable items like Mysterious Components or Shadow Shards. Unlike Team GO Rocket Leaders, Grunts do not use shields, making them easier to defeat with the right strategy.
Recognizing Grunt Taunts and Lineups
Each Grunt issues a taunt before battle that hints at the type of Pokémon they will use, helping players prepare their counters:
- “Normal doesn’t mean weak.” – Normal-type Grunt
- “You’re gonna be frozen in your tracks.” – Ice-type Grunt
- “Wherever there is light, there is also shadow.” – Dark-type Grunt
- “ROAR! … How’d that sound?” – Dragon-type Grunt
- “Battle against my Flying-type Pokémon!” – Steel-type Grunt
- “Ke…ke…ke…ke…ke…ke!” – Ghost-type Grunt
- “You’ll be defeated into the ground!” – Ground-type Grunt
- “You’re in for a fiery surprise!” – Fire-type Grunt
These taunts correspond to specific Pokémon lineups that the Grunt randomly assembles from three slots, each containing several possible Shadow Pokémon.
Common Grunt Lineups and Catchable Shadow Pokémon
Here are examples of typical Grunt lineups and the Shadow Pokémon you can catch after victory:
- Normal-type Grunt: Grimer (Alola), Skorupi, Cubone, Persian, Palkia. Catch Shadow Bunnelby, Bidoof, Stantler (shiny), Meowth (shiny), Diggersby, or Rattata.
- Ice-type Grunt: Alolan Sandshrew, Spheal, Sneasel (shiny).
- Dark-type Grunt: Cacnea (shiny), Alolan Rattata, Stunky.
- Dragon-type Grunt: Dratini (shiny), Bagon (shiny), Gible, Dragonair, Gabite, Alolan Exeggutor.
- Ground-type Grunt: Drilbur, Donphan, Whiscash, Rhyhorn, Flygon, Wooper, Vibrava, Torterra.
- Ghost-type Grunt: Gastly, Golett, Duskull, Dusclops, Haunter, Sableye (shiny).
- Steel-type Grunt: Skarmory, Scizor, Metang.
- Fire-type Grunt: Various Fire-type Shadow Pokémon (lineups vary).
Best Counters for Each Grunt Type
To defeat Grunts efficiently, use Pokémon that exploit their type weaknesses:
- Normal-type Grunt: Fighting-types like Machamp, Lucario, Conkeldurr.
- Ice-type Grunt: Fire, Steel, Rock, Fighting-types; Electric works well against Water/Ice hybrids like Spheal.
- Dark-type Grunt: Fighting-type Pokémon are highly effective.
- Dragon-type Grunt: Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-types such as Mamoswine, Gardevoir, and White Kyurem.
- Ground-type Grunt: Grass-types like Kartana, Venusaur, Zarude; Ice-types like Weavile and Glaceon.
- Ghost-type Grunt: Dark and Ghost-types like Tyranitar, Gengar, and Absol.
- Steel-type Grunt: Fire and Fighting-types such as Charizard, Entei, and Reshiram.
- Fire-type Grunt: Water, Rock, and Ground-types are recommended.
Pro Tips for Battling Team GO Rocket Grunts
- Grunts do not use shields, so timing your Charge Moves is critical to maximize damage.
- Switching Pokémon strategically before they faint preserves Premier Balls for catching Shadow Pokémon.
- You can retreat from a battle and re-challenge the same Grunt with the same lineup at no penalty.
- Use a well-rounded team such as Rhyperior, Lucario, and Charizard for consistent success across Grunt types.
- Pay attention to taunts to anticipate the strongest Pokémon in the Grunt’s lineup.
Rewards and Shadow Pokémon
Defeating Grunts grants 500 Stardust, a chance to catch one of their Shadow Pokémon, and sometimes Mysterious Components to build Rocket Radars. Shadow Pokémon caught can be purified to improve stats and reduce move costs, making them valuable additions to any trainer’s collection.
