A comprehensive guide on how to defeat Rocket Leader Arlo in Pokémon GO, updated for August 2021. We got you covered with the best Pokémon to use against Arlo, regardless of which line-up Arlo uses.
Remember that you can rematch Arlo if you lose the first time. Use this guide in combination with knowing Arlo’s Pokémon to ensure a victory. Be aware that many consider Arlo to be the most difficult Team GO Rocket leader.
💡 Note: In Trainer Battles, counters need not always be Pokémon that do super-effective damage. We include Pokémon that are more viable to defeat Arlo, rather than those who do maximum damage.
On this page
Arlo’s Pokémon Line-Up
Arlo uses Shadow Venonat as his first Pokémon. Arlo’s second Pokémon can be Shadow Manectric or Shadow Crobat. His third Pokémon can be Shadow Scizor, Shadow Magnezone or Shadow Vileplume.
Countering Arlo’s Shadow Pokémon
Venonat
Venonat
Arlo’s Shadow Venonat is a weak Bug and Poison type opponent that is easily countered by strong Rock, Fire and types.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
Tyranitar
|
|
Charizard
|
|
Reshiram
|
|
Moltres
|
|
Manectric
Manectric
Arlo’s Shadow Manectric is a pure Electric type and its counters are strong Ground type.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
Garchomp
|
|
Groudon
|
|
Excadrill
|
|
Landorus (Therian)
|
|
Crobat
Crobat
Arlo’s Shadow Crobat is Poison and and as such, is easily countered by Electric, Ice, Psychic and Rock types.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move |
|---|---|
|
Tyranitar
|
|
Mewtwo
|
|
Latios
|
|
Magnezone
|
|
Ursaring
Ursaring
Arlo’s Shadow Ursaring is a pure Normal type and as such, is easily ‘counter’ed by Fighting types.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
Lucario
|
|
Machamp
|
|
Conkeldurr
|
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Blaziken
|
|
Gallade
|
|
Scizor
Scizor
Arlo’s Shadow Scizor is his signature Pokémon and this Bug and Steel Pokémon is only weak to the Fire type (2x)
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
Heatran
|
Fire Spin Fire |
|
|
Moltres
|
Fire Spin Fire |
|
|
Blaziken
|
Fire Spin Fire |
|
Chandelure
|
Incinerate Fire |
|
|
Charizard
|
Fire Spin Fire |
|
Magnezone
Magnezone
Arlo’s Shadow Magnezone is easily countered by strong Ground types (2x). Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Moves |
|---|---|
|
Garchomp
|
|
|
Groudon
|
|
|
Excadrill
|
|
|
Landorus (Therian)
|
|
Vileplume
Vileplume
Arlo’s Shadow Vileplume is… meh. The usual Grass and Poison counters will wipe the floor with it, similar to Venonat. Go with Fire, Psychic, and Ice types.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
|
Charizard
|
Fire Spin Fire |
|
Ho-Oh
|
Incinerate Fire |
|
|
Heatran
|
Fire Spin Fire |
|
Dragonite
|
Dragon Breath Dragon |
|
|
Reshiram
|
Fire Fang Fire |
|
|
Mewtwo
|
Psycho Cut Psychic or Confusion Psychic |
|
More Team GO Rocket Guides
- GO Rocket Grunts Guide: Counters and Lineups
- Giovanni Counters Guide
- Arlo Counters Guide
- Sierra Counters Guide
- Cliff Counters Guide
