A guide on how to counter the Team GO Rocket Executive Arlo. Arlo counters are Pokémon that are specialized in defeating him with ease, regardless of which line-up Arlo uses.
Remember that you can rematch Arlo if you lose the first time. Use this Arlo 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.
On this page
Arlo’s Pokémon Line-Up
Arlo uses Shadow Beldum as his first Pokémon. Arlo’s second Pokémon can be Shadow Gardevoir, Shadow Infernape or Shadow Aggron. His third Pokémon can be Shadow Scizor, Shadow Armaldo or Shadow Salamence.
Countering Arlo’s Shadow Pokémon
Beldum
Arlo’s Shadow Beldum uses Take Down and Struggle. Beldum is weak to Dark, Fire, Ghost and Ground moves. The best Pokémon to defeat Arlo’s Shadow Beldum are strong Fire and Ghost types that take reduced damage from its attacks.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Shadow Claw |
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Shadow Claw |
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Mud Slap |
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Fire Spin |
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Incinerate |
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Mud Slap |
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Gardevoir
Arlo’s Shadow Gardevoir uses a variety of Fairy, Psychic and Ghost moves. or Flying fast move, and Dragon or Fire charge attack. Gardevoir is easily countered by using Steel type attackers and Pokémon that take reduced damage from her fast moves.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Fire Spin |
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Lock On |
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Bullet Punch |
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Confusion |
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Vine Whip |
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Spark |
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Thunder Shock |
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Infernape
Arlo’s Infernape uses Fire and Fighting moves, with the occasional Solar Beam thrown in for surprise. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of Water types that easily deal with Infernape.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Water Gun |
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Waterfall |
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Dragon Breath |
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Dragon Breath |
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Confusion |
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Shadow Claw |
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Mud Shot |
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Aggron
Arlo’s Aggron is a scary opponent, as it has access to Rock, Dragon and Steel fast moves. Its charge moves can be Rock, Steel and Electric typed, which makes countering it quite challenging with certain move sets. Aggron is weak to Fighting (x2), Ground (x2) and Water attacks.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Mud Shot |
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Dragon Tail |
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Thunder Shock |
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Mud Shot |
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Counter |
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Mud Slap |
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Scizor
Arlo’s Scizor uses Steel or Bug fast moves and Steel, Dark or Bug charge moves. Scizor is double weak to Fire, which is why most of the counters are strong Fire types. Be aware that Scizor hits hard as a truck, so be careful here.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Fire Spin |
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Fire Spin |
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Incinerate |
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Incinerate |
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Fire Spin |
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Armaldo
Arlo’s Armaldo uses Bug fast moves and Water, Rock or Poison charge moves. Armaldo is weak to Rock, Steel and Fairy attacks. We’re prioritising counters that take reduced damage from Armaldo, rather than going full out here.
Recommended counters
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Smack Down |
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Water |
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Shadow Claw |
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Smack Down |
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Smack Down |
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Smack Down |
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Metal Claw |
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Salamence
Arlo’s Salamence has access to Fire, Dragon and Dark fast moves, and Fire, Dragon and Water charge moves. Honestly, countering it can be a nightmare, but its actually quite similar to Dragonite.
Recommended counters
If Salamence has Bite, prioritize Tyranitar (and Terrakion). Against Dragon Tail bring your Fairies. Palkia, Kingdra and similar Pokémon are great against Fire Fang.
| Pokémon | Fast move | Charge move |
|---|---|---|
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Smack Down |
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Charm |
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Charm |
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Charm |
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Smack Down |
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Dragon Breath |
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Dragon Breath |
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Ice Shard |
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