How to Get the Super Rocket Radar to Face Giovanni in Pokémon GO

Team GO Rocket battles are some of the most exciting aspects of Pokémon GO, and the ultimate test in this grind is facing Giovanni. Beating the suave Boss of the villainous group lets you catch a Shadow Legendary, often a new force to be reckoned with in both the PvE and PvP meta.

For more than six years, each new GO Rocket rotation would have players looking for the Super Rocket Radar, obtained through the completion of the popular Special Research involving battles with Grunts and Leaders like Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra.

Now, a huge change has the American player base and trainers worldwide baffled and frustrated: the Team GO Rocket Special Research IS NO MORE, even for new players. If you’re wondering what the new method to get the Super Rocket Radar is, here are all the critical details.

01. Giovanni Super Rocket Radar: How to get?

Vital Item

Starting from the Steeled Resolve event on Tuesday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m. local time, players need to progress through the Steeled Resolve GO Pass to unlock the Super Rocket Radar.

A Super Rocket Radar can still be obtained for free, but you will have to reach Rank 30 of the GO Pass Basic version before Monday, May 4, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

Alternatively, players can opt to pay for the GO Pass Deluxe version and instantly get the Super Rocket Radar at Rank 1.

02. Completing GO Pass Basic (Free Version)

Progressing through the various stages of GO Pass Basic to reach Rank 30 is quite the grind. Progression through the Ranks is done by earning points, and you can earn up to 500 extra points daily by completing certain tasks:

03. Completing GO Pass Deluxe (Paid Version)

For those who want to skip the grind or maximize their Shadow Legendary encounters, Niantic offers premium tiers:

• GO Pass Deluxe ($4.99 USD): Upgrades you to the paid version offering more rewards and quicker progression. You instantly get a Super Rocket Radar at Rank 1.
• GO Pass Deluxe + 6 Ranks ($6.99 USD): Automatically grants enough points to hit Rank 7 right out of the gate.

Because the paid version grants an instant radar at Rank 1, and you can still earn the free Super Rocket Radar at Rank 30, players who upgrade via the Pokémon GO Web Store can effectively secure two Super Rocket Radars during this rotation.

Can New Players Still Get the Giovanni Special Research?

No.

Even progressing past the introductory 'Troubling Situation' Special Research, which historically paved the way to the latest Giovanni quest (such as "Precious Pals Taken Over"), no longer triggers a new Special Research.

As such, taking on the GO Pass is now the one and only way to obtain the Super Rocket Radar and face Giovanni. Make sure you plan your play sessions accordingly before the Steeled Resolve event concludes!