
How to beat Leader Sierra in Pokemon GO (May 2025) – Full lineup, phases, and best counters
remains one of the toughest opponents in Pokemon GO as of May 2025. With her ever-changing lineup of Shadow Pokemon, trainers need the right counters and strategies to secure victory.
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This guide covers her current team, weaknesses, and the best counters to use before her lineup changes on May 14, 2025, during the Crown Clash: Taken Over event.
Pokemon GO Leader Sierra Pokemon GO lineup (May 2025)
Leader Sierra's battle consists of three phases, starting with a fixed opener and followed by randomized picks. Here's her current lineup:
- Phase 1: Shadow Skorupi
- Phase 2: Shadow Ninetales, Shadow Ferrothorn, or Shadow Milotic
- Phase 3: Shadow Houndoom, Shadow Nidoqueen, or Shadow Drapion
Since her team will shift after the upcoming Team Rocket takeover event, trainers should take advantage of this guide while it's still accurate.
How to beat Leader Sierra in Pokemon GO
Defeating Sierra requires a well-balanced team that can handle her diverse Shadow Pokemon. Below, we break down the best counters for each phase, including both legendary and accessible options.
Leader Sierra Pokemon GO counters Phase 1: Skorupi
Shadow Skorupi is a Poison/Bug-type, weak to Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Rock-type moves. Avoid Grass, Fighting, and Poison attacks.
Top counters:
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Mega Rayquaza
Air Slash
Dragon Ascent
Mewtwo
Confusion
Psystrike
Mega Charizard Y
Fire Spin
Blast Burn
Rhyperior
Smack Down
Rock Wrecker
Leader Sierra Pokemon GO counters Phase 2
Sierra's second phase includes Ninetales, Ferrothorn, or Milotic. Each requires specific counters.
Ninetales counters
Weak to Ground, Rock, and Water-type moves.
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Primal Kyogre
Waterfall
Origin Pulse
Mega Garchomp
Mud Shot
Earth Power
Mega Swampert
Water Gun
Hydro Cannon
Ferrothorn counters
Weak to Fighting and Fire-type moves.
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Mega Blaziken
Fire Spin
Blast Burn
Reshiram
Fire Fang
Fusion Flare
Shadow Chandelure
Fire Spin
Overheat
Milotic counters
How to Beat Sierra's NEW Shadow Skorupi Team in Pokemon GO!
Weak to Electric and Grass-type moves.
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Mega Sceptile
Fury Cutter
Frenzy Plant
Raikou
Thunder Shock
Wild Charge
Xurkitree
Thunder Shock
Discharge
Leader Sierra Pokemon GO counters Phase 3
The final phase features Houndoom, Nidoqueen, or Drapion.
Houndoom counters
Weak to Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water-type moves.
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Primal Groudon
Mud Shot
Precipice Blades
Mega Lucario
Force Palm
Aura Sphere
Terrakion
Double Kick
Sacred Sword
Nidoqueen counters
Weak to Ground, Ice, Psychic, and Water-type moves.
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Mewtwo
Psycho Cut
Psystrike
Mamoswine
Mud-Slap
Avalanche
Excadrill
Mud-Slap
Scorching Sands
Drapion counters
Weak to Ground-type moves.
Pokemon
Fast Move
Charge Move
Mega Garchomp
Mud Shot
Earth Power
Rhyperior
Mud-Slap
Earthquake
Mega Swampert
Mud Shot
Earthquake
Best team to beat Sierra in Pokemon GO (May 2025)
A balanced team should cover all possible phases. Recommended picks:
1. Primal Kyogre (Waterfall + Origin Pulse) – Strong against Ninetales, Houndoom, and Nidoqueen.
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2. Mega Charizard (Fire Spin + Blast Burn) – Counters Skorupi and Ferrothorn.
3. Mega Garchomp (Mud Shot + Earth Power) – Handles Drapion and Nidoqueen.
Also read:
How to find Leader Sierra in Pokemon GO (May 2025)
- Defeat Team GO Rocket Grunts to collect 6 Mysterious Components.
- Craft a Rocket Radar to locate Sierra at invaded PokéStops or in balloons.
With this guide, trainers can confidently take on Sierra before her lineup changes. For updates after May 14, check back for revised counters.

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