Defeating Arlo in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide

Arlo, one of the Team GO Rocket Leaders in Pokémon GO, presents a significant challenge to trainers. He commands a powerful team of Shadow Pokémon, making strategic planning and well-prepared counters essential for victory. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to defeat Arlo, including his potential Pokémon lineups, effective counter strategies, and tips for consistently emerging victorious.

## Understanding Arlo’s Team

Arlo’s team consists of three Pokémon, selected from a pool of potential candidates. The first Pokémon is always the same, but the subsequent two are randomly chosen. This means you need to be prepared for a variety of possibilities. Here’s a breakdown of Arlo’s potential Pokémon:

* **First Pokémon (Always the same):** **Bellsprout**
* **Second Pokémon (Random):** **Charizard, Blastoise, or Steelix**
* **Third Pokémon (Random):** **Salamence, Scizor, or Tyranitar**

Knowing these potential Pokémon is the first step towards building a winning team. Each Pokémon has different strengths, weaknesses, and move sets, which must be considered when selecting your counters.

## Preparing Your Team: Essential Counter Strategies

Before you engage in battle, it’s crucial to assemble a team of Pokémon that can effectively counter Arlo’s lineup. Consider these general strategies:

* **Type Coverage:** Aim for type coverage in your team. This means including Pokémon with different type advantages to handle a variety of opponents. A well-rounded team should be able to deal super-effective damage to Fire, Water, Grass, Steel, Flying, Rock, Dark, Bug, and Dragon-type Pokémon.
* **Fast and Charged Attacks:** Choose Pokémon with fast-charging charged attacks. This will allow you to use charged attacks frequently, dealing significant damage and forcing Arlo to use his Protect Shields early in the battle.
* **Bulk and Defense:** Select Pokémon with decent bulk and defense stats. This will help them withstand the powerful attacks from Arlo’s Shadow Pokémon.
* **Shadow Pokémon Advantage:** Remember that Shadow Pokémon deal and receive increased damage. While this can be an advantage for Arlo, it also means your counters can deal more damage if you use your own Shadow Pokémon or Pokémon with moves that are super effective against their typing. Consider using Shadow Pokémon as glass cannons to quickly take down Arlo’s team.

## Detailed Counter Recommendations for Each Pokémon

Now, let’s delve into specific counter recommendations for each of Arlo’s potential Pokémon:

### Bellsprout (First Pokémon)

Bellsprout is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon, making it weak to Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Ice-type attacks. Since it is always Arlo’s first Pokémon, prepare your lead Pokémon accordingly.

**Top Counters for Bellsprout:**

* **Moltres:** Fire Spin/Overheat. Moltres deals massive Fire-type damage, quickly taking down Bellsprout.
* **Charizard:** Fire Spin/Blast Burn. Another powerful Fire-type attacker, especially with the legacy move Blast Burn.
* **Rayquaza:** Air Slash/Hurricane. Rayquaza’s Flying-type attacks are super effective and deal significant damage.
* **Honchkrow:** Peck/Sky Attack. Honchkrow is a readily available Flying-type option that can be effective.
* **Espeon:** Confusion/Psychic. A strong psychic type pokemon that can quickly eliminate Bellsprout.

**Strategy for Bellsprout:**

Start the battle with a powerful Fire or Flying-type Pokémon. Use fast attacks to build up energy quickly and unleash charged attacks to take down Bellsprout as fast as possible. This will allow you to conserve your Protect Shields for later battles.

### Charizard (Second Pokémon – Possible)

Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon, making it weak to Rock, Electric, and Water-type attacks.

**Top Counters for Charizard:**

* **Rhyperior:** Smack Down/Rock Wrecker. Rhyperior’s Rock-type attacks are incredibly effective against Charizard.
* **Rampardos:** Smack Down/Rock Slide. Rampardos is another potent Rock-type attacker, dealing massive damage.
* **Tyranitar:** Smack Down/Stone Edge. Tyranitar is a reliable Rock-type attacker with good bulk.
* **Mega Aerodactyl:** Rock Throw/Rock Slide. Great damage output combined with speed.
* **Electivire:** Thunder Shock/Wild Charge. Electivire’s Electric-type attacks also deal super-effective damage, providing alternative coverage.

**Strategy for Charizard:**

If Arlo switches to Charizard, immediately switch to a Rock-type counter like Rhyperior or Rampardos. Use fast attacks to build up energy and unleash charged attacks as quickly as possible. Be prepared to use a Protect Shield if Charizard uses a powerful charged attack.

### Blastoise (Second Pokémon – Possible)

Blastoise is a Water-type Pokémon, making it weak to Electric and Grass-type attacks.

**Top Counters for Blastoise:**

* **Electivire:** Thunder Shock/Wild Charge. Electivire’s Electric-type attacks are highly effective against Blastoise.
* **Zapdos:** Thunder Shock/Thunderbolt. Zapdos is a powerful Electric-type attacker with good overall stats.
* **Raikou:** Thunder Shock/Wild Charge. Raikou is another excellent Electric-type option.
* **Sceptile:** Bullet Seed/Frenzy Plant. Sceptile, especially with the legacy move Frenzy Plant, deals significant Grass-type damage.
* **Venusaur:** Vine Whip/Frenzy Plant. Similar to Sceptile, Frenzy Plant Venusaur is a potent Grass-type attacker.

**Strategy for Blastoise:**

If Arlo switches to Blastoise, switch to an Electric or Grass-type counter. Focus on using fast attacks to charge up your charged attacks and unleash them to quickly deplete Blastoise’s health. Be mindful of Blastoise’s Water-type attacks and use Protect Shields accordingly.

### Steelix (Second Pokémon – Possible)

Steelix is a Steel/Ground-type Pokémon, making it weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground-type attacks.

**Top Counters for Steelix:**

* **Kyogre:** Waterfall/Surf. Kyogre’s Water-type attacks are super effective against Steelix.
* **Swampert:** Mud Shot/Hydro Cannon. Swampert, especially with the legacy move Hydro Cannon, is an excellent Water/Ground-type attacker.
* **Excadrill:** Mud-Slap/Drill Run. Excadrill’s Ground-type attacks make quick work of Steelix.
* **Lucario:** Counter/Aura Sphere. Lucario’s Fighting-type attacks deal significant damage.
* **Blaziken:** Counter/Blast Burn. Blaziken with Blast Burn is another strong option.

**Strategy for Steelix:**

If Arlo switches to Steelix, switch to a Water, Fire, Fighting or Ground-type counter. Unleash charged attacks as frequently as possible to exploit Steelix’s weaknesses. Protect against Steelix’s powerful Ground-type moves if necessary.

### Salamence (Third Pokémon – Possible)

Salamence is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, making it weak to Ice, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks.

**Top Counters for Salamence:**

* **Glaceon:** Frost Breath/Avalanche. Glaceon’s Ice-type attacks deal massive damage to Salamence.
* **Mamoswine:** Powder Snow/Avalanche. Mamoswine is another excellent Ice-type attacker with good bulk.
* **Rayquaza:** Dragon Tail/Outrage. Rayquaza’s Dragon-type attacks can also be effective, but be wary of taking super-effective damage in return.
* **Mega Gardevoir:** Charm/Dazzling Gleam. Fairy-type moves will make short work of Salamence
* **Mega Rayquaza:** Dragon Tail/Outrage. Dragon type attacks will devastate Salamence.

**Strategy for Salamence:**

If Arlo uses Salamence, switch to an Ice-type counter like Glaceon or Mamoswine. Use fast attacks to charge up your charged attacks and unleash them to quickly take down Salamence. Be prepared to use Protect Shields against Salamence’s powerful Dragon-type attacks.

### Scizor (Third Pokémon – Possible)

Scizor is a Bug/Steel-type Pokémon, making it weak to Fire-type attacks.

**Top Counters for Scizor:**

* **Moltres:** Fire Spin/Overheat. Moltres is a top-tier Fire-type attacker, making it an ideal counter for Scizor.
* **Charizard:** Fire Spin/Blast Burn. Charizard, especially with Blast Burn, is another powerful Fire-type option.
* **Heatran:** Fire Spin/Flamethrower. Heatran provides reliable Fire-type damage and has good resistance.
* **Entei:** Fire Spin/Overheat. Entei is a strong Fire-type attacker that can quickly take down Scizor.
* **Reshiram:** Fire Fang/Overheat. Another great fire type legendary.

**Strategy for Scizor:**

If Arlo uses Scizor, switch to a Fire-type counter like Moltres or Charizard. Focus on using fast attacks to charge up your charged attacks and unleash them to quickly deplete Scizor’s health. Be mindful of Scizor’s Steel-type attacks and use Protect Shields accordingly.

### Tyranitar (Third Pokémon – Possible)

Tyranitar is a Rock/Dark-type Pokémon, making it weak to Fighting, Bug, Water, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Fairy-type attacks. Fighting-type attacks are quad-effective due to its Rock/Dark typing.

**Top Counters for Tyranitar:**

* **Lucario:** Counter/Aura Sphere. Lucario’s Fighting-type attacks are devastating against Tyranitar.
* **Conkeldurr:** Counter/Dynamic Punch. Conkeldurr is another excellent Fighting-type attacker.
* **Machamp:** Counter/Dynamic Punch. Machamp is a readily available and effective Fighting-type option.
* **Hariyama:** Counter/Dynamic Punch. Hariyama is also a viable option.
* **Breloom:** Counter/Dynamic Punch. Great damage from this fighting type.

**Strategy for Tyranitar:**

If Arlo uses Tyranitar, switch to a Fighting-type counter like Lucario, Conkeldurr, or Machamp. Utilize fast attacks to build up energy quickly and unleash charged attacks. As Tyranitar has a wide array of charged attacks it can use, it is vital that you make use of your shields appropriately.

## General Battle Tips

In addition to specific counter recommendations, keep these general tips in mind when battling Arlo:

* **Exploit Weaknesses:** Always prioritize exploiting the weaknesses of Arlo’s Pokémon. This will allow you to deal maximum damage and take down his team more quickly.
* **Use Protect Shields Strategically:** Arlo has two Protect Shields that he will use to block your charged attacks. Try to bait out these shields early in the battle by using fast-charging charged attacks. Once the shields are gone, you can unleash your most powerful charged attacks without fear of them being blocked.
* **Switch Pokémon:** Don’t be afraid to switch Pokémon during the battle. Switching can give you a type advantage or allow you to bring in a Pokémon with more health. Switching Pokémon also resets Arlo’s attack timer, giving you a slight advantage.
* **Pay Attention to Move Sets:** Be aware of the move sets of Arlo’s Pokémon. This will help you anticipate their attacks and use Protect Shields effectively. You can learn about Pokémon move sets by researching them online or using a battle simulator.
* **Utilize Weather Boost:** If the weather conditions in your area favor your chosen Pokémon types, take advantage of it. Weather boosts can significantly increase the power of your attacks.
* **Re-Battle if Necessary:** Don’t be discouraged if you lose your first battle against Arlo. Analyze your mistakes, adjust your team, and try again. With the right strategy and a little bit of luck, you’ll eventually emerge victorious.

## Optimizing Your Team with Shadow Pokémon and IVs

While having the right type matchups is crucial, optimizing your Pokémon further can greatly improve your chances of success against Arlo.

### Shadow Pokémon Considerations

Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but also take 20% more damage. This makes them glass cannons, capable of dishing out tremendous damage but also vulnerable to being knocked out quickly. Consider using Shadow Pokémon strategically:

* **Offensive Power:** Shadow Pokémon can quickly burn through Arlo’s Protect Shields and deal massive damage to his team.
* **Risk Management:** Due to their fragility, Shadow Pokémon require careful planning and precise timing. Use them wisely to avoid being knocked out before they can make an impact.

### IVs and Level

Individual Values (IVs) and Pokémon level play a role in battle performance, but they are not as critical as type matchups and strategic play. However, consider the following:

* **Higher IVs:** Pokémon with higher IVs have slightly better stats, which can make a difference in close battles. Prioritize Pokémon with high Attack IVs for maximum damage output.
* **Level Up:** Leveling up your Pokémon increases their CP and stats, making them more durable and powerful. Power up your key counters to the highest level possible, considering your available Stardust and Candy.

## Gathering Resources and Planning Ahead

Defeating Arlo consistently requires preparation and resource management.

* **Stock Up on Potions and Revives:** Before engaging in battle, ensure you have plenty of Potions and Revives to heal your Pokémon after each encounter. You can obtain these items from PokéStops, Gyms, and Research Tasks.
* **Plan Your Route:** Team GO Rocket Leaders appear at invaded PokéStops for a limited time. Plan your route to efficiently encounter and battle them.
* **Track Arlo’s Location:** Use your Rocket Radar to locate Arlo’s PokéStop. Remember that the Rocket Radar will also reveal other Team GO Rocket Grunts, so be prepared for additional battles.

## Conclusion

Defeating Arlo in Pokémon GO requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and preparation. By understanding his potential Pokémon lineups, building effective counter teams, and utilizing strategic battle tactics, you can consistently emerge victorious. Remember to exploit weaknesses, use Protect Shields wisely, and adapt your strategy based on the specific Pokémon Arlo uses. With dedication and practice, you’ll become a formidable Team GO Rocket hunter and claim valuable rewards. Good luck, Trainer!