Sierra Showdown: Conquer the Challenge in Pokemon GO

Before you take on Sierra, the Team GO Rocket leader, in May 2023, it's essential to be well-prepared. This guide breaks down the ideal team you'll need to assemble to emerge victorious in battle. Each of Sierra's Pokemon is outlined, along with the best possible counters to defeat her lineup. Keep in mind that the Pokemon you choose can make or break your chances of success, so choose wisely and ensure your team is powerful enough for the challenge.

Tackling Murkrow in the First Round

In May 2023, Sierra kicks off the battle with a Dark/Flying type Pokemon, Murkrow. It's crucial to avoid using Dark, Ghost, Grass, Ground, and Psychic-type attacks, as Murkrow will resist them. Instead, focus on Electric, Fairy, Ice, and Rock-type moves. Here are the top options for taking down Murkrow:

• - Togekiss with Charm (Fast Attack) and Ancient Power (Charged Attack).
• - Aggron with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Stone Edge (Charged Attack).
• - Xurkitree with Thunder Shock (Fast Attack) and Discharge (Charged Attack).
• - Tyranitar with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Stone Edge (Charged Attack).

Adapt to Sierra's Diverse Round 2 Options

Sierra's second Pokemon can be one of three possibilities: Steelix, Swampert, or Staraptor. Preparing the right counters for each option will prove vital in the ensuing battle.

For Steelix (a Ground/Steel type), your best chance lies in using Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Water-type attacks. To defeat this formidable foe, consider bringing:

• - Rhyperior with Mud Slap (Fast Attack) and Rock Wrecker or Surf (Charged Attack).
• - Charizard with Fire Spin (Fast Attack) and Blast Burn (Charged Attack).
• - Kyogre with Waterfall (Fast Attack) and Surf or Blizzard (Charged Attack).
• - Terrakion with Double Kick (Fast Attack) and Sacred Sword (Charged Attack).

If Sierra sends out Swampert (a Ground/Water Type), your go-to strategy should involve Grass-type moves. Prepare a team with:

• - Venusaur with Razor Leaf (Fast Attack) and Frenzy Plant (Charged Attack).
• - Roserade with Razor Leaf (Fast Attack) and Solar Beam (Charged Attack).
• - Sceptile with Bullet Seed (Fast Attack) and Leaf Blade (Charged Attack).
• - Kartana with Razor Leaf (Fast Attack) and Leaf Blade (Charged Attack).
• - Torterra with Razor Leaf (Fast Attack) and Frenzy Plant (Charged Attack).

Lastly, if you're up against Staraptor (a Normal/Flying type), focus on Electric, Ice, or Rock-type moves, while avoiding Bug, Grass, Ghost, and Ground. Your best options include:

• - Aggron with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Stone Edge (Charged Attack).
• - Xurkitree with Thunder Shock (Fast Attack) and Discharge (Charged Attack).
• - Mamoswine with Powder Snow (Fast Attack) and Avalanche or High Horsepower (Charged Attack).

Finish Strong Against Sierra's Last Line of Defense

Sierra's final Pokemon can be any of the following three options: Dragonite, Houndoom, or Charizard.

For Dragonite (a Flying/Dragon type), Ice, Dragon, Fairy, and Rock-type moves are your best bets. The following Pokemon are ideal for this battle:

• - Kyurem with Dragon Tail (Fast Attack) and Blizzard (Charged Attack).
• - Tyranitar with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Stone Edge (Charged Attack).
• - Togekiss with Charm (Fast Attack) and Ancient Power (Charged Attack).

If Houndoom (a Fire/Dark type) enters the fray, use Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks to defeat it. Here are your top choices:

• - Kyogre with Waterfall (Fast Attack) and Surf (Charged Attack).
• - Machamp with Counter (Fast Attack) and Close Combat (Charged Attack).
• - Lucario with Counter (Fast Attack) and Power-Up Punch (Charged Attack).
• - Conkeldurr with Counter (Fast Attack) and Dynamic Punch (Charged Attack).

Finally, if Sierra summons Charizard (a Fire/Flying type), focus on Rock, Electric, and Water-type moves. Avoid Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Ground, Steel, Bug, and Grass attacks. The following Pokemon will help you achieve victory:

• - Rhyperior with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Rock Wrecker or Surf (Charged Attack).
• - Terrakion with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Rock Slide (Charged Attack).
• - Gigalith with Smack Down (Fast Attack) and Meteor Beam (Charged Attack).

Reap the Rewards of Defeating Sierra

Upon defeating Sierra, you'll be one step closer to confronting Giovanni, the Team GO Rocket boss. To ensure you're ready for the battles with the other Team GO Rocket leaders, Arlo and Cliff, follow similar guides to build the perfect team and claim victory. With dedication, strategy, and the right Pokemon lineup, you'll soon conquer the entire Team GO Rocket challenge in Pokemon GO.