If you’ve been wandering around PokéStops lately or checking your Radar, you’ve probably noticed the Team GO Rocket leaders are acting a bit different. It’s a grind. Dealing with Sierra in November 2024 isn't just about tapping your screen until your thumb gets tired; it’s about navigating the specific Shadow lineup shifts that Niantic pushed during the "Showdown in the Shadows" event and the subsequent Rocket takeovers.
Sierra is usually the "technical" leader. While Cliff brings the brute force and Arlo brings the annoying speed, Sierra relies on tricky typing and high-damage fast moves that can delete your Lead Pokémon before you even get a Charged Attack off.
The Lineup: Who is Sierra Using Right Now?
In November 2024, Sierra's lead remains Shadow Ralts. This is a massive pain for anyone who blindly leads with a Fighting-type like Machamp or Lucario. If you do that, you're going to have a bad time. Shadow Ralts has access to Confusion and Charm. Both of those fast moves hit like a truck, especially with the Shadow bonus.
Once you get past the fairy-type menace, things get more unpredictable. Her second slot is a rotating door of frustration. You might see Shadow Steelix, Shadow Milotic, or Shadow Sableye. Honestly, Steelix is the one that ruins most runs because it’s such a tank. It eats hits for breakfast.
For the final showdown, Sierra is packing heat with Shadow Gardevoir, Shadow Houndoom, or Shadow Nidoqueen. If she brings out that Gardevoir and you don't have a Steel-type ready to go, the match is basically over. Gardevoir’s Charm will melt almost anything in its path.
Beating the Lead: The Shadow Ralts Problem
Don't use a Dragon. Don't use a Fighter.
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You need something that resists Fairy or Psychic moves while generating energy fast enough to burn Sierra’s two shields. Since Rocket Leaders always shield the first two Charged Attacks you throw, your first Pokémon’s job isn't to kill—it’s to bait.
Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash is the gold standard here. It resists everything Ralts throws and hits back with super-effective Steel damage. If you don't have a high-level Metagross, try Excadrill or even a Gholdengo if you've been grinding those gimmighoul coins.
Pro tip: Use the "switch trick." Start the battle with a different Pokémon and immediately swap to your counter. This causes the AI to pause for about two seconds, giving you free fast attacks. In a high-stakes Rocket battle, those two seconds are the difference between winning and having to use a Max Revive.
Handling the Middle: Steelix, Milotic, and Sableye
This is where your team needs coverage. If she pulls out Steelix, you need Water, Ground, or Fighting. Swampert is a legend here. Hydro Cannon comes out so fast that Steelix won't know what hit it. Plus, Mud Shot generates energy like crazy.
If it's Milotic, you're looking at a different beast. It’s bulky. You need Electric or Grass. Kartana is a glass cannon, but in the fast-paced world of Rocket battles, it can shred Milotic before it gets to a Surf or Blizzard. Just be careful; one Blizzard from Milotic and your Kartana is organic confetti.
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Sableye is the "easy" one of the bunch, provided you have a Fairy-type. Since it's Ghost/Dark, it's only weak to Fairy. If you kept your own Gardevoir or Togekiss in the back, you can delete Sableye in seconds.
The Closer: Gardevoir, Houndoom, and Nidoqueen
If you reach the end and find Shadow Houndoom, consider yourself lucky. It’s flimsy. A strong Water or Rock-type will flatten it. Tyranitar with Smack Down works wonders, though you have to watch out for Fire Fang damage over time.
Shadow Nidoqueen is a bit more of a slog. It’s Poison/Ground, so hit it with Ice, Water, or Psychic moves. Mewtwo with Psystrike is the nuclear option. It’s expensive to power up, but it makes this fight trivial.
The nightmare scenario is Shadow Gardevoir. If your Metagross is already fainted from the Ralts fight, you’re in trouble. This is why saving a shield for your final Pokémon is vital. You cannot let Gardevoir land a move.
Why You Should Care About Shadow Ralts
Why are people grinding Sierra so hard in November 2024? It’s simple: Shadow Gardevoir is the best Fairy-type attacker in the game. Period.
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If you manage to catch a Shadow Ralts with high attack stats, you have the premier counter for Dragon-type Raid Bosses. While Mega Gardevoir is technically "better" for the one Mega slot you're allowed, an army of Shadow Gardevoirs will outperform almost any other team composition.
Also, there's the shiny hunt. Shadow Shiny Ralts is one of the most aesthetic shinies in the game with those blue "horns" and the purple smoky aura. The odds are roughly 1 in 64, so you'll likely have to fight Sierra a lot if that's your goal.
Common Mistakes Most Players Make
People often forget that Rocket Leaders have higher stats than standard grunts. You can’t just use your highest CP Pokémon and hope for the best.
- Ignoring Fast Move Pressure: If Sierra's Ralts has Charm and you're using a Dragonite, you'll lose before you even see a "Super Effective" message.
- Not Shield Baiting: Don't use your biggest, slowest move first. Use something like Power-Up Punch or Dragon Claw to get those shields out of the way.
- Bad Typing Synergy: Don't bring three Pokémon of the same type. If you bring three Steels and she has Houndoom, you're toast.
Gear Up and Go
To find Sierra, you need a Rocket Radar. You get this by defeating six Team GO Rocket Grunts and collecting their Mysterious Components. Once the Radar is equipped, Sierra will appear in balloons (which spawn at 12 AM, 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM) or at random PokéStops.
If you check a PokéStop and it’s Cliff or Arlo, just walk away. The Radar isn't consumed until you actually win the battle. You can "shop around" until you find Sierra.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Encounter
To guarantee a win against Sierra's November 2024 lineup, follow this exact blueprint:
- Lead with a "Burner": Use Lucario with Power-Up Punch or Greninja with Hydro Cannon. These moves charge instantly. Use them to strip Sierra's two shields immediately.
- The Mid-Game Pivot: Have a Primal Kyogre or a high-level Swampert in your second slot. This covers Nidoqueen, Houndoom, and Steelix.
- The Insurance Policy: Keep a Metagross or Dialga in the back. This is specifically for Ralts or Gardevoir. If you see pink, swap to steel.
- Manage Your Energy: If Sierra’s Pokémon is almost dead, don't use a Charged Attack. Farm it down with Fast Attacks so you have a move ready to go for her next Pokémon. This "overfarming" technique is how top-tier players beat Leaders without losing a single Pokémon.
- Check the IVs: Before you purify that Shadow Ralts, look at the stats. A 0/15/15 spread is actually incredible for Great League or Ultra League PVP (as Shadow Gallade or Gardevoir), while a high-attack version is what you want for Raids. Most of the time, do not purify. The 20% damage bonus from the Shadow state is worth more than the IV boost you get from purifying.