Vinnie is probably the first big test you will face in your journey with *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. While veterans will breeze through this battle, new players have a lot to consider when taking on his team. This guide covers everything you need to know about Vinnie’s lineup and how to counter it effectively.
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### Vinnie’s Team Lineup and Weaknesses
Rintaro (also known as Vinnie) will have the following Pokémon in his team:
– **Houndoom (Level 30) – Dark/Fire-type**
Weak to: Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock-type moves.
– **Sharpedo (Level 30) – Water/Dark-type**
Weak to: Bug, Fairy, Grass, Fighting, and Electric-type moves.
– **Buneary (Level 30) – Normal-type**
Weak to: Fighting-type moves.
– **Mega Drampa (Level 32) – Normal/Dragon-type**
Weak to: Fighting, Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type moves.
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### Tips to Defeat Vinnie
One of the best assets for this fight is a secret weapon you can get in the form of a free Heracross, affectionately nicknamed “Bois.” This powerful Pokémon can carry you through much of the game due to its strength and versatility.
#### How to Get Heracross (“Bois”)
To obtain Bois, complete Side Mission 002 titled **”A Use for an Evolution Stone.”** You can find more details and the location on our [Pokémon Legends: Arceus Interactive Map](#).
Bois comes with an impressive moveset — make sure to equip him with **Brick Break** and **Rock Smash**. At Level 30 or higher, he can handle most of Vinnie’s lineup with ease.
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### Recommended Backup Team Members
Even with Heracross, it’s a good idea to have some backup options:
– **Pangoro**
Evolve a Pancham into Pangoro to create another strong fighter that counters many of Vinnie’s Pokémon. Pangoro’s fighting moves are highly effective against several opponents on the team.
– **Absol**
Keep Absol in your party as a safety net. Its health and moves can provide additional coverage if needed, though it’s generally less essential than your Fighting-types.
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### Final Strategy
Focusing on Fighting-type Pokémon and moves will give you a significant advantage in this battle. With Bois the Heracross leading the charge and strong backups like Pangoro and Absol, you should find Vinnie’s team relatively easy to defeat.
Good luck, and enjoy your adventure in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146516/how-to-beat-vinnie-pokemon-legends-za-weaknesses-counters
