Home News Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Author : Harper May 21,2025

In Pokémon GO, facing off against Cliff, one of Team GO Rocket's leaders, can be a daunting challenge. However, with the right Pokémon and strategy, defeating him becomes much more manageable.

Table of Contents

  • How Cliff Plays?
  • Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?
    • Shadow Mewtwo
    • Mega Rayquaza
    • Kyogre
    • Dawn Wings Necrozma
    • Mega Swampert
  • How to Find Cliff?

pokemon go cliff
Image: pokemon-go.name

How Cliff Plays?

Before diving into battle, it's crucial to understand Cliff's strategy. The battle is structured in three distinct phases:

  • First Phase: Cliff always deploys Shadow Cubone, making this phase predictable.
  • Second Phase: Here, luck comes into play as Cliff may choose from Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • Third Phase: The final stage is equally unpredictable, with Cliff potentially sending out Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given the variability in Cliff's team, selecting the right Pokémon is key to victory. Let's explore some effective choices.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To counter Cliff's Pokémon effectively, consider their weaknesses and choose accordingly. Here are some top picks:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow Mewtwo
Image: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is a powerhouse, capable of defeating Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. It's an excellent choice for the second and third phases.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega Rayquaza
Image: db.pokemongohub.net

Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza can tackle the same set of opponents. Strategically placing these two in the second and third phases can streamline your victory.

Kyogre

Kyogre
Image: db.pokemongohub.net

Standard Kyogre is effective in the first round against Shadow Cubone. However, Primal Kyogre's enhanced strength allows it to also defeat Shadow Tyranitar and Shadow Marowak, making it a versatile choice for any phase.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings Necrozma
Image: db.pokemongohub.net

While Dawn Wings Necrozma can only handle Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, it's not the most optimal choice due to its limited effectiveness.

Mega Swampert

Mega Swampert
Image: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, making it suitable for the first phase. However, it should be swapped out for a more versatile Pokémon in subsequent phases.

A recommended lineup would be Primal Kyogre for the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo for the second, and Mega Rayquaza for the third. If you're missing any of these, feel free to substitute with other strong Pokémon from the list.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff, you'll first need to defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to gather mysterious components for a Rocket Radar. Once activated, the Radar will guide you to a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance it'll be Cliff.

pokemon go cliff
Image: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is a significant challenge, requiring careful preparation and strategic Pokémon selection. His team of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three phases demands versatile counters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre. These can address most threats effectively.

With these strategies, you're well-equipped to tackle Cliff in Pokémon GO. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your approach using other strong fighters, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, to encounter Cliff, you'll need a Rocket Radar, obtainable by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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