Home News > Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies and Tips

Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies and Tips

by Andrew Apr 11,2025

In Pokémon GO, facing Cliff, one of the Team GO Rocket leaders, is a challenging endeavor. However, with the right companions and a solid strategy, you can secure victory with relative ease.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Understanding Cliff's battle strategy is crucial before you engage him. The battle is structured in three phases:

In the first phase, Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, offering no surprises. The second phase introduces an element of unpredictability, as Cliff may choose from Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak. Finally, in the third phase, Cliff has the option to bring out Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat. This variability makes selecting the right Pokémon for battle tricky, as each encounter can differ from what's typically described in guides. However, we'll guide you through selecting Pokémon that can handle Cliff's diverse lineup effectively.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To counter Cliff's Pokémon effectively, it's vital to understand their weaknesses and choose appropriate countermeasures. Here are some top Pokémon selections that can help you triumph over Cliff:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo stands out as an excellent choice, capable of defeating opponents in the second and third phases, such as Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat, with the right strategy.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Rayquaza shares similar strengths with Shadow Mewtwo, making it a versatile choice for the last two phases. Positioning Mega Rayquaza in the third phase and Shadow Mewtwo in the second (or vice versa) can streamline your victory.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Regular Kyogre can win in the first round against Shadow Cubone. However, Primal Kyogre's enhanced power enables it to tackle additional foes like Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it a flexible choice for any battle phase.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma is limited to defeating Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, making it less optimal for a full battle against Cliff due to its narrow scope of effectiveness.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone but is best suited for the first phase. It's advisable to switch to a more versatile Pokémon for the subsequent phases due to Cliff's unpredictable choices.

A recommended lineup could include Primal Kyogre in the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo in the second, and Mega Rayquaza in the third. If you lack any of these Pokémon, consider alternatives from the list that match your available roster.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff in Pokémon GO, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to collect mysterious components needed to build a Rocket Radar. Once activated, the Radar will guide you to a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance it will be Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is a formidable challenge, requiring thorough preparation and strategic selection of your Pokémon team. His use of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle stages necessitates versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre to counter his threats effectively.

With these Pokémon, you'll be well-equipped to defeat Cliff in Pokémon GO. If you don't have access to these specific Pokémon, adapt your strategy with other strong fighters, considering their types and weaknesses. Remember, encountering Cliff requires a Rocket Radar, which you can earn by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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