Home News Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Author : Gabriel May 13,2025

In Pokémon GO, facing Cliff, a leader of Team GO Rocket, is a challenging encounter. However, with the right strategy and Pokémon selection, you can significantly increase your chances of emerging victorious.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Understanding Cliff's battle strategy is crucial before engaging him. The battle unfolds in three distinct phases:

In the first phase, Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, making this stage predictable. For the second phase, you'll need a bit of luck as Cliff may choose from Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak. The final phase presents another set of choices, with Cliff potentially sending out Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat. Given the variability, selecting the right Pokémon to counter Cliff's unpredictable lineup is key.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

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

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is an excellent choice, capable of tackling Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. Positioning it strategically in the second or third phase can help you breeze through those stages.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza can handle the same set of opponents. Placing it in the third phase alongside Shadow Mewtwo in the second can ensure a smooth progression through the final stages.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Regular Kyogre is effective in the first phase against Shadow Cubone. However, Primal Kyogre's enhanced power allows it to take on Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it versatile for any phase with the right luck.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma can only counter Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, making it less optimal for this battle due to its limited effectiveness.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, suitable for the first phase. However, it's advisable to switch to a more versatile Pokémon in the second phase due to Cliff's unpredictable choice.

A recommended lineup could include Primal Kyogre for the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo for the second, and Mega Rayquaza for the third. If you lack any of these, you can adapt using other strong Pokémon from the list.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to gather the mysterious components needed to craft a Rocket Radar. Activating the Rocket Radar will reveal the location of a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance it will be Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff requires more preparation than facing Grunts, as he deploys stronger Shadow Pokémon. Losing allows for a rematch, but winning will destroy your Rocket Radar.

Confronting Cliff is a significant challenge that demands careful planning and the right Pokémon selection. His team, consisting of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three stages, can be effectively countered with versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your strategy to leverage other strong fighters based on their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, encountering Cliff requires a Rocket Radar, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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