Home News Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

by Scarlett Apr 27,2025

In Pokémon GO, taking on Cliff, one of the leaders of Team GO Rocket, can be a daunting challenge. However, with the right companions and strategy, victory can be within your grasp. Understanding Cliff's battle tactics and choosing the appropriate Pokémon to counter his lineup is crucial for success.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Before engaging in battle with Cliff, it's essential to grasp his strategy. The battle unfolds in three distinct phases:

  • First Phase: Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, offering no surprises here.
  • Second Phase: This stage introduces an element of unpredictability, as Cliff might choose from Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • Final Stage: The battle concludes with Cliff potentially sending out Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given the variability in Cliff's team, selecting the right Pokémon for each encounter is crucial. Despite the unpredictability, we can recommend some Pokémon that can effectively counter Cliff's choices, even when faced with unexpected opponents.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To triumph over Cliff, it's vital to exploit the weaknesses of his Pokémon. Here are some top choices that can significantly enhance your chances of victory:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is an excellent choice, capable of defeating multiple opponents in the last two stages. It's particularly effective against Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Rayquaza can handle the same opponents as Shadow Mewtwo. Strategically placing Mega Rayquaza in the third stage and Shadow Mewtwo in the second (or vice versa) can help you navigate through the last two stages seamlessly.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Regular Kyogre can secure a win in the first round, but Primal Kyogre's enhanced abilities allow it to tackle additional foes such as Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it a versatile choice for any stage.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma can only defeat Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, making it less optimal for this battle due to its limited effectiveness against Cliff's lineup.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone but is best used in the first phase. For the second phase, consider switching to a more versatile Pokémon to handle Cliff's random selection.

A suggested team 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, other listed Pokémon can serve as effective substitutes.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to earn mysterious components, which you'll use to build a Rocket Radar. Activating the Rocket Radar will lead you to one of the Team GO Rocket leaders, with a 33.3% chance of encountering Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is more challenging than facing Grunts due to his stronger Pokémon. Developing effective countermeasures is essential for success. If you lose, you can attempt a rematch, but a victory will destroy your Rocket Radar.

Confronting Cliff requires strategic preparation and the right Pokémon allies. His team of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle stages demands versatile counters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre. With these, you'll be well-equipped to defeat Cliff in Pokémon GO. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your strategy using other strong fighters based on their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, encountering Cliff requires a Rocket Radar, which you can obtain by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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