Home News Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies and Tips

Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies and Tips

Apr 17,2025 Author: Aria

In Pokémon GO, Cliff stands out as one of the formidable leaders of Team GO Rocket, presenting a challenging battle for players. Yet, with the right Pokémon companions and a strategic approach, overcoming Cliff becomes achievable and rewarding.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Understanding Cliff's battle tactics is crucial before you engage him. The confrontation unfolds across three distinct phases:

  • In the first phase, Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, offering no surprises.
  • The second phase introduces variability, with Cliff potentially sending out Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • The final phase sees Cliff choosing from Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given this unpredictability, selecting the right Pokémon for battle is challenging, but we're here to guide you through the process and recommend effective counters.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To effectively counter Cliff's Pokémon, you need to consider their weaknesses and choose your team wisely. Here are some top picks that can help you navigate through Cliff's diverse lineup:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo stands out as a versatile choice, capable of defeating several of Cliff's Pokémon, including Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. Its effectiveness makes it a prime candidate for the second or third phase of the battle.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza can tackle the same opponents. Strategically placing Mega Rayquaza in the third phase and Shadow Mewtwo in the second phase (or vice versa) can ensure victory in the later stages of the battle.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Regular Kyogre is effective only in the first round against Shadow Cubone. However, Primal Kyogre's enhanced strength allows it to also defeat Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it a versatile choice for any stage of the battle with the right luck.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

While Dawn Wings Necrozma can only defeat Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, it's not the most optimal choice 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, suitable primarily for the first phase. In the second phase, it's advisable to switch to a more versatile Pokémon due to Cliff's unpredictable choices.

A suggested strategy involves using Primal Kyogre in the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo in the second, and Mega Rayquaza in the third. If you lack these specific Pokémon, consider alternatives from the list that align with your available roster.

How to Find Hero?

To challenge Cliff in Pokémon GO, you must first conquer six Team GO Rocket Grunts, earning mysterious components to assemble a Rocket Radar. Activating this device will lead you to a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance of encountering Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is more demanding than facing Grunts due to his stronger Pokémon. Developing effective countermeasures is essential for victory. Should you fail, you'll have opportunities for rematches, but success will deplete your Rocket Radar.

Facing Cliff requires meticulous preparation and strategic selection of your Pokémon team. His use of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle phases necessitates versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre to counter his threats effectively. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your strategy using other strong fighters, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, to encounter Cliff, you'll need to secure a Rocket Radar by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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