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Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

By NatalieMar 28,2025

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

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?

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

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

  • First Phase: Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, making this phase predictable.
  • Second Phase: Here, luck plays a role as Cliff may choose from Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • Third Phase: The final stage sees Cliff potentially sending out Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given the variability in Cliff's choices, selecting the right Pokémon for each phase can be tricky. However, we'll guide you through choosing effective counters to handle whatever Cliff throws at you.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To counter Cliff's Pokémon effectively, you need to exploit their weaknesses. Here are some top picks that can help you triumph over Cliff:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is a powerhouse, capable of defeating opponents in the second and third phases, such as Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Rayquaza shares similar strengths with Shadow Mewtwo, making it an excellent choice for the second or third phase of the battle.

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 tackle Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it versatile across all phases.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma can only handle Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, limiting its utility in this battle.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, making it a good choice for the first phase.

A recommended lineup could be Primal Kyogre for the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo for the second, and Mega Rayquaza for the third. If you lack any of these, consider alternatives from the list above.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to collect mysterious components. These components assemble into a Rocket Radar, which, when activated, reveals the location of a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance of encountering Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is a formidable challenge that requires strategic preparation and the right Pokémon. His team of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle phases demands versatile counters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your strategy using other strong fighters, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, to face Cliff, you'll need a Rocket Radar, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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