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Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

by David Mar 27,2025

In Pokémon GO, facing off against Cliff, one of Team GO Rocket's leaders, is a challenging endeavor. However, with the right team and strategy, you can secure a 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 unfolds in three distinct phases:

  • In the first phase, Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, offering no surprises.
  • The second phase introduces an element of unpredictability, with Cliff potentially sending out Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • In the final stage, Cliff has the option to choose from Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given the variability in Cliff's lineup, selecting the right Pokémon for battle can be tricky. Each encounter is unique, but we'll guide you through choosing Pokémon that can handle Cliff's diverse team effectively.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To counter Cliff's Pokémon, 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 final stages of the battle. Strategically placing Shadow Mewtwo and Mega Rayquaza in the second and third phases can lead to a smooth victory.

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 additional foes like 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. It's not the most optimal choice due to its restricted effectiveness.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

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

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 are used to assemble a Rocket Radar, which, when activated, 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 Shadow Pokémon. If you lose, you can attempt a rematch, but a victory will destroy your Rocket Radar.

Confronting Cliff requires meticulous preparation and strategic selection of your Pokémon. His team, spread across three battle phases, demands 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, encountering Cliff requires a Rocket Radar, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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