Home News Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Author : Alexis May 05,2025

In Pokémon GO, Cliff stands as a formidable leader of Team GO Rocket, presenting a significant challenge to players. However, with the right team and strategy, you can triumph over him with 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 engaging him. The confrontation unfolds over three distinct phases:

  • In the first phase, Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, offering no surprises.
  • The second phase introduces an element of chance, with Cliff potentially using Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • In the final stage, Cliff may choose from Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given the variability in Cliff's choices, selecting the right Pokémon becomes challenging, as each battle can differ from what's outlined in guides. Nonetheless, we'll guide you through choosing Pokémon that can handle Cliff's unpredictable lineup effectively.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To counter Cliff's Pokémon effectively, it's essential to understand their weaknesses and choose Pokémon that exploit these vulnerabilities. Here are some top picks that can help you secure victory:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is a powerhouse that can tackle opponents from the last two stages, including Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat, making it an excellent choice for versatility.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza can deal with the same adversaries. Positioning it in the third stage and Shadow Mewtwo in the second (or vice versa) can ensure you navigate through the final stages smoothly.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Regular Kyogre is effective in the first round, but Primal Kyogre's enhanced power allows it to counter Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it a flexible option for any battle stage with the right luck.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma is limited to defeating only Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, which makes it less optimal for this battle due to its narrower range of effectiveness.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert can handle Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, fitting well in the first phase. However, it's advisable to switch it out in the second phase for a more versatile Pokémon, considering Cliff's unpredictable selections.

An optimal strategy might involve using Primal Kyogre in the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo in the second, and Mega Rayquaza in the third. If you lack these specific Pokémon, you can still adapt using other strong fighters from the list, considering their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff, you must first overcome six Team GO Rocket Grunts. Each victory over a Grunt provides mysterious components necessary for crafting a Rocket Radar. Once activated, the Radar guides you to a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance of facing Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is more demanding than facing Grunts, as he commands a team of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three stages. Preparing with versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre is key to overcoming his challenges.

If you fail, you'll have another shot at a rematch, but victory will destroy your Rocket Radar. By carefully selecting your Pokémon and adapting your strategy, you'll not only answer the question of how to beat Cliff in Pokémon GO but also enhance your overall gameplay experience.