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Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Authore: NoahUpdate:May 05,2025

In Pokémon GO, facing Cliff, one of Team GO Rocket's leaders, is a challenging encounter. However, with the right Pokémon and a strategic approach, you can emerge victorious.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Before you dive into battle with Cliff, it's crucial to understand his strategy. 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 possibly choosing between Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak. The final stage keeps you on your toes, as Cliff may select from Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat. Given these variables, selecting the right Pokémon for each phase can be tricky, but we're here to guide you through the best options to counter Cliff's unpredictable lineup.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To triumph over Cliff's Pokémon, understanding their weaknesses and choosing the right counters is essential. Here are some top picks that can help you secure a win:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is an excellent choice, capable of defeating opponents in the last two phases, particularly effective against 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 a formidable choice for the final two stages. Strategically placing Shadow Mewtwo in the second phase and Mega Rayquaza in the third can streamline your path to victory.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Regular Kyogre is best suited for the first phase, while Primal Kyogre can tackle more foes, including Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone. With luck, Primal Kyogre can be effective across any phase of the battle.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma can handle Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke but is less versatile, making it a suboptimal choice for this battle.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, fitting well in the first phase. However, it's advisable to switch to a more versatile Pokémon for the subsequent phases due to Cliff's random selections.

A recommended lineup 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, feel free to choose from the other suggested Pokémon.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts, collecting mysterious components to assemble a Rocket Radar. Once activated, the Radar will guide 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, as he employs powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle stages. Versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre are key to countering his threats effectively. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your strategy based on your available strong fighters, considering their strengths and weaknesses.

Remember, to encounter Cliff, you'll need a Rocket Radar, which you can earn by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts. With the right preparation and Pokémon, you'll be well-equipped to conquer this challenging battle in Pokémon GO.