Defeating Cliff in Pokémon Go: Strategies Revealed

Author : Aurora May 06,2025

In Pokémon GO, defeating Cliff, one of the leaders of Team GO Rocket, can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. With the right strategy and Pokémon selection, you can increase your chances of success significantly.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Understanding Cliff's strategy is key to overcoming him. The battle is structured in three distinct phases:

  • Phase 1: Cliff always leads with Shadow Cubone, making the initial phase predictable.
  • Phase 2: Here, you'll face one of three possible Pokémon: Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak. This phase introduces an element of unpredictability.
  • Phase 3: In the final stage, Cliff may choose from Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat, further challenging your adaptability.

Given the variability in the second and third phases, selecting the right Pokémon to counter Cliff's lineup is crucial, even if he chooses an unexpected opponent.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To effectively combat Cliff's Pokémon, it's essential to exploit their weaknesses. Below are some top picks that can handle various scenarios in the battle:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is a versatile choice, capable of defeating Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. It's particularly useful in the latter stages of the battle.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza can tackle the same set of opponents. Positioning it in the third phase alongside Shadow Mewtwo in the second can secure victory in the final stages.

Kyogre

KyogreImage: db.pokemongohub.net

While the regular Kyogre is effective in the first phase against Shadow Cubone, Primal Kyogre's enhanced strength allows it to handle Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it a formidable choice throughout the battle.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings NecrozmaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Dawn Wings Necrozma can only defeat Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, limiting its utility in the battle against Cliff.

Mega Swampert

Mega SwampertImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone but is best used in the first phase, requiring a switch for subsequent phases due to its limited range of effectiveness.

An optimal lineup could include Primal Kyogre in the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo in the second, and Mega Rayquaza in the third. If you lack one of these, consider other strong Pokémon from the list, tailoring your strategy to their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Find Hero?

To challenge Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to gather the mysterious components needed to craft a Rocket Radar. Once activated, the Radar will guide you to a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance of facing Cliff.

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemongohub.net

Battling Cliff is a significant challenge that demands strategic preparation and the right Pokémon allies. His use of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle stages requires versatile counters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre. Even without these specific Pokémon, you can adapt your strategy with other strong fighters, considering their attributes and the weaknesses of Cliff's team. Remember, encountering Cliff requires a Rocket Radar, obtainable by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.