Home News Meeting Cliff: how to defeat this boss in Pokémon Go

Meeting Cliff: how to defeat this boss in Pokémon Go

Author : Christian Mar 29,2025

In Pokémon GO, facing Cliff, one of the leaders of Team GO Rocket, presents a challenging yet rewarding battle. With the right strategy and Pokémon selection, you can conquer this formidable opponent with ease.

How Cliff Plays?

pokemon go cliffImage: pokemon-go.name

Understanding Cliff's battle strategy is crucial for success. The battle unfolds in three distinct phases:

  • First Phase: Cliff consistently deploys Shadow Cubone, providing no surprises.
  • Second Phase: Here, luck plays a role as Cliff may choose from Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
  • Final Phase: In the last stage, Cliff has the option to bring out Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Given the variability in Cliff's Pokémon choices, selecting the right team to counter his unpredictable line-up is essential. We'll guide you through some of the best Pokémon choices to defeat Cliff, even when he throws unexpected challenges your way.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To triumph over Cliff's Pokémon, you need to exploit their weaknesses and deploy effective counter-strategies. Here are some top picks that can help you secure victory:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow MewtwoImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Shadow Mewtwo is an exceptional choice, capable of defeating opponents in both the second and final phases, such as Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. Its versatility makes it a key asset in your battle against Cliff.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega RayquazaImage: db.pokemongohub.net

Mega Rayquaza shares similar strengths with Shadow Mewtwo, effectively countering the same set of Pokémon. Strategically placing Mega Rayquaza in the third phase and Shadow Mewtwo in the second (or vice versa) can help you navigate through the final two stages with ease.

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 a versatile choice for any stage of 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 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 second phase due to Cliff's unpredictable choices.

A recommended team setup 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 Pokémon, you can adapt by choosing other strong fighters from the list.

How to Find Cliff?

To challenge Cliff in Pokémon GO, you must first overcome six Team GO Rocket Grunts. Each victory grants you mysterious components, which you can use to assemble a Rocket Radar. Activating the Rocket Radar will reveal the location of 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 Pokémon. Developing effective counter-strategies is essential for victory. If you lose, you'll have the opportunity for a rematch, but winning will destroy your Rocket Radar.

Confronting Cliff is a significant challenge that requires meticulous preparation and strategic Pokémon selection. His team, composed of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle stages, demands versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre to counter his threats effectively.

With these Pokémon, you'll be well-equipped to defeat Cliff in Pokémon GO. Even without these specific choices, you can adapt your strategy using other strong Pokémon, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, encountering Cliff requires a Rocket Radar, which you can obtain by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

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