Pokémon Go: How to Beat Cliff

In Pokémon GO, Cliff serves as one of Team GO Rocket's formidable leaders. While defeating him presents a significant challenge, selecting optimal counters and implementing proper battle tactics can turn the tide in your favor.

Cliff's Battle Mechanics

Before challenging Cliff, understanding his battle pattern proves crucial. His encounters follow a consistent three-phase structure:

The initial phase always features Shadow Cubone as his opener. The second phase introduces variability among three potential Shadow Pokémon: Machoke, Annihilape, or Marowak. The final phase presents another randomized selection between Shadow Tyranitar, Machamp, or Crobat.

This unpredictable lineup makes counter-team preparation complex, as no single strategy guarantees success against all combinations. Nevertheless, we'll outline versatile Pokémon capable of handling most scenarios.

Optimal Counters Against Cliff

Success hinges on exploiting type advantages against Cliff's potential team members. While his roster varies, common weaknesses exist that savvy trainers can capitalize on.

Shadow Mewtwo

This psychic powerhouse efficiently counters Shadow Machoke, Annihilape, Machamp, and Crobat, making it viable for both later battle phases.

Mega Rayquaza

With overlapping coverage against Shadow Mewtwo's targets, Mega Rayquaza offers flexible deployment options across phases two and three.

Kyogre

The primal version notably outperforms its standard form against Shadow Tyranitar, Marowak, and Cubone. Its adaptability makes it useful throughout various battle stages.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

While effective against Shadow Annihilape and Machoke, its limited coverage makes it situational compared to more versatile options.

Mega Swampert

This water/ground specialist handles Shadow Cubone and Marowak well but requires switching out for phase-two alternatives.

An ideal team composition might include Primal Kyogre for phase one, Shadow Mewtwo for phase two, and Mega Rayquaza for the final showdown. Substitute appropriately for missing members.

Encountering Cliff

Triggering a Cliff battle requires assembling a Rocket Radar by defeating six Team GO Rocket Grunts. Each victory yields mysterious components for radar construction. Upon activation, the radar pinpoints a random leader location – with Cliff appearing approximately 33% of the time.

Unlike standard Grunt battles, Cliff employs stronger Shadow Pokémon across three challenging phases. Victory consumes your Rocket Radar, while defeat allows rematch attempts.

Preparing adequately proves essential against Cliff's randomized Shadow Pokémon teams. While top-tier counters like Shadow Mewtwo and Mega Rayquaza provide reliable solutions, adaptable trainers can succeed with alternative compositions by carefully considering type advantages and move sets.