In Pokémon GO, taking on Cliff, one of Team GO Rocket's leaders, is a formidable challenge that requires careful strategy and the right team selection. By choosing the best Pokémon and understanding Cliff's battle mechanics, you can significantly increase your chances of victory.
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?

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Understanding Cliff's battle strategy is crucial before engaging him. The battle unfolds in three distinct phases:
- First Phase: Cliff consistently uses Shadow Cubone, making this stage predictable.
- Second Phase: Here, you'll face one of three possible Pokémon: Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak. This phase introduces an element of unpredictability.
- Third Phase: Cliff can deploy one of three final contenders: Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat, adding another layer of challenge.
Given the variability in Cliff's team, selecting the right Pokémon is essential for overcoming these diverse threats.
Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?
To counter Cliff's team effectively, you need to exploit their weaknesses. Here are some top Pokémon choices and their effectiveness against Cliff's lineup:
Shadow Mewtwo

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Shadow Mewtwo is a versatile choice, capable of defeating Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. It's ideal for the second or third phase of the battle.
Mega Rayquaza

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Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza can tackle the same opponents. Strategically placing it in the third phase alongside Shadow Mewtwo in the second can secure victory in the final stages.
Kyogre

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Regular Kyogre is effective in the first round against Shadow Cubone. However, Primal Kyogre's enhanced power allows it to also take down Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and potentially others, making it a strong choice for any phase.
Dawn Wings Necrozma

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Dawn Wings Necrozma can only handle Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, making it less optimal due to its limited effectiveness.
Mega Swampert

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Mega Swampert is effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, suitable for the first phase. It should be swapped out in the second phase for a more versatile fighter.
A recommended strategy is to use Primal Kyogre in the first phase, Shadow Mewtwo in the second, and Mega Rayquaza in the third. If you lack these specific Pokémon, choose alternatives from the list based on their strengths and weaknesses.
How to Find Cliff?
To encounter Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to gather the mysterious components needed to assemble a Rocket Radar. Once activated, the Radar will guide you to a Team GO Rocket leader, with a 33.3% chance it will be Cliff.

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Battling Cliff is a significant challenge, requiring careful preparation and the right team composition. His use of powerful Shadow Pokémon across three battle phases demands versatile fighters like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre to counter his threats effectively.
By employing these strategies and understanding Cliff's tactics, you'll be well-equipped to defeat him in Pokémon GO. If you don't have access to these specific Pokémon, adapt your approach by selecting other strong fighters based on their attributes and vulnerabilities. Remember, you'll need a Rocket Radar, obtained by defeating Grunts, to face Cliff.