Meeting Cliff: how to defeat this boss in Pokémon Go

Conquering Cliff, a formidable Team GO Rocket leader in Pokémon GO, requires strategy and the right Pokémon. This guide outlines how to defeat him.

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?

Cliff's battles are three-phased:

• Phase 1: Always uses Shadow Cubone.
• Phase 2: Uses one of three Pokémon: Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak.
• Phase 3: Uses one of three Pokémon: Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

Choosing Pokémon to counter Cliff's varied team requires understanding their weaknesses. While his lineup varies, certain Pokémon excel against his common choices.

Shadow Mewtwo

A top choice, effective against Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. Excellent for phases two and three.

Mega Rayquaza

Similar effectiveness to Shadow Mewtwo, countering the same Pokémon. Ideal for phases two and three, used in conjunction with Shadow Mewtwo.

Kyogre

Standard Kyogre is only effective in the first phase. Primal Kyogre is significantly stronger, countering Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone. Versatile across all phases with the right luck.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Effective against Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, but limited to two Pokémon. Not an optimal choice.

Mega Swampert

Effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, primarily useful in phase one. Should be replaced in later phases.

A suggested team composition: Primal Kyogre (Phase 1), Shadow Mewtwo (Phase 2), Mega Rayquaza (Phase 3). Adapt this based on your available Pokémon.

How to Find Cliff?

To battle Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to obtain Rocket Radar components. Activating the Rocket Radar reveals a Team GO Rocket leader's location; there's a one-third chance it will be Cliff.

Battling Cliff is more challenging than Grunts due to his stronger Pokémon. A successful battle destroys the Rocket Radar. Failure allows a rematch.

Defeating Cliff requires preparation and strong Pokémon. While Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre are highly effective, adaptable strategies with other strong Pokémon are possible. Remember, you need a Rocket Radar obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts to encounter him.