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

Meeting Cliff: how to defeat this boss in Pokémon Go

by Andrew Mar 21,2025

Defeating Cliff, a Team GO Rocket leader in Pokémon GO, presents a significant challenge. However, with strategic Pokémon selection and a well-planned approach, victory is achievable.

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?

pokemon go cliff

Cliff's battles unfold in three phases: Phase one always features Shadow Cubone. Phase two randomly introduces Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, or Shadow Marowak. Finally, phase three presents Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Crobat. This unpredictable nature makes choosing the right counter-Pokémon crucial.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

Effective counter-strategies require understanding Cliff's Pokémon weaknesses. While his team varies, several Pokémon consistently prove effective.

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow Mewtwo A top choice, Shadow Mewtwo excels against Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat, often securing victories in the later battle phases.

Mega Rayquaza

Mega Rayquaza Similar to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza effectively counters Shadow Machoke, Shadow Annihilape, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Crobat. Using both in phases two and three offers a high chance of success.

Kyogre

Kyogre Regular Kyogre is effective in the first phase. Primal Kyogre significantly enhances its capabilities, countering Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it versatile across all phases.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings Necrozma Dawn Wings Necrozma effectively counters Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, but its limited effectiveness makes it less ideal than other options.

Mega Swampert

Mega Swampert Mega Swampert handles Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone effectively, primarily useful in the first phase. It's less adaptable for later phases.

A suggested team composition is Primal Kyogre (phase one), Shadow Mewtwo (phase two), and Mega Rayquaza (phase three). Adjust based on the Pokémon available to you, considering their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Find Cliff?

To battle Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts. Each victory yields a mysterious component for crafting a Rocket Radar. Activating the radar reveals a Team GO Rocket leader's location; Cliff has a one-third chance of appearing. The battle is more challenging than Grunt battles due to Cliff's stronger Pokémon. Victory destroys the Rocket Radar, but defeat allows for a rematch.

pokemon go cliff

Conquering Cliff demands preparation and strategic Pokémon selection. Pokémon like Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre offer the best counter-strategies due to their versatility. However, adapt your strategy based on the Pokémon you possess, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. Remember, a Rocket Radar is needed to encounter Cliff, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.