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?

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

Mega Rayquaza

Kyogre

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Mega Swampert

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.

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.