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Meeting Cliff: how to defeat this boss in Pokémon Go

Authore: SavannahUpdate:Mar 18,2025

Conquering Cliff, a formidable Team GO Rocket leader in Pokémon GO, requires strategy and the right Pokémon. This guide will help you achieve 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?

pokemon go cliff

Cliff's battles unfold in three phases:

  • 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.

This unpredictability makes choosing the perfect team crucial.

Which Pokémon Are Best to Choose?

To defeat Cliff, consider these Pokémon and their effectiveness against his potential lineup:

Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow Mewtwo

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

Mega Rayquaza

Mega Rayquaza

Similar effectiveness to Shadow Mewtwo, making it an excellent choice for phases two and three. Using this and Shadow Mewtwo strategically across these phases significantly increases your chances of victory.

Kyogre

Kyogre

Standard Kyogre is effective only in the first phase. Primal Kyogre, however, is much stronger, capable of defeating Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Marowak, and Shadow Cubone, making it a versatile option for any phase.

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Dawn Wings Necrozma

Effective against Shadow Annihilape and Shadow Machoke, but its limited effectiveness makes it less ideal than other options.

Mega Swampert

Mega Swampert

Effective against Shadow Marowak and Shadow Cubone, making it suitable primarily for the first phase. Consider switching it out for later phases.

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

How to Find Cliff?

To battle Cliff, you must first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts to obtain the Rocket Radar. Activating the Rocket Radar will reveal a Team GO Rocket leader's location; Cliff has a one-third chance of appearing.

pokemon go cliff

Cliff's battles are challenging, requiring careful planning and powerful Pokémon. While Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Primal Kyogre are highly effective, remember to adapt your strategy based on the Pokémon you possess and their strengths. Remember, defeating Grunts to obtain the Rocket Radar is the first step to facing this formidable opponent.