Defeating Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff in Pokémon GO requires a well-thought-out strategy and the right Pokémon team. As of August 2024, Cliff’s lineup presents a formidable challenge with a mix of Shadow Pokémon that cover a wide range of types. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to counter Cliff effectively, ensuring your victory and the rewards that follow.
Cliff’s Current Pokémon Lineup
Cliff’s lineup consists of three stages, with his Pokémon varying in each stage. Understanding this lineup is crucial for preparing the best counters.
Stage 1: Shadow Lileep
Cliff always starts with Shadow Lileep, a Rock/Grass-type Pokémon. While not the strongest of his lineup, Lileep can still pose a threat if not handled correctly.
Best Counters:
- Metagross: Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash provide strong Steel-type attacks.
- Lucario: Counter and Aura Sphere are effective Fighting-type moves.
- Terrakion: Smack Down and Rock Slide can also work well against Lileep.
Stage 2: Shadow Kingdra, Shadow Marowak, or Shadow Aerodactyl
In the second stage, Cliff could bring out Shadow Kingdra, Shadow Marowak, or Shadow Aerodactyl. Each of these Pokémon requires different counters due to their unique typings.
- Shadow Kingdra (Water/Dragon): Weak to Dragon and Fairy-type moves.
- Garchomp: Dragon Tail and Outrage.
- Dragonite: Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw.
- Baxcalibur: Dragon Breath and Glacial Lance.
- Shadow Marowak (Ground): Weak to Water, Ice, and Grass-type moves.
- Kyogre: Waterfall and Surf.
- Mamoswine: Powder Snow and Avalanche.
- Decidueye: Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade.
- Shadow Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying): Weak to Water, Electric, Ice, and Rock-type moves.
- Xurkitree: Thunder Shock and Discharge.
- Melmetal: Thunder Shock and Rock Slide.
- Necrozma (Dawn Wings): Confusion and Moongeist Beam.
Stage 3: Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Cradily, or Shadow Dragonite
The final stage features some of Cliff’s most powerful Pokémon: Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Cradily, or Shadow Dragonite.
- Shadow Tyranitar (Rock/Dark): Weak to Fighting, Fairy, Bug, Steel, Water, and Grass-type moves.
- Lucario: Counter and Aura Sphere.
- Conkeldurr: Counter and Dynamic Punch.
- Machamp: Counter and Cross Chop.
- Shadow Cradily (Rock/Grass): Weak to Fighting, Ice, Bug, and Steel-type moves.
- Necrozma (Dusk Mane): Metal Claw and Sunsteel Strike.
- Lucario: Counter and Aura Sphere.
- Mamoswine: Powder Snow and Avalanche.
- Shadow Dragonite (Dragon/Flying): Weak to Ice, Dragon, Fairy, and Rock-type moves.
- Mamoswine: Powder Snow and Avalanche.
- Baxcalibur: Dragon Breath and Glacial Lance.
- Glaceon: Frost Breath and Avalanche.
Best Counters and Teams
To defeat Cliff efficiently, you’ll need a well-rounded team capable of handling the variety of Pokémon he can throw at you. Here’s a recommended team composition:
1. Metagross: A versatile option that’s effective against Lileep and Cradily. Its Steel-type moves are powerful and provide good coverage.
2. Baxcalibur: A strong counter against Dragonite and Kingdra, thanks to its Dragon and Ice-type moves.
3. Lucario: An excellent choice for dealing with Tyranitar and Lileep. Its Fighting-type moves are particularly useful against Rock and Dark types.
How to Battle Cliff: The Process
To challenge Cliff, you’ll need to collect Mysterious Components by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts. Six components are required to craft a Rocket Radar, which can then be used to locate one of the Team GO Rocket Leaders, including Cliff.
Once you’ve located Cliff, be prepared for a tough battle, as his Pokémon are higher level and equipped with more potent moves than those of regular Grunts.
Rewards for Defeating Cliff
Successfully defeating Cliff rewards you with several valuable items and the chance to catch one of his Shadow Pokémon.
- 1,000 Stardust: A solid reward to help power up your Pokémon.
- Item Bundles: These can include Revives, Hyper Potions, Unova Stones, and more.
- Shadow Pokémon: You’ll have the opportunity to catch Cliff’s first Pokémon, Shadow Lileep, which can also be shiny if eligible.
- Strange Egg: If your inventory allows, you may receive a 12 km Strange Egg, which hatches into a rare Pokémon.
Preparation Tips: Getting Ready for the Battle
To maximize your chances of victory, consider the following preparation tips:
- Stock Up on Potions and Revives: Cliff’s Pokémon hit hard, so ensure you have enough healing items to keep your team in fighting shape.
- Practice Against Grunts: Before facing Cliff, practice with similar types of Pokémon by battling Team GO Rocket Grunts.
- Choose Your Counters Wisely: Tailor your team to counter Cliff’s lineup based on the Pokémon you encounter. Flexibility is key.
Overcoming Cliff’s Challenge
Defeating Cliff in Pokémon GO requires a combination of strategic planning and the right Pokémon team. By understanding his lineup and selecting the appropriate counters, you can secure a victory and reap the rewards. Whether you’re aiming to collect Shadow Pokémon, earn Stardust, or gain valuable items, this guide equips you with the knowledge to take on Cliff and win.
“Find and track nearby Pokémon with ease using PokéMap. Get started now!”