How to Defeat Cliff in Pokémon GO (May 2025) – Best Counters and Strategies

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Valencia

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Pokémon GO’s Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff has returned with a fresh lineup of Shadow Pokémon for May 2025. If you’re looking to defeat him efficiently and earn those valuable Shadow Pokémon rewards, this guide has you covered. We’ll cover Cliff’s full team, the best counters, and the most effective strategies to ensure you beat him every time.

How to Find Cliff in Pokémon GO

Before you can challenge Cliff, you must first locate him:

1. Collect Six Mysterious Components: These drop from defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

2. Assemble a Rocket Radar: Combine the six components to create a Rocket Radar.

3. Locate Cliff: Use the Rocket Radar to find a Team GO Rocket Leader. This may lead you to Cliff, Sierra, or Arlo.

Once you find Cliff, prepare your team with the best counters below.

Understanding Cliff’s Team in May 2025

Cliff’s lineup in May 2025 is divided into three rounds, each with increasing difficulty. While he always starts with Shadow Gible, the second and third rounds can feature a mix of powerful Pokémon.

Cliff’s Pokémon Lineup (May 2025)

• First Pokémon: Shadow Gible

• Second Pokémon: Shadow Skarmory, Shadow Honchkrow, or Shadow Annihilape

• Third Pokémon: Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Luxray

To secure a win, you need a balanced team that can counter any of these threats.

Best Counters for Cliff in Pokémon GO (May 2025)

1. How to Counter Shadow Gible

Gible is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, making it weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves.

• Top Counters:

  • White Kyurem: Ice Fang (Ice) & Ice Burn (Ice)

  • Mamoswine (Shadow): Powder Snow (Ice) & Avalanche (Ice)

  • Mega Gardevoir: Charm (Fairy) & Dazzling Gleam (Fairy)

  • Mega Rayquaza: Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Outrage (Dragon)

2. How to Counter Cliff’s Second Pokémon

If Cliff uses Shadow Skarmory:

• Type Weaknesses: Electric, Fire

• Best Counters:

  • Magnezone (Shadow): Volt Switch (Electric) & Wild Charge (Electric)

  • Raikou (Shadow): Thunder Shock (Electric) & Wild Charge (Electric)

  • Mega Charizard Y: Fire Spin (Fire) & Overheat (Fire)

If Cliff uses Shadow Honchkrow:

• Type Weaknesses: Electric, Ice, Fairy, Rock

• Best Counters:

  • Mega Gardevoir: Charm (Fairy) & Dazzling Gleam (Fairy)

  • White Kyurem: Ice Fang (Ice) & Ice Burn (Ice)

  • Mega Rayquaza: Dragon Tail (Dragon) & Dragon Ascent (Flying)

If Cliff uses Shadow Annihilape:

• Type Weaknesses: Flying, Psychic, Ghost, Fairy

• Best Counters:

  • Mega Rayquaza: Air Slash (Flying) & Dragon Ascent (Flying)

  • Shadow Mewtwo: Confusion (Psychic) & Psystrike (Psychic)

  • Dawn Wings Necrozma: Psycho Cut (Psychic) & Moongeist Beam (Ghost)

3. How to Counter Cliff’s Third Pokémon

If Cliff uses Shadow Tyranitar:

• Type Weaknesses: Fighting, Ground, Fairy

• Best Counters:

  • Mega Lucario: Force Palm (Fighting) & Aura Sphere (Fighting)

  • Terrakion: Double Kick (Fighting) & Sacred Sword (Fighting)

  • Mega Blaziken: Counter (Fighting) & Focus Blast (Fighting)

If Cliff uses Shadow Machamp:

• Type Weaknesses: Psychic, Fairy, Flying

• Best Counters:

  • Mega Gardevoir: Charm (Fairy) & Psychic (Psychic)

  • Mega Rayquaza: Air Slash (Flying) & Dragon Ascent (Flying)

  • Shadow Mewtwo: Confusion (Psychic) & Psystrike (Psychic)

If Cliff uses Shadow Luxray:

• Type Weaknesses: Ground

• Best Counters:

  • Primal Groudon: Mud Shot (Ground) & Earthquake (Ground)

  • Mega Garchomp: Mud Shot (Ground) & Earthquake (Ground)

  • Excadrill (Shadow): Mud-Slap (Ground) & Scorching Sands (Ground)

Best Team to Beat Cliff in May 2025

For the most balanced and versatile team against Cliff’s lineup, use this setup:

• Mega Gardevoir: Charm (Fairy) & Dazzling Gleam (Fairy) – Excellent against Shadow Gible, Shadow Honchkrow, and Shadow Machamp.

• Magnezone (Shadow): Volt Switch (Electric) & Wild Charge (Electric) – Perfect for Shadow Skarmory and Shadow Luxray.

• Mega Lucario: Force Palm (Fighting) & Aura Sphere (Fighting) – Best for Shadow Tyranitar and can also counter Shadow Machamp.

This team offers excellent type coverage, ensuring you have an answer for each of Cliff’s Pokémon.

Strategy Tips for Beating Cliff

• Use Charged Attacks to Trigger Shields: Cliff will always use his two shields on your first two Charged Attacks. Use fast-charging moves to force them out early.

• Switch Pokémon to Avoid Heavy Damage: If your current Pokémon is weak against Cliff’s next Pokémon, quickly switch to your counter.

• Charge Energy Before the Next Round: If you’re about to defeat one of Cliff’s Pokémon, consider storing energy for a quick Charged Attack on the next one.

Struggling to Beat Cliff? Try Pokémon GO Boosting at GladiatorBoost

Battling Cliff can be frustrating, especially if you’re struggling with the perfect counters or lacking strong Pokémon. That’s where Pokémon GO Boosting at GladiatorBoost comes in. Our team of expert players can help you defeat any Team GO Rocket Leader, collect powerful Shadow Pokémon, and complete difficult tasks without the grind. Check out GladiatorBoost for fast and secure Pokémon GO Boosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I battle Cliff multiple times in one day?

Yes, as long as you have a Rocket Radar, you can battle Cliff as many times as you want in a day.

Q2: What rewards do I get for defeating Cliff?

You will receive Stardust, a Shadow Pokémon encounter, and a chance for rare items like Unova Stones or Sinnoh Stones.

Q3: Can Cliff’s Shadow Pokémon be shiny?

Yes, there is a chance that the Shadow Pokémon you rescue from Cliff can be shiny.