Anybody who has played Pokemon GO knows about the leader, Cliff, and how difficult he can be to deal with. As one of the prominent Pokemon GO leaders, Cliff presents a formidable challenge during his rotation. If you are determined to track down and defeat this elusive leader, you’re in the right place! This guide will provide you with all the strategies and tips you need to conquer Cliff and emerge victorious.
Understanding Leader Cliff's Pokemon Lineup for August 2024
As of August 2024, battling against Cliff in Pokemon GO involves three distinct phases, each featuring a different boss Pokemon. The first phase introduces you to the shadow form of the Fighting-type Pokemon Lileep, a well-known character from both the video games and the anime series. Defeating Lileep is just the beginning of your journey against Cliff.
In the second phase, you'll face a random shadow variant of either Kingdra, Marowak, or Aerodactyl. After you’ve tackled these opponents, the final phase of the fight will challenge you with a shadow variant of Tyranitar, Cradily, or Crobat. Here’s a quick summary of Cliff's lineup:
- Phase 1: Lileep
- Phase 2: Kingdra/Aerodactyl/Marowak
- Phase 3: Tyranitar/Cradily/Crobat
To locate Cliff, you’ll need to craft a Rocket Radar using six mysterious components. This tool is essential for tracking Cliff down at a Team GO Rocket hideout, where the battle will take place.
Strategies to Defeat Cliff in Pokemon GO
To successfully defeat Cliff in Pokemon GO, you'll need to effectively counter his current Pokemon lineup. Here’s how to tackle each phase and secure your victory!
Phase 1: Conquering Lileep
The first challenge is Lileep. To defeat this Pokemon, focus on its weaknesses which include Fighting, Bug, Ice, and Steel-type attacks. Here are some of the best counters to use against Lileep:
- Lucario: Use Counter and Aura Sphere for maximum damage.
- Terrakion: Employ Double Kick and Close Combat for an effective strike.
- Galarian Darmanitan: Utilize Ice Fang and Super Power to knock out Lileep quickly.
These counters will give you a strong advantage against Lileep. Once you defeat Lileep, it’s time to move on to the second phase of the battle.
Phase 2: Overcoming Shadow Variants of Kingdra, Aerodactyl, or Marowak
In this phase, you will encounter one of three shadow variants: Kingdra, Aerodactyl, or Marowak. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to strategize accordingly.
Kingdra is a water/dragon-type Pokemon. Its weaknesses include Fairy and Dragon-type attacks. Here are some effective counters:
- Rayquaza: Use Dragon Tail and Breaking Swipe.
- Togekiss: Employ Charm and Dazzling Gleam.
- Gardevoir: Also utilize Charm and Dazzling Gleam for great effectiveness.
Aerodactyl is a Rock/Flying-type Pokemon. It has weaknesses to Rock, Electric, Water, Ice, and Steel-type attacks. Here are some counters:
- Blastoise or Mega Blastoise: Use Water Gun and Hydro Cannon.
- Kyogre: Employ Waterfall and Origin Pulse for a powerful attack.
- Zekrom: Utilize Charge Beam and Wild Charge.
Lastly, if you face Marowak, a Ground-type Pokemon, its weaknesses include Grass, Ice, and Water-type attacks. Here are some recommended counters:
- Kyogre: Use Waterfall and Surf.
- Baxcalibur: Employ Ice Fang and Avalanche.
- Mamoswine: Use Powder Snow and Avalanche.
Once you defeat one of these three Pokemon, you will proceed to the final phase of your battle against Cliff.
Phase 3: The Final Showdown with Tyranitar, Cradily, or Crobat
The last phase pits you against a shadow variant of either Tyranitar, Cradily, or Crobat. Each of these Pokemon presents unique challenges, so here’s how to counter them effectively.
Tyranitar is a Rock/Dark-type Pokemon. It is vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water-type attacks. Here are some effective counters:
- Lucario: Use Counter and Aura Sphere.
- Machamp: Employ Counter and Dynamic Punch.
- Swampert: Use Mud Shot and Water Cannon.
Cradily is a Rock/Grass-type Pokemon, weak to Fighting, Bug, Ice, and Steel-type attacks. Here are some counters to consider:
- Terrakion: Use Double Kick and Sacred Sword.
- Lucario: Utilize Counter and Aura Sphere.
- Metagross: Employ Meteor Mash and Flash Cannon.
Finally, if you encounter Crobat, a Poison/Flying-type Pokemon, target its weaknesses with Psychic, Electric, Rock, and Ice-type attacks. Here are some effective counters:
- Mewtwo: Use Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball.
- Alakazam or Mega Alakazam: Employ Psycho Cut and Psychic.
- Gardevoir: Utilize Charm and Dazzling Gleam.
Rewards for Defeating Leader Cliff
Upon successfully defeating Cliff in Pokemon GO, you can expect some valuable rewards. Here’s what you can earn:
- 1,000 Stardust to help level up or power up your Pokemon.
- A random drop of two items from the following: 4x Revive, 2x Max Revive, 4x Hyper Potion, 2x Max Potion, 1x Unova Stone, or 1x 12km Egg. The items will vary based on your inventory.
- A chance to encounter a Shadow Pokemon used by Cliff.
If your egg inventory is empty, the 12km egg is almost guaranteed along with a randomized item. Otherwise, you will receive two random drops from the list.
Now that you have the strategies and insights needed to defeat Leader Cliff, I hope you feel prepared to track down this boss and take him on! Share your experiences in the comments below if you’ve encountered Cliff and let us know how it went!
