How to beat Leader Cliff in Pokemon GO (May 2025) – Full lineup, phases, best counters, and more

Leader Cliff remains one of the toughest Team GO Rocket opponents in Pokemon Go. With his May 2025 lineup now confirmed, trainers need the right counters to secure victory. This guide covers his current team, weaknesses, and the best strategies to defeat him.

Leader Cliff’s Pokemon GO lineup (May 2025)

Cliff’s battles follow a three-phase structure, starting with Shadow Cubone. His second and third phases feature randomized picks from a pool of powerful Shadow Pokemon. Here’s his current lineup:

Phase 1: Shadow Cubone

Cliff always opens with Shadow Cubone.

Phase 2: Random selection

- Shadow Machoke

- Shadow Annihilape

- Shadow Marowak

Phase 3: Random selection

- Shadow Machamp

- Shadow Crobat

- Shadow Tyranitar

How to beat Cliff in Pokemon GO (May 2025)

Success hinges on exploiting type weaknesses. Below are the best counters for each phase, including accessible options for trainers without maxed-out legendaries.

Leader Cliff Pokemon GO counters: Phase 1 (Cubone)

Shadow Cubone is a Ground-type, weak to Grass, Ice, and Water. Avoid Electric, Poison, and Rock moves.

Leader Cliff Pokemon GO counters: Phase 2

Shadow Marowak

Marowak shares Cubone’s Ground-type weaknesses.

Shadow Machoke

This Fighting-type is weak to Fairy, Flying, and Psychic.

Shadow Annihilape

A Fighting/Ghost-type, weak to Fairy, Flying, Ghost, and Psychic.

Leader Cliff Pokemon GO counters: Phase 3

Shadow Tyranitar

This Rock/Dark-type fears Fighting, Water, and Grass.

Shadow Crobat

The Poison/Flying-type is weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock.

Shadow Machamp

Another Fighting-type, weak to Flying and Psychic.

Best team to beat Leader Cliff in Pokemon GO

A balanced team covering multiple weaknesses works best:

1. Mega Gardevoir – Counters Machoke, Machamp, and Tyranitar.

2. Shadow Mewtwo – Handles Annihilape, Crobat, and Machamp.

3. Mega Sceptile – Melts Cubone and Marowak.

How to find Leader Cliff in Pokemon GO

1. Defeat 6 Team GO Rocket Grunts to collect Mysterious Components.

2. Assemble a Rocket Radar.

3. Use the radar to locate Cliff at PokeStops or in balloons.

Winning grants a Shadow Cubone and rewards like Stardust, Rare Candy, or a Charged TM.

Also read: How to beat Leader Sierra in Pokemon GO (May 2025) – Full lineup, phases, and best counters

For more boss guides, check our updated articles on Giovanni, Sierra, and Arlo. Bookmark this page—we’ll update it after the May 14 Team Rocket Takeover!