Pokémon GO: How to Beat Cliff in November 2024 – Best Counters and Strategies

Key Takeaways

1. Cliff’s Lineup: Each month, Team Rocket Leader Cliff’s lineup changes. For November 2024, he opens with Shadow Galarian Zigzagoon, followed by two rounds of varied Pokémon like Shadow Marowak, Shadow Aerodactyl, and others.
2. Optimal Counters: Choosing effective counters like Fighting-type Pokémon against Shadow Zigzagoon and Psychic or Electric types for Crobat can give you a big advantage.
3. Preparation is Key: Building a team of versatile Pokémon such as Mega Lucario, Mewtwo, and Kyogre ensures coverage for every possible opponent in Cliff’s lineup.

Team Rocket Leader Cliff is a formidable opponent in Pokémon GO, especially when his lineup shifts each month. In November 2024, Cliff has updated his lineup with powerful Shadow Pokémon that require strategic counter choices to beat. In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of his lineup, weaknesses, and top counter suggestions so you can defeat him and secure some valuable rewards.

Cliff’s November 2024 Pokémon Line up

For November 2024, Cliff’s lineup includes the following phases:

Phase 1:

• Shadow Galarian Zigzagoon (Dark/Normal-type)

Phase 2:

• Shadow Marowak (Ground-type)
• Shadow Venusaur (Grass/Poison-type)
• Shadow Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying-type)

Phase 3:

• Shadow Tyranitar (Rock/Dark-type)
• Shadow Obstagoon (Dark/Normal-type)
• Shadow Crobat (Poison/Flying-type)

How to Find Cliff in Pokémon GO

To battle Cliff, first defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts and collect Mysterious Components. These components combine to form a Rocket Radar, which lets you encounter a Team GO Rocket Leader, either Cliff, Sierra, or Arlo. Use this guide to ensure you’re prepared to take down Cliff once you locate him.

Best Counters for Each Phase

Each of Cliff’s Pokémon has specific weaknesses. Let’s dive into effective counters and strategies for each phase of the battle.

Phase 1: Defeating Shadow Galarian Zigzagoon

Shadow Galarian Zigzagoon is a dual Dark and Normal-type Pokémon. It is vulnerable to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type moves, making Fighting types the most powerful options.

Top Counters for Shadow Galarian Zigzagoon

• Terrakion: With Double Kick (Fast Attack) and Sacred Sword (Charged Attack), this Fighting-type Pokémon deals high damage.
• Lucario: Force Palm (Fast Attack) paired with Aura Sphere (Charged Attack) is highly effective.
• Conkeldurr: Use Counter (Fast Attack) and Dynamic Punch (Charged Attack) to quickly take down Zigzagoon.
• Mega Lucario: If you have Mega Energy, Mega Lucario with Force Palm and Aura Sphere brings extra firepower.

Phase 2: Counters for Shadow Marowak, Shadow Venusaur, or Shadow Aerodactyl

Cliff’s second-round choices can vary. Prepare for each possibility:

Shadow Marowak (Ground-type)

Weak to Water, Grass, and Ice moves.

• Kyogre: Use Waterfall (Fast Attack) and Origin Pulse (Charged Attack) for substantial damage.
• Mega Swampert: Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon can help eliminate Marowak quickly.
• Zarude: Vine Whip and Power Whip offer solid coverage against Marowak’s Ground-type.

Shadow Venusaur (Grass/Poison-type)

Weak to Fire, Flying, Ice, and Psychic moves.

• Rayquaza: Air Slash combined with Dragon Ascent will exploit Venusaur’s weaknesses.
• Mewtwo: Psycho Cut and Psystrike take advantage of Venusaur’s Poison-type.
• Mega Charizard Y: Fire Spin and Blast Burn can deal heavy damage to Venusaur.

Shadow Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying-type)

Weak to Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water moves.

• Xurkitree: With Thunder Shock and Discharge, this Electric-type can make quick work of Aerodactyl.
• Kyogre: Waterfall and Origin Pulse again prove powerful here.
• Metagross: Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash provide Rock-type coverage.

Phase 3: Counters for Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Obstagoon, or Shadow Crobat

Cliff’s final Pokémon can be a challenge, requiring strong counters and sometimes even Mega or Shadow Pokémon for best results.

Shadow Tyranitar (Rock/Dark-type)

Weak to Fighting, Bug, Fairy, Ground, Water, Steel, and Grass moves.

• Terrakion: With Double Kick and Sacred Sword, Terrakion is highly effective.
• Conkeldurr: Counter and Dynamic Punch offer substantial damage output against Tyranitar.
• Mega Blaziken: With Counter and Focus Blast, Mega Blaziken excels against this powerful foe.

Shadow Obstagoon (Dark/Normal-type)

Weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy moves.

• Lucario: Force Palm and Aura Sphere deliver significant damage, especially in Mega form.
• Keldeo: Low Kick and Sacred Sword allow Keldeo to counter effectively.
• Marshadow: Counter and Close Combat offer powerful Fighting-type attacks.

Shadow Crobat (Poison/Flying-type)

Weak to Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock moves.

• Mewtwo: Psycho Cut and Psystrike are especially effective.
• Zekrom: Use Charge Beam and Fusion Bolt to hit hard.
• Mega Alakazam: With Confusion and Psychic, Mega Alakazam counters Crobat effectively.

Suggested Team to Beat Cliff

One of the best teams for November 2024 includes Mega Lucario, Mewtwo, and Kyogre.

• Mega Lucario: Counters Shadow Galarian Zigzagoon, Tyranitar, and Obstagoon with ease.
• Mewtwo: With both a Psychic and an Ice-type move, Mewtwo handles Marowak, Crobat, and Venusaur.
• Kyogre: Effective against Aerodactyl and Marowak, and can substitute for Mamoswine if you need Ice coverage against Venusaur.

Rematch Opportunities and Strategy Adjustments

If Cliff’s lineup surprises you or catches you off guard, don’t worry. You can rematch him as many times as needed to optimize your team. Adjust your lineup based on which Pokémon he uses and prepare a versatile set of counters.

FAQs

Q: How can I get a Rocket Radar to battle Cliff?
A: Defeat six Team GO Rocket Grunts and collect Mysterious Components to build a Rocket Radar, which will lead you to Cliff, Sierra, or Arlo.

Q: Can I use Shadow Pokémon to beat Cliff?
A: Absolutely. Shadow Pokémon, especially ones with powerful charged moves like Psystrike on Shadow Mewtwo, can give you an edge against Cliff’s Shadow lineup.

Q: What happens if I lose to Cliff?
A: If you lose, you can re-challenge Cliff as many times as needed. Losing allows you to see part of his lineup, helping you better prepare for your next battle.

Q: Are the Team GO Rocket Leader lineups the same for every player?
A: Yes, for each rotation period (monthly), all players face the same lineup for Team GO Rocket Leaders, making it easier to share strategies.

Q: How often do Cliff’s lineups change?
A: Cliff’s lineup can vary with each new event or rotation, typically monthly. Keep an eye out for updates to stay prepared.