Top 5 Best Pokémon to Counter Cliff in Pokémon GO

Featured Image: [Image of Heatran, Groudon, and Melmetal facing off against Cliff]

In the world of Pokémon GO, Team Rocket’s Cliff poses a formidable challenge with his powerful Pokémon lineup. Trainers seeking victory over this sinister figure must carefully consider their team compositions, opting for Pokémon that can effectively counter Cliff’s arsenal. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the best Pokémon to use against Cliff, empowering you to triumph over this formidable opponent and secure valuable rewards.

To effectively combat Cliff’s team, it is crucial to understand his potential lineups. While his roster varies depending on the specific time and location, Cliff often deploys Gyarados, Mawile, and Tyranitar as his second and third Pokémon, respectively. These Pokémon possess a range of types, including Water, Steel, and Rock, making it essential to have a diverse team capable of handling each of these threats. Additionally, Cliff’s first Pokémon is typically a Ground- or Dark-type, such as Larvitar or Poochyena, which can be effectively countered by Fighting- or Fairy-type Pokémon.

Among the most effective Pokémon to use against Cliff’s diverse team is Heatran. This legendary Pokémon boasts Fire and Steel-typing, providing it with resistances to both Water and Rock attacks. Its powerful Fire-type moves, such as Fire Spin and Flamethrower, deal significant damage to Cliff’s Gyarados and Tyranitar, while its Steel-typing provides it with an advantage against Mawile. Groudon, another legendary Pokémon, is also a formidable choice against Cliff’s team. As a Ground-type, Groudon is resistant to Electric and Water attacks, making it a powerful counter to Gyarados. Additionally, its Fire-type moves, such as Incinerate and Fire Punch, deal significant damage to Mawile and Tyranitar.

Countering Cliff’s Challenging Ground-Type Lineup

Taking Down Rhydon

Rhydon is a powerful Ground/Rock-type Pokémon that Cliff frequently leads with. It has high Defense and HP, making it difficult to take down quickly. The best counters to Rhydon are Grass- and Water-type Pokémon. Some good choices include:

Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
Blastoise (Water)
Torterra (Grass/Ground)
Samurott (Water)
Swampert (Water/Ground)

When facing Rhydon, try to use Grass- or Water-type moves to deal super effective damage. Avoid using Electric- or Rock-type moves, as these will be resisted by Rhydon’s typing.

Handling Geodude or Onix

Geodude

Geodude is a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon that Cliff can use as his second Pokémon. It has high Defense and can be difficult to take down with physical attacks. The best counters to Geodude are Water- and Grass-type Pokémon. Some good choices include:

Blastoise (Water)
Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
Torterra (Grass/Ground)
Samurott (Water)
Swampert (Water/Ground)

Onix

Onix is a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon that Cliff can also use as his second Pokémon. It has even higher Defense than Geodude, making it even more difficult to take down with physical attacks. The best counters to Onix are Water- and Grass-type Pokémon with high Special Attack. Some good choices include:

Blastoise (Water)
Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
Torterra (Grass/Ground)
Samurott (Water)
Swampert (Water/Ground)

Pokémon	Type	Moves	Best Against
Venusaur	Grass/Poison	Vine Whip, Razor Leaf, Solar Beam	Rhydon, Geodude, Onix
Blastoise	Water	Water Gun, Hydro Pump, Aura Sphere	Rhydon, Geodude, Onix
Torterra	Grass/Ground	Razor Leaf, Earthquake, Wood Hammer	Rhydon, Geodude, Onix
Samurott	Water	Water Gun, Hydro Pump, Aqua Cutter	Rhydon, Geodude, Onix
Swampert	Water/Ground	Water Gun, Earthquake, Hydro Cannon	Rhydon, Geodude, Onix

Neutralizing Cliff’s Stealthy Variations with Luxray

Luxray, an Electric-type Pokémon, is an excellent choice for neutralizing Cliff’s diverse Shadow Pokémon line-up, particularly his stealthy variations. With its powerful Electric moves, Luxray can effectively counter Cliff’s Tyranitar, Aerodactyl, and Omanyte, which often pose challenges to unsuspecting trainers.

Tyranitar

Tyranitar, a Rock/Dark-type Pokémon, is one of Cliff’s most formidable threats. However, Luxray’s Electric-type attacks, such as Wild Charge and Thunder Fang, deal significant damage to Tyranitar’s weakness to Electric.

Aerodactyl

Aerodactyl, a Rock/Flying-type Pokémon, is another challenging opponent for many teams. Its Flying-type nature makes it resistant to Electric attacks, but Luxray’s powerful Electric-type moves, coupled with its Crunch attack, can still deal effective damage.

Omanyte

Omanyte, a Rock/Water-type Pokémon, is known for its defensive capabilities. Its Water-type nature grants it resistance to Electric attacks, but Luxray’s Spark and Thunderbolt attacks can still inflict decent damage. Additionally, Luxray’s Snarl attack can lower Omanyte’s Special Attack, making it less dangerous.

Recommended Moveset for Luxray

Move	Type
Wild Charge	Electric
Thunder Fang	Electric
Snarl	Dark
Crunch	Dark

Best Pokémon to Counter Cliff in Pokémon GO

Cliff is one of the three Team GO Rocket Leaders that players can challenge in the game. As a skilled and experienced Trainer, Cliff’s team is formidable and requires proper preparation to defeat. Understanding his lineup and selecting the right Pokémon is crucial for success.

One of the most effective strategies against Cliff involves using Ground- and Water-type Pokémon. Cliff’s team often includes Geodude, Onix, and Aerodactyl, all of which are weak to Ground-type attacks. Similarly, his Crobat and Hariyama are vulnerable to Water-type moves.

Here are some specific Pokémon recommendations:

Garchomp: A formidable Ground-type Pokémon with strong attacks such as Earthquake and Dragon Claw.
Rhyperior: Another Ground-type option with impressive bulk and a powerful Rock Wrecker attack.
Golurk: A Ground/Ghost-type with high Defense and a devastating Shadow Punch.
Kyogre: A Water-type legendary Pokémon with incredible CP and powerful moves such as Surf and Hydro Pump.
Empoleon: A Water/Steel-type with a balanced stat spread and attacks like Hydro Cannon and Drill Peck.