Dbltap Logo

How to Beat Cliff in Pokémon Go

By Andrew Lin

How can you beat Cliff in Pokémon Go? | Photos by Niantic and GAMEFREAK, Edit by Andrew Lin
How can you beat Cliff in Pokémon Go? | Photos by Niantic and GAMEFREAK, Edit by Andrew Lin /

How to Beat Cliff in Pokémon Go is important to know if you're challenging the Rocket Leader. If you know which Pokémon to expect, you can bring in the most efficient counters no matter which variant of his team you face.

How to Beat Cliff in Pokémon Go

Cliff always leads with his Pinsir. His second slot will be either Marowak, Omastar or Electivire, and his last slot is Tyranitar, Swampert or Torterra.

The ideal team to face Cliff will have Fire, Grass, and Ground types.
The ideal team to face Cliff will have Fire, Grass, and Ground types. / Photos by GAMEFREAK

Pinsir is pure Bug, and is weak to Fire, Flying and Rock type attacks. Fire is the best way of dealing with it, but the rest of his team is strong against any of Pinsir's weaknesses. Chandelure and Blaziken are among the best, but if you caught Giovanni's Shadow Entei recently that will also do well. The ideal Fire type is Moltres, as the Flying will help cover Torterra later on.

Cliff's second slot will be Marowak, Electivire or Omastar.
Cliff's second slot will be Marowak, Electivire or Omastar. / Photos by GAMEFREAK

The second slot of Marowak, Omastar or Electivire can be punished with a strong Grass Type Pokémon. Electivire is only weak to Ground, but it's dangerous because many of Cliff's Pokémon can counter it. Ground is effective against his Tyranitar, so it's best if you pack a Grass type first and a Ground/Rock type like Rhyperior for extra flexibility.

The third slot has Torterra, Tyranitar and Swampert.
The third slot has Torterra, Tyranitar and Swampert. / Photos by GAMEFREAK

Like the Pokémon in his second slot, his third slot Pokémon are a extremely weak to Grass. The exception is Torterra, which is weak to Fire, Flying, Bug and Ice type attacks. If you brought Moltres, it'll do well here as well. Some good Grass types include your own Torterra, Venusaur, and Abomasnow.