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Well into its fifth year since release,Pokemon GOstill holds its position at the top of the popular ARPG charts. Niantic’s genre-defining title has been kept fresh through a relentless series of updates and events, pulling players back into the world of Pokemon hunting again and again. One of the most impactful of these updates was the addition of Team GO Rocket Leaders, unique NPC trainers with powerful teams forPokemon GOplayers to take on.
Each of theTeam GO Rocket Leaderschanges their roster regularly, meaning players can’t rely on their favorite Pokemon each time. Cliff is the “bighearted ruffian” of Team GO Rocket, a fiercely loyal right-hand man with a team of rugged Pokemon for players to defeat.
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Cliff’s First Pokemon - Teddiursa
Cliff’snew starter Pokemonis Teddiursa, an un-evolved Normal-type. Teddiursa is the weakest pick on Cliff’s team, so players shouldn’t choose a Pokemon that counters it alone. However, there are some good choices that will be useful against the rest of Cliff’s team too.
As a Normal-type, Teddiursa is weak to Fighting and resistant to Ghost-types. Almost any kind ofFighting-type Pokemonwill be able to take Teddiursa down, but particularly good choices include Conkeldurr, Machamp, Breloom, or Lucario. Each of these Pokemon can use the top-tier Counter quick move, as well as powerful Fighting charged moves.
Cliff’s Second Pokemon - Electivire, Marowak, Omastar
Cliff’s secondPokemon in March 2022will be one of three options. Players will either face Electric-type Electivire, Ground-type Marowak, or Rock/Water-type Omastar. Electivire is best countered by Ground, Marowak is weak to Grass, Ice, and Water, and Omastar is weak to Electric, Fighting, Grass, and Ground.
Picking a Pokemon to counter Cliff’s second choice can be tricky due to their wide range of weaknesses, but there are some types that can do double-duty. A strong Grass Pokemon like Zarude with Vine Whip and Power whip will easily be able to take down Marowak and Omastar, while aGround-type like Garchompwill handle Electivire and Omastar. Players should prioritize Grass if possible, as more of Cliff’s third Pokemon choices are weak to that element.
Cliff’s Third Pokemon - Swampert, Torterra, Tyranitar
Players who manage to make it to Cliff’s third Pokemon will find themselves facing the toughest challenge of all. The Team GO Rocket Leader will use eitherRock/Dark-type Tyranitar, Grass/Ground-type Torterra, or Water/Ground-type Swampert. Swampert is weak to Grass, Tyranitar is weak to Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water, while Torterra is weak to Bug, Fire, Flying, and extra weak to Ice.
Tyranitar’s wide range of weaknesses makes it the most vulnerable of the set, as it can easily be handled by any strong Fighting or Grass-type that was brought to deal with the rest of Cliff’s team.
Similarly, Swampert will be vulnerable to any Grass-type that isn’t too hurt from previous battles. Torterra will be the toughest opponent for most players, and those who are confident in their first two picks might want to take a chance on a powerful Ice-type likeMamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche.
Pokemon GOis available now for Android and iOS devices.
