Beating Leader Cliff in Pokémon GO takes more than one strong attacker. Shadow Axew always opens the fight, but the two Pokémon behind it come from a pool you can’t see in advance, and the counter that handled Axew can suddenly hit for almost nothing.
Below you’ll find Cliff’s October 2026 lineup, the best counters for every possible opponent, and a three-Pokémon team that covers all of it. You’ll also see how to strip his two shields early and what the win pays out.
Part 1. Cliff’s Current Lineup (October 2026)
Every battle against Cliff follows three phases, although his team isn’t entirely predictable. Shadow Axew always appears first, while the remaining slots feature different Pokémon from a fixed selection. His lineup changes when Team GO Rocket rotates, so check the current list before you build a team each month.
Slot 1: Guaranteed Shadow Axew
Shadow Axew: Your battle always begins against this Dragon-type Pokémon. Since Cliff consistently uses Axew first, you’ll know exactly which opponent to expect when the fight starts. It is also the Pokémon you get to catch after winning, so this is your chance at a Shadow Axew (and a possible Shiny).
Slot 2: Shadow Snorlax, Golurk, or Galarian Weezing
Once Axew goes down, Cliff brings out one of three possible opponents.
- Shadow Snorlax: This bulky Normal-type Pokémon can make the middle phase longer. It only takes extra damage from Fighting-type attacks, so a team without one will spend both shields and a lot of time here.
- Shadow Golurk: A Ground/Ghost-type Pokémon that introduces a different battle matchup. Its Ground-type moves hit Electric-, Rock-, and Steel-type counters hard, so Water- or Grass-type attackers are the safer answer.
- Shadow Galarian Weezing: Its Poison/Fairy typing adds another possibility to Cliff’s second slot. It resists Dragon-type attacks, which makes the counter you opened with much less effective, so switch to Ground-, Psychic-, or Steel-type moves instead.
Slot 3: Shadow Tyranitar, Gallade, or Camerupt
The final phase introduces another unpredictable opponent from Cliff’s lineup.
- Shadow Tyranitar: This Rock/Dark-type Pokémon brings considerable bulk to the final battle. It takes double damage from Fighting-type attacks, but it hits back hard against Flying-, Psychic-, and Ghost-type counters, so bring a Fighting-type that can survive a few hits.
- Shadow Gallade: A Psychic/Fighting-type Pokémon that can appear as Cliff’s last opponent. Its Fighting-type moves threaten the Dark- and Steel-type attackers you may have used earlier, so a Fairy- or Flying-type counter is the safer pick.
- Shadow Camerupt: This Fire/Ground-type Pokémon is another possible choice for the final phase. It takes double damage from Water-type attacks, and its Ground-type moves punish Electric- and Rock-type counters.
Part 2. Leader Cliff Pokémon GO Weaknesses
Cliff’s Pokémon have different types and the same attacks won’t work against every opponent. Check each weakness below before choosing your counters, especially for his unpredictable second and third battle slots.
Part 3. How to Beat Leader Cliff in Pokémon GO
Beating Cliff requires smart decisions throughout all three battle phases. By combining effective counters with careful shield management, you can handle his changing lineup and improve your chances of winning.
1. Best Counters for Each Shadow Pokémon
The right counter can turn a difficult matchup in your favor. From Cliff’s opening Axew to his unpredictable final opponent, here’s how to choose effective Pokémon for each battle phase.
Phase 1: Shadow Axew
Shadow Axew gives you an opportunity to gain an early advantage. Start with an attacker that generates energy quickly and uses inexpensive Charged Attacks. Cliff uses both of his shields on your first two Charged Attacks, so a cheap move is the fastest way to strip his protection. If possible, save some energy for the next opponent.
Recommended counters:
- Mamoswine: Powder Snow + Icicle Spear
- Gardevoir: Charm + Dazzling Gleam
- Baxcalibur: Dragon Breath + Icy Wind
Phase 2: Shadow Snorlax, Golurk, or Galarian Weezing
Cliff’s second Pokémon determines your next move. Identify the opponent before switching and consider which attacker you’ll need for the final battle.
1. Shadow Snorlax
Snorlax has substantial health, making this matchup particularly demanding without effective Fighting-type attacks. If your opponent survives longer than expected, avoid wasting your remaining shields unnecessarily. Keep your Fighting-type attacker healthy whenever possible because Tyranitar may appear in the final phase.
Recommended counters:
- Lucario: Counter + Power-Up Punch
- Machamp: Counter + Cross Chop
- Conkeldurr: Counter + Dynamic Punch
2. Shadow Golurk
Golurk can threaten certain counters with its Ground-type attacks. Watch its moves during battle before deciding whether to switch Pokémon. Water-type attackers offer useful coverage against Golurk and potentially Camerupt later. If you’re using a Dark-type attacker instead, monitor its health and preserve enough energy for the next opponent.
Recommended counters:
- Kyogre: Waterfall + Origin Pulse
- Swampert: Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
- Tyranitar: Bite + Brutal Swing
3. Shadow Galarian Weezing
Galarian Weezing’s Poison/Fairy typing requires a different approach from the previous opponents. Dragon attacks deal heavily reduced damage, making your opening counter potentially ineffective here. Switch to an attacker with Ground, Psychic, or Steel moves instead. Watch its incoming attacks and preserve enough health for the final phase.
Recommended counters:
- Metagross: Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash
- Mewtwo: Confusion + Psychic
- Garchomp: Mud Shot + Earth Power
Phase 3: Shadow Tyranitar, Gallade, or Camerupt
Your remaining Pokémon must handle Cliff’s final opponent. Choose your next move carefully because your available shields and remaining health can determine the outcome.
1. Shadow Tyranitar
Tyranitar’s double weakness to Fighting attacks gives you a significant advantage. If Snorlax appeared earlier, your surviving Fighting-type attacker may handle both opponents. However, Tyranitar can still deal substantial damage. Use any stored energy before your counter faints, especially when its remaining health is low.
Recommended counters:
- Lucario: Counter + Power-Up Punch
- Machamp: Counter + Dynamic Punch
- Terrakion: Double Kick + Sacred Sword
2. Shadow Gallade
Gallade’s possible movesets make choosing a suitable counter particularly important. Fairy, Flying, and Ghost attacks exploit its weaknesses, but your attacker’s durability also matters. Watch for incoming Charged Attacks and use your remaining shields strategically. If your first choice struggles, switch to another suitable attacker when possible.
Recommended counters:
- Togekiss: Air Slash + Dazzling Gleam
- Primarina: Charm + Disarming Voice
- Staraptor: Wing Attack + Fly
3. Shadow Camerupt
Camerupt’s double weakness to Water attacks gives you a clear advantage. However, choosing an attacker with strong defensive coverage can improve your chances further. If Swampert remains available, its fast energy generation helps deliver repeated Charged Attacks. Keep your Water-type attacker healthy until this final matchup begins.
Recommended counters:
- Swampert: Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
- Kyogre: Waterfall + Origin Pulse
- Gyarados: Waterfall + Aqua Tail
2. Best Team to Beat Cliff
A balanced team should handle Cliff’s changing lineup without requiring constant adjustments. These three Pokémon provide useful coverage across all battle phases.
- Gardevoir: Use Fairy-type attacks against Axew and Gallade.
- Lucario: Handle Snorlax and Tyranitar with powerful Fighting-type moves.
- Swampert: Use Water attacks against Golurk and Camerupt. Its Ground-type move Mud Shot (or Earthquake, if you have it) covers Galarian Weezing.
Start with Gardevoir and preserve your remaining counters for later matchups. If you don’t have Lucario, Machamp provides a practical Fighting-type alternative.
Part 4. How to Find Leader Cliff Faster
Assembling one Rocket Radar takes six Mysterious Components, and Grunts only show up at PokéStops you can actually reach. If your neighborhood has a handful of stops and none of them are invaded, building a radar can take days.
iToolab AnyGo is a location changer for Pokémon GO, and it helps with the searching part. You can move to a denser PokéStop cluster in another part of town, work through the Grunts there, and put a Rocket Radar together without waiting for the stops near home to turn dark. It does not fight Cliff for you; it gives you more places to look.
- Change GPS location without jailbreaking iPhone or rooting Android.
- Simulate GPS movement along any custom path with joystick.
- Newly released Native Mode: spoof iOS location without modded apps for all LBS apps safely.
- Support Monster Hunter Now, Pikmin Bloom and other location-based apps.
- No Failed to Detect Location Error 12.
- Run seamlessly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
- Fully support the latest iOS 27/Android 17.
Key Features of iToolab AnyGo
- One-Click Teleport: Change your GPS location to another selected area. Explore locations containing accessible PokéStops and check for nearby Rocket activity.
- Simulated Walking Routes: Create routes between multiple locations and customize your movement speed. This makes exploring different PokéStop areas more convenient.
- GO Catcher: Automatically catch Pokémon and spin compatible PokéStops after completing the required setup. This helps collect ordinary supplies while exploring. You’ll still need to battle Rocket Grunts yourself.
- Cooldown Timer: Check the suggested waiting period after teleporting between locations. The timer helps you manage interactions after changing your GPS position.
How to Use AnyGo to Hunt Rocket Leaders
Step 1 Download and install iToolab AnyGo on your Windows or Mac computer. Launch AnyGo and select General Mode.
Step 2 Connect your iPhone or Android phone to your computer with a USB cable.
Step 3 Enter your target city or coordinates in the search bar, or tap any desired spot on the map. Click GO. Your location will update instantly. Open Pokémon GO and check the stops around you. Battle Grunts, collect six Mysterious Components, and follow the Rocket Radar to the hideout it reveals.
Part 5. Rewards: What You Get for Beating Cliff
Every Leader battle in October 2026 pays out the same set of rewards:
- Shadow Axew encounter: After winning, you can encounter and catch Shadow Axew. You start with five Premier Balls, and you earn extra balls for each Pokémon that survives the battle and for higher Purifier and Hero medal ranks.
- Shiny Shadow Axew chance: Your reward encounter may feature a Shiny Shadow Axew. However, shiny encounters aren’t guaranteed.
- 1,000 Stardust: Every successful Leader battle awards 1,000 Stardust. You can use Stardust to power up Pokémon for future battles.
- Item reward: You also receive one Max Revive, Revive, Max Potion, Unova Stone, or Sinnoh Stone.
- 12 km Strange Egg: Defeating Cliff may also reward a Strange Egg, which hatches after 12 km. You only receive it if you have a free slot in your egg inventory.
Conclusion
Beating Leader Cliff in Pokémon GO becomes easier when you prepare for his changing lineup. Start with an effective Axew counter and save your remaining Pokémon for later matchups. Fighting attacks work particularly well against Snorlax and Tyranitar, while Water attacks help defeat Camerupt. Remember to remove Cliff’s shields early and adjust your team when necessary. Once you win, collect your Shadow Pokémon encounter and other valuable rewards.
If your area has too few invaded PokéStops to build a radar, AnyGo Pokémon GO Spoofer gives you more places to search. Download it and start with the nearest PokéStop cluster.