Cliff Pokémon GO May 2022: How to Beat

Just in time for Giovanni's return to Pokémon GO, Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff has received an update to his battle team for May 2022. Here's your guide on how to take him down.

Cliff's updated team for May will be a bit tricky, with his first Pokémon being a Cubone, second being one of Electivire, Luxray, or Omastar, and his last being either Swampert, Charizard, or Tyranitar.

How to beat Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff May 2022

For Cubone, Grass, Water, and Ice-type Pokémon and moves are the way to go. Taking a Grass-type Pokémon with Vine Whip or Razor Leaf as its fast move, and Power Whip as the charged move will give good coverage for bad luck with the RNG choosing Cliff's second Pokémon.

In the second slot, Cliff can either send out Electivire, Luxray, or Omastar. You can prepare for both Electivire and Luxray's Electric-typing by bringing a Ground-type Pokémon. Groudon and Garchomp are probably the two heaviest hitters you could bring, but anything with Earthquake as the charged move will likely get the job done. Using a slot to bring a Ground-type here is recommended because even if you get Omastar, you Grass-type from before should make quick work of it.

All three of Swampert, Charizard, and Tyranitar could cause big problems for your team, but with some clever team construction you should be able to make it out okay. For Swampert, your grass type Pokémon could potentially pull off a full sweep of Cliff's team if the cards fall your way, but you may want to rotate the other two in to tank some damage throughout the fight. For Charizard, its four times weakness to Rock-type moves mean a Tyranitar of your own is among one of the best options to pick. If you do have a Rhyperior, going with a Smack Down/Earthquake moveset could potentially pull you through the last two fights, just make sure it can take to damage.

For Tyranitar, its Rock/Dark-typing means that you'll have to play around getting it as the third Pokémon you face, as it has the potential to sweep a team not ready for it. A Fighting-type Pokémon is the play here, with Lucario being the standout choice to both take down Tyranitar, but to cover the rest of your team if your RNG gives you a weird team to face.