In April 2025, Team GO Leader Cliff makes a return to Pokémon GO, presenting trainers with a formidable challenge using his consistent lineup. Meanwhile, Team GO Rocket continues to be a significant obstacle, featuring strong leaders like Cliff, Arlo, and Sierra. Notably, Cliff’s team remains unchanged since March 2025, maintaining his reputation as a tough opponent.
Taking down each of the three leaders—Cliff, Arlo, and Sierra—this month not only garners rewards but also unlocks the opportunity to confront Team GO Boss Giovanni. Cliff, known for his raw power, boasts a lineup filled with Fighting- and Ground-type Pokémon, providing a serious test for players.
Cliff’s Lineup & Counters (April 2025)
No Changes For April 2025
Cliff’s roster saw its last update during the Fashion Week event in February, and this month, he will once again start battles with the Generation 1 Ground-type Cubone. His subsequent Pokémon will vary between three options but remain consistent for each individual battle.
His second Pokémon can potentially be the evolved form of Cubone, Marowak, or either Machoke (a Fighting-type) or Annihilape, which is both Fighting- and Ghost-type. Cliff concludes battles either with Crobat (Poison- and Flying-type), Tyranitar (Rock- and Dark-type), or Machamp (Fighting-type).
| Wave | Pokémon and Type | Weakness | Best Counters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (Shadow) Cubone – Ground | Grass, Ice, Water |
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| 2 | (Shadow) Machoke – Fighting | Fairy, Flying, Psychic |
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| 2 | (Shadow) Marowak – Ground | Grass, Ice, Water |
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| 2 | (Shadow) Annihilape – Fighting and Ghost | Fairy, Flying, Ghost, Psychic |
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| 3 | (Shadow) Crobat – Poison and Flying | Electric, Ice, Psychic, Rock |
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| 3 | (Shadow) Tyranitar – Rock and Dark | Fighting, Bug, Fairy, Grass, Ground, Steel, Water |
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| 3 | (Shadow) Machamp – Fighting | Fairy, Flying, Psychic |
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In my encounters with Cliff, I recommend a stellar team featuring Mamoswine, Xerneas, and Mewtwo. Given the prevalence of Fighting- and Ground-type Pokémon in his lineup, a strategic selection of Ice-type Pokémon can efficiently counter Cliff’s team. Starting with an Ice-type like Mamoswine is advantageous against his opening Pokémon, Cubone, and remains effective against Marowak and Crobat, should they be deployed.
Include a top-tier Fairy-type, such as Xerneas, which provides an edge over potential threats like Machoke, Annihilape, Tyranitar, and Machamp. You might also consider Togekiss if you need an alternative option. It’s wise to choose a third Pokémon that can be swapped in to finish off Cliff’s remaining fighters, whether that’s another Fairy-type or a strong Psychic-type. Mewtwo excels in this role, being highly effective against the majority of Cliff’s lineup, particularly Machoke, Annihilape, Crobat, and Machamp.
Rewards For Beating Cliff (April 2025)
A Shadow Encounter Awaits
Defeating Team GO Leader Cliff yields an array of rewards, including Pokémon encounters, in-game items, and valuable eggs, making the endeavor worthwhile this April.
As a primary reward, players can expect an encounter with Shadow Cubone, the first Pokémon that Cliff employs in battle.
Moreover, if you have sufficient storage space for eggs, you will receive a unique red 12km egg. Once the required walking distance has been completed, this egg can hatch some of the rarest Pokémon available, with the potential selection evolving based on the current in-game season.
Additionally, several items for your in-game bag will be granted as rewards, chosen randomly from the following pool: an Unova Stone, 4x Max Potions, 4x Max Revives, 4x Hyper Potions, and 4x Revives. While many of these items can be found at PokéStops, the Unova Stone is a rare find in Pokémon GO, used for evolving specific Pokémon from the Unova region, making it a particularly valuable reward. Remember, Cliff’s unchanged lineup presents a tactical advantage for trainers utilizing Ice- and Fairy-type Pokémon during battles.