The muscle of Team GO Rocket, Leader Cliff, is set to make a comeback in June 2025 with a revamped lineup that will challenge trainers in Pokémon GO. For several months, Cliff, along with fellow Leaders Arlo and Sierra, has been using the same lineup, but recent events have introduced an exciting new challenge. Since Cliff employs high-level Shadow Pokémon, it’s crucial to be familiar with his team and the best Pokémon to counter him.
During the Crown Clash: Taken Over event, Team GO Rocket was prominently featured, revealing new lineups for all Team GO Rocket members, including Grunts, Leaders, and even the Boss. Previously, Cliff was considered an easy opponent for trainers due to the numerous weaknesses in his Pokémon. However, with the recent changes, it’s essential to know not only Cliff’s new team but also the effective strategies to take him down in June 2025.
Cliff’s Lineup & Counters (June 2025)
Four New Pokémon For June
In June 2025, Cliff will introduce four new Pokémon into his lineup. He will still use a total of seven Pokémon in each battle, with the second and third Pokémon randomly chosen each time. A significant change is that Cliff will always start with the formidable Dragon- and Ground-type Gible. His second Pokémon will be one of Dark- and Flying-type Honchkrow, Steel- and Flying-type Skarmory, or the returning Fighting- and Ghost-type Annihilape.
For Cliff’s third Pokémon, Electric-type Luxray is new, along with Fighting-type Machamp and Dark- and Rock-type Tyranitar. The waves are detailed below:
|
Wave |
Pokémon and Type |
Weaknesses |
Counters |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
(Shadow) Gible – Dragon and Ground |
Ice, Dragon, and Fairy |
|
|
2 |
(Shadow) Honchkrow – Dark and Flying |
Electric, Fairy, Ice, and Rock |
|
|
2 |
(Shadow) Skarmory – Steel and Flying |
Electric and Fire |
|
|
2 |
(Shadow) Annihilape – Fighting and Ghost |
Fairy, Flying, Ghost, and Psychic |
|
|
3 |
(Shadow) Luxray – Electric |
Ground |
|
|
3 |
(Shadow) Tyranitar – Rock and Dark |
Fighting, Bug, Fairy, Grass, Ground, Steel, Water |
|
|
3 |
(Shadow) Machamp – Fighting |
Fairy, Flying, Psychic |
|
While Gible is one of the most formidable opening Pokémon for any of the Leaders, it does carry three weaknesses. Starting with an Ice-type Pokémon is recommended, as Gible is particularly vulnerable to Ice-type moves. Mamoswine, which is both Ice- and Ground-type, is a fantastic choice. This powerhouse can quickly take down Cliff’s Pokémon if it utilizes one attack from each of its types. Its Ice moves are especially effective against Honchkrow if he chooses it as well. Furthermore, its Ground-type attacks work wonders against Luxray and Tyranitar.
Another strategic option is to bring a Fairy-type like Togekiss or Xerneas. Fairy moves are super effective against five of Cliff’s Pokémon this month: Gible, Honchkrow, Annihilape, Tyranitar, and Machamp. However, the only Pokémon that doesn’t fall under this umbrella is Skarmory, which is weak to Electric- and Fire-type attacks. Thundurus Therian stands out as one of the leading Electric-type options in Pokémon GO and can be utilized effectively against Honchkrow.
Rewards For Defeating Cliff (June 2025)
A Rare Encounter and a Special Egg
Upon defeating Cliff this month, you will immediately have the opportunity to catch his starter Pokémon in Shadow form, Gible. Its evolution, Garchomp, is an incredibly powerful Pokémon, making it worthwhile to capture. Additionally, you must defeat all three Leaders, including Cliff, to take on Team GO Rocket Boss Giovanni.
Moreover, with each victory over Cliff, you will receive items to aid in your journey through Pokémon GO.
If you have room in your egg inventory, one of the rewards will automatically be a rare red 12km egg, which hatches some of the strongest Pokémon available. You will also receive a mix of items including an Unova Stone, 4x Max Potions, 4x Max Revives, 4x Hyper Potions, and 4x Revives. While Cliff’s team has undergone a transformation for June 2025, you can still counter it effectively by selecting the right Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
