Cliff (GO)

Cliff クリフ Cliff
"The Bighearted Ruffian"
Art from Pokémon GO
Gender	Male
Eye color	Brown
Hair color	Black
Hometown	Unknown
Region	Unknown
Trainer class	Team GO Rocket Leader
Generation	VII, VIII, IX
Games	Pokémon GO
Specializes in	Rock types
Member of	Team GO Rocket
Rank	Leader

Cliff (Japanese: クリフ Cliff) is one of the Leaders of Team GO Rocket in Pokémon GO.

He has a short temper, and he is feared for his strength and his intolerance to disloyalty. However, he's also renowned at the same time for his big heart and kind soul.

History

Cliff was the first Team GO Rocket Leader encountered by one of Professor Willow's assistants. Blanche and Professor Willow, while testing an unsuccessful prototype of the Rocket Radar, were suddenly approached by Cliff, warning them that they were "encroaching on Team GO Rocket territory." Cliff told the two to retreat in a surprisingly gentle tone. Professor Willow and Blanche, unprepared for a battle, decided to return to the lab.

On November 5, 2019, Cliff sent the following message to Blanche:

"Blanche. You overthink.

You overcalculate.

You overcomplicate.

But can’t you see? It’s pretty simple. Your time as a leader is OVER!!!"

On November 12, 2019, Cliff was tracked down by Blanche using the Rocket Radar and was defeated in a one-sided battle.

On July 26, 2020, during Pokémon GO Fest 2020, Cliff battled Blanche. Blanche initiated the battle by sending out a Lapras, while Cliff sent a Shadow Tyranitar. Tyranitar used Stone Edge but Lapras retaliated with Hydro Pump. In the end, Blanche won the battle when Giovanni recalled Cliff to him along with the other Team GO Rocket Leaders.

Pokémon

Cliff uses a team of three Shadow Pokémon in a Trainer Battle, each independently and randomly selected from separate pools. During battle, Cliff will always use a Protect Shield whenever possible. Upon being defeated, Cliff will abandon one of the Shadow Pokémon used in battle.

The following lists the possible Pokémon used by Cliff since February 1, 2023. Green-colored cells denote the Pokémon that will be encountered during the bonus challenge. These Shadow Pokémon have a chance of becoming Shiny, as denoted by the icon.

For a historic list of Cliff's past Pokémon teams, see Team GO Rocket Leader (Trainer class)/Pokémon change history.

Leader Cliff Team GO Rocket Leader
#1	#2	#3

Quotes

Introduction

"Cliff’s my name. Battling’s my game."

"Do you really wanna fight?"

"What do you want—a battle?"

"A loser like you can’t beat Team GO Rocket."

"You got a lot of nerve for a loser!"

"Pfft... You wanna fight?"

"Do you think you can beat me?"

"Why stop the inevitable? Team GO Rocket will always win!"

"Why do you fight us? Team GO Rocket gave so many of us a community—a purpose. What’s wrong with that?"

"The boss has ordered that we crush all of you, and the boss’s order is above all!"

• GO Fest 2020:

"Enjoying your little festival? Well, it’s a Team GO Rocket festival now!"

"Hahaha! I’m in a good mood today. This event is ours!"

"Team GO Rocket has come so far. We’ve finally taken over your big celebration!"

Before battle

"I won’t let Giovanni down!"

"You’re nothing more than a weak distraction."

"I won’t let the boss down."

"This’ll be a lesson you won’t soon forget."

"This hero thing you’re trying? It’s about to come crashing down on you."

"You’re a pest, and I’m gonna give you the boot."

"Anyone who gets in my way gets destroyed."

"This is for Team GO Rocket."

"My loyalty gives me strength. I won’t lose!"

"You? Defeat me? Not gonna happen."

• GO Fest 2020:

"I bet the boss is so proud of us for taking over this event! Don’t take this from us—I need this."

"We’ve already taken over this event—now it’s time for the muscle to take you down!"

"Let’s finish this quick so I can join the other leaders and celebrate the take-over!"

Prebattle screen

"My strength comes from my loyalty to Team GO Rocket."

"I will do anything and everything for Team GO Rocket."

"I owe the boss my life. I’d do anything for him."

"Team GO Rocket saved me. It’s time to return the favor!"

"Add my name to your list of weaknesses."

Upon victory

"Hahaha! What’d I tell ya? Of course I’d win!"

"Yes! I hope you’re proud of me, Boss."

"Heh heh... That’s right. I beat you!"

"I’d never let the boss down!"

"That’s right! Team GO Rocket never loses!"

• GO Fest 2020:

"Hahaha, what a great battle! Happy Team GO Rocket festival! Time to celebrate with my Grunts!"

"First we take over this big event, and now I win a battle? Best day ever!"

"Winning a battle is a great feeling. It’s even better after a take-over!"

Upon being defeated

"You’ll pay for this!"

"This...this can’t be!"

"Us Team GO Rocket Leaders will get you next time!"

"What? But I can’t lose! Boss, I’m so sorry!"

"This defeat only fuels my anger!"

• GO Fest 2020:

"NO! We can’t lose our Team GO Rocket festival—we’ve come so far!"

"What just happened? Are we going to lose the event?"

"I can’t believe I failed the team."

Appearance

Icon from Pokémon GO

Names

Language	Name	Origin
Japanese	クリフ Cliff	From cliff
English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Turkish	Cliff	Same as his Japanese name
Korean	클리프 Cliff	Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Mandarin)	克里夫 Kèlǐfū	Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Cantonese)	克里夫 Hākléihfū
Thai	คลิฟ Cliff	Transcription of his Japanese name

References

This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.