How to Beat Cliff’s Aerodactyl in Pokémon GO: July 2023 Guide

Beating Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff and his Aerodactyl is a challenging but rewarding experience in Pokémon GO. In July 2023, trainers are facing a powerful lineup that demands strategic team building and a thorough understanding of type matchups. The key to defeating Cliff’s Shadow Aerodactyl lies in exploiting its weaknesses, particularly against Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water-type attacks. Cliff will always lead with Shadow Aerodactyl, making it essential to have a counter ready for the first slot. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to defeating Cliff in July 2023, with practical strategies, counter recommendations, and a Q&A section to help you dominate this battle.

Understanding Aerodactyl’s Weaknesses

Aerodactyl, being a Rock and Flying-type Pokémon, has several exploitable vulnerabilities. As mentioned, Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water-type moves are all super effective against it. Knowing this is your first step to victory. Shadow Aerodactyl amplifies this challenge with increased attack power, so you will need to bring your most powerful Pokémon to the battle. In July 2023, Cliff may feature other Pokémon after Aerodactyl, so having a well-rounded team is critical.

Top Counters for Cliff’s Aerodactyl

1. Magnezone: This Electric and Steel-type Pokémon is an excellent choice to lead against Aerodactyl. With access to both Electric-type attacks (like Spark or Charge Beam) and Steel-type attacks (such as Flash Cannon or Magnet Bomb), it can take down Aerodactyl efficiently. The dual-type also offers resistance to some of Aerodactyl’s attacks, providing extra survivability.
2. Metagross: As a Steel and Psychic-type, Metagross excels at dealing consistent damage to Aerodactyl with Steel-type attacks like Meteor Mash while also being resistant to Flying-type attacks. Its high attack stat and bulk make it a reliable choice for this battle.
3. Raikou: This pure Electric-type legendary Pokémon can unleash powerful Electric-type attacks like Thunder Shock and Wild Charge to quickly take down Aerodactyl. Raikou’s high attack power and quick charged attacks make it a formidable option.
4. Kyogre: This Water-type legendary Pokémon is also highly effective against Aerodactyl, especially if equipped with Water-type charged attacks like Surf or Hydro Pump. Kyogre’s high attack stat and bulk make it an excellent pick.
5. Glaceon: As a pure Ice-type, Glaceon with moves like Ice Shard and Avalanche can do significant damage and take down Aerodactyl quickly.

Recommended Team Composition

A good team composition will help you defeat Cliff’s entire lineup, not just Aerodactyl. Here’s an example of a well-rounded team you can use:

• Lead: Magnezone (Spark/Charge Beam & Flash Cannon/Magnet Bomb) – For a quick, efficient start against Aerodactyl.
• Mid: Haxorus (Dragon Tail & Dragon Claw/Outrage) – A powerful Dragon-type that can handle many potential second and third slot Pokémon Cliff may have.
• Flex: Kyogre/ Metagross/Glaceon/Raikou – Pick based on availability, move sets, and how comfortable you are battling with each Pokemon.

This team composition ensures you have strong counters for various types that Cliff might bring in after Aerodactyl.

Battle Strategies

1. Exploit Type Advantages: Always use moves that are super effective against your opponent’s Pokémon. In the case of Aerodactyl, use Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, or Water-type moves.
2. Shield Usage: Cliff uses his shields strategically. Use a few charged attacks of your own early on to force him to use his shields.
3. Fast Attack Pressure: Utilize fast attacks to gain energy quickly, allowing you to use charged attacks more frequently.
4. Timing is Key: Switch out Pokémon if you’re taking too much damage or when you have a type disadvantage.
5. Learn Cliff’s Lineup: Be prepared for the other possible Pokemon Cliff may choose for the second and third slot. These Pokemon may include Slowking, or Tyranitar, among others. Adapt your team if you consistently struggle with certain choices Cliff makes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Aerodactyl’s main weaknesses?

Aerodactyl, as a Rock and Flying-type, is weak to Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water-type attacks.

2. What is the best team to beat Cliff’s Aerodactyl in July 2023?

A strong team would include Magnezone (lead), Haxorus, and either Kyogre/Metagross/Glaceon/Raikou.

3. What moves should I use against Aerodactyl?

Use moves of Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, or Water-type that do the most damage.

4. Can I solo Aerodactyl?

Yes, while it’s difficult, it’s possible to solo Mega Aerodactyl if you have a group of at least 3-5 trainers using appropriate counters. For normal Shadow Aerodactyl, a well-built team can take it down fairly easily.

5. What other Pokémon might Cliff use after Aerodactyl?

Cliff may use Pokémon like Slowking and Tyranitar, among other possibilities. You should plan a well-rounded team to accommodate this.

6. Is a Shadow Aerodactyl more difficult to defeat?

Yes, Shadow Pokémon, including Shadow Aerodactyl, have boosted attack stats, making them hit harder, so you’ll need strong counters.

7. Can I use a Mega Evolution against Cliff?

Yes, using Mega Evolutions can provide a significant advantage due to their increased stats, but it is not required to defeat Cliff.

8. Which Pokémon are resistant to Aerodactyl’s attacks?

Ground-types are immune to Electric-type attacks, while Flying-types resist Ground-type attacks. Steel-types resist Rock-type attacks.

9. What are some budget-friendly alternatives to Raikou or Kyogre?

Electivire (Electric-type), Feraligatr (Water-type) or Mamoswine (Ice/Ground-type) are very good options for trainers who don’t have access to legendaries.

10. How often does Cliff appear?

Cliff appears when using a Rocket Radar after collecting enough Mysterious Components by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts.

11. What is the best way to prepare for a Cliff battle?

Research Cliff’s potential lineup beforehand. Prepare a team that covers various types, and be ready to use type advantages.

12. What are the benefits of defeating Cliff?

Defeating Cliff rewards you with various items, including Shadow Pokémon encounters, which are often rare and valuable.

13. Are there any weather conditions that boost Aerodactyl or its counters?

Partly Cloudy weather boosts Rock-type attacks (like Aerodactyl’s), while Rainy weather boosts Water-type attacks and Windy weather boosts Flying-type moves. Snowy weather boosts Ice-type attacks.

14. How can I learn more about type matchups in Pokémon GO?

Many online resources, like Pokémon GO wikis and other websites, provide comprehensive information on type matchups. Make use of these sites to learn more about each type and its strengths and weaknesses.

15. Is there an advantage to using fast charging Pokemon?

Yes, Pokémon that charge attacks quickly can help you get through the battles faster. This allows you to use multiple charged attacks to quickly eliminate your opponent.

By using these strategies and counters, you should be well-prepared to defeat Cliff’s Aerodactyl and the rest of his team in Pokémon GO during July 2023. Stay strategic, adapt to his Pokémon choices, and you’ll emerge victorious. Good luck, Trainer!