Tera Raids are the toughest challenges in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and the challenge just keeps getting tougher as new, even more challenging raids keep getting introduced in post-launch updates. If you want to catch ‘em all and add these rare Tera Types to your collection, you’ll need a solid team to battle with.
That’s why this guide is going to break down your best options when engaging in Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Just scroll down below and you’ll find out for yourself exactly how you should be tackling Tera Raids for the best results.
Learn type matchups – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Yes, we all know that Grass-type moves are Super Effective against Water-type Pokémon, but you also need to think hard about the Physical/Special split. Not only does the Tera Type of the Raid Pokémon overwrite all the other types it may have, but its Physical and Special resistances are also important to keep in mind.
For example, if the Raid Pokémon primarily uses Physical attacks, you should prepare a Pokémon with good Physical Defense, in addition to some tough Special attacks, as they just might have a lower Special stat overall.
Choose your Pokémon wisely, with moves that complement how it fights, with the right type to hold up against tough foes, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to win.
Stats are friends – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
While you can clear through almost any Pokémon game primarily with moves that do damage, when you get into the competitive scene or fight against incredibly tough Raid Pokémon, you’ll need to power up your strikes a bit more.
Moves that enhance your Attack or Special Attack stats are great, such as Swords Dance and Nasty Plot for Physical and Special attackers respectively. You should also consider attacks that lower enemy defences, such as Screech or Metal Sound, again for Physical and Special attackers respectively.
In Raids you’ll be fighting alongside other trainers, and weakening the enemy will assist the strengths of every Pokémon you’re fighting alongside, making it much more useful than in any other encounter.
Remember that you can change the moves of your Pokémon at any time, swapping attacks with moves you may have previously elected to forget. The TM Machine is also great for building a specific moveset.
Speed is low priority – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Speed is helpful in general, but not against a big Tera Raid Pokémon. Here, Speed doesn’t really matter. Therefore, if you’re optimizing your stats for Tera Raids, you can put this stat down as being a seriously low priority, as are moves that increase your Speed.
As an extension of this, inflicting Burn lowers Attack, which makes it a much more useful status ailment than Paralyze, which only lowers Speed – though, admittedly, with a good chance of preventing the foe from attacking.
Terastallize in context – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Terastallizing gives you more strength, right? Well, that’s true in general, but depending on your type match up, you should use it in every scenario.
For example, Azumarill was one of the best counters for the Dragon Tera Type Charizard that featured in the game recently. Terastallizing Azumarill means getting rid of either the type resistances it has as a dual Water/Fairy creature. In that specific scenario, Terastallizing is a bad move, regardless of what the Tera Type may be.
Keep this in mind when selecting your monsters.
Barrier burdens – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Raid Pokémon are capable of erecting a barrier – when this is in effect, you will be unable to change the foe’s stats, taking that strategy out of the equation. Status effects will also not work, in addition to lower overall Attack damage.
But despite all that, focus on overall damaging attacks, and you can still come out on top.
Held Items – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Held Items can speed up Tera Raids dramatically, as long as you’re smart about the items you use. Choice Specs can boost Special Attack, while Choice Band buffs Physical Attack. This stacks with STAB (same-type attack bonus) and can lead to huge damage.
Clear Amulet is also solid, which will prevent your stats from being dropped by the foe. Another solid choice is the Assault Vest, which can boost Special Defense, making it useful against select Tera Raid monsters.
Written by Dave Aubrey and Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
