Raid Battles made the jump from Pokémon’s Generation VIII (Sword and Shield) to Generation IX (Scarlet and Violet). While similar, the big difference this time around is the Terastal phenomenon, where Pokémon’s type can change to one of the 18 different types available in-game. Not to mention, Pokémon will receive boosted attack power, provided that the attack type and the Tera type match.
One thing that is definitely staying the same for these Raid Battles are limited-time events. Just like in Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will have dedicated days featuring special Tera Raid Battles. There are Spotlight Events, where the Pokémon featured could have one of 18 different Tera Types, and Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles, where one 7-Star Tera Raid Battle Pokémon is featured. Don’t worry though, as some 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles will be available in case you need a Pokémon with a type advantage to take down the ultra-powerful 7-Star matchup!
For Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s very first Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle, none other than Charizard is featured! What’s better is that Charizard is unobtainable in the Paldea region, so this is the perfect time before Pokémon HOME functionality is added to add one to your team. Get all the details about this event with our guide below:
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Unrivaled Charizard Tera Raid Battle Dates
Third Appearance (March 2024)
Begins: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, March 17th, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. PT | 7:59 p.m. ET
Second Appearance (December 2022)
Begins: Thursday, December 15th, 2022 at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, December 18th, 2022 at 3:59 p.m. PT | 6:59 p.m. ET
First Appearance (December 2022)
Begins: Thursday, December 1st, 2022 at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, December 4th, 2022 at 3:59 p.m. PT | 6:59 p.m. ET
Pokémon featured: Charizard the Unrivaled (with the Mightiest Mark)
For the first Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle event, Trainers can encounter Charizard. This Charizard will have the title “Charizard the Unrivaled,” the Mightiest Mark, and have a Dragon Tera Type. You can find this specific Tera Raid Battle by looking for black Tera Raid crystals with purple and black visual effects. Be aware that these battles will be tricky, as they are ranked 7-Stars in difficulty. (That said, you can also solo the Raid if you know what you’re doing and have an Azumarill that can Belly Drum their way to victory.)
Charizard cannot be found normally in Paldea, which means this event is the only way to obtain a Charizard in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (before Pokémon HOME access is available).
Will this Charizard have any special abilities, moves, titles, or marks?
Yes, Charizard caught during this event will have the following special features:
- Level: 100
- Ability: Solar Power (Hidden Ability)
- Moves:
- Dragon Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- Focus Blast
- Title: Charizard the Unrivaled
- Mark: Mightiest Mark
- Info: A mark for a Pokémon caught in a seven-star Tera Raid Battle.
What items will be issued as rewards when defeating Charizard the Unrivaled?
Upon defeating this Charizard for the first time, Trainers are guaranteed to get the following items:
- Exp. Candy L
- Exp. Candy XL
- Dragon Tera Shard
- Calcium
- TM157 (Overheat)
- Ability Patch
As well as some of the following additional items:
- Exp. Candy L
- Exp. Candy XL
- Calcium
- PP Up
- Modest Mint
- Rare Candy
- Star Piece
- Comet Shard
- Nugget
- Bottle Cap
- Dragon Tera Shard
- Ability Capsule (2% chance)
- Ability Patch (1% chance)
After a Charizard is caught and the guaranteed items are distributed, rewards from other completed Tera Raid Battles will be paid out from the “additional items” list.
What is required to participate in Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle events?
In order to unlock these special Tera Raid Battle events, players will need the following:
- A copy of Pokémon Scarlet and/or Violet
- An internet connection in order to download the latest Poké Portal News
- If you don’t have the newest Poké Portal News, you can force an update by going to the game’s menu, selecting Mystery Gift, and then selecting Check Poké Portal News.
- Note: According to The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, you do not need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to access the Poké Portal News and receive the latest updates.
- Completing specific post-game event(s).
- You must complete the Ace Academy Tournament, which takes place at the Academy and involves battling four different Trainers.
- The Ace Academy Tournament is unlocked after finishing the game and then rematching all eight Gym Leaders.
- Return to the Academy, and a series of cutscenes will inform you that you’ve unlocked the tournament. You can participate by speaking to the attendant at her desk in the Entrance Hall.
- After completing the Ace Academy Tournament, you’ll be informed that 6-Star Raids are available throughout Paldea. This is how you unlock 7-Star Raids, as well; during events like the Unrivaled Charizard event, occasionally these 6-Star Raids will shift to 7-Star Raids.
- If you haven’t completed the Ace Academy Tournament, don’t worry: you can instead join another Trainer’s Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle via a multiplayer group or using a Link Code.
- You must complete the Ace Academy Tournament, which takes place at the Academy and involves battling four different Trainers.
If Trainers wish to play with others online, they’ll also need the following: an active Nintendo Switch Online membership (paid, in good standing).
How many Charizards can I catch during this event?
You can only catch one (1) Charizard with the Mightiest Mark per save file per game. You can participate in multiple Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles and earn various item rewards, but you will not get another catch encounter after catching this Charizard.
Will there be any additional special Tera Raid Battles during this event?
Yes, but only during the December 2022 appearances. There will be 4-Star and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles featuring Florges and Mimikyu. Tera Types will vary for both Pokémon. There is no catch limit for these Tera Raid Battles. Plus, you can always bring a Florges or Mimikyu into battle against Charizard!
- 4-Star Tera Raids: Florges and Mimikyu will be at level 45.
- 5-Star Tera Raids: Florges and Mimikyu will be at level 75.
More Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides
Looking for more help with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Check out our other guides!
Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
