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 is that they are limited-time events. Just like in Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will have dedicated days featuring special Tera Raid Battles. To date, there are the following Tera Raid Battle events:
- Spotlight Events/ 1- to 5-Star Tera Raid Battles: A single Pokémon is featured. This event type was originally referred to as a Spotlight event (i.e.: Eevee Spotlight). The Pokémon featured will have all 18 different Tera Types available in various Tera Raid Battles.
- Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles: A special Pokémon is featured with 7-Star Tera Raid Battles. This Pokémon will always be level 100. Additional perks like titles, marks, and more could be active. There is also a chance that the Pokémon featured can only be caught once per game, per save.
- 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles: Select Pokémon will be available in more frequently appearing 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles. These may be combined with Black Crystal Tera Raid events (in case you need a Pokémon with a type advantage to take down the ultra-powerful 7-Star matchup). So far, Pokémon appearing in these battles already appear in-game during normal circumstances. The main difference here is that the spawn of these specific Tera Raid Battles has been boosted.
For Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s second Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle, another Fire-type fully evolved Starter Pokémon has been selected. Cinderace is here and like the previous Pokémon featured in 7-Star Tera Raids (Charizard), Cinderace is unobtainable in the Paldea region. So if you can’t wait for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Pokémon HOME functionality, now is a great time to add a Cinderace to your team. Get all the details about this event with our guide below:
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Unrivaled Cinderace Tera Raid Battle Dates
First December 2022 – January 2023 Appearance
Begins: Thursday, December 29th, 2022 at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, January 1st, 2023 at 3:59 p.m. PT | 6:59 p.m. ET
Second January 2023 Appearance
Begins: Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, January 15th, 2023 at 3:59 p.m. PT | 6:59 p.m. ET
Pokémon featured: Cinderace The Unrivaled (with the Mightiest Mark)
For the second Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle event, Trainers can encounter Cinderace. This Cinderace will have the title “Cinderace the Unrivaled,” the Mightiest Mark, and have a Fighting 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.
Will this Cinderace have any special abilities, moves, titles, or marks?
Yes, Cinderace caught during this event will have the following special features:
- Level: 100
- Ability: Libero (Hidden Ability)
- Moves:
- High Jump Kick
- Pyro Ball
- Acrobatics
- Iron Head
- Title: Cinderace 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 Cinderace the Unrivaled?
Upon defeating this Cinderace for the first time, Trainers will are guaranteed to get the following items:
- Exp. Candy L
- Exp. Candy XL
- Fighting Tera Shard
- Protein
- TM 064 (Bulk Up)
- Ability Patch
As well as some of the following additional items:
- Exp. Candy L
- Exp. Candy XL
- Protein
- PP Up
- Adamant Mint
- Rare Candy
- Star Piece
- Comet Shard
- Nugget
- Bottle Cap
- Fighting Tera Shard
- Ability Capsule (2% chance)
- Ability Patch (1% chance)
After a Cinderace 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 Cinderace can I catch during this event?
You can only catch one (1) Cinderace 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 Cinderace.
Will there be any additional special Tera Raid Battles during this event?
Yes. There will be 4-Star and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles featuring Gengar and Gyarados during this event. Tera Types will vary for both Pokémon. There is no catch limit for these Tera Raid Battles. Plus, you can always bring a Gengar or Gyarados into battle against Cinderace!
- 4-Star Tera Raids: Gengar and Gyarados will be at level 45.
- 5-Star Tera Raids: Gengar and Gyarados 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?)
