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’re limited-time events. Just like in Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will have dedicated days featuring special Tera Raid Battles. To date, these are the following types of 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) prior to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s launch. Afterward, these events have been called 1- to 5-Star Tera Raid Battle events. The Pokémon featured will have all 18 different Tera Types available in 1- to 5-Star Tera Raid Battles.
- 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles: Select Pokémon will be available in more frequently appearing 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles. So far, Pokémon appearing in these battles already appear in-game during normal circumstances and are version exclusives (i.e.: Tyranitar (Scarlet) and Salamence (Violet) event). The main difference here is that the spawn of these specific Tera Raid Battles has been boosted and the introduction of a 4-Star Tera Raid Battle version (instead of the games’ standard 5- and 6-Star 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. Pokémon that are featured in this tier can only be caught once per game, per save. These events may also include 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles featuring two specific Pokémon that have a type advantage against the ultra-powerful 7-Star Tera Raid Battle Pokémon (and there are no catch limits to the 4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battle featured Pokémon).
For this Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle event, it’ll feature Serperior. Get all the details about this event with our guide below:
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Unrivaled Serperior Tera Raid Battle Dates
First Appearance (September 2024)
Begins: Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at 5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. PT | 7:59 p.m. ET
Second Appearance (September 2024)
Begins: Thursday, September 26th, 2024 at 5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET
Ends: Sunday, September 29th, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. PT | 7:59 p.m. ET
Pokémon featured: Serperior the Unrivaled (with the Mightiest Mark)
For this Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle event, Trainers can encounter Serperior. This Serperior will have the title “Serperior the Unrivaled,” the Mightiest Mark, and have a Grass 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 the right Pokémon and move set to go up against it.)
A Tera Raid Crystal that signifies it is currently home to a Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle. These can be found in the Paldea region once certain requirements are met.
Will this Serperior have any special abilities, moves, titles, or marks?
Yes, Serperior caught during this event will have the following special features:
- Level: 100
- Ability: Contrary (Hidden Ability)
- Moves:
- Leaf Storm
- Gastro Acid
- Dragon Pulse
- Iron Tail
- Title: Serperior 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 Serperior the Unrivaled?
Upon defeating this Serperior for the first time, Trainers will are guaranteed to get the following items:
- Exp. Candy L
- Exp. Candy XL
- Grass Tera Shard
- Calcium
- TM 159 (Leaf Storm) (Received only once)
- Ability Patch (Received only once)
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
- Grass Tera Shard
- Bitter Herba Mystica
- Salty Herba Mystica
- Sour Herba Mystica
- Spicy Herba Mystica
- Sweet Herba Mystica
- Ability Capsule (2% chance)
- Ability Patch (1% chance)
After defeating and catching the Serperior, future Tera Raid Battle wins will only pay out with Exp. Candy L, Exp. Candy XL, Grass Tera Shard, and Zinc (or similar item) rewards from the guaranteed items pool, as well as a selection of items from the additional items pool.
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 Serperior can I catch during this event?
You can only catch one (1) Serperior the Unrivaled 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 Serperior.
Will there be any special Mass Outbreaks during this event?
No. There won’t be any mass outbreaks during this event.
Will there be any additional special Tera Raid Battles during this event?
- First weekend appearance: No.
- Second weekend appearance: Yes. 5-Star Tera Raid Battles featuring Blissey will return this weekend.
More Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides
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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?)
