Shown in today’s Pokémon Presents, there’s a new battle mechanic in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Similar to Dynamax, the Paldea region will feature the Terastal Phenomenon.
Instead of becoming giant Pokémon, or even a massive ‘mon with a new form, Tera Pokémon will sparkle like precious gems and sport a crown representing one of the 18 Pokémon types. Yet, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be borrowing one big aspect from Pokémon Sword and Shield (and it’s Dynamax Pokémon), and that’s Max Raid Battles.
Called Tera Raid Battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Trainers will be able to battle against Terastallized Pokémon with unusual Tera Types. According to a press release and the official Pokémon Scarlet and Violet site, here’s how Tera Raid Battles will work:
“Tera Raid Battles occur in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet when three other players team up to take on a Terastallized wild Pokémon. Trainers can find other players to participate in a Tera Raid Battle through the Tera Raid Battle option, then choose to recruit allies or join someone else’s raid. To have a battle together with friends a player already knows, they’ll need to set a Link Code. This battle system has a time limit and allows players to continue attacking seamlessly without having to wait for other Trainers to choose their actions.”
Tera Raid Battles can be found via shining crystals that are scattered around the Paldea region (essentially Pokémon Dens, but it’s unclear if they’ll be referred to as that in-game). The crystal’s color will also tip you off which Pokémon type is featured for that particular battle (i.e.: green crystal = Grass-type Pokémon).
Take on these Terastallized Pokémon alone or as a group online (which will require a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership). There will even be an in-game search feature to find Tera Raid Battles, and a Link Code feature to limit the battle to just friends.
When the battle begins, Trainers can order attacks without having to wait on other Trainers. It’s a battle against the clock to defeat the Tera Pokémon, so you’ll have to cooperate with other Trainers to maximize moves and effects. To power up your Pokémon, you’ll be able to “cheer” on your group (instead of issuing an attack). There are three kinds of cheers and each will provide a boost to all Pokémon. These effects include: boosting Attack and Sp. Attack, boosting Defense and Sp. Defense, and healing. You can’t spam these cheers though, as you’ll be limited to three uses during a Tera Raid Battle.
Tera Raid Battles featuring Dragonite (Tera Type: Fire) and Gardevoir (Tera Type: Water).
If you and your fellow Trainers successfully defeat the Tera Pokémon in the Tera Raid Battle, you’ll get the chance to catch ’em (and get some “useful items” too)! Plus, these Tera Pokémon may have a Tera Type that differs from their usual Tera Type(s). For instance, the Pokémon Presents and press release feature a Dragonite with the Fire Tera Type and Gardevoir with the Water Tera Type. These Tera Types will boost the power of moves that share the same type, which means new battle strategies for Trainers to play with.
You’ll be able to participate in Tera Raid Battles for yourself when Pokémon Scarlet and Violet releases on Friday, November 18th. Pre-order the games today and check out our pre-order guide to see what pre-order bonuses are currently available.
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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?)
