best tera raid pokemon for each type

Directory

Introduction

The Raid-Ready Core: Annihilape & Iron Hands

Type-by-Type Specialists

The Support Powerhouses

Building a Versatile Raid Team

Conclusion

Success in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Tera Raid Battles hinges on overcoming unique defensive and offensive challenges. Unlike standard battles, raids feature a single, immensely powerful Tera Pokémon with multiple health bars, time limits, and the ability to nullify stat changes and status conditions. To consistently emerge victorious, trainers must assemble a roster of specialized Pokémon that excel in this specific format. This guide identifies the best Tera Raid Pokémon for each type, focusing on those with the optimal blend of damage output, survivability, and utility to counter the raid boss's Tera Type and original typing.

The foundation of any Tera Raid team often includes two powerhouse Fighting-types: Annihilape and Iron Hands. Annihilape reigns supreme as perhaps the single most versatile raid Pokémon. Its signature move, Rage Fist, increases in power each time Annihilape is hit, synergizing perfectly with the raid boss's frequent attacks. When built with a Defiant Ability to punish the boss's stat-lowering moves, and holding a Shell Bell for recovery, Annihilape can solo a vast array of raids. Iron Hands, the Paradox Pokémon, offers a different approach. Its colossal HP and Attack stats, combined with the Belly Drum move to maximize Attack instantly, allow it to unleash devastating Drain Punches. This combination deals massive damage while simultaneously healing, making Iron Hands a premier physical sweeper against suitable targets.

Selecting the best Tera Raid Pokémon for each type requires analyzing matchups and movepools. For Fairy-type raids, the premier choice is often Gholdengo. Its Steel/Ghost typing grants immunity to Dragon and Fighting moves, while its Good as Gold Ability blocks all status moves from the raid boss, a critical defensive utility. It typically uses the Nasty Plot setup before unleashing powerful Steel Beam or Shadow Ball attacks. Against Dragon-types, the go-to specialist is Azumarill. Its Fairy/Water typing resists common Dragon moves, and with the Huge Power Ability and a Belly Drum setup, its Play Rough can obliterate Dragon Tera bosses. Sylveon serves as a potent special-attacking alternative with Pixelate Hyper Voice.

For Water-type raids, the unmatched specialist is Bellibolt. Its Electromorphosis Ability boosts its next Electric move after taking any damage, which occurs constantly in raids. Combined with Acid Spray to harshly lower the boss's Special Defense—an effect that cannot be nullified—and Parabolic Charge for damage and healing, Bellibolt is exceptionally self-sufficient. Against Ground-types, the classic answer is a Grass-type like Contrary Serperior, which uses Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack while dealing damage. For Fire-types, Walking Wake stands out with its powerful Water-type moves and Dragon typing for added coverage.

When facing Psychic or Ghost Tera raids, the Dark-type Kingambit is a dominant force. Its Supreme Overlord Ability provides a passive Attack boost based on fainted teammates, and it boasts tremendous physical bulk. Swords Dance sets with Kowtow Cleave or Iron Head make it a relentless threat. Against Flying-types, the Paradox Pokémon Iron Thunders is exceptional, leveraging its Electric/Dark typing and Quark Drive-bousted Thunderbolt. For Bug-types, Skeledirge's Torch Song is invaluable, raising its Special Attack with each use while dealing super-effective Fire damage.

Victory is not solely about offense; strategic support is essential for the most difficult raids. The best support Pokémon can control the flow of battle without relying on offensive stats. Umbreon is arguably the top support choice, with access to Screech and Fake Tears to lower Defense and Special Defense, respectively, while using Helping Hand to amplify an ally's attack and Light Screen/Reflect for team durability. Its high bulk ensures it survives to provide continuous aid.

Chansey and Blissey, with their astronomical HP and Special Defense, are unparalleled special walls. They can use Life Dew for team-wide healing, Light Screen, and Helping Hand, all while safely holding an Eviolite or Light Clay. For physical defense, Corviknight is exceptional, with its Steel/Flying typing providing key resistances. Moves like Screech, Taunt to prevent boss setup, and Reflect make it a formidable bulwark. Grimmsnarl offers unique utility with Prankster, allowing it to guarantee a Reflect or Light Screen on the first turn, and it can also use Spirit Break to lower the boss's Special Attack.

Building a versatile raid team involves more than collecting powerful individuals. A balanced roster should include both physical and special attackers to handle varying boss defenses, as well as dedicated supporters for six- and seven-star raids. Key considerations include a Pokémon's ability to self-sustain, often through moves like Drain Punch, Parabolic Charge, or the Shell Bell held item. Furthermore, moves that lower the raid boss's stats, particularly Acid Spray and Screech, are disproportionately valuable as their effects persist even after the boss's shield and stat nullification occur. Trainers should prioritize Pokémon that can set up their own offensive boosts quickly, such as with Belly Drum, Nasty Plot, or Swords Dance, to break through the boss's substantial health pools efficiently.

Mastering Tera Raid Battles is a test of preparation and specialization. By understanding the unique mechanics of the format and investing in the best Tera Raid Pokémon for each type—from the relentless offense of Annihilape and Iron Hands to the type-specific dominance of Gholdengo, Azumarill, and Bellibolt, complemented by the unwavering support of Umbreon and Chansey—trainers can construct a toolbox capable of dismantling any challenge. The true key to success lies not in a single supreme Pokémon, but in a curated team where each member excels in its designated role, ensuring victory across the diverse landscape of Tera Raid Battles.

1 dead, 32 injured in bus-SUV crash in Southern California
Scenery of Kolsai Lakes National Park in Kazakhstan
Laos steps up vigilance over anthrax outbreak
S. Korea stops loudspeaker broadcasts in border area with DPRK: media
U.S. announces visa restrictions for certain Central American gov't officials