Game Freak has delighted Pokémon fans by introducing Shiny Rayquaza into the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet 5-star Tera Raids. For trainers eager to capture this exceptional Legendary Pokémon, we have outlined the most effective counters to ensure success against this powerful Dragon-Tera Type foe.
Since its launch over two years ago, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has continuously engaged players with dynamic Tera Raid events and exciting Mass Outbreaks, keeping the community vibrant and active.
As Shiny Rayquaza is not typically found in the game, many trainers are gearing up to seize the chance to catch this magnificent creature in its Shiny variant. Let’s delve into the specifics of how to face this formidable opponent.
Availability of Shiny Rayquaza in Tera Raids
Shiny Rayquaza will make its appearance in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet 5-star Dragon-Tera Raids from Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 4:00 PM PST until Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 3:59 PM PST. Trainers should note that despite defeating this impressive Raid boss multiple times, they can only capture one Rayquaza per save file.
Moreover, during this event duration, players can also encounter Pokémon with predominantly black Shiny forms in Mass Outbreaks, including:
- Cetoddle (from Paldea)
- Carbink (from Kitakami)
- Fraxure (from Blueberry Academy)
These Pokémon will have heightened Shiny encounter rates, providing additional opportunities for trainers to expand their collections.
Shiny Rayquaza: Stats, Moves, Tera Type, and Ability
In its role as a 5-star raid boss, Shiny Rayquaza will embody the Dragon-Tera Type. While it may not rank among the most challenging 7-star Tera Raids, trainers should still prepare for a fiercely competitive encounter. Below is a breakdown of its significant stats:
Base Stats of Shiny Rayquaza
| POKEMON | ABILITY | HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiny Rayquaza | Air Lock | 105 | 150 | 90 | 150 | 90 | 95 |
Potential Moves
The exact move set for this 5-star Tera Raid boss remains undisclosed, but players can anticipate the following attacks:
- Dragon Ascent (Flying/STAB)
- Outrage (Dragon/STAB)
- Extreme Speed (Normal)
- Dragon Dance (Dragon/STAB)
- Hydro Pump (Water)
- Earthquake (Ground)
- Iron Head (Steel)
- Aerial Ace (Flying/STAB)
Shiny Rayquaza, being a dual Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon, has vulnerabilities to Rock, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. However, during this raid, its Dragon-Tera Type ensures it is only susceptible to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy attacks.
This formidable opponent possesses the Ability Air Lock, which negates weather effects. Thus, strategies involving weather manipulation with moves like Sunny Day or Rain Dance will not impact the battle dynamics.
Rayquaza excels equally as a Physical and Special attacker, ensuring that whatever strategy is employed, trainers should be prepared for powerful hits. Moreover, its Dragon-Tera Type provides it with a double STAB bonus for Dragon-type moves.
Optimal Counters to Shiny Rayquaza
Given that Dragon-types are vulnerable to attacks from their own type, it is advisable to avoid using them in this encounter. Instead, trainers should focus on deploying Fairy-type Pokémon, which have immunity against Dragon-type moves.
Here are some of the best counters recommended for battling Shiny Rayquaza, along with their ideal builds:
Counter #1: Magearna
Magearna, the Gen 7 Mythical Pokémon, is a prime choice for countering Shiny Rayquaza due to its unique Steel/Fairy typing, granting it immunity to Dragon-type moves and resistance to multiple other types.
This Pokémon’s high Sp. Attack contributes to its offensive capacity, making Fairy-type moves particularly effective. With the Ability Soul-Heart, Magearna gains a Sp. Attack increase each time an ally faints.
Commence the encounter with Reflect to mitigate physical damage. Use Calm Mind for further boosting of Sp. Atk and Sp. Defense, followed by Metal Sound to reduce Rayquaza’s Sp. Defense. Finally, unleash Dazzling Gleam for significant damage while recovering health through the Shell Bell.
| POKEMON | LEVEL | MOVES | ABILITY | NATURE | HELD ITEM | TERA TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magearna | 100 | Calm Mind, Dazzling Gleam, Reflect, Metal Sound | Soul-Heart | Modest | Shell Bell | Fairy |
Counter #2: Zacian
Zacian stands out as a formidable Physical Fairy-type attacker, gaining immediate boosts to its Attack stat with its Ability Intrepid Sword.
To initiate combat, use Snarl to deal damage while simultaneously charging your Tera orb and lowering Rayquaza’s offensive. Following this, Terastallize and utilize Play Rough to inflict damage while further lowering Rayquaza’s Attack. Implement Swords Dance to amplify your Attack and engage Iron Defense to bolster your Defense.
Be mindful if Rayquaza employs Earth Power or Earthquake, as this could pose a threat to Zacian.
| POKEMON | LEVEL | MOVES | ABILITY | NATURE | HELD ITEM | TERA TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zacian | 100 | Play Rough, Swords Dance, Snarl, Iron Defense | Intrepid Sword | Adamant | Rusted Sword | Fairy |
Counter #3: Azumarill
Azumarill, being a Fairy-type, boasts immunity to Dragon-type attacks and resistance to moves like Fire, Water, and Ice, which may be used by Rayquaza. Timing is critical when utilizing Azumarill, particularly for the Belly Drum move.
Kick off the battle by using Charm to diminish Rayquaza’s Attack and follow up with Chilling Water to deal damage and charge your Tera orb while further decreasing Rayquaza’s Attack. After the stats reset, use Belly Drum—ensure you have full health—to maximize your Attack, concluding with Play Rough to finish off Rayquaza. Azumarill’s Ability Huge Power will notably enhance your Attack stat.
Having a teammate who can heal or shield Azumarill is crucial during this battle, as the Shell Bell alone may not suffice to sustain you until you can unleash your attack.
| POKEMON | LEVEL | MOVES | ABILITY | NATURE | HELD ITEM | TERA TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azumarill | 100 | Belly Drum, Play Rough, Chilling Water, Charm | Huge Power | Adamant | Shell Bell | Fairy |
Rewards for Tera Raid Victors
Trainers who succeed in defeating this 5-star Tera Raid boss will have the opportunity to catch Shiny Rayquaza and claim an array of enticing rewards, including:
- Herba Mystica (various types)
- Ability Capsule
- Ability Patch
- Bottle Cap
- Comet Shard
- Exp. Candy L
- Exp. Candy XL
- Nugget
- PP UP
- Rare Candy
- Star Piece
- Vitamins
- Tera Shards
- As
- TM156 (Outrage)
This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to conquer the Dragon-Tera Type Shiny Rayquaza in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet 5-star Tera Raids.
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