Can Iron Hands Solo 6-Star Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely! With the right build and strategy, Iron Hands is one of the most capable Pokémon for soloing 6-star Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This isn’t to say every raid will be a cakewalk, but Iron Hands provides a consistently powerful and reliable option for conquering these challenging battles. This article will delve into why Iron Hands excels in this role and provide key details on making the most of its capabilities.

Why Iron Hands is a Raid Solo Superstar

Iron Hands stands out due to its potent combination of attributes and moves. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s a premier choice for soloing 6-star raids:

High Attack and Bulk

• Massive HP: Boasting a base HP stat of 154, Iron Hands can absorb significant damage, increasing its longevity in drawn-out raid battles.
• Strong Physical Attack: With a base attack stat of 140, Iron Hands hits incredibly hard, especially after boosting its attack stat.
• Decent Defense: A base defense of 108 contributes to Iron Hands’ overall survivability, further bolstering its viability as a solo raider.

Belly Drum Synergy

• Belly Drum Power: The move Belly Drum is what sets Iron Hands apart. While it cuts the user’s HP in half, it maximizes the attack stat in a single turn, transforming Iron Hands into an offensive juggernaut.
• Drain Punch Sustain: To mitigate the health loss from Belly Drum, Iron Hands learns Drain Punch, a powerful Fighting-type move that heals the user for a portion of the damage dealt. This creates a self-sustaining loop of damage and recovery that is ideal for solo play.

Useful Typing and Moves

• Fighting/Electric Typing: This dual-typing offers solid offensive coverage against a variety of raid Pokémon, hitting many types for super-effective damage. It’s also particularly good in some common tera raid matchups, such as against Normal-Tera Pokémon.
• Access to Powerful Moves: Beyond Drain Punch, Iron Hands has access to strong attacking moves like Wild Charge (Electric-type) and Close Combat (Fighting-type) to round out its offensive capabilities.

Effective Build Recommendations

• Ability: Quark Drive: This ability boosts Iron Hands’ highest stat on Electric Terrain, further enhancing its offensive capabilities with a booster energy.
• Nature: Adamant: This nature boosts the attack stat, the most vital stat for Iron Hands.
• EVs (Effort Values): 252 HP, 252 Attack, 6 Special Defense: Maximizing HP and Attack will significantly boost Iron Hands’ bulk and damage output.
• Item: Booster Energy: Synergizes with Quark Drive to increase its attack upon entering the battle.
• Tera Type: Fighting: Terastallizing into a Fighting type further amplifies the power of its Drain Punch, enhancing both its damage and healing capabilities.
• Moveset: Belly Drum, Drain Punch, Wild Charge, Protect: This moveset is ideal for setting up, dealing massive damage, and healing. Protect is a defensive option.

Challenges and Strategies

While Iron Hands is incredibly powerful, 6-star raids can still be challenging. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Enemy Setup: Opponent Pokémon may use moves that inflict status effects, lower your stats, or apply their own boosts. Always have a strategy to remove debuffs and status effects or prevent them from happening.
• Shields: Tera Raid bosses use shields that drastically reduce damage, often requiring multiple boosted moves to break through. Belly Drum is key to overcoming this problem.
• Type Matchups: Although Iron Hands has a good type coverage, some raids will have Pokémon that take super effective damage against Fighting, Electric, and/or are immune. Being aware of your opponents’ typing and adjusting your strategy accordingly is essential.
• Moves that Disable or Lower Attack/Defense: Be aware of moves that remove your stat boosts, such as Haze.
• AI Teammates: While NPCs will join you in solo raids, their contributions are often minimal. Do not depend on them to carry the fight.

Effective Strategies for Success

1. Initial Setup: Start by using Belly Drum to maximize attack, then use Protect if needed to prevent being targeted.
2. Drain Punch Cycle: Cycle through Drain Punch for consistent damage and healing.
3. Wild Charge: If needed, hit opposing pokemon with Wild Charge for Electric type damage.
4. Know Your Opponent: Understand the opponent’s type, and if they have any immunities to your attacks.
5. Tera Timing: Use Terastallization to increase the power of Drain Punch, timing your Tera type usage effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Iron Hands and Solo Raids

Here are some common questions that trainers often have about using Iron Hands for soloing 6-star raids:

1. Is Iron Hands the best Pokémon for solo raids?

While it’s a top-tier option, Iron Hands isn’t the only Pokémon capable of soloing 6-star raids. Other strong contenders like Azumarill and Annihilape also have their strengths. However, Iron Hands’ accessibility and ease of use make it a popular choice.

2. What are Iron Hands’ weaknesses in raids?

Iron Hands is weak against Ground, Psychic, and Fairy types. This means you have to be especially careful when facing these types of Pokémon in 6-star raids.

3. Can Iron Hands handle every type of 6-star raid?

No, not every raid. Some Pokémon with specific movesets and typings can be very difficult for Iron Hands to handle. Adjust your strategy or consider using a different Pokemon if needed.

4. Is Belly Drum always necessary?

For soloing 6-star raids, Belly Drum is essential for maximizing Iron Hands’ attack. Without it, the damage output won’t be enough to break through high-level raids’ shields and health pools.

5. What if the enemy removes my stat boosts?

Moves like Haze can reset your stat boosts. You’ll need to either anticipate these moves by shielding or simply reapply Belly Drum. Moves that inflict Taunt or disable use of Belly Drum also need to be accounted for.

6. Can I use a Sitrus Berry instead of Booster Energy?

Yes, a Sitrus Berry can be a good alternative to Booster Energy. The berry will heal you right after Belly Drum is used, making you less vulnerable early on. However, the extra boost from Booster Energy at the beginning is often preferred for maximizing damage.

7. What is the best alternative to Iron Hands?

Azumarill is a strong alternative because it can learn Belly Drum and Play Rough. Annihilape can also be useful thanks to its rage fist ability. The correct Pokemon depends on your opponents.

8. Do I need perfect IVs for Iron Hands to solo 6-star raids?

While perfect IVs are ideal, they’re not always essential. Maxing your EV investment in Attack and HP is often more critical for raid success. Aim to get IVs as high as possible in important stats like Attack and HP if possible.

9. How do I unlock 6-star raids?

First, complete the main storyline and the Academy Ace Tournament. Then, win 15 Five-Star Tera Raid Battles. After that, 6-star raids will appear on the map.

10. Is using a Punching Glove item important for Iron Hands?

While the article suggests that it is, it is incorrect. Punching Glove is not essential for Iron Hands. While it prevents extra damage from abilities, it’s not as effective as other options. Booster Energy or Sitrus Berry are generally better for maximizing damage and survivability.

11. What Tera Type should I use for Iron Hands?

A Fighting Tera Type is best, as it boosts the damage of Drain Punch, which is key for healing and dealing high damage.

12. Can I use Iron Hands online with other players?

Yes, Iron Hands is very useful in multiplayer raids as well. Your teammates can help support your Iron Hands or benefit from the attacks your pokemon is using.

13. Is it possible to solo all 6-star raids with one build for Iron Hands?

It is unlikely to be able to solo all raids using a single build for Iron Hands. Some opponents and tera types make it difficult for Iron Hands to succeed in solo play.

14. How can I find an Iron Hands in the game?

Iron Hands is found in Area Zero in Pokémon Scarlet. You will have to progress through the story in order to enter this area, and will need Scarlet in order to catch Iron Hands.

15. Are 6-star raids meant to be soloed?

While 6-star raids are incredibly difficult solo, the game does allow for it, and Iron Hands is a great tool to use in solo play. However, it is generally suggested that you use online play to complete them.

Conclusion

Iron Hands is an exceptional Pokémon for soloing 6-star raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Its combination of high stats, potent moves like Belly Drum and Drain Punch, and useful typing makes it a consistently reliable option for tackling some of the game’s toughest battles. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, trainers can utilize Iron Hands effectively and conquer these challenging raids, making it a must have for solo players.