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Can You Breed Tera Types in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question on every Pokémon Breeder’s mind: Can you breed Tera Types? The short answer is no, you cannot directly breed for a specific Tera Type. However, the world of Pokémon breeding, combined with the transformative power of Terastallizing, is far more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s dive into the intricate details of Tera Types, breeding mechanics, and how you can influence your Pokémon’s Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Understanding Tera Types and Breeding Mechanics

What is a Tera Type?

The Tera Type is a unique characteristic introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It determines the type to which a Pokémon will transform when it Terastallizes. Terastallizing is a battle mechanic that changes a Pokémon’s type, boosting the power of moves matching that type and potentially altering its weaknesses and resistances.

Breeding Basics

Breeding in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet allows you to pass down certain traits from parent Pokémon to their offspring. Key factors include:

Natures: The Everstone item can be held by a parent to guarantee the offspring inherits their Nature.
Abilities: Under certain conditions, Abilities can be passed down, particularly if one of the parents is a Ditto.
Individual Values (IVs): While not guaranteed, the Destiny Knot item held by a parent significantly increases the chance of inheriting multiple IVs.

The Tera Type Inheritance Conundrum

Unfortunately, Tera Types are NOT directly inheritable through breeding. This means the Tera Type of a Pokémon hatched from an egg will be one of its natural types. In the case of dual-type Pokémon, the Tera Type will be randomly selected from either of its original types. For example, a newly hatched Scorbunny will always have a Fire Tera Type because it only has one type. A Pawniard might have a Steel or Dark Tera type!

Manipulating Tera Types: The Tera Shard Solution

While you can’t breed for specific Tera Types, all hope is not lost! Pokémon Scarlet and Violet provide a robust mechanism for changing a Pokémon’s Tera Type: Tera Shards.

Acquiring Tera Shards

Tera Raid Battles: This is the primary method. Defeating Pokémon in Tera Raid Battles rewards you with Tera Shards corresponding to the Tera Type of the defeated Pokémon. For example, defeating a Water Tera Type Pokémon in a Tera Raid will give you Water Tera Shards. These are found mainly in raids throughout Paldea. Tera Pokemon are found mainly in raids, found throughout Paldea. Very rarely, there are Tera Pokemon found in the wild, in static locations across the map.
Limited Wild Encounters: Very rarely, you may find Tera Pokemon in the wild, in static locations across the map.

The Tera Type Changer

Once you’ve amassed 50 Tera Shards of the desired type, head to the Treasure Eatery in Medali. Talk to the chef, and he will change your Pokémon’s Tera Type to the type corresponding to the shards you provide. Note that you must have defeated the Medali Gym Leader, Larry, before you can change your Tera Type.

Strategic Tera Type Selection

Choosing the right Tera Type can dramatically improve a Pokémon’s performance in battle. Some popular choices include:

Steel: A strong defensive Tera Type, offering numerous resistances.
Ghost: Provides excellent offensive coverage and immunity to Normal-type moves.
Dark: Boosts the power of Dark-type moves, a common offensive type.
Water: Water is one of the best types in the game.

The Power of Adaptation

The ability to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type offers immense strategic depth. It allows you to cover weaknesses, amplify strengths, and surprise opponents in competitive battles. Trainers may do this multiple times to any Pokémon of their choice if they want to try different strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I breed Hisuian Zorua and influence its Tera Type?

While you can breed Hisuian Zoroark, it will only produce Paldean Zorua unless the Hisuian Zoroark holds an Everstone. And even then, the Tera Type will be either Normal or Ghost (randomly selected), not breedable to a specific Tera Type. Hisuian Zorua is a Ghost type because they perished, unable to survive the harsh Hisuian environment and strife with other Pokémon. Their lingering souls were reborn in this Ghost-type form through the power of their malice toward humans and Pokémon.

2. Does evolving a Pokémon change its Tera Type?

No, a Pokémon retains its original Tera Type upon evolution. This applies even if the Pokémon’s typing changes during evolution.

3. Are Tera Pokémon stronger than regular Pokémon?

Yes, Tera Pokémon, particularly those found in Tera Raid Battles, are generally more powerful than regular wild Pokémon. They often have higher stats and may know more potent moves.

4. How rare are Tera Pokémon in the wild?

Tera Pokémon found in the wild are relatively rare. They appear in static locations on the map and respawn daily.

5. How many Tera Shards do I need to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type?

You need 50 Tera Shards of the specific type you want to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type to.

6. Can I change a Pokémon’s Tera Type more than once?

Yes, you can change a Pokémon’s Tera Type as many times as you like, provided you have the required 50 Tera Shards each time.

7. What determines the Tera Type of a wild Pokémon?

While the exact mechanics are not fully known, wild Pokémon tend to have Tera Types that align with one of their natural types. However, there are exceptions, and some Pokémon can have unexpected Tera Types.

8. Do Tera Type Pokémon respawn?

Yes, wild Tera Type Pokémon respawn daily. Simply return to their location the next day to encounter them again.

9. Why should I bother catching Tera Pokémon?

Catching Tera Pokémon is beneficial for several reasons: they are rare, they often have good stats, and they reward you with Tera Shards. Completing Tera Raid Battles is also the only way to obtain Ability Patches and special ingredients for Meal Powers that’ll take your picnics to the next level. There’s no better way to catch rare Pokémon, collect Tera Shards, and quickly earn money or LP.

10. Can I change a Pokémon’s Tera Type to any type?

Yes, you can change a Pokémon’s Tera Type to any of the 18 types, provided you have the corresponding 50 Tera Shards.

11. Is it better to have a different Tera Type than a Pokémon’s original type?

It depends on your strategy. A different Tera Type can cover weaknesses and provide unexpected offensive advantages. However, sticking to a Pokémon’s original type can amplify its strengths with the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB).

12. What are some of the best Tera Types for competitive battling?

Some of the best Tera Types include Steel, Ghost, Dark, Water, Fire, Normal, Ground, Electric, Grass, and more. The best choice depends on the specific Pokémon and its role in your team.

13. What is the best Tera Type for Kingambit?

While Steel is a solid option, Dark is often considered the best Tera Type for Kingambit due to its powerful Dark-type moves. Because Kingambit is an exceptional physical attacker, its best build should maximize its offensive capabilities.

14. Where can I find more information about Pokémon strategy and gameplay?

There are many online resources for Pokémon strategy, including websites, forums, and communities like the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational and social aspects of gaming. You can also check GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. How important is Tera Type in battles?

Tera Type is incredibly important. It can completely alter a Pokémon’s strengths, weaknesses, and offensive capabilities, making it a crucial element of competitive battling and strategic gameplay.

Can you breed TERA types?