How to Unlock 6-Star and 7-Star Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Unlocking the most challenging Tera Raid battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the formidable 6-Star and 7-Star Raids, is a rite of passage for any serious trainer. These raids offer not only the toughest battles but also the most lucrative rewards, including rare items and a chance to catch powerful Pokémon with unique Tera Types. Getting access requires dedication and a solid understanding of the game’s post-game mechanics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to unlock these high-tier raids.
Unlocking 6-Star Tera Raids
The path to 6-Star Tera Raids is a multi-step process, designed to test your mettle and ensure you’re ready for the challenge. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the Main Story: The very first requirement is to finish the main story of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet. You’ll need to have seen the end credits roll before even considering these advanced raids. This means defeating all Gym Leaders, Titans, and Team Star bases, and conquering the final challenges.
- Become Champion and Complete the Academy Ace Tournament: After completing the main story, your next goal is to participate in the post-game Academy Ace Tournament at Naranja Academy. You need to win this tournament, proving yourself the best trainer in the region. This signifies your progress and opens up new challenges.
- Conquer 5-Star Tera Raids: Once you’ve established yourself as a champion, you need to engage and win against a number of 5-Star Tera Raids. There’s some discrepancy around how many are required, but you can expect it to be roughly 10-15 five star raids. Focus on clearing these effectively, improving your battle strategy and gathering resources.
- Jacq’s Call: After completing enough 5-Star Tera Raids, Professor Jacq will call you, alerting you to the appearance of more powerful raids. He will provide a warning about the increased danger, signaling the arrival of the 6-Star Tera Raids. Shortly after the call, a 6-Star Raid will appear on your map.
- Map Symbol: Keep an eye on your map; 6-Star Tera Raid icons are easily identifiable by their unique border color. Unlike the standard white border of 1-5 Star Raids, 6-Star Raids have a different border color icon making them readily apparent.
Unlocking 7-Star Tera Raids
7-Star Tera Raids are the pinnacle of raid battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and unlocking them is significantly more complex and time-dependent than 6-Star raids. Unlike 6-Star raids, 7-star raids are also not always available.
- Complete All Requirements for 6-Star Raids: You must first satisfy all the prerequisites for unlocking 6-Star Tera Raids described above. You cannot access 7-Star Raids without having previously unlocked the 6-Star ones.
- Complete a Number of 5-Star Raids: While not a specific requirement like with 6-star raids, continuing to battle 5-Star Tera Raids is essential for building up your resources and leveling up your Pokemon in preparation for the increased difficulty of 7 star raids.
- In-Game Event: Unlike 6-Star Raids, 7-Star Tera Raids are only available as part of in-game events. They are not a permanent fixture and are only accessible during specific time windows when Nintendo releases them through Mystery Gift or the News function.
- Check Poké Portal News: It’s important to frequently check the Poké Portal news or the Mystery Gift option to connect and ensure your game receives updates for any ongoing 7-Star Raid events.
- Update Event Raids: The 7 star raids can be updated and the event can be accessed through Mystery Gift or the News Function, and it can be updated without the need for an online membership, but only if you play by yourself. If you wish to play with others to participate in the 7 star raids, you must have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main differences between 6-Star and 7-Star Raids?
6-Star Raids are the highest tier of consistently available raids, unlockable after fulfilling specific post-game conditions. 7-Star Raids are only available during special in-game events and feature even more powerful and unique Pokémon. They also tend to include Pokémon not normally available in the Paldea region.
2. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to participate in 6 and 7 Star Raids?
You do not require Nintendo Switch Online to unlock and participate in 6-Star Raids by yourself. For 7-Star Raids, you need Nintendo Switch Online to play with others. You can update your game for current raid events through Mystery Gift or the news function without an online membership.
3. How do I know what level my Tera Raid is?
The only way to tell the level of a Tera Raid is by the border color of the raid icon on the map. 1 to 5 star raids have a standard white border, while 6-Star Raids have a different color border.
4. Can I join 6-Star Raids before unlocking them?
Yes, you can join 6-Star Raids via a Link Code from someone who has unlocked them, even if you haven’t.
5. How often do 6-Star Raids spawn?
You will only get one 6-Star Raid per day to appear in your overworld. You can find more 6-Star raids by playing online.
6. How many 7-Star Raids can I do per day?
You can only access one 7-Star Tera Raid per day in your own game. However, you can join many other 7-star raids through the Poké Portal online matchmaking feature.
7. Are 7-Star Raid Pokémon always the same?
Yes, 7-Star Raid Pokémon are preset, meaning they have the same gender, nature, level, Hidden Ability, and the Mightiest Mark each time they appear.
8. Can I solo 6-Star Raids?
6-Star Raids are designed to be difficult, especially if you attempt them alone. While possible, it requires high-level Pokemon (around level 90-100) and a very solid strategy.
9. What rewards can I expect from 6-Star Raids?
6-Star Raids provide significant rewards such as Ability Capsules, Bottle Caps, Feathers, Tera Shards, XP-boosting candies, TM-making resources, and the coveted Ability Patch.
10. Why aren’t my 6-Star Raids spawning?
If 6-Star Raids aren’t spawning, ensure you’ve completed the main story, the Academy Ace Tournament, and enough 5-Star Raids. 6-Star raids then spawn randomly on your map.
11. Do One-Hit KO moves work in Tera Raids?
No, One-Hit KO moves will always fail against Tera Raid bosses.
12. How high of a level do my Pokemon need to be for 6-Star Raids?
While you may have Pokemon around level 70 when you unlock 6-star raids, it is recommended to have Pokemon level 90-100 for best results in these battles.
13. Is the move Trick useful in Tera Raids?
No, the move Trick will always fail in Tera Raid Battles.
14. How do I get event Pokémon like Charizard from Tera Raids?
To get event Pokemon like Charizard with a special Tera Type, you typically need to connect to the internet, select Mystery Gift from the Poké Portal, and enter the appropriate password, such as DARKTERA0006 for the Tera Charizard event.
15. What is a good Pokémon to use in Tera Raids?
There are many great Pokémon you can use in Tera raids, and different pokemon are more suited for different battles depending on the raid Pokemon. For a general-purpose Pokemon, consider Dragonite with a flexible build. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution and it will be essential to experiment with different Pokemon and strategies.
By following these steps and understanding the mechanics of Tera Raids, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock and conquer the most challenging battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, earning incredible rewards and becoming a true Pokémon master.