Unlocking the 6-Star Raid Lair: A Host’s Guide to Pokémon Power

So, you’re itching to tackle those formidable 6-star raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but you’re wondering how many 5-star raids you need to conquer before they start appearing? Let’s cut to the chase: there isn’t a specific number of 5-star raids you need to host. The appearance of 6-star raids is tied to progressing through the post-game story and completing specific events. Essentially, you need to defeat the Academy Ace Tournament and then attend a number of black Tera Raid crystals, before you’ll be able to host them yourself. You’ll know you’ve triggered the event when Professor Jacq calls you to tell you about the sightings of the mysterious black Tera Raid crystals.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the process and address some common questions about unlocking and hosting 6-star raids.

The Path to 6-Star Supremacy

Unlocking 6-star raids isn’t just about brute force; it’s about demonstrating your skill and completing specific milestones within the game. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Complete the Main Story: Finish the three main storylines (Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street) to roll the credits.
2. Complete the Academy Ace Tournament: This post-game tournament at the academy is a crucial step. Defeat all the challenging trainers to prove your mettle.
3. Engage with Tera Raids: After the tournament, you’ll need to actively participate in Tera Raids. Professor Jacq will eventually call you about seeing black Tera Raid crystals appearing. This triggers the actual unlocking event.
4. Defeat Specific Raids: After Jacq’s call, clear a certain number of 4 and 5-star raids across the Paldea region. This is where the confusion often stems from. There’s no fixed number, but participating in and completing these raids pushes the game’s internal counter closer to unlocking 6-star raids.
5. Check Your Map Regularly: Keep an eye on your map for black Tera Raid crystals. These indicate the presence of a 6-star raid.

Once you have access to 6-star raids, they will appear randomly on your map. Remember, the more you participate in raids, the more likely they are to spawn.

Understanding the Nuances

While there’s no magic number of 5-star raids to complete, understanding the underlying mechanics can help you optimize your efforts:

• Raid Difficulty and Star Rating: Star ratings indicate the difficulty of the raid. Higher star ratings mean tougher opponents and better rewards.
• Tera Type Variety: Participating in raids with different Tera Types can subtly influence the spawn rates of other raids, including 6-star raids.
• Event Raids: Keep an eye out for special events that increase the spawn rate of specific Pokémon or Tera Types. These events can be a great way to progress towards unlocking 6-star raids and can be followed at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions players have about unlocking and hosting 6-star raids:

1. Am I Guaranteed a 6-Star Raid After Defeating a Certain Number of 5-Star Raids?

No. While participating in 5-star raids is crucial, there’s no guaranteed number that will trigger the appearance of 6-star raids. The game uses an internal counter that increases as you complete raids. Continue participating in 4 and 5 star raids.

2. How Do I Know If I’m Close to Unlocking 6-Star Raids?

Unfortunately, there’s no in-game indicator. Keep participating in 4 and 5-star raids, and eventually, Professor Jacq will call you about the sightings of the black crystals.

3. Can I Skip the Academy Ace Tournament and Still Get 6-Star Raids?

No. Completing the Academy Ace Tournament is a mandatory step in unlocking 6-star raids. It serves as a gatekeeper to the post-game content.

4. Do I Need Nintendo Switch Online to Participate in 6-Star Raids?

Yes, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to participate in online raids with other players. However, you can still participate in raids solo with NPC allies, but it is significantly more difficult.

5. What Pokémon Are Available in 6-Star Raids?

6-star raids feature a diverse range of powerful Pokémon with various Tera Types. You can encounter fully evolved forms of popular Pokémon, making them a valuable source for strong team members.

6. What Are the Rewards for Completing 6-Star Raids?

Completing 6-star raids yields excellent rewards, including:

• Herba Mystica: Essential for crafting sandwiches with powerful effects.
• Ability Patches: Change a Pokémon’s Ability to its Hidden Ability.
• Tera Shards: Used to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type.
• Exp. Candies: Provide significant experience points for leveling up your Pokémon.

7. How Often Do 6-Star Raids Appear on My Map?

6-star raids appear randomly on the map, but there’s generally only one 6-star raid active per day. This makes it important to check your map regularly and prioritize the raids you want to participate in.

8. Can I Change the Time on My Switch to Force 6-Star Raids to Spawn?

While changing the time on your Switch can refresh the raids on your map, it’s generally discouraged. This can lead to unforeseen issues with in-game events and features.

9. What Is the Best Strategy for Tackling 6-Star Raids?

Effective strategies for 6-star raids include:

• Teamwork: Coordinate with other players to create a well-balanced team.
• Type Coverage: Ensure your team has good type coverage to exploit weaknesses.
• Support Moves: Utilize moves like Screech, Charm, and Helping Hand to support your allies.
• Strategic Tera Typing: Choose your Tera Type wisely to resist incoming attacks and deal super-effective damage.

10. Are There Any Pokémon That Are Particularly Effective in 6-Star Raids?

Some Pokémon that are commonly used and effective in 6-star raids include:

• Azumarill: For its Huge Power Ability and access to moves like Belly Drum and Play Rough.
• Iron Hands: Another powerful physical attacker with access to moves like Belly Drum and Drain Punch.
• Annihilape: It’s incredible powerful and the Anger Point ability, especially when coupled with Rage Fist, can do devastating damage!

These Pokémon offer strong offensive or defensive capabilities that can help you succeed in challenging raids.

11. Can I Host 6-Star Raids if I Joined Someone Else’s Raid?

No, only players who have completed the prerequisites (Academy Ace Tournament and a number of Tera Raids) can host 6-star raids. Joining someone else’s raid doesn’t unlock the ability to host them yourself.

12. Is There a Level Requirement for Participating in 6-Star Raids?

While there’s no strict level requirement, it’s highly recommended to have Pokémon level 100 with optimal movesets and held items. 6-star raids are incredibly challenging, and under-leveled Pokémon will struggle to contribute effectively.

13. Do Event Raids Count Towards Unlocking 6-Star Raids?

Yes, participating in and completing event raids can contribute to the progress towards unlocking 6-star raids. They count like regular raids.

14. Can I Get Shiny Pokémon From 6-Star Raids?

No, Shiny Pokémon cannot be obtained directly from Tera Raids, regardless of the star rating.

15. Where Can I Find More Information About Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Raid Strategies?

There are numerous online resources and communities dedicated to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia offer comprehensive information about raid mechanics, Pokémon stats, and optimal strategies. Additionally, online forums and communities can provide valuable tips and insights from experienced players.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking and conquering 6-star raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a rewarding journey that requires dedication and strategic thinking. By following the steps outlined in this guide and actively participating in Tera Raids, you’ll eventually unlock the ability to host these challenging encounters and reap the fantastic rewards they offer. So, get out there, train your Pokémon, and prepare to face the ultimate raid challenge!