Unlocking Tera Power: How Much Does Terastallization Really Boost Damage?

Terastallization, the dazzling battle mechanic introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, is more than just a visual spectacle. At its core, it’s a game-changer for damage calculation, adding layers of strategic depth to every encounter. So, to answer the burning question: How much does Terastallization increase power? The short answer is that it increases damage by 50% (1.5x) for moves matching the Pokémon’s Tera Type. However, that is not the end of the story, because Terastallization introduces some nuances to the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB). If a Pokémon’s Tera Type is the same as one of its original types, moves of that type receive a 2x power boost instead of the usual 1.5x. It all depends on the Tera Type of the Pokémon. Let’s dive deep into the details to fully understand the mechanics!

Understanding the Tera Boost: A Deep Dive

The primary way Terastallization increases power is through manipulating the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB). In Pokémon battles, STAB is a multiplier applied to the power of a move when the move’s type matches one of the Pokémon’s types. Traditionally, this multiplier is 1.5x.

Terastallization complicates, but also enhances, this system. When a Pokémon Terastallizes, it changes its type entirely to its Tera Type. Crucially, it retains the STAB bonus for its original types in addition to gaining STAB for its new Tera Type.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Scenario 1: Tera Type is Different from Original Types: If your Pokémon has a Tera Type different from its original typing, all attacks matching your original typing get a 1.5x damage boost (STAB), and all attacks matching the Tera Type also get a 1.5x boost (STAB).

• Scenario 2: Tera Type Matches an Original Type: This is where things get interesting. If your Tera Type matches one of your Pokémon’s original types, that type receives a whopping 2x damage boost. Moves of other original types still get the standard 1.5x boost. This is a major increase and can lead to devastating attacks.

Tera Blast: The Type-Shifting Nuke

No discussion of Tera-boosted power is complete without mentioning Tera Blast. This move has a base power of 80 and normally hits using the Normal Type, but when used by a Terastallized Pokémon, Tera Blast will match the Pokémon’s Tera Type, changing both its type and the attacking stat (Attack or Special Attack) used for the move to whichever stat is highest for the Pokémon at the time. This is the only way to change type other than the Terastallization process itself.

Think of it as a versatile weapon that can be tailored to exploit opponent weaknesses after Terastallization.

Strategic Implications of Tera Power Boosts

The increase in power offered by Terastallization isn’t just about hitting harder. It significantly impacts battle strategy:

• Offensive Coverage: Players can strategically choose a Tera Type to grant a Pokémon STAB on moves it wouldn’t normally have, expanding its offensive coverage and catching opponents off guard.

• Defensive Pivoting: Changing your type can eliminate or mitigate weaknesses, allowing a Pokémon to survive attacks it wouldn’t normally withstand. The increased offensive power can then be used to punish the opponent.

• Boosting Specific Moves: Targeting a Tera Type that matches a specific, powerful move in your Pokémon’s moveset allows you to amplify its damage output to devastating levels. A 2x STAB on a high-base-power move can easily sweep an opposing team.

• Base Power Enhancement: Certain low-power moves (below Base Power 60, but excluding multi-hit and priority moves) receive a Base Power boost to 60 upon Terastallization. This can make previously weak moves viable offensive options, creating unexpected threats.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tera Power

Here are 15 frequently asked questions, that are important to know and understand about Tera power boosts!

1. Does Terastallizing change your stats?

No, Terastallizing does not directly change any of your Pokémon’s base stats (Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed, HP). It only alters the type and potentially boosts move power via STAB. However, in the case of the move Tera Blast, the attacking stat used for the move depends on which is higher for the Pokémon at the time, so that might result in higher damage output.

2. Does Tera make your Pokémon stronger?

Yes, indirectly. By changing your type and granting STAB to moves of your Tera Type (and potentially doubling the STAB of your initial type) Terastallization increases your Pokémon’s offensive and defensive potential in battle. Additionally, Tera Blast becomes a much more powerful move, due to its flexibility.

3. Does Terastallizing boost all moves?

No, Terastallizing does not boost all moves. It only boosts the power of moves that match either your original types or your Tera Type via STAB. All other moves remain unaffected. It does give a low Base Power boost to certain moves, as explained previously.

4. How many times can you Terastallize in the Elite Four?

You can Terastallize once per battle during the Elite Four and Top Champion battles. This is a consistent rule throughout the game. You can re-charge your Tera Orb by touching certain crystals, or by going to a Pokémon Center.

5. Does Terastallizing give extra STAB?

Yes, Terastallizing gives extra STAB. You keep STAB for your original types, and gain STAB for your Tera Type. If your Tera Type matches an original type, that type gets a 2x STAB bonus.

6. Does Tera boost low power moves?

Yes, certain low-power moves (below Base Power 60, but excluding multi-hit and priority moves) will have their Base Power raised to 60 upon Terastallization.

7. Does Tera Type add a third type?

No, the Tera Type does not add a third type. Instead, Terastallizing replaces the Pokémon’s original types entirely, creating a single type. The Pokémon, however, retains STAB for its original types.

8. Can you Terastallize more than once?

No, you can Terastallize a Pokémon only once per battle. After using it, you must recharge your Tera Orb before Terastallizing again.

9. Does Terastallizing boost speed?

Terastallizing itself does not inherently boost Speed. However, certain Abilities, like Steam Engine on Coalossal, can be activated by specific Tera Types and result in a Speed boost when hit by a particular move.

10. How much damage does Tera add?

Tera adds a 50% damage bonus (1.5x multiplier) to moves matching your Tera Type (and potentially your original types, too, depending on your Tera Type). If your Tera Type is the same as an original type, the damage bonus for that type becomes 100% (2x multiplier).

11. What stats does Terastallizing boost?

Terastallizing doesn’t directly boost any specific stats. Its power increase comes from the STAB bonuses and the change in typing, that can open possibilities for more effective moves and strategies.

12. What is the base power of Tera Blast?

Tera Blast has a base power of 80. When used by a Terastallized Pokémon, it changes type to match the Tera Type and utilizes either Attack or Special Attack based on whichever stat is higher for the user.

13. If a Pokémon’s Tera Type is Normal and using a Normal type attack after Terastallizing, how much damage does it do?

If the Pokémon also has a normal type attack that is also its Tera Type, then the damage is 1.5x times the normal, due to STAB.

14. Does Terastallizing make moves stronger?

Yes, Terastallizing makes moves of the same type as your Pokémon’s Tera Type stronger. It increases the power of any moves that have the same type as your Pokémon’s Tera Type or by changing your Pokemon’s weaknesses.

15. Will a Coalossal get a boost to speed when it gets hit by a water-type move?

Yes. If a Coalossal combines the Steam Engine Ability with a Water Tera Type, the Pokémon can take less damage and receive a boost to its Speed when it gets hit by a Water-type move.

Conclusion: Mastering the Tera Boost

Terastallization is a complex and nuanced mechanic that has fundamentally changed Pokémon battles. Understanding how it boosts power – through STAB manipulation, Tera Blast versatility, and base power adjustments – is crucial for competitive success. By mastering these mechanics, players can unlock the full potential of Terastallization and dominate the battlefield. Don’t just Terastallize; strategize, optimize, and conquer!