Is Chien-Pao Good for Tera Raids? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: Chien-Pao is a powerful and versatile Pokémon, but it’s not a top-tier pick for all Tera Raids. Its unique strengths can make it a valuable asset in specific situations, while its weaknesses can be detrimental in others. Knowing when and how to utilize Chien-Pao in Tera Raids is crucial for success. While it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution, understanding its strengths and weaknesses will allow you to maximize its potential in the challenging Tera Raid battles of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Chien-Pao’s Strengths in Tera Raids
Chien-Pao, the Dark/Ice-type Ruin Pokémon, boasts several characteristics that make it a potentially strong raid attacker:
Offensive Prowess
- High Attack Stat: Chien-Pao has an impressive base Attack stat, making it a formidable physical attacker. This allows it to deal considerable damage with physical moves, especially with a beneficial nature such as Adamant.
- Excellent Movepool: Its movepool includes powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves like Icicle Crash, Ice Shard, Throat Chop, and Sucker Punch. It also learns strong coverage moves like Sacred Sword, which are beneficial against certain types.
- Sword of Ruin Ability: Chien-Pao’s ability, Sword of Ruin, reduces the Defense stat of all other Pokémon on the field by 25%. This is a significant debuff that benefits both Chien-Pao and its allies, further enhancing its offensive capabilities in team-based raids.
Niche Applications
- Revenge Killing Potential: With Ice Shard, an Adamant nature, and its high attack, Chien-Pao can effectively pick off weakened foes, which can be vital in fast-paced raid battles. This is also a great way to take out a raid Pokémon before it can do any more damage, especially if it’s lower health.
- Speed Control with Jolly Nature: A Jolly nature allows it to outspeed or tie with other fast attackers like Koraidon and Miraidon, allowing you to land crucial hits before being attacked.
Chien-Pao’s Weaknesses in Tera Raids
Despite its strengths, Chien-Pao has significant drawbacks that limit its effectiveness in some Tera Raids:
Defensive Frailty
- Low Defense and Special Defense: Chien-Pao’s poor defensive stats make it vulnerable to strong attacks, both physical and special. This limits its survivability, especially in harder raids.
- Vulnerabilities: Its Dark/Ice typing leaves it with several common weaknesses, including Fighting, Fire, Bug, Rock, Steel, and Fairy. This requires careful consideration of the raid boss’s typing and moves.
Lack of Support Capabilities
- No Support Moves: Chien-Pao’s movepool is almost entirely offensively focused. It lacks essential supportive moves like Reflect, Light Screen, Heal Pulse, or Taunt, which are crucial for sustaining and controlling the flow of Tera Raids. This makes it reliant on other teammates to provide such utility.
- Debuff Only Applies to Physical Damage: Chien-Pao’s Sword of Ruin only lowers the physical defense of other Pokémon. This doesn’t help in a situation where the raid Pokémon is a special attacker.
When to Use Chien-Pao in Tera Raids
Chien-Pao is most effective in raids when:
- Opponents are weak to its STAB types: If the raid Pokémon is vulnerable to Ice or Dark attacks, Chien-Pao can deal massive damage.
- The Raid Boss is a Physical Attacker: Chien-Pao’s Sword of Ruin ability will help other teammates and Chien-Pao deal more damage against a physical attacker.
- You have a team with adequate support: If your teammates can provide sustain and defensive support, Chien-Pao’s lack of such moves can be mitigated.
When to Avoid Chien-Pao in Tera Raids
Avoid using Chien-Pao if:
- The raid boss is resistant to its STAB types: If the Pokémon is not vulnerable to Ice or Dark moves, Chien-Pao will not be doing significant damage.
- The Raid Boss has high Special Attack: Chien-Pao can be easily wiped out with its low special defense stat, so this should be avoided.
- The Raid is too difficult for an offensive Pokémon: If you need support moves such as Reflect, Light Screen, and other such moves, Chien-Pao should be left out of this raid.
The Best Chien-Pao Build for Tera Raids
The best build depends on the raid but here is a general-purpose build:
- Nature: Adamant for maximum attack power or Jolly for speed control.
- Ability: Sword of Ruin is its only ability and cannot be changed.
- Held Item: Choice Band for more damage or Assault Vest for better special defense.
- Moves: Icicle Crash, Throat Chop, Ice Shard, and Sacred Sword for optimal coverage.
Conclusion
In summary, while Chien-Pao is a powerful attacker with a high damage output and a unique ability, it is not a universal solution for all Tera Raids. Its low defenses, lack of support moves, and typing vulnerabilities need careful consideration. It’s best used in specific scenarios where its strengths can be leveraged effectively. Understanding these factors will allow you to make informed decisions about whether to bring Chien-Pao to the fight, thereby enhancing your chances of success in the challenging Tera Raids of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It’s best used to do offensive work, but make sure the other Pokémon in the party are there to pick up its weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chien-Pao and Tera Raids:
1. What is the best nature for Chien-Pao in Tera Raids?
The best nature is typically Adamant for maximum attack or Jolly for speed control, depending on whether you need more power or speed.
2. What is the best held item for Chien-Pao in Tera Raids?
Choice Band to boost attack power or Assault Vest for better special defense, again depending on what you require from Chien-Pao.
3. Is Chien-Pao good for solo Tera Raids?
It depends on the raid. Chien-Pao can be effective in solo raids where its offensive abilities can be utilized, but it may struggle in raids where it needs to deal with tanky or fast opponents without support.
4. What is Chien-Pao’s Ability, and how does it affect Tera Raids?
Chien-Pao has the Sword of Ruin ability, which reduces the Defense stat of all other Pokémon on the field by 25%, enhancing both Chien-Pao’s and allies’ physical damage output.
5. What are Chien-Pao’s main type weaknesses?
Chien-Pao is weak to Fighting, Fire, Bug, Rock, Steel, and Fairy type attacks.
6. What are some good moves to use on Chien-Pao in Tera Raids?
Key moves include Icicle Crash, Throat Chop, Ice Shard, and Sacred Sword.
7. How can I improve Chien-Pao’s survivability in Tera Raids?
You can improve survivability by using the Assault Vest or by relying on supportive teammates. Chien-Pao’s low defenses still make it a risky pick, though.
8. Can Chien-Pao be used as a support Pokémon in Tera Raids?
No, Chien-Pao lacks supportive moves and is primarily an offensive attacker.
9. Is Chien-Pao worth using over other popular raid attackers like Iron Hands?
It depends on the specific raid. Iron Hands is generally more versatile due to its bulk and access to support moves, but Chien-Pao can shine in specific situations.
10. How do I obtain Chien-Pao in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Chien-Pao is a Ruin Pokémon, found after removing its stakes from around the Paldea region.
11. Are Tera Raid battles 100% catchable?
Yes, all Tera Raids are 100% catchable after you complete the battle.
12. What other Pokémon are good in Tera Raids?
Other powerful raid options include Azumarill, Iron Hands, Miraidon, and Annihilape, among others.
13. What are the best support moves for Tera Raids?
Key support moves include Reflect, Light Screen, Aurora Veil, Heal Pulse, and Taunt.
14. Are there any items that make Tera Raids easier?
Yes, items like Assault Vest, Lum Berry, and Shell Bell can make Tera Raids easier.
15. How do I unlock 5-star Tera Raids?
You need to beat the main story and reach the endgame credits by completing all three storylines: Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends.
Hopefully, this guide has helped clarify Chien-Pao’s role in Tera Raids and given you a better understanding of when and how to use this unique Ruin Pokemon. Happy raiding!