Crushing the Waves: The Ultimate Guide to the Surfing Pikachu Raid in Scarlet and Violet

The 7-star Water-Tera Type Pikachu raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet presented a unique challenge, and while now it has passed, this guide is helpful for all future raid events! With its access to powerful Water-type moves like Surf and unpredictable coverage options, trainers needed a strategic approach. The absolute best Pokémon to solo or effectively contribute to this raid was Lurantis, specifically a Contrary Lurantis built for Special Attack dominance. Its ability to repeatedly boost its Special Attack with Leaf Storm while simultaneously dealing significant damage made it the prime choice. A Grass Tera Type further amplified its offensive capabilities, turning this Bug/Grass-type Pokémon into a raid-crushing machine.

Why Lurantis Reigns Supreme

Lurantis might not immediately strike you as a raid powerhouse, but its hidden ability, Contrary, changes everything. Here’s why this floral fighter was the MVP of the Surfing Pikachu raid:

• Contrary Ability: This is the core of Lurantis’ strategy. Contrary reverses stat changes. Normally, Leaf Storm lowers Special Attack by two stages after use. With Contrary, however, Leaf Storm increases Special Attack by two stages each time it’s used! This allows Lurantis to snowball its Special Attack to absurd levels very quickly.
• Offensive Prowess: After a few uses of Leaf Storm, Lurantis’ Solar Beam, boosted by Sunny Day and a massive Special Attack stat, becomes an unstoppable force. Pikachu’s vulnerability to Grass-type attacks combined with Lurantis’ increasing power creates a devastating synergy.
• Type Advantage and Neutralization: While Lurantis is part Bug, its crucial Grass typing is key. Pikachu is weak to grass.
• Accessibility: Lurantis is relatively easy to obtain in the game, making it a practical choice for many players.

Lurantis’ Optimal Moveset and Build

To maximize Lurantis’ potential in the Surfing Pikachu raid, consider this moveset and build:

• Ability: Contrary
• Tera Type: Grass (for increased Grass-type damage)
• Nature: Modest (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack)
• EVs: 252 Special Attack, 252 HP, 4 Special Defense (Maximizing damage output and survivability)
• Held Item: Shell Bell (for consistent healing, improving survivability)
• Moveset:
  • Leaf Storm: The cornerstone of the build. Each use boosts Special Attack thanks to Contrary.
  • Solar Beam: A powerful Grass-type attack that benefits from Sunny Day.
  • Sunny Day: Sets up the weather to power up Solar Beam and weaken Water-type moves from Pikachu.
  • Growth: Can be used alongside Sunny Day to further boost Special Attack and Attack.

Battle Strategy

The key to success with Lurantis is understanding the raid’s flow:

1. Start with Sunny Day: Immediately establish Sunny Day to weaken Surf and prepare for Solar Beam.
2. Spam Leaf Storm: Repeatedly use Leaf Storm to massively boost Lurantis’ Special Attack. Aim for at least 3-4 boosts before switching to Solar Beam.
3. Unleash Solar Beam: Once Special Attack is sufficiently boosted, use Solar Beam to deal massive damage to Pikachu.
4. Maintain Sunny Day: Keep Sunny Day active to maximize Solar Beam’s effectiveness and reduce the threat of Surf.
5. Heal When Necessary: Use Shell Bell to recover HP.

Alternative Raid Strategies and Pokémon

While Lurantis was the top choice, other Pokémon and strategies could also be effective, particularly in coordinated raids:

• Arboliva: As the excerpt suggests, Arboliva, with its Seed Sower ability, is a strong contender. The resulting Grassy Terrain boosts Grass-type moves and heals the team each turn.
• Appletun: Another bulky Grass-type Pokémon with access to healing moves and strong offensive options.
• Support Pokémon: Pokémon with access to moves like Reflect (to reduce Physical damage) and Light Screen (to reduce Special damage) could greatly improve team survivability. Pokémon with healing moves were also invaluable.

The Importance of Tera Types

Choosing the right Tera Type significantly impacted raid success. A Grass Tera Type on a Grass-type Pokémon like Lurantis or Arboliva amplified their Grass-type damage output, allowing them to break through Pikachu’s Tera Shield more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was the Surfing Pikachu raid so difficult?

The 7-star Water-Tera Type Pikachu raid was challenging due to several factors: Pikachu had high stats, strong Water-type moves like Surf, potentially coverage moves, and the Tera Shield mechanic.

2. What made Pikachu’s Surf so dangerous?

Surf is a powerful Water-type move that hits all Pokémon on the field, making it difficult to mitigate its damage. Coupled with Pikachu’s high Special Attack, Surf could quickly deplete your team’s HP.

3. Can Storm Drain Gastrodon really redirect Surf?

Yes, Gastrodon with the Storm Drain ability could redirect Water-type moves like Surf to itself, boosting its Special Attack. However, this strategy alone was not enough to solo the raid, as Gastrodon lacks the raw offensive power of Lurantis.

4. What other Pokémon could potentially work in the Pikachu raid?

Other Grass-type Pokémon with high Special Attack, access to setup moves, and decent survivability could be viable options. However, Lurantis’ Contrary ability set it apart.

5. How important was the Tera Type in the Pikachu raid?

The Tera Type was crucial. A Grass Tera Type on a Grass-type attacker significantly boosted Grass-type damage output, allowing you to break through Pikachu’s Tera Shield faster.

6. What are some general tips for tackling 7-star raids?

General tips include:

• Leveling up your Pokémon to level 100.
• Hyper Training your Pokémon to maximize IVs.
• EV training your Pokémon to optimize their stats.
• Choosing the right moveset and held item.
• Communicating with your team in multiplayer raids.

7. How can I find out about future 7-star raids?

Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels, such as the Pokémon Company’s website and social media accounts.

8. What is the best way to prepare for future raids?

To prepare for future raids:

• Build a diverse roster of Pokémon with different types and abilities.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different Pokémon types.
• Practice strategizing and coordinating with other players.

9. What is the importance of GamesLearningSociety.org for players looking to improve their raid strategies?

Websites like Games Learning Society can provide valuable resources and insights into the strategic aspects of Pokémon and other games, helping players develop a deeper understanding of game mechanics and improve their skills. GamesLearningSociety.org offers insights into learning through games, which is directly relevant to mastering complex strategies in Pokémon raids.

10. Why is Sunny Day important for Lurantis’ strategy?

Sunny Day serves multiple purposes:

• Powers up Solar Beam: Solar Beam requires a charge turn unless Sunny Day is active.
• Weakens Water-type attacks: Sunny Day reduces the power of Water-type moves like Surf.
• Boosts Growth: If running Growth, Sunny Day strengthens its Attack and Special Attack boosting effect.

11. How does the Shell Bell help Lurantis survive?

The Shell Bell heals the holder by 1/8 of the damage they deal, which provides valuable sustain for Lurantis, allowing it to survive longer and continue boosting its Special Attack.

12. Is Lurantis good in Scarlet and Violet in general?

As the text states, Lurantis is great as long as the mon can’t hit grass for special effective, you can build super bulky and still ramp insanely fast with leaf storm.

13. Besides Lurantis, what other Pokémon benefit from the Contrary ability?

Other Pokémon with the Contrary ability include Serperior and Shuckle. Serperior can use Leaf Storm to boost its Special Attack, while Shuckle can use moves like Shell Smash to boost its defenses.

14. What are some common mistakes players make when tackling raids?

Common mistakes include:

• Using under-leveled or poorly trained Pokémon.
• Choosing the wrong Tera Type.
• Failing to coordinate with their team.
• Ignoring the raid boss’s stat boosts and debuffs.

15. Where can I find resources to learn more about Pokémon strategy and teambuilding?

You can find resources on websites like Serebii.net, Smogon University, and YouTube channels dedicated to Pokémon strategy. Additionally, participating in online communities and forums can provide valuable insights and advice.