Why Am I Doing So Little Damage in TERA Raids? Decoding Your Damage Woes 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.
So, you’re jumping into Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, ready to take down those powerful Terastallized Pokémon, but find yourself feeling like you’re throwing pebbles instead of boulders? You’re not alone! Many trainers struggle with dealing significant damage in these cooperative battles. Let’s break down the reasons why your damage output might be lacking and how to fix it.
The primary reason you’re likely doing little damage is a combination of factors working against you. These include:
-
Incorrect Tera Type Matching: Using moves that don’t match your Pokémon’s Tera Type when Terastallized is a massive damage drain. You’re essentially wasting a turn and missing out on a significant damage boost.
-
Suboptimal Pokémon Choice: Not all Pokémon are created equal in Tera Raids. Bringing in a Pokémon with poor stats, a bad movepool, or a type disadvantage against the raid boss is a recipe for weak attacks.
-
Under-leveled or Poorly Trained Pokémon: Levels matter immensely! A Pokémon at level 50 simply won’t pack the same punch as a level 100 one. Furthermore, neglecting EV (Effort Value) and IV (Individual Value) training will leave your Pokémon significantly weaker than it could be.
-
Using Status Moves or Missing Attacks: Status moves like Growl or Tail Whip don’t build up Tera power and contribute nothing to your overall damage. Missing attacks means wasted turns and lost momentum.
-
Ignoring the Tera Shield: Once the Tera Shield is up, damage is drastically reduced. However, Terastallizing helps mitigate some of that reduction, but only if your move type matches your Tera Type. If your Tera Type doesn’t match your move, the damage reduction is severe.
-
Slow Start and Insufficient Tera Time: If you’re not attacking aggressively from the start, you’ll be slow to charge your Tera Orb. This means less time spent Terastallized, which directly translates to less damage.
-
Lack of Type Effectiveness: Using not very effective moves against the raid boss’s original typing or Tera Type will severely limit your damage. Always analyze the raid boss’s weaknesses.
Addressing these issues is crucial to becoming a valuable asset in Tera Raids and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TERA Raid Damage
Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to further assist you in improving your Tera Raid performance:
How do I choose the best Pokémon for TERA raids?
Consider Pokémon with high attack or special attack stats that match your desired playstyle. Look for Pokémon with strong movepools that can deal super effective damage against common Tera Types. Azumarill, Garchomp, Iron Hands, Koraidon, and Miraidon are excellent examples, but many others can excel with the right build. Tailor your choice to the specific raid boss.
How much does leveling matter in TERA raids?
Level matters immensely. Raid bosses have their own levels and scaled stats. Aim for level 100 to maximize your Pokémon’s potential. The difference between a level 75 and a level 100 is incredibly substantial in damage output and survivability.
What are EVs and IVs, and how do they affect my damage?
IVs (Individual Values) are like genetic potential; they are inherent to each Pokémon and cannot be changed (easily – Hyper Training can max them at level 100). EVs (Effort Values) are earned through battles and can be distributed to enhance specific stats. Optimizing both IVs and EVs significantly boosts your Pokémon’s stats, leading to more damage. Pokémon caught from 6-star Tera Raids are guaranteed to have 5 perfect IVs.
Why is TERA Type matching so important?
When you Terastallize, your Pokémon’s Tera Type becomes its primary type. Using moves that match this type grants a damage boost (Same-Type Attack Bonus – STAB), especially against the Tera Shield. Using non-matching moves greatly diminishes your effectiveness.
How does the TERA Shield affect damage, and what can I do about it?
The Tera Shield drastically reduces damage dealt by non-Terastallized Pokémon. Terastallizing helps to mitigate this reduction, and using moves that match your Tera Type is essential for maximizing damage against the shield.
Do status moves like “Screech” or “Leer” help in TERA raids?
While some support moves can be useful (like those that sharply raise your attack), generally, status moves that only lower the opponent’s stats are less effective in Tera Raids due to the boss’s ability to negate stat changes. Focus on dealing direct damage and buffing your own stats.
Why am I always getting knocked out quickly in TERA raids?
Getting knocked out depletes the raid timer. Prioritize survival. Bring Pokémon with good defensive stats or consider using moves that boost your defenses. Understanding the raid boss’s moveset and weaknesses is crucial for avoiding knockouts.
How do I unlock higher-star TERA raids?
To unlock 5-Star Tera Raid Battles, you must beat the main story, completing all three storylines (Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends). Completing these storylines will trigger a call from Professor Jacq about the 5-Star Raids. Unlocking 6-Star Raids requires completing several 5-star raids after the main story.
Can I solo TERA raids?
One, two, three, and four-star raids are easily soloable with NPCs. Five-star raids can be tricky but are possible with optimized Pokémon and strategies. Six and Seven-star raids are extremely difficult to solo and are best tackled with a coordinated team.
Are TERA raid catches guaranteed?
Yes. Tera raid catches are 100% sure to catch. Feel free to use any Poké Ball you desire for the aesthetic.
How long do TERA raids last?
Tera Raids are not controlled by the number of turns, it is actually a timer. Be quick in your selections.
How often can I do 6-star TERA raids?
You only get one 6-Star Raid per day. You can find more 6-Star raids if you play online.
Can Tera Pokémon do more damage?
Once the shield goes up, Pokemon only do 25% damage. If they’re Terastallized, regardless of if the Tera Type matches the type of the move you’re using, the damage is decreased to 75% damage instead.
What happens if I fail a TERA raid?
If you fail a shiny Tera Raid as the host, you can keep trying until your raids reset or you succeed.
Where can I learn more about the best strategies for learning in games?
The Games Learning Society promotes the design and study of games and simulations for learning. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org or https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information on game-based learning and research.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Tera Raids requires a combination of knowledge, preparation, and strategic thinking. By understanding the mechanics, optimizing your Pokémon, and coordinating with your teammates, you can transform from a liability into a powerhouse. Don’t be discouraged by initial struggles; keep experimenting, learning, and refining your approach. Soon, you’ll be dominating those raids and reaping the rewards! Happy raiding!