Ultimate Guide to Battling Rayquaza in 5-Star Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Counters and Weaknesses

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet present an exciting opportunity for trainers to capture a shiny Rayquaza. However, engaging in this battle requires strategy, particularly in selecting effective counters and understanding the Pokémon’s vulnerabilities.

Rayquaza stands as one of the franchise’s most iconic legendary Pokémon, and many fans eagerly await the chance to obtain its shiny form. The current event guarantees a shiny variant along with the distinctive Mighty Mark.

Unlocking 5-Star Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

5-star Tera raid graphic from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Unlike earlier Tera Raids featuring Pokémon like Mighty Torterra, the Rayquaza Tera Raid is categorized as a 5-Star event, which lowers the entry threshold for players. To participate, trainers need to complete the main storyline of the game; the completion of the Academy Ace Tournament is not a prerequisite for unlocking this challenge.

Once players have finished the base game, they should connect to the internet and access the Poke Portal to discover available raids. Notably, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to join these raids.

Rayquaza’s Weaknesses and Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Screenshot of shiny Rayquaza in Pokémon anime

Rayquaza is a combination of Flying and Dragon-type, making it susceptible to Rock, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves. For the duration of this event, Rayquaza will assume a Dragon Tera type, which limits its weaknesses solely to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks.

Moreover, since its Tera type mirrors its base type, attackers using Dragon-type moves will inflict double damage. Trainers should exercise caution by not deploying Pokémon that are weak to Dragon attacks to enhance their chances of success.

Top Counters for Rayquaza in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

With the 5-Star difficulty level, players will find it easier to defeat Rayquaza compared to tougher 7-Star raids. While Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type Pokémon are effective here, Fairy-types are particularly beneficial due to their resistance against Dragon-type moves, simplifying the battle mechanics.

Azumarill

Azumarill is a powerhouse against Rayquaza. Commonly celebrated as a reliable choice for numerous Tera Raids, it excels in this encounter thanks to its favorable type matchup. The strategy remains straightforward: players should utilize Belly Drum followed by Play Rough.

Trainers are advised to equip Azumarill with the Shell Bell item and focus on maximizing HP and Attack EVs. This approach may lead to defeating Rayquaza within a mere ten moves.

Sylveon/Primarina

Pokémon fan art featuring Hisuian Zoroark and Sylveon

Sylveon is another fantastic Fairy-type option for countering Rayquaza. Alternatively, Primarina offers similar effectiveness. Utilizing the Metronome item, players can focus on stacking Calm Mind and Draining Kiss to wear down Rayquaza efficiently.

Additional Effective Counters

In addition to the primary choices listed, trainers can deploy a variety of Fairy-types against Rayquaza. Pokémon like Clefable, Florges, and Gardevoir have proven effective in past encounters. Notably, Arceus and Zacian are also formidable contenders to consider.

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