Tera Raids are one of the main features that have impressed gamers since the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, alongside their compelling storylines and new Pokémon designs. Tera Raids have drawn from cooperative aspects introduced by Dynamax Raids in Sword and Shield, but they have made improvements and twists on the concept to an impressive degree.

Except for specific events, any Pokémon can be any type in a Tera Raid, which offers endless possibilities for new combinations. For the more difficult raids, a capable ensemble of four strong creatures is needed, and certain species stand out as the best Tera Raid Pokémon. For maximum efficiency, trainers should aim to raise their Tera Raid Pokémon to level 100 to handle all difficulties.

Updated on January 24, 2024, by Guillermo Kurten: Ever since Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's release, players have taken part in countless Tera Raids, including the special limited-time events. However, between species of the Paradox creatures like Iron Thorns and the Mythical Mew, there are more than enough Pokémon to fit into various situations. This list is being updated to streamline the information on these Pokémon's key stats as well as expanding it to include other capable Tera Raid battlers.

15 Azumarill Offers High-Risk, High-Reward Gameplay

Though it's far from the flashiest of Pokémon choices for Tera Raid battles, Azumarill can be effective in boss fights for players who know how to use it. The dual Water/Fairy-Type has consistently been one of the more popular Belly Drum users in the series, even with stronger species like Iron Hands being introduced. Despite Azumarill's admittedly mediocre-at-best stat spread -- with Physical Attack being its worst offensive stat -- the combination of its Ability Huge Power and moves like Belly Drum, Play Rough, and Liquidation offers high-risk, high-reward strategies.

While Physical Attack is its weakest offense, Huge Power doubles this stat and Belly Drum can fulfill its potential by maxing the rest of it out -- in exchange for half of its HP. Due to the obvious defensive risks with such tactics, it's best to expect Azumarill to fulfill a short-term niche in a Tera Raid boss fight.

14 Iron Thorns Offers Support and High Damage Output

Exclusive to Violet, Iron Thorns is one of the most exciting creatures in the new Paradox category of Pokémon. That applies to what it can provide in Tera Raid battles, offering the user and their teammates solid offensive and defensive support. Even with its admittedly glaring 4x weakness to Ground-Type attacks, Iron Thorn has respectable defensive bulk to let it last long enough in a boss fight to deal some heavy damage.

With attacks like the Rock-Type Rock Blast and the Electric-Type Wild Charge, it has plenty of options to deal high STAB damage (Same Type Attack Bonus). Its coverage options are also impressive with access to moves like Earthquake and Ice Punch. Meanwhile, Electric Terrain functions as an excellent support move that buffs any potential partners' Electric attacks and prevents them from falling asleep -- so long as they're rooted to the ground.

13 Ursaluna is Fearsome on the Offensive

Introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the new evolutionary species Ursaluna is ruthless on the offensive -- especially with its Scarlet and Violet-exclusive form. The dual Ground/Normal-Type specializes in Physical Attack-focused strategies in its base form, bolstered by a powerful stat spread of 130 HP, 140 Attack, and 105 Defense.

However, Ursaluna is given new options with its Bloodmoon form scaling down its more physical attributes in favor of a 135 Special Attack. STAB attacks like Earthquake and Body Slam and reliable, while its Guts Ability makes them potentially stronger by buffing Ursaluna's Attack stat by 1.5x if the Tera Raid boss inflicts a status effect on it. In terms of coverage moves, the Fighting-Type Drain Punch is excellent for high-damage output and healing it in return.

12 Koraidon is a Powerful Physical Alternative to Violet's Miraidon

Players will likely prefer its flagship counterpart from Violet, but Scarlet's flagship Legendary Koraidon still has enough to offer in Tera Raids. The Paradox Legendary has an impressive dual typing for offensive strategies, with the Fighting/Dragon-Type giving it access to a variety of attacks. Koraidon's Ability, Orichalcum Pulse, creates a harsh sunlight effect on the battlefield and raises its Physical Attack.

Combining this with the Pokémon's stat-raising moves like Bulk Up and physical attacks like Collision Course and Dragon Claw lets it be a devastating force against Tera Raid bosses. Even if Miraidon is still considered the overall best choice between the two mascots for Tera Raid battles, Koraidon is also worth considering for a more hands-on and physical option.

11 Ogerpon is Among the Strongest Legendary Species

Making its debut in the recent Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC The Teal Mask, Ogerpon quickly became one of the strongest species to use in general. The Legendary Pokémon has a variety of advantages that make it instantly useful in a Tera Raid, including its ability to switch between four unique dual typings depending on the mask it is wearing even without needing to Terastallize.

Ogerpon can easily trivialize elements of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's gameplay, even in its base form. This lets it hold a wider array of items in addition to having the Defiant Ability. This makes a Tera Raid boss' attempts to weaken Ogerpon's stats result in buffing its already potent Attack stat by two stages. This combined with its ability to change forms and its reliably strong signature attack Ivy Cudgel makes the Legendary creature a valuable partner in group Tera Raids.

10 Mew is a Mythical Force to be Reckoned With

Catching one's own Pokémon early on in an adventure and training them up to a high level is a satisfying feat to pull off, but sometimes, a latecomer is a perfect encounter that just cannot be denied. Through the special digital event from last September, players could get a hold of a Mew through Mystery Gift, with each one having a different Tera typing and stat array.

Prioritizing Special Attack or Special Defense is always a good idea with Mew, and setting it to a Dark Tera even lets it counter its Legendary counterpart Mewtwo. Its movepool is extremely varied to support whatever Tera type the player chooses, but any form of type coverage is always a valuable asset to have regardless. The Mythical creature is undoubtedly more than capable in Tera Raids outside of last year's Mewtwo-themed event.

9 Scizor's Diverse Offenses Make Up For Its Weaknesses

Scizor's Bug/Steel typing has been questioned for its overwhelming weakness to Fire-type Pokémon, but it still has plenty of uses. Scizor resists eight types including Psychic, while its resistance to Poison is another plus that can be attributed to the exceptional Steel typing. Scizor has been featured heavily in Tera Raids recently, as it is recognized as a skilled physical attacker, with enough diversity in its movepool that it can hold its own in almost any non-Fire scenario.

An Attack-oriented Scizor with a Bug Tera typing should complement it well, with moves like Swords Dance and X-Scissor certainly making the most of this offensive advantage. Scizor is one of many Steel types that are especially useful in Tera Raids, but this event will help Scizor stand out as one of the very best.

8 Kingambit is a Defensive Stalwart

Kingambit is another strong Pokémon that has become a fan-favorite choice for Tera Raids. With both the Dark and Steel typings at its disposal, Kingambit packs an impressive nine type resistances and two immunities — only weak to Fighting, Ground, and Fire.

Kingambit can work well as part of a team with moves like Metal Sound and Snarl disrupting the Tera Raid Pokémon, but its true value lies in all-out offense. The 135 base Attack stat speaks for itself. Iron Head, Kowtow Cleave, Giga Impact, Stone Edge, and Brick Break bring type coverage in heavy-hitting physical moves.

7 Grimmsnarl is Offensively Flexible

Grimmsnarl became a mainstay on the competitive circuit upon its release in Gen VIII, and its support capabilities are being utilized once again in the Gen IX games. The Fairy/Dark typing means that Grimmsnarl is only weak to Fairy-, Steel-, and Poison-type Pokémon and brings a unique blend of offense and support.

Grimmsnarl can bring Reflect and Light Screen where appropriate. Taunt, Torment, and Spirit Break also provide value to the team's overall efforts. Its varied offense also makes it a safe bet for most scenarios, and it is even completely immune to the ominous Dragon and Psychic typings. Grimmsnarl just has to be wary of Steel, Fairy, and Poison.

6 Corviknight is a Sturdy Support Pokémon

Corviknight emerged as a surprise package for the past Walking Wake and Iron Leaves Tera Raids, and has since remained a solid option. The Steel/Flying Raven Pokémon serves as a bulky support player. Additionally, its value lies in Taunt, Metal Sound, and Nasty Plot — making life difficult for its opponents.

Corviknight only has two weaknesses of its own to Fire and Electric, and can respond in kind with Steel and Flying offense. Corviknight has a bulky Defense stat of 105, making it seriously resilient and tough to knock out. Reflect and Light Screen are also good options for multiplayer Tera Raids, reaffirming Corviknight's importance in a supporting role. A Corviknight will be immune to any Ground- or Poison-type offense that any Tera Raid opponent may have, as well as resisting eight other types. A Dark Tera Corviknight could even be a surprise option against Mewtwo in September, even if its Dark-type offense doesn't stretch beyond Thief and Tera Blast.

5 Iron Hands Boasts Stunning Raw Power

Iron Hands is one of the many new Paradox Pokémon introduced in Scarlet and Violet and is an Electric/Fighting take on the Gen III Arm Thrust Pokémon, Hariyama. Iron Hands brings sheer offensive power to the table for Tera Raids. As such, Belly Drum and Drain Punch remain a solid option for many Tera Raids and scenarios.

Iron Hands is the best option for any Tera type with a weakness to Fighting or Electric, as Wild Charge and Thunder Punch can be heavy-hitting alternatives against Water- and Flying-types. Iron Hands remains one of the best Tera Raid Pokémon in most situations, only needing to be wary of those with Fairy-, Psychic- or Ground-type moves. Iron Hands is a potential problem for these Mewtwo Tera Raids, but a Dark Tera typing could do wonders for it defensively.

4 Perrserker is a Useful Support Teammate

Perrserker can easily be overlooked as an option for Tera Raids. Players can get a Galarian Meowth as a gift from Mr. Salvatore and level it up to become the Steel-type Viking Pokémon. Bringing a Perrserker with the Hidden Ability Steely Spirit is usually the play, but since critical hits were the central focus of previous Tera Raid events, Battle Armor is an exceptional alternative.

Perrserker can be even more useful to teammates with the likes of Helping Hand and Taunt. Meanwhile, Screech and Swords Dance can ultimately enhance the damage made by its physical moves. Perrserker's Steel typing gives it ten type resistances, an immunity, and only three weaknesses. Perrserker resists Mewtwo's Psychic-type moves, and could even launch a counter-attack of its own with Dark-type moves like Crunch if set up in such a manner. For all of its offensive prowess, the lack of a second typing generally helps Perrserker out and makes it one of the best Tera Raid Pokémon.

3 Miraidon Arguably Succeeds Over Its Scarlet Counterpart

Violet's cover Legendary Pokémon, Miraidon, is notably more effective in Tera Raids than its Scarlet counterpart. Miraidon has the Hadron Engine Ability that initiates Electric Terrain, which then enhances its Special Attack stat. A Miraidon holding an Electric Seed can boost its Defense when in Electric Terrain, perfect for staying in the fight.

Miraidon can then use Charge Beam and Electro Drift to apply the pressure with further boosts, while Parabolic Charge serves to regain lost HP. Miraidon's fourth move can then give it a bit of variety away from its overwhelming Electric offense.

2 Annihilape Can Boost Its Already Impressive Physical Strength

Annihilape is certainly one of the more popular introductions in the Gen IX games, and now it has serious worth and viability in Tera Raids. Annihilape is one of the best Tera Raid Pokémon in most scenarios, especially when its Defiant Ability can flip a potentially negative situation on its head.

Annihilape thrives when able to boost its own stats with Bulk Up, reducing those of the Tera Raid Pokémon with Screech. Meanwhile, taking damage gives Rage Fist more power for when it is finally unleashed. Annihilape can even restore any HP it loses thanks to Drain Punch, and the formidable Fighting/Ghost-type should be able to last the duration. Screech and Rage Fist should be good enough to get it through most Tera Raids.

1 Gholdengo is Easily Among Scarlet and Violet's Most Versatile Tera Raid Battlers

Gholdengo is undeniably one of the better introductions in Gen IX's Scarlet and Violet for a multitude of reasons. Gholdengo's Ability Good As Gold gives it a degree of immunity to most status moves, which can help it focus on unimpeded offense. Nasty Plot can raise Gholdengo's Special Attack stat by two stages, while Recover can help to keep that HP up.

A boost to Special Attack allows players to use Gholdengo's strong moves, such as Ghost-type Shadow Ball and the new Steel-type move Make It Rain. Gholdengo is the perfect choice against Ghost, Psychic, Fairy, Rock, and Ice Tera types. While there are match-ups that don't favor it — like with any Ground- or Dark-type offense — Gholdengo is still one of the best Tera Raid Pokémon.