Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Terastal Pokémon Guide - Find & Use

Every new Pokémon game nowadays comes out with a new gameplay mechanic to help spice things up. Some of these inclusions have a huge impact on both the casual and competitive scene (such as Mega Evolution, Dynamaxing, and Z-Moves). Other times, however, these mechanics feel like gimmicks and don't affect gameplay in the slightest. 

Terastal Pokémon is the newest mechanic debuting in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Not only will Tera Pokémon affect in-game battles, but the main story as well. So, let's take a deep dive into the Terastallizing phenomenon and see how powerful it really is. 

What Are Terastal Pokémon in Scarlet & Voilet

Terastal Pokémon is a new mechanic that allows Pokémon to change their typing in battle. By using an item known as a Tera Orb, players will be able to Terastallize their Pokémon. Once activated, the targeted Pokémon will begin to glow like a gemstone, and their head will be adorned with a Tera Jewel of varying forms (including flowers, fountains, and even ghosts). 

Tera Orbs will run out of energy after use but can be recharged at Pokémon Centers or by finding sparkling towers of energy in the overworld. Keeping your Tera Orb at full charge will be vital for Terastallizing Pokémon in battle.

How To Use Terastal Pokémon In Battle - Scarlet & Violet

Terastal Pokémon is on course to be a game-breaking mechanic and one that will certainly impact the competitive scene. All Pokémon will be receiving a new Tera type, which is an alternate type unlocked when Terastallizing the said Pokémon. For example, Sudowoodo, normally a Rock-type Pokémon, will be receiving a Grass Tera type. Therefore, by Terastallizing Sudowoodo in battle, it will become a Grass-type Pokémon. 

This has huge ramifications for the game as a whole, as Pokémon will gain new weaknesses, new resistances, and new STAB moves. Terastallizing your Pokémon to take a hit from a would-be super-effective attack is but one of many new strategies that Tera types introduce. Learning every Pokémon's secondary Tera type will take some time, but mastering Terastal Pokémon will be necessary for any Pokémon master. Thankfully, Terastallizing is a once-per-battle effect (similar to Dynamax).  

Where To Find Terastal Pokémon In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Terastal Pokémon can be found all throughout Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's overworld. Terastal Pokémon will roam the overworld and can be distinguished by a sparkling aura surrounding them. 

Alternatively, Terastal Pokémon can be caught in Tera raid battles. These are similar to the Dynamax raids of Pokémon Sword and Shield. In Tera raids, any Pokémon captured is guaranteed to have its Tera type.  

For all the awesome content, check out our section dedicated to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet news, updates, guides, features, and more.

• Pokémon Scarlet And Violet - How To Use The TM Machine
• Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Co-Op Guide: How To Play With Friends
• Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Shiny Pokémon - How To Catch Them