How to OHKO Ghost Gengar 5-star Tera Raid in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

During October 28 - 31, 2024, special Halloween Gengar raids will appear in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for those who have completed the main story and are connected to the internet. Much like the Mismagius raids a year prior, the purpose of this event is to give players a few days to grind for as many leveling resources as they can.

In order to maximize efficiency, some players may want to try taking down this raid boss in one hit. Since these raid battles are only at a 5-star difficulty rating and feature a relatively frail Ghost-type, this is a possible feat; however, some set-up is required and it may take you a couple of turns.

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How to one-shot Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Halloween Gengar Raid Boss

Gengar can easily be taken down by an overcharged super-effective move (Image via The Pokemon Company)

You have a couple of options regarding the creature you choose to use to defeat Gengar in a single attack. Annihilape and Kingambit have the highest potential to defeat Gengar thanks to their Defiant ability and type advantages. However, the two have their own strategies.

Here is a build you can use if you choose Annihilape:

• Tera Type: Dark
• Nature: Adamant
• Effort Values: 252 HP, 252 Attack, 4 Special Defense
• Held Item: Shell Bell
• Moves: Screech, Assurance, Rage Fist, and Drain Punch

This approach revolves around using Screech to minimize Gengar's defense, and waiting for Gengar to boost Annihilape's attack stat itself, by debuffing the latter's other stats (thereby activating Defiant). Once Gengar's defense is low and Annihilape's attack is close to maxed out, Assurance should be used. This move's base damage is doubled if Gengar lowered Annihilape's stats prior to Annihilape using the attack.

Here is the build to go for if you want to use Kingambit:

• Tera Type: Dark
• Nature: Adamant
• Effort Values: 252 HP, 252 Attack, 4 Special Defense
• Held Item: Shell Bell
• Moves: Leer, Swords Dance, Kowtow Cleave, Rain Dance

Kingambit's typing outside of Terastallization renders it immune to Gengar's Poison-type attacks, and resistant to its Ghost-type attacks. However, it still takes massive damage from Mystical Fire, which is why this set includes Rain Dance. Swords Dance sets up Kingambit's attack stat, and Leer weakens Gengar's defenses.

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How to access Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Halloween Gengar Tera Raids

In order to participate in these raids, you will first need to unlock Five-Star Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This can be done by completing the main story for the base game. After completing this step, you can encounter these Gengar raids during the event by simply going online.

Once the game is connected to the internet, a short waiting period should follow where it makes sure everything is up to date. Once this has concluded, Gengar raids will start spawning in the overworld until the event is over.