Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Ground Torterra 7-star Tera Raid guide: Counters, weaknesses, and more

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is hosting a new weekend Tera Raid event in 2024, providing access to a rare creature with a unique Tera Typing. From November 15 to November 17, then again from November 22 to November 24, players can encounter a special Ground Tera Type Torterra via 7-star Tera Raid Battles. Trainers will want to know how they can best this foe and add it to their collection.

Torterra has received a surprising amount of love in the transition to the ninth generation of the main series, receiving buffs like access to Shell Smash and the Loaded Dice held item, making its Bullet Seed and Rock Blast moves even more potent. This means it is incredibly valuable for many competitive players.

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Weaknesses and information on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Ground Torterra Tera Raid

Torterra's moveset will make it a dangerous foe (Image via Game Freak)

Torterra already has the Ground typing in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This means its Tera Typing only removes the Grass typing from its base form. With this in mind, Ice-, Grass-, and Water-type moves are ideal for taking the Pocket Monster down.

The two biggest moves Torterra will use during this raid are Earthquake and Wood Hammer. However, the creature also has Smack Down to counter Flying-type foes that could otherwise defend against it.

Torterra will also have its hidden ability, Shell Armor, which protects it from critical hits. This means raid builds that are structured around critical hits should not be used. The critter will also use Shell Smash several times during the fight, quickly reseting its decreased stats afterwards.

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Best counters to Ground Torterra in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Appletun has shown to be one of the best available counters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Like other Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, this battle is meant to be taken on with a group of other players. While the game does provide solo trainers with AI-controlled teammates, the Pokemon they control are not up to the task of standing up against a boss of this difficulty.

Appletun is one of the best counters that trainers can use for this fight. This is thanks to its Apple Acid signature move, which is super effective against Torterra and provides support by lowering the target's special defense stat with each use. This allows Appletun to deal exponential damage against the boss. Appletun also has access to Recover and Grassy Terrain, giving it some utility.

Serperior, with its hidden Contrary ability, provides much of the same benefits as Appletun, but its support is maintained through boosting itself rather than debuffing Torterra. With Leaf Storm, Contrary will buff Serperior's special attack stat rather than decrease it, allowing it to deal ramping damage to the boss.

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How to access event Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

To see Ground Torterra Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, players first need to complete the full main story. After defeating the final challenge at the bottom of Area Zero in the base game, trainers will need to rematch each of the region's Gym Leaders to unlock the Academy Ace Tournament.

Once they has won the Academy Ace Tournament at least once, players will unlock the difficult tiers of Tera Raids. Now, trainers simply need to update their Poke Portal online, and Torterra Tera Raids will begin to spawn.