How to beat Sceptile 7-Star Tera Raid in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Sceptile is one of the most popular starters in the Pokemon franchise, and Scarlet and Violet trainers can now challenge it in 7-Star Tera Raids.

While this Gen 3 icon is not as bulky as some other starters, it can certainly hit hard, so you must build a solid team of counters to withstand its offensive onslaught and beat it quickly.

So, here’s all you need to know to beat Sceptile Tera Raids, with details on its weaknesses, recommended counters, and battling tips.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Sceptile Tera Raid date & time

Sceptile 7-Star Tera Raids will run until May 27, 2024, at 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET / 12:59 PM BST / 11:59 PM GMT.

This Sceptile event will be back for a second round from July 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM BST (July 5) / 12:00 AM GMT (July 5) until July 7, 2024, at 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET / 12:59 PM BST / 11:59 PM GMT.

Remember that a Sceptile caught during the event will have the Mightiest Mark and six perfect IVs. Also, while you can only capture one of them per save file, you can still battle it again to grab Herba Mystica.

Serebii Update: The next 7 Star Tera Raid Battle has been fully revealed. Battle against Dragon Tera Type Sceptile.

Runs from June 28th through 30th and again a week later from July 5th through July 7th

Details @ https://t.co/gDbXkHSvkT pic.twitter.com/fHFAhBh9zh

— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) June 23, 2024

Sceptile Tera Raid type & moveset

Scpetile has the Dragon Tera Type, so it’s weak to Dragon, Fairy, and Ice-type attacks.

Coming to its moveset, Sceptile has any four of the following moves:

• Leaf Blade (Grass)
• Leaf Storm (Grass)
• Breaking Swipe (Dragon)
• Dragon Dance (Dragon)
• Earthquake (Ground)
• Thunder Punch (Electric)

Since Sceptile is a Grass-type Pokemon, it will deal STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage on both its Grass and Dragon-type moves. So, it is good to pick counters that either resist or are immune to the Raid Boss’ strongest attacks.

You’ll be glad to know that Sceptile’s ability, Unburden, which raises its Speed if a Held Item is used, is completely useless in the battle since Raid Bosses cannot carry any item.

Best counters

Grimmsnarl

Sceptile may be incredibly fast with its base 120 Speed but Grimmsnarl can use Priority moves like Reflect and Light Screen, which can be set up up even before the Raid Boss makes a move, reduces damage taken by your counters by 50% for five turns.

Additionally, Parting Shot can nerf the Raid Boss’ offensive stats with Grimmsnarl switching out of the battle. This is especially useful if Sceptile uses Dragon Dance as Grimmsnarl can then reroll the boosts.

As the fourth move, use Spirit Break to not only inflict high damage but also decrease the Raid Boss’ Special Attack by one stage.

Alolan Ninetales

The Ice/Fairy-type Alolan Ninetales is an excellent counter to beat Sceptile, thanks to its versatility in battles. With the ability Snow Warning, it summons Snow on entering the battlefield, which increases the Defense of all Ice types by 50%, making it bulkier against Physical attacks.

That’s not all, as Aurora Veil halves damage from Sceptile for five turns, but can last for eight turns with the Held Item Light Clay. This is a great strategy to help Alolan Ninetales as well as your teammates to last longer in the battle.

Chilling Water is another move that reduces damage from the Raid Boss’ Physical attacks by 50%. Since Sceptile has a wide Physical moveset, Alolan Ninetales can arrest those right off the bat.

These strategies can halt Sceptile if it starts rampaging after Dragon Dance’s boosts, helping all counters on the battlefield take reduced damage.

For offense, use Nasty Plot to increase Alolan Ninetales’ Special Attack stat by two stages and then use the powerful Blizzard for incredible super-effective damage.

Hatterene

With a monstrous Special Attack stat of 136, Hatterene is a hard-hitting counter and can become even more terrifying with Calm Mind, boosting its Special Attack and Special Defense stats by 50%. This comes in really handy against Sceptile’s first use of the powerful Leaf Storm.

It can then use Draining Kiss to do super-effective damage and also recover 75% of the damage dealt if it is weakened by some non-Dragon attacks. Also, Hatterene can use Life Dew to recover health for itself as well as your teammates by 1/4th of the maximum HP, making it a savior in tight situations.

Finally, Nuzzle is a great move to paralyze Sceptile, giving everyone a free opportunity to boost their stats or set up screens.

Note that all these counters are immune to Sceptile’s Dragon-type move Breaking Swipe.

Where to find Sceptile Tera Raids

You can find Scpetile Tera Raids by finding Black Crystals shining on the game map. By reaching these spots, you can immediately participate in the 7-Star event.

Once you’re back in Paldea for this 7-Star event, don’t forget to check out how to farm Herba Mystica to use in sandwich recipes and enjoy higher shiny odds in the region.