Having the proper build for a Tera Raid is an important skill in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and this holds true for a Pokémon as useful as Skeledirge. Not only do Tera Raids have a time limit, but trainers are also only allowed to bring a single Pokémon to them. While not too much of an issue when doing a raid with multiple players, it’s still to the trainer’s benefit to bring the best build they can.
While preparing for the Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can be confusing and challenging, getting a Skeledirge with the Hidden Ability ‘Unaware’ is an excellent place to start. Unaware lets Skeledirge ignore all stat stages from an enemy Pokémon when dealing or receiving damage. So it doesn’t matter what stats the Tera Raid target tries to do; Skeledirge will ignore it, which allows the trainer to focus on using its signature attack move to maximize its damage.
The Best Skeledirge Build For Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
According to the Youtube channel Austin John Plays, Skeledirge’s highest stat is its Special Attack, Torch Song, a Fire-type special attack that raises its user’s Special Attack by one stage with each successive use. Torch Song, the high Special Attack, and the Same Type Attack Bonus combine to make for an absolutely devastating combo. The trainer should enhance this and make Skeledirge a Fire Tera type using Pokémon Scarlet and Violet‘s terastalizing mechanic. If a trainer wants to get to the maximum Special Attack stage faster, they can also equip a Throat Spray, although it is unnecessary.
A Skeledirge with one of the Special Attack boosting natures (Modest, Mild, Quiet, Rash, with Modest being the best) is preferable but not necessary. Because Fuecoco is one of Generation IX’s Starters, farming for one with a specific nature requires constant restarts or dedicated trading, meaning it will require a fair amount of investment. Therefore, filling out Skeledirge’s other three moves and giving it good EV training is more important.
Since Unaware only applies to Skeledirge, it should have a move like Shadow Ball that lowers its opponent’s Special Defense and a disabling move like Yawn or Sing to slow its opponent down. The stats to raise with EV training in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are Special Attack and HP to maximize damage and reduce downtime due to KOs, with the rest going to Defense or Special Defense.
Source: Youtube/Austin John Plays