Pokemon Scarlet & Violet 7-star Pikachu Tera Raid guide: best counters for raid event

❘ Published: 2023-02-25T22:24:31

Here is how to defeat the Water Tera Type Pikachu in 7-star Tera Raids. This guide will provide players with the best counters to take on the commemorative Pokemon Day raids in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

Seven-star Tera Raids have made for the bulk of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s post-game. Every weekend, players are offered a short window to challenge incredibly difficult raid bosses that require a level of skill rarely needed in Pokemon games.

So far, these have consisted of third-stage evolutions of the most fearsome starters: Charizard, Cinderace, and Greninja. But to celebrate Pokemon Day 2023, the franchise mascot Pikachu has taken center stage in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s most challenging raids.

As a Water Tera Type and knowing the move surf, the cute electric rodent becomes a formidable foe in its iconic Surging Pikachu form. But to help you pass, here are the best builds to counter 7-star Pikachu Tera Raids.

Pikachu Moveset
Appletun
Lurantis
Lilligant
Arboliva (Solo)
Arboliva (Online Play)

Unrivaled Pikachu Moveset & Typing

Pikachu is normally an Electric-type Pokemon, but in Scarlet & Violet’s 7-star raids, the mouse has taken on a Water Tera Type. This means that instead of having a mono weakness to Ground-type moves, Pikachu takes on all the weaknesses of a Water-type.

However, due to Pikachu’s mixed moveset, the optimal builds require Grass-type Pokemon.

7-star Pikachu has five moves at its disposal – one more than the average Pokemon is allowed. It also starts the Tera Raid with its shield active, meaning players will have to chip away at its health, leaving little room for cheesy one-shot strategies.

Pokemon	Level	Moveset	Held Item	Ability	Nature
	100	-Rain Dance -Surf -Play Rough -Thunder -Iron Tail	Light Ball	Lightning Rod	Quiet

Best Appletun build for Pikachu Tera Raids

Appletun, the Gen 8 Grass Dragon, is a powerful choice that can play the role of a support Pokemon and a devastating attacker.While its Dragon typing does leave it susceptible to Pikachu’s Play Rough, there are ways to get around this, allowing Appletun to be a cornerstone for its team.

Pokemon	Level	Moveset	Held Item	Ability	Nature	EVs & IVs
	100	-Apple Acid -Recycle -Sunny Day -Solar Beam	Sitrus Berry	Ripen	Modest	HP & Special Attack

Best Appletun Moveset

Apple Acid – learned at level 28
Recycle – learned by breeding
Sunny Day – learned via TM
Solar Beam – learned via TM

Best Lurantis build for Pikachu Tera Raids

While Lurantis is often overlooked due to its stats and mono-typing, it’s perfect for dealing with pesky surfing rodents. However, this Lurantis requires a bit more effort to set up than other options for taking on Pikachu. You’ll need to defeat trainers to unlock a unique TM for this build to be viable, but it’s worth the effort if you’ve got time to spare.

Pokemon	Level	Moveset	Held Item	Ability	Nature	EVs & IVs
	100	-Sunny Day -Leaf Storm -Synthesis -Solar Beam	Shell Bell or Heat Rock	Contrary	Modest	HP & Special Attack

Best Lurantis Moveset

Sunny Day – learned at level 51
Leaf Storm – learned via TM
Synthesis – learned at level 28
Solar Beam – learned via TM

Best Lilligant build for 7-star Pikachu Tera Raids

One Pokemon that can handle Pikachu with ease is Lilligant. The Grass-type flower monster is resistant to Water moves and has a moveset that can take down the 7-star Pikachu on its own. Here’s how to build it.

Pokemon	Level	Moveset	Held Item	Ability	Nature	EVs & IVs
	100	-Sunny Day -Quiver Dance -Solar Beam -Giga Drain	Heat Rock	Leaf Guard	Modest	HP & Special Attack

Best Lilligan moveset

Sunny Day – learned at level 1
Quiver Dance – learned at level 1
Solar Beam – learned via TM
Giga Drain – learned via TM

Best Arboliva build for Pikachu Tera Raid (SOLO)

Arboliva is the best pick for Pikachu Tera Raids because of its Special Attack stats and hard-hitting Grass-type moveset. And if players use a Grass Tera Type, they will get the job done quickly.

For solo play (offline), players will want to equip the Covert Cloak held item to negate and secondary effect from Pikachu’s moves. Use Energy Ball three times to charge your Tera Orb before using Sunny Day to remove the buff from Pikachu’s Rain Dance and to lower the power of Surf.

After the setup is complete, use Giga Drain on repeat until Pikachu is defeated. This will deal massive damage thanks to the STAB from your Grass Tera Type and will sustain Arboliva thanks to its healing properties.

Pokemon	Level	Moveset	Held Item	Ability	Nature	EVs & IVs
	100	-Energy Ball -Sunny Day -Giga Drain -Strength Sap	Covert Cloak	Seed Sower	Modest	HP & Special Attack

Best solo Arboliva moveset

Energy Ball – learned at level 34
Sunny Day – learned via TM
Giga Drain – learned via TM
Strength Sap – learned via breeding

Best Arboliva build for Pikachu Tera Raids (Support)

For those who want to use Arboliva in team play, this build is for you. Instead of a Covet Cloak, players should opt for the move Safeguard, protecting the entire team from Status effects for five turns. Replace the held item with the Big Root to boost the power of healing moves by 30%.

If another team member hasn’t used Sunny Day, Arboliva will want to use it on turn two to lower Pikachu’s damage. Then use Strength Sap until Pikachu’s attack is lowered to the minimum while also sustaining yourself.

Also, make sure to use Safeguard again on turn six to continue negating status effects. The rest of the fight can be won by spamming Giga Drain until Pikachu faints.