What are Tera Types in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Every mainline Pokémon game has its gimmick, and Scarlet and Violet are no different. Known as the Terastral Phenomenon, trainers can make their Pokémon shine like gems and gain a bunch of abilities. Sometimes, trainers can even change their types depending on what's called a Tera type. Here is everything you need to know about Tera-types in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

What is the Terastral Phenomenon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon are system-assigned a Tera type. The value is usually the same as their original type, but there are those with rare Tera types. For example, most Eevees are Normal Tera types. However, there are those that have rare Tera types (or Eevees that are not Normal types). When they Terastallize, they transform into whatever Tera type they're assigned. So, a Water Tera type Eevee will be a Water-type Terastral Pokémon.

A Pokémon's Tera type affects the power of their same-type attack bonus (STAB) moves when they become a Terastral. Every Pokémon in the Paldea region has the ability to Terastallize. The option is available on the battle menu, similar to Dynamax and Mega Evolution.

Related: Is there time travel in Pokémon Violet and Scarlet?

What are Tera Raid battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon with rare Tera types have higher chances of spawning in Tera Raid battles, which operate similarly to Max Raid Battles in Sword and Shield. You can challenge Tera Pokémon with three other trainers for a chance to capture them after they have been defeated. Unlike Max Raid Battles, however, trainers are free to attack or heal whenever their Pokémon is ready to move—so it is not explicitly turn-based.

Aside from the Terastral Phenomenon, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is also the first mainline title to be fully open world. Trainers can choose to tackle gyms in any order they want and explore cities and towns in any order.

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