In *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*, the latest challenge comes in the form of Skeledirge with the Mightiest Mark in a 7-Star Tera Raid. To tackle this formidable opponent, you'll need a well-primed team that can exploit its vulnerabilities. Just like with other high-level bosses in the game, Skeledirge boasts a moveset designed to counter a wide array of Pokémon types. But don't worry—this guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to take it down effectively.
Skeledirge's Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
In this 7-Star Tera Raid, Skeledirge the Unrivaled is classified as a Fire Tera-type, making it vulnerable to Water-, Ground-, Rock-, and Dark-type attacks. Specifically, Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type moves will deal 2x super-effective damage. On the flip side, Skeledirge is resistant to Bug-, Fairy-, Fire-, Grass-, Ice-, Poison-, Normal-, and Steel-type attacks, with these moves inflicting only 0.5x damage. Notably, Bug-type attacks do even less at 0.25x damage. Due to the removal of its part-Ghost typing for this raid, Normal-type moves can now damage Skeledirge, unlike in its standard form.
Skeledirge's Moveset
As the newest 7-Star boss in *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*, Skeledirge's moveset includes:
- Torch Song (Fire-type)
- Shadow Ball (Ghost-type)
- Alluring Voice (Fairy-type)
- Earth Power (Ground-type)
- Will-O-Wisp (Fire-type, non-damaging)
- Snarl (Dark-type)
The inclusion of Earth Power and Alluring Voice adds extra type coverage, making Skeledirge a versatile threat. Torch Song is especially dangerous, as it increases Skeledirge's Special Attack with each use, enhancing its offensive power over time. Will-O-Wisp can burn your Pokémon, halving their Attack stat, while its Unaware ability allows Skeledirge to ignore any of your Pokémon's stat changes, adding another layer of difficulty. To counter these threats, you'll need to deploy the best counters detailed below.
Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Golduck, Quagsire, and Manaphy stand out as the top counters against Skeledirge in this raid. These Pokémon have resistances to Skeledirge's Fire-type attacks and only take neutral damage from its other moves. Despite Skeledirge typically being part-Ghost, in this raid, it's purely Fire-type, so Dark-types aren't as effective. Even if it retained its Ghost typing, Skeledirge's Fairy-type move, Alluring Voice, would still pose a significant threat to them. Below, you'll find detailed builds for each counter.
Best Golduck Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Golduck can neutralize Skeledirge's Unaware ability and set up for powerful Water-type attacks. Here's the optimal build:
- Ability: Swift Swim
- Nature: Modest
- Tera Type: Water
- Hold Item: Shell Bell
- EVs: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 HP, 4 Def
- Moveset: Calm Mind, Skill Swap, Surf, Rain Dance
Start with Skill Swap to remove Skeledirge's Unaware ability, enabling your stat boosts to take effect. Use Calm Mind to enhance your Special Attack and Special Defense, and Rain Dance to weaken Fire moves while boosting Surf's power, turning Golduck into a formidable special attacker.
Best Quagsire Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Quagsire brings durability and strong Water-type attacks to the fight. Here's the recommended build:
- Ability: Unaware
- Nature: Modest
- Tera Type: Water
- Hold Item: Leftovers
- EVs: 4 HP, 252 Sp. Def, 252 Sp. Atk
- Moveset: Acid Spray, Protect, Rain Dance, Surf
Quagsire's Unaware ability lets it ignore Skeledirge's stat boosts, making it more resilient to Torch Song's effects. Use Protect to stall turns and recover health with Leftovers. Employ Rain Dance to weaken Fire moves and boost Surf's power, while Acid Spray can lower Skeledirge's Special Defense for more effective attacks.
Best Manaphy Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Manaphy is excellent for setting up powerful special attacks and removing Skeledirge's Unaware ability. Here's the ideal setup:
- Ability: Hydration
- Nature: Modest
- Tera Type: Water
- Hold Item: Shell Bell
- EVs: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 HP, 4 Def
- Moveset: Skill Swap, Rain Dance, Tail Glow, Weather Ball
Begin with Skill Swap to disable Skeledirge's Unaware ability. Use Tail Glow to massively boost your Special Attack, then unleash Weather Ball under Rain Dance for devastating Water-type damage. With these counters, you're well-equipped to conquer the 7-Star Mightiest Mark Skeledirge in *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*. Don't forget to check out the latest Mystery Gift codes for additional Pokémon and items to enhance your team.