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Want to learn how to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Stick around for everything you need to know about the process, including how to find Tera Shards and Tera Pokémon.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced a new gimmick to the franchise: the Terastal phenomenon. Much like Mega Evolution and Dynamaxing, Terastallizing your Pokémon both alters their appearance and grants them greater power. Not only that, but Terastallizing also changes your Pokémon’s secondary type, which is referred to as its Tera Type. To avoid confusion, think of a Pokémon’s Tera Type as separate from its standard typing. That said, you can also change this special type to give your Pokémon a greater advantage in battle.
The downside: There’s only one method to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type after it’s been caught in Scarlet and Violet. Luckily, the process is fairly simple with enough Tera Shards. With that, here’s what you need to know to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type from its original type in Scarlet and Violet.
- The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Booster Display Box contains 36 booster packs from the New Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion
- The new Scarlet and Violet expansion brings back a new take on a returning game mechanic and the introduction of Tera Pokémon ex with a crystalline appearance.
- The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Booster Display Box is a great way to get into the new expansion and to try and collect the more than 10 brand-new Pokémon ex.
How to Change Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
You can change a Pokémon’s Tera Type by speaking with the chef NPC at the Treasure Eatery in Medali. You’ll recognize this restaurant as the location of the Medali Gym Challenge, led by Larry. When you first interact with the chef behind the counter, he’ll cover the details about Tera Types, gifting you with 50 Normal Tera Shards. From that point, you can change one Pokémon’s Tera Type to Normal using the shards given to you by the chef, or you can opt to pay 50 Tera Shards of a different type if you have something else in mind.
Once you’ve decided on a Tera Type that best suits your battle strategy and your Pokémon, you can Terastallize it during any battle to boost its power. Bear in mind that once a Tera Pokémon faints, it will lose the ability to Terastallize again in the same battle. For this reason, I strongly recommend choosing your Pokémon wisely according to its type and move pool.
How to Get Tera Shards in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Tera Shards can be tough to come by, but the best way to obtain them is by participating in Tera Raid Battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Oftentimes, you’ll receive a pretty sizable drop as a reward for taking down a Terastallized Pokémon in a Tera Raid, so this is the easiest way to farm Tera Shards if you’re in need of them.
What’s more, you can significantly increase the amount of Tera Shards you’ll receive from beating a Tera Raid by making a Raid Power Sandwich. The greater the power of the meal, the greater the item drop.
Apart from this, you might also have some luck locating discarded Tera Shards throughout Paldea. They’re most plentiful in the Great Crater, the location of Area Zero. Keep your eyes peeled for items on the ground as you traverse the region.
How to Find Tera Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet
While you can alter a Pokémon’s Tera Type, you can also find and catch wild Pokémon with alternative Tera Types. These Pokémon are paradoxical in nature, often sporting Tera Types which oppose their traditional type. As you travel across Paldea, you’ll easily recognize these Pokémon by their crystalline aura.
You can also find Pokémon with alternative Tera Types in Tera Raid Battles. Entering a raid guarantees an encounter with a Pokémon that has an untraditional Tera Type, so many trainers spend time hunting for monsters with beneficial Tera Types.
FAQ: How are Tera Types determined in Scarlet and Violet?
A Pokémon’s Tera Type is primarily determined by its traditional type(s) in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. For example, the Water-type Golduck will likely have a Water Tera Type. I’ve found one of the only cases in which this logic does not apply is when you evolve the Normal-type Eevee, which will retain its Normal Tera Type after it evolves into one of its eight forms. However, some Pokémon with alternative Tera Types can be found roaming in the wild or in Tera Raids.
Whether you’re looking for the best Tera Raid build for your partner Pokémon or simply wish to collect monsters with all kinds of Tera Types, you’ll probably find it useful to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type at one point or another. Of all the gimmicks introduced to the long-standing franchise, Terastallizing is arguably one of the most exciting and interesting. With access to a huge variety of type combos, you can become a Top Champion with just about any team in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. If you are looking for more Scarlet and Violet guides, then read How to Start Teal Mask, How to Trade and Who is Bloodmoon Ursaluna in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?