Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Best Dragonite Build for Tera Raids

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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids can make the classic Pseudo-legendary creature a reliable ally in the newly introduced encounter mechanic. The Dragon-type Pokémon is one of the most beloved in Nintendo’s franchise and has been around since Generation 1, released along with Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Green in 1996. It has reached the Pseudo-legendary status because of its high base stats, which fall shortly behind Legendaries’ stats and quite above other ordinary Pokémon.

This dual Dragon- and Flying-type Pokémon is usually harder to find, catch, or evolve from its initial form when compared to other creatures, so preparing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids naturally comes as a second step. Luckily, this fan-favorite Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is made available fairly early. As such, Trainers can steadily start building it during the campaign without having to reach the post-game to start doing so.

The Best Flexible Builds For Dragonite

Despite being a Pseudo-legendary and having great base stats, the Pokémon is not the best for all Tera Raids. Even if players find Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids, it might not be a multi-purposed ally. Nevertheless, Trainers can use its stats well and build a powerful striker without many type-advantages, focusing on brute and blunt strength.

Regardless of the chosen build, players looking to boost Dragonite’s stats in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet should Effort Value (EV) Train its Attack and Speed stats, with the remaining points being distributed to HP, according to Game8. Of course, this is meant for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids since it can be built differently for a PvP setting. With these stats in mind, they should change its Nature to Jolly using a Jolly Mint, in case it is not the established Nature. This will decrease the Pokémon’s Special Attack to boost its Speed.

Speed is a crucial aspect for Dragonite because it needs to be able to strike its opponents, but its Speed is the lowest of all its stats. Considering it might be struck first and possibly knocked out by an opponent, it is recommended that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids includes the Hidden Ability called Multiscale. Unlocking its Hidden Ability in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet requires using an Ability Patch item.

Multiscale is useful because it reduces the amount of damage Dragonite takes by 50% in case its HP bar is full. This means that, even if Dragonite is slower than the opponent at the beginning of a Tera Raid, it can resist the blow and use its first move. Ideally, this first move in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build is Dragon Dance. When used, it increases the user’s Attack and Speed stats, which can then be used to strike an opponent first during the next stages of the fight. So, players have to decide what build they want for Dragonite.

In an uncertain plethora of options, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite builds for Tera Raids are not usually super-effective against foes. Dragonite is not among Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragon-type Pokémon, but with a Dragon Tera-type, it can potentially feed its already strong Outrage move with even more Attack power once Terastallized. This may take a few rounds to build up to its max, but a Dragon Tera-type Dragonite boosted by Dragon Dance and attacking with Outrage can wipe the opponent early on in case the foe is not given a chance to shield itself. For its other moves, players should consider at least one same-type attack bonus (STAB) move, such as Hurricane or Dragon Claw. Clear Amulet ensures its stats do not get lowered, which is necessary for this build.

Another proven build for Dragonite uses one of the best Terastal forms. Much like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Perrserker build, a Steel Tera-type Dragonite can be both a strong attacker and a buff tank. Though its stats, ability, and main move should be the same as the Dragon Dance build, it exchanges its Outrage for Iron Head. With enough buffing, once Terastallized, Dragonite can melt an opponent, even if the move is not super-effective. While its Terastallization has not been put into action, players should put Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids to use with STAB moves. Outrage is not recommended in this case because of the Confused state it provokes in the user after the second or third hit. With a Steel Tera type, Dragonite also gains resistance against its traditional Fairy-type and Ice-type weaknesses.

Dragonite’s Customized Builds

Players who want to quickly take out Tera Raid opponents can change Clear Amulet for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Life Orb, which further boosts attacks at the cost of the user’s HP. Because of its high risk, this is recommended for Trainers that are certain Dragonite will take out the opponent in the first few rounds. If that is not the case, some great substitute items for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build in Tera Raids are Dragon Claw and Metal Coat, depending on the chosen Tera type. For a more neutral though modest boost, players can use the Muscle Band, which increases Dragonite’s physical moves.

Although there are Pokémon with better coverage in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Tera Raids, such as the powerful Iron Hands, Perrserker, Azumarill, Sylveon, and the Legendaries, Koraidon, and Miraidon, the classic Pseudo-legendary can be a worthy addition to a raiding team. With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s best Dragonite build for Tera Raids in mind, players can mix and match Dragonite’s moves and held items depending on their necessity. The hardest decision will be finding the adequate Tera type for it and, subsequently, changing its attacking moves accordingly. Nonetheless, Dragonite is a good option for players who want a steady and nostalgic ally in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.