In *Pokemon Scarlet & Violet*, facing off against the formidable Skeledirge with the Mightiest Mark in a 7-Star Tera Raid demands a well-prepared team that can exploit its vulnerabilities. This guide will equip you with all the necessary information to conquer this challenge.
Table of Contents
- Skeledirge’s Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
- Skeledirge’s Moveset
- Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
- Best Golduck Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
- Best Quagsire Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
- Best Manaphy Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Skeledirge’s Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Image Source: The Pokemon Company
In its Tera Raid form as a Fire-type, Skeledirge is vulnerable to Water-, Ground-, Rock-, and Dark-type attacks. These moves will deal 2x super-effective damage. Conversely, Skeledirge resists Bug-, Fairy-, Fire-, Grass-, Ice-, Poison-, Normal-, and Steel-type attacks, with these inflicting only 0.5x damage. Notably, Bug-type moves deal just 0.25x damage. Due to its Ghost typing being removed in this raid, Normal-type moves now deal damage, unlike before.
Skeledirge’s Moveset
As the latest 7-Star boss, 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 tough opponent. Torch Song, which boosts its Special Attack each time it's used, becomes increasingly dangerous as the fight progresses. Will-O-Wisp can burn your Pokemon, halving their Attack stat, while Skeledirge's Unaware ability allows it to ignore your Pokemon's stat changes. To effectively counter these threats, consider the following top counters.
Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Image Source: The Pokemon Company
Golduck, Quagsire, and Manaphy stand out as the top counters for Skeledirge in its 7-Star Tera Raid. Each of these counters is resistant to Skeledirge's Fire-type attacks and only takes neutral damage from its other moves. Though Skeledirge's usual Ghost typing might suggest Dark types as effective counters, remember this particular boss is a pure Fire-type. Even if it were still a Ghost-type, the Fairy-type Alluring Voice could quickly dispatch Dark types. Below are detailed builds for each counter.
Best Golduck Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Golduck can neutralize Skeledirge's Unaware ability and set up powerful Water-type attacks:
- 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, allowing your stat boosts to work. Then, use Calm Mind to increase Special Attack and Special Defense. Rain Dance will weaken Fire moves while boosting Surf's power, making Golduck a potent special attacker.
Best Quagsire Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Quagsire offers bulk and sustained Water-type attacks:
- 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 allows it to ignore Skeledirge's buffs, particularly those from Torch Song. Protect helps stall turns while recovering HP via Leftovers. Rain Dance weakens Fire moves and boosts Surf's power, while Acid Spray lowers Skeledirge's Special Defense for more effective attacks.
Best Manaphy Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Manaphy can set up devastating special attacks:
- 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 remove Skeledirge's Unaware ability. Follow up with Tail Glow for massive Special Attack boosts, then use Weather Ball under Rain Dance for powerful Water-type damage.
Armed with these counters, you're now ready to tackle 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. If you're still exploring the game, take a look at the full list of Paradox Pokémon in *Scarlet & Violet* to learn about all the ancient and futuristic forms available.
