Top Counter Strategies for Defeating Skeledirge in Tera Raids

The highly anticipated seven-star Skeledirge Tera Raids are live in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, with the event set to run until Thursday, March 13, 2025. If you aim to capture this formidable Fire-type Pokémon from Generation Nine, read on for optimal strategies to counter the challenges presented in the Skeledirge Tera Raid.

Unraveling Skeledirge: The Unmatched Threat

Skeledirge Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — Image credit: Siliconera

Skeledirge poses a unique challenge due to its exceptional offensive capabilities and strategic advantages. Notably, its Move Torch Song allows it to escalate its Special Attack level rapidly, resulting in potential one-hit knockouts before players can respond. Furthermore, Skeledirge’s Unaware ability renders all stat increases from opponents ineffective, necessitating strategies to debuff its defenses while simultaneously mitigating its offensive growth.

Given Skeledirge’s attributes and its Rash nature, employing a Special Attacker is crucial for victory. While boosting your stats isn’t possible, lowering Skeledirge’s defenses is the key. Moves like Acid Spray, Metal Sound, or Fake Tears are excellent choices for this battle. Additionally, Skeledirge frequently utilizes sound-based attacks such as Disarming Voice, Hyper Voice, and Torch Song, which can be countered using Throat Chop or Soundproof abilities.

Here are essential details regarding the Skeledirge Tera Raid event in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:

Level: 100
Nature: Rash (+SpAttack -SpDef)
Ability: Unaware
Tera Type: Fire
Moves: Torch Song, Shadow Ball, Stomping Tantrum, Hyper Voice

Skeledirge’s opening moves include Disarming Voice and Flame Charge. At 80% health, it resets player stats before shielding itself, and again at 50% health, it resets its own stats and status while using Flame Charge once more.

Malamar: The Ultimate Support Pokémon for the Tera Raid

Malamar using Skill Swap during the Skeledirge Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — Image credit: Siliconera

While Malamar may not single-handedly defeat Skeledirge, it stands out as one of the most effective support options in this raid. Its ability, Contrary, can negate the Special Attack enhancements from Torch Song when used with Skill Swap, allowing for strategic control of Skeledirge’s power. Subsequently, you can transfer Unaware to one of your NPC allies, maximizing the benefits of the reduced Special Attack.

Additionally, Throat Chop effectively neutralizes Torch Song and Hyper Voice attacks, while Normal Tera shields against Shadow Ball. Consequently, Skeledirge will primarily rely on Stomping Tantrum. Malamar not only extends your team’s survivability but can also enhance Water-type Special Attackers like Primarina and Tentacruel with Rain Dance, along with offering assistance through Helping Hand.

The recommended setup for Malamar in this challenging Tera Raid is as follows:

Level: 100
Nature: Careful (+SpDef -SpAttack)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpDef / 4 Attack
Ability: Contrary
Tera Type: Normal
Item: Leftovers
Moves: Rain Dance, Throat Chop, Skill Swap, Helping Hand

Tentacruel: The Dual Threat for Attack and Support

Tentacruel terastylizing to Water-type during the Skeledirge Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — Image credit: Siliconera

Tentacruel emerges as a prime candidate for solo tackling the Skeledirge raid while also being a strong team participant. Its ability means that while Unaware prohibits stat boosts, it doesn’t counteract its stat reductions. By using Acid Spray, you can effectively lower Skeledirge’s Special Defense, while initiating with Throat Chop on the first turn and repeating every three turns optimizes your strategy.

Under coordinated attacks from several Special Attackers, Acid Spray remains effective in reducing Special Defense even when Skeledirge activates its shield. Moreover, deploying Rain Dance amplifies Tentacruel’s Surf damage and mitigates the impact of Skeledirge’s Fire-type assaults. Although solo runs may require several attempts, utilizing Tentacruel can prove successful.

Level: 100
Nature: Calm (+SpDef -Attack)
EVs: 252 SpAttack / 252 SpDef / 4 HP
Ability: Rain Dish
Tera Type: Water
Item: Shell Bell
Moves: Acid Spray, Rain Dance, Surf, Throat Chop

Kommo-o: Best Option for Solo Attempts Against Skeledirge

Kommo-o terastylizing to Normal-type during the Skeledirge Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — Image credit: Siliconera

For trainers seeking to conquer the Skeledirge raid independently, Kommo-o provides an advantageous combination of ability and moves designed to exploit weaknesses. With its Soundproof ability, Kommo-o is immune to sound-based damage, including Torch Song, yet still risks boosting Skeledirge through Shadow Ball. Start with Throat Chop to mitigate initial damage, then take advantage of Normal Tera to greatly reduce incoming threats and establish your offense.

Utilizing Metal Sound can further diminish Skeledirge’s Special Defense as long as its shield isn’t active. A Normal Tera move, Boomburst, can inflict significant damage, facilitating the breaking of Skeledirge’s barrier, setting you up to use Metal Sound for powerful successive Boomburst attacks.