Facing off against the latest Skeledirge with the Mightiest Mark in *Pokemon Scarlet & Violet* requires a well-prepared team to exploit its weaknesses in its new 7-Star Tera Raid. This guide will help you strategize and select the right counters to defeat this formidable opponent.
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
Skeledirge, known as the Unrivaled in a *Pokemon Scarlet & Violet* Tera Raid, has specific vulnerabilities to Water-, Ground-, Rock-, and Dark-type attacks. As a Fire Tera-type, it is particularly susceptible to Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type attacks, which deal 2x super-effective damage.
On the other hand, Skeledirge resists Bug-, Fairy-, Fire-, Grass-, Ice-, Poison-, Normal-, and Steel-type attacks, with these moves inflicting only 0.5x damage. Notably, Bug-type moves deal a mere 0.25x damage. Due to the removal of its part-Ghost typing in this raid, Skeledirge is now susceptible to Normal-type moves, which can now deal damage.
Skeledirge’s Moveset
As the newest 7-Star boss in *Pokemon Scarlet & Violet*, the Mightiest Mark Skeledirge boasts a versatile moveset including:
- 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)
With Earth Power and Alluring Voice, Skeledirge gains additional type coverage, making it a challenging opponent. Torch Song is particularly dangerous as it increases Skeledirge's Special Attack with each use, escalating its power as the battle progresses. Will-O-Wisp can burn your Pokemon, halving their Attack stat, while its Unaware ability ignores any stat changes your Pokemon might have, adding to the difficulty. To counter these threats effectively, you'll need to deploy the best counters listed below.
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 due to their resistance to its Fire-type attacks and neutral damage from its other moves. Although Skeledirge's part-Ghost typing typically suggests Dark types as good counters, this version is purely Fire-type. Moreover, its ability to use Alluring Voice can swiftly eliminate Dark types. Below are the detailed builds for each recommended counter.
Best Golduck Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Golduck excels at neutralizing Skeledirge's Unaware ability and setting up for 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
Begin by using Skill Swap to remove Skeledirge’s Unaware ability, making your stat boosts effective. Then, use Calm Mind to enhance your Special Attack and Special Defense. Rain Dance will weaken Skeledirge's Fire moves while boosting Surf's power, turning Golduck into a formidable special attacker.
Best Quagsire Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Quagsire offers durability, sustainability, and potent 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 stat boosts, making it resilient against Torch Song's effects. Use Protect to stall turns while recovering HP with Leftovers. Rain Dance will weaken Fire moves and boost Surf's power, while Acid Spray will lower Skeledirge's Special Defense, setting up for stronger attacks.
Best Manaphy Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
Manaphy is exceptional at setting up powerful 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
Start with Skill Swap to neutralize Skeledirge’s Unaware ability, making your stat boosts effective. Follow up with Tail Glow for a massive Special Attack increase, then unleash Weather Ball under Rain Dance for devastating Water-type damage.
Equipped with these counters, you're now set to tackle the 7-Star Mightiest Mark Skeledirge in *Pokemon Scarlet & Violet*. Make sure to also check out the latest Mystery Gift codes for free Pokémon and items. If you're still exploring the game, don't miss out on the full list of Paradox Pokémon in *Scarlet & Violet* to discover all the ancient and futuristic forms available.