Empoleon is the final evolution of the adorable Piplup from Gen IV. This Pokemon has a tricky typing to deal with as it’s Water/Steel. The Tera Raid version is even more formidable, so let me show you how to beat the Empoleon Tera Raid in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
How to beat Tera Raid Empoleon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
The Tera Raid version of Empoleon is a real menace as it has the Ice Tera Type. The combination ofWater,Steel, andIcegives Empoleon incredible coverage. As with all 7 Star Tera Raids, Empoleon has an extended move pool and can use the following abilities:
Empoleon Moveset
Tera Type:IceAbility:Competitive
In my testing, Empoleon loves to spam Ice Beam but is quite happy to check its opponents with counters like Surf and Grass Knot. The Competitive ability is a big problem, as any attempt to lower Empoleon’s stats increases its SP Atk by two stages.
Competitive alone stumps many strategies and makes Empoleon one of the toughest Tera Raid opponents we’ve seen in a long time. Unfortunately, this battle is a knowledge check. If your teammates unwittingly try to debuff Empoleon, they can ruin the entire Tera Raid attempt. Still, against all odds, Empoleon is not unbeatable, and I recommend bringing Annihilape to the party.
Annihilape Moveset
Tera Type:GhostNature:AdamantAbility:DefiantHeld Item:Shell BellEV Spread:252 HP, 252 Attack
I’ve only included three moves because my fourth is usually a debuffer, which will not work in this battle. The Strategy is simple:Bulk Up three times before spamming Rage Fist. If you Terrastalize as soon as possible, you’ll do a ton of damage with every hit and should recover enough HP per attack to outlast Empoleon.
If your stat changes are nullified, use Bulk Up to regain them if you have the time.
It’s not a technical strategy, but it works. Unfortunately, you’re at the mercy of your team, but if they bring bulky Pokemon and know not to debuff, you can win.
Can I use any other Pokemon to beat Empoleon?
Iron Hands is an excellent alternative to Annihilape if you build it similarly. I used Iron Hands to great effect in the Tera Raid with the following moveset:
Iron Hands moveset
Tera Type:FightingNature:AdamantAbility:Quark DriveHeld Item:Shell BellEV Spread:252 HP, 252 Attack
Belly Drumis risky, but if you open with it and can recover, yourDrain Puncheswill do incredible damage.Swords Danceis safer and probably more sensible for online play. I like opening the fight withElectric Terrainto trigger Quark Drive before setting up with Swords Dance. With everything in place, you can Drain Punch to victory.
As with Annihilape, this build depends on your team, and it only takes one weak link to ruin it for everyone.
Can I beat the Empoleon Tera Raid Solo?
Thanks to the Competitive ability, Empoleon is an absolute nightmare solo. Your AI teammates aren’t smart enough to play around Competitive, and will quickly buff Empoleon to unbeatable levels. Unless you’re extremely lucky with your teammates, I don’t think this Tera Raid is possible solo.
Tera Raids are some of the best end-game activities in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but if you’re looking for new things to do,check out our guideon post-DLC activities.
Anthony Yates
Anthony is a freelance writer for PC Invasion and has worked in the industry for four years. He’s furiously competitive and is always looking for the next big multiplayer hit. Anthony thrives in high-stakes games like Escape From Tarkov and Sea of Thieves. He is also passionate about speedrunning and always looks forward to the next GDQ and ESA events. When he’s not grinding leaderboards, Anthony enjoys visiting Arcades, retro gaming, and horror movies.
