Published on: November 08, 2025
Over the weekend, players of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are facing one of the toughest challenges yet—a special 7-Star Tera Raid featuring Hydreigon with a Poison Tera Type and the coveted Mightiest Mark.
Developed by Game Freak and available on the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have continued to draw players back with high-level Tera Raid Battle events, offering valuable rewards such as Vitamins, Rare Candies, Ability Patches, and Herba Mystica.
For seasoned trainers seeking to optimize their teams and item collections, conquering this raid event is essential.
## How to Unlock 7-Star Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
To access 7-Star Tera Raids like the current Hydreigon event, players must meet specific endgame criteria.
Trainers will need to:
- Finish the main story and view the end credits.
- Defeat all Gym Leaders in rematches and complete the Academy Ace Tournament.
- Complete at least 10 Tera Raids rated 4-stars or higher.
Upon meeting these objectives, the special 7-Star Raid option will appear both in the overworld and on the in-game Tera Raid board, ensuring eligibility for event participation.
## Hydreigon’s Abilities, Moveset, and Raid Mechanics
Hydreigon, a Dragon/Dark-type Pokémon, faces players in this challenge with a Poison Tera Type.
This setup augments Hydreigon's power with Poison-type moves while retaining access to its strong Dragon and Dark attacks.
Notably, Hydreigon's Levitate ability grants it immunity to Ground-type moves, limiting the range of effective strategies trainers can employ.
The moveset for this raid includes:
- Dark Pulse (Dark, Special)
- Dragon Pulse (Dragon, Special)
- Tera Blast (Poison-type in this event)
- Earth Power (Ground, Special)
- Nasty Plot (Special Attack boost)
- Dragon Dance (Attack and Speed boost)
- Snarl (Dark, lowers opponents' Special Attack)
During the raid, Hydreigon follows a recurring tactical routine, such as using Snarl at the outset, periodically setting up a Tera Energy Shield, using self-buffs like Nasty Plot, and resetting its own stats as well as the players’ at key HP thresholds.
Trainers must adapt their strategy as Hydreigon becomes more unpredictable in the latter phases of the battle.
## Strategy and Recommendations
To maximize the chances of victory, players are advised to:
- Avoid bringing Pokémon weak to Dragon, Dark, or Ground moves, as fainting reduces the raid timer.
- Use fully-leveled (Level 100) Pokémon to withstand Hydreigon’s powerful moveset.
- Invest in stat-boosting items such as Vitamins to increase survivability and attack output.
- Utilize "Cheers" wisely to buff attack, defense, or provide team healing as necessary.
## Top Pokémon Choice: Malamar Strategy
A top recommendation for this raid is Malamar due to its optimal typing (Psychic/Dark) and the unique Contrary ability.
This strategy involves:
- Bringing a Malamar with Modest nature, fully trained in HP and Special Defense (via HP Up and Zinc).
- Equipping Malamar with moves such as Skill Swap, Rest, Calm Mind, and Stored Power.
- Using Skill Swap to give Hydreigon the Contrary ability, causing its stat-boosting moves to lower its stats instead.
- Supporting with rest, buffs, and strategic "Cheers" before unleashing boosted Stored Power attacks.
This method allows players to greatly mitigate Hydreigon’s offensive threat while gradually wearing it down, particularly in solo raid attempts.
## Event Availability and Rewards
The 7-Star Hydreigon Tera Raid is live now for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch, accessible through the eShop with the latest game updates installed.
Successfully completing the event grants valuable resources, including the rare Herba Mystica, used in high-level competitive play and shiny hunting.
As these challenging Tera Raid events continue to captivate the Pokémon community, the ongoing support and creativity from Game Freak and Nintendo ensure Pokémon Scarlet and Violet remain a staple of the Nintendo Switch library.
Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Scarlet and Violet Pokemon Scarlet Pokemon Tera Raid Violet Beat Scarlet Hydreigon Pokemon Violet Game Freak