Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the flagship titles for Generation IX on the Nintendo Switch, continue to captivate trainers with fresh, challenging events that build on innovations introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
One standout feature that persisted and evolved is the Raid Battle system, now known as Tera Raid Battles in Generation IX.
These dynamic battles have become a signature experience, blending intense, multiplayer showdowns with exclusive rewards and Pokémon that can’t be found anywhere else in Paldea.
With Tera Raid Battles, Scarlet and Violet add a new layer of strategy by introducing the Terastal phenomenon—a mechanic that allows a Pokémon’s type to change to any of the 18 available, granting powerful attack bonuses if its move type matches its Tera type.
This innovation deepens the raid experience, while retaining the successful formula of time-limited raid events from previous titles. ### Tera Raid Battle Event Structure in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are structured into rotating event categories.
These include: - **Spotlight Events / 1- to 5-Star Tera Raid Battles**: A single Pokémon is showcased, available in all 18 Tera Types throughout the event, allowing trainers a chance to diversify their teams. - **4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles**: Select Pokémon, often version exclusives, appear more frequently and now include a unique 4-Star difficulty tier, in addition to the traditional 5- and 6-Star challenges. - **Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles**: The pinnacle of raid challenges, these special events feature rare Pokémon at level 100 in 7-Star battles, promising exclusive rewards and unique marks, but allowing each trainer to catch the event Pokémon only once per game. ### Mighty Venusaur Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle – January 2026 The latest Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle highlights Venusaur, bringing the Grass-type favorite back for a special repeat appearance.
The event runs from Thursday, January 8th, 2026, at 4 p.m.
PT (7 p.m.
ET) until Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 3:59 p.m.
PT (6:59 p.m.
ET), and serves as an exciting build-up to Pokémon Day in February. During this event, Trainers can challenge and potentially catch a unique "Venusaur the Unrivaled," which boasts the Mightiest Mark and a Ground Tera Type.
Participants can identify these high-level encounters by searching for black Tera Raid crystals with distinctive purple and black effects across the Paldea region. #### Venusaur — Event Details and Stats: - **Level**: 100 - **Ability**: Chlorophyll (Hidden Ability) - **Moveset**: Earth Power, Sludge Bomb, Giga Drain, Amnesia - **Title**: Venusaur the Unrivaled - **Mark**: Mightiest Mark ### Exclusive Rewards for Trainers When trainers defeat Venusaur the Unrivaled for the first time, they’re guaranteed to receive valuable items, including: - Exp.
Candy L and XL - Ground Tera Shard - Zinc - TM 133 (Earth Power) — one-time reward - Ability Patch — one-time reward Additional rewards drawn randomly may include items like Modest Mint, Rare Candy, Star Piece, Ability Capsule, Bottle Cap, and the coveted Herba Mystica variants. After catching Venusaur, subsequent victories will yield a refined selection of Exp.
Candy, Ground Tera Shards, and Zinc, drawn from the original item pool. ### Participation Requirements To join the Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles, players must: - Own Pokémon Scarlet and/or Violet for the Nintendo Switch - Download the latest Poké Portal News (internet connection required; Nintendo Switch Online membership not necessary to receive news) - Complete the Ace Academy Tournament, unlocked post-game by defeating all eight Gym Leaders and returning to the Academy Trainers who haven't unlocked 7-Star Raid capability can participate by joining another player’s raid group through multiplayer features or Link Codes.
For online co-op Tera Raid Battles, an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required. Each trainer can catch only one Mighty Venusaur with the Mightiest Mark per game save.
While the event doesn't host special Mass Outbreaks or additional unique Tera Raid Battles, it offers one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences for seasoned Pokémon fans. For more on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet events, strategies, and Nintendo Switch exclusives, consult our ongoing coverage and in-depth game guides.
One standout feature that persisted and evolved is the Raid Battle system, now known as Tera Raid Battles in Generation IX.
These dynamic battles have become a signature experience, blending intense, multiplayer showdowns with exclusive rewards and Pokémon that can’t be found anywhere else in Paldea.
With Tera Raid Battles, Scarlet and Violet add a new layer of strategy by introducing the Terastal phenomenon—a mechanic that allows a Pokémon’s type to change to any of the 18 available, granting powerful attack bonuses if its move type matches its Tera type.
This innovation deepens the raid experience, while retaining the successful formula of time-limited raid events from previous titles. ### Tera Raid Battle Event Structure in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are structured into rotating event categories.
These include: - **Spotlight Events / 1- to 5-Star Tera Raid Battles**: A single Pokémon is showcased, available in all 18 Tera Types throughout the event, allowing trainers a chance to diversify their teams. - **4- and 5-Star Tera Raid Battles**: Select Pokémon, often version exclusives, appear more frequently and now include a unique 4-Star difficulty tier, in addition to the traditional 5- and 6-Star challenges. - **Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles**: The pinnacle of raid challenges, these special events feature rare Pokémon at level 100 in 7-Star battles, promising exclusive rewards and unique marks, but allowing each trainer to catch the event Pokémon only once per game. ### Mighty Venusaur Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle – January 2026 The latest Black Crystal Tera Raid Battle highlights Venusaur, bringing the Grass-type favorite back for a special repeat appearance.
The event runs from Thursday, January 8th, 2026, at 4 p.m.
PT (7 p.m.
ET) until Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 3:59 p.m.
PT (6:59 p.m.
ET), and serves as an exciting build-up to Pokémon Day in February. During this event, Trainers can challenge and potentially catch a unique "Venusaur the Unrivaled," which boasts the Mightiest Mark and a Ground Tera Type.
Participants can identify these high-level encounters by searching for black Tera Raid crystals with distinctive purple and black effects across the Paldea region. #### Venusaur — Event Details and Stats: - **Level**: 100 - **Ability**: Chlorophyll (Hidden Ability) - **Moveset**: Earth Power, Sludge Bomb, Giga Drain, Amnesia - **Title**: Venusaur the Unrivaled - **Mark**: Mightiest Mark ### Exclusive Rewards for Trainers When trainers defeat Venusaur the Unrivaled for the first time, they’re guaranteed to receive valuable items, including: - Exp.
Candy L and XL - Ground Tera Shard - Zinc - TM 133 (Earth Power) — one-time reward - Ability Patch — one-time reward Additional rewards drawn randomly may include items like Modest Mint, Rare Candy, Star Piece, Ability Capsule, Bottle Cap, and the coveted Herba Mystica variants. After catching Venusaur, subsequent victories will yield a refined selection of Exp.
Candy, Ground Tera Shards, and Zinc, drawn from the original item pool. ### Participation Requirements To join the Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles, players must: - Own Pokémon Scarlet and/or Violet for the Nintendo Switch - Download the latest Poké Portal News (internet connection required; Nintendo Switch Online membership not necessary to receive news) - Complete the Ace Academy Tournament, unlocked post-game by defeating all eight Gym Leaders and returning to the Academy Trainers who haven't unlocked 7-Star Raid capability can participate by joining another player’s raid group through multiplayer features or Link Codes.
For online co-op Tera Raid Battles, an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required. Each trainer can catch only one Mighty Venusaur with the Mightiest Mark per game save.
While the event doesn't host special Mass Outbreaks or additional unique Tera Raid Battles, it offers one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences for seasoned Pokémon fans. For more on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet events, strategies, and Nintendo Switch exclusives, consult our ongoing coverage and in-depth game guides.
