How to Change Your Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced a groundbreaking battle mechanic called Terastallizing, which allows Pokémon to transform into a crystalline form and change their type. This new type, the Tera Type, can dramatically alter a Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses, adding a new layer of strategy to battles. Initially, a Pokémon’s Tera Type is fixed, but thankfully, you can change it! This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Understanding Tera Types

Before diving into the process of changing Tera Types, it’s essential to understand what they are and why they’re important. When a Pokémon Terastallizes, it takes on a new type, the Tera Type. This transformation affects several aspects of battle:

* **Type Effectiveness:** A Pokémon’s Tera Type determines its resistances and weaknesses. For example, a Pokémon with a Water Tera Type will be strong against Fire-type moves but weak against Electric-type moves.
* **STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus):** If a Pokémon uses a move that matches its Tera Type, the move receives a significant power boost (STAB).
* **Strategy:** Tera Types introduce a new layer of strategic depth. By changing a Pokémon’s Tera Type, you can surprise your opponent, cover weaknesses, and amplify strengths.

Why Change Your Tera Type?

Changing a Pokémon’s Tera Type can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

* **Covering Weaknesses:** You can change a Pokémon’s Tera Type to eliminate a type weakness. For instance, a Pokémon weak to Ground-type moves can change to a Flying Tera Type to become immune.
* **Boosting Strengths:** You can amplify a Pokémon’s strengths by choosing a Tera Type that complements its existing movepool. A Pokémon with strong Fire-type moves can become even more powerful with a Fire Tera Type.
* **Surprising Opponents:** Changing Tera Types can throw your opponent off guard, disrupting their strategy and giving you a competitive edge.
* **Adaptability:** As you progress through the game, you’ll face diverse challenges. Changing Tera Types allows you to adapt your Pokémon to different opponents and situations.

Prerequisites for Changing Tera Types

Before you can change a Pokémon’s Tera Type, you need to meet certain requirements:

1. **Progress Through the Main Story:** You must have progressed sufficiently in the main storyline to unlock the ability to change Tera Types. This usually involves defeating certain Gym Leaders and completing specific events.
2. **Reach Medali:** You must reach Medali in the Paldea region. Medali is located roughly in the center of the Paldea map and is home to the Normal-type Gym.
3. **Defeat Larry at the Normal Gym:** You must defeat Larry, the Normal-type Gym Leader at the Medali Gym. This unlocks the ability to get Tera Shards.
4. **Unlock 5-Star Tera Raids:** You must complete the main story and the post-game event involving the Academy Ace Tournament. This unlocks 6-star raids, after which you must participate in several 5-star raids. Eventually, you will receive a call from Jacq informing you about a new development at the Treasure Eatery in Medali.
5. **Access to Tera Shards:** You will need 50 Tera Shards of the desired Tera Type for the Pokémon you want to change.

Obtaining Tera Shards

Tera Shards are the key to changing a Pokémon’s Tera Type. These shards can be obtained by participating in Tera Raid Battles. Here’s how to collect them:

1. **Tera Raid Battles:** Tera Raid Battles are special events where you team up with other players (or NPCs) to battle a Terastallized Pokémon. These battles are marked on your map with glowing crystals.
2. **Participate in Raids:** Approach a Tera Raid crystal and interact with it to join the raid. You can either join an existing raid or start your own.
3. **Defeat the Terastallized Pokémon:** Work with your team to defeat the Terastallized Pokémon. The difficulty of the raid depends on the star rating (1-star to 6-star raids). Higher star ratings offer better rewards, including more Tera Shards.
4. **Collect Rewards:** After defeating the Terastallized Pokémon, you’ll receive various rewards, including Tera Shards. The type of Tera Shards you receive depends on the Tera Type of the Pokémon you battled.
5. **Target Specific Raids:** If you need Tera Shards of a specific type, focus on battling Terastallized Pokémon with that Tera Type. For example, if you need Fire Tera Shards, look for raids featuring Pokémon with a Fire Tera Type.

Changing Your Tera Type: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you’ve met the prerequisites and gathered enough Tera Shards, follow these steps to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type:

1. **Go to the Treasure Eatery in Medali:** Once Jacq calls you, make your way to the Treasure Eatery restaurant in Medali. It’s located near the Gym.
2. **Talk to the Chef:** Speak to the chef standing behind the counter. He will offer to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type if you have the required Tera Shards.
3. **Select the Pokémon:** Choose the Pokémon whose Tera Type you want to change. The chef will show you the Pokémon’s current Tera Type.
4. **Choose the New Tera Type:** Select the new Tera Type for your Pokémon. The chef will display a list of available Tera Types.
5. **Confirm the Change:** Confirm that you want to change the Pokémon’s Tera Type to the selected type. The chef will ask you to confirm your decision and inform you of the cost (50 Tera Shards).
6. **Pay the Cost:** If you have enough Tera Shards of the required type, the chef will proceed with the change. Your Pokémon’s Tera Type will be updated immediately.
7. **Verify the Change:** After the process is complete, check your Pokémon’s summary to verify that the Tera Type has been changed successfully.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Tera Shard Farming

Farming Tera Shards can be time-consuming, but here are some tips and tricks to make the process more efficient:

* **Team Up with Friends:** Playing Tera Raid Battles with friends or other players can significantly increase your chances of success and speed up the farming process.
* **Use Strong Pokémon:** Use Pokémon with high stats and effective moves against the Terastallized Pokémon’s Tera Type. This will help you deal more damage and contribute to the team’s success.
* **Coordinate Strategies:** Coordinate strategies with your teammates to maximize your team’s effectiveness. Discuss which moves to use and how to support each other.
* **Utilize Support Moves:** Support moves like Helping Hand, Reflect, Light Screen, and stat-boosting moves can significantly improve your team’s survivability and damage output.
* **Check Event Raids:** Keep an eye out for special event raids that offer increased rewards, including more Tera Shards or rare items.
* **Take Advantage of Type Matchups:** Always exploit type matchups to deal super-effective damage. A well-chosen Pokémon can make a big difference in a Tera Raid Battle.
* **Complete Daily Quests:** Some daily quests or challenges may reward you with Tera Shards. Check your in-game notifications for these opportunities.

Choosing the Right Tera Type

Selecting the right Tera Type for your Pokémon is crucial for maximizing its potential. Here are some factors to consider:

* **Existing Movepool:** Choose a Tera Type that complements your Pokémon’s existing movepool. A Pokémon with strong Fire-type moves will benefit from a Fire Tera Type.
* **Type Coverage:** Consider the types of moves your Pokémon can learn. A Tera Type that covers a weakness or provides additional type coverage can be valuable.
* **Weaknesses and Resistances:** Analyze your Pokémon’s weaknesses and resistances. Choose a Tera Type that eliminates a weakness or adds a useful resistance.
* **Strategic Considerations:** Think about how the Tera Type will affect your overall strategy. Will it allow you to surprise your opponent, set up a powerful combo, or disrupt their plans?
* **Team Composition:** Consider your team composition. Choose a Tera Type that complements your team’s strengths and covers its weaknesses.
* **Popular Opponents:** Consider common threats in the game. Adapting your Tera Type to deal with popular opponents can provide a competitive edge.

Here are some specific examples:

* **Gyarados:** Gyarados is a Water/Flying type, weak to Electric attacks. Changing its Tera Type to Ground eliminates this weakness and provides STAB for powerful Ground-type moves like Earthquake.
* **Annihilape:** Annihilape is a Fighting/Ghost type. Changing its Tera Type to Ghost can enhance its offensive pressure, giving it stronger Ghost-type attacks, while Tera Type Dark gives it resistance against Psychic type moves, which Fighting types are typically weak against.
* **Meowscarada:** Meowscarada is a Grass/Dark type. Changing its Tera Type to Grass provides excellent STAB on its Flower Trick, while Tera Type Fairy makes it resistant against Dark types.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Not Having Enough Tera Shards:** Ensure you have enough Tera Shards of the desired type before attempting to change your Pokémon’s Tera Type. The chef will not proceed if you’re short on shards.
* **Choosing the Wrong Tera Type:** Carefully consider the pros and cons of each Tera Type before making a decision. A poorly chosen Tera Type can weaken your Pokémon.
* **Ignoring Your Pokémon’s Movepool:** Choose a Tera Type that complements your Pokémon’s movepool. A Tera Type that doesn’t synergize with your moves will be less effective.
* **Failing to Plan Ahead:** Think about how the Tera Type will affect your overall strategy. Don’t make a hasty decision without considering the implications.
* **Underestimating Tera Raid Battles:** Tera Raid Battles can be challenging, especially at higher star ratings. Prepare accordingly by using strong Pokémon and coordinating with your team.

Advanced Strategies for Tera Type Manipulation

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of changing Tera Types, you can explore more advanced strategies:

* **Tera Type Cycling:** Change your Pokémon’s Tera Type multiple times to adapt to different opponents and situations. This requires careful planning and resource management, but it can be highly effective.
* **Double Tera Typing:** In certain situations, you might want to consider Pokémon with unique Tera Types that differ from their original types. This can create unexpected type matchups and surprise your opponents.
* **Tera Blast:** The move Tera Blast changes type depending on your Tera Type and provides coverage against otherwise difficult opponents. Experiment with different Tera Types to see which best complements Tera Blast’s coverage.

Conclusion

Changing your Tera Type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your Pokémon’s capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can customize your Pokémon to suit your preferred playstyle and gain a competitive edge in battles. Remember to gather enough Tera Shards, carefully consider your Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses, and plan your strategy accordingly. With the right Tera Type, your Pokémon will become an unstoppable force!