Skeledirge Tera Raid: Top Weaknesses and Counters Revealed

The latest Skeledirge with the Mightiest Mark in *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet* presents a formidable challenge in its 7-Star Tera Raid. To conquer this powerful adversary, you'll need a well-prepared team that can exploit its weaknesses effectively.

Just like other 7-Star Tera Raid bosses in the game, Skeledirge boasts a unique moveset designed to counter a variety of Pokémon types. But don't worry, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the necessary strategies to bring it down.

Table of Contents

• Skeledirge’s Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
• Skeledirge’s Moveset
• Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokémon 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 Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Image Source: The Pokémon Company

In the *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet* Tera Raid, Skeledirge the Unrivaled has a Fire Tera-type, making it vulnerable to Water-, Ground-, Rock-, and Dark-type attacks. These attacks will deal 2x super-effective damage, giving you a significant advantage in battle.

On the flip side, Skeledirge is resistant to Bug-, Fairy-, Fire-, Grass-, Ice-, Poison-, Normal-, and Steel-type attacks, with these moves inflicting only 0.5x damage. Notably, Bug-type moves are even less effective, dealing just 0.25x damage. Due to its part-Ghost typing being removed in this raid, Normal-type moves can now affect Skeledirge, unlike before.

Skeledirge’s Moveset

As the latest 7-Star boss in *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*, the Mightiest Mark Skeledirge comes equipped with the following moves:

• 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)

The inclusion of Earth Power and Alluring Voice in its moveset adds extra type coverage, making Skeledirge a versatile opponent. Torch Song is particularly dangerous as it increases Skeledirge's Special Attack with each use, becoming progressively stronger throughout the battle.

Additionally, Will-O-Wisp can inflict a burn, halving your Pokémon's Attack stat. Skeledirge's Unaware ability further complicates matters by allowing it to ignore any stat changes your Pokémon may have. To overcome these challenges, you'll need to employ the best counters listed below.

Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Image Source: The Pokémon Company

Golduck, Quagsire, and Manaphy stand out as the top counters to Skeledirge the Unrivaled during its 7-Star Tera Raid. These Pokémon are resistant to Skeledirge's Fire-type attacks and take only neutral damage from its other moves.

Despite Skeledirge's usual part-Ghost typing, this particular boss is a pure Fire-type, so Dark-type Pokémon aren't as effective as you might think. Moreover, even if it retained its Ghost-type, Skeledirge's Fairy-type Alluring Voice move can swiftly take them down. Below, you'll find detailed builds for each counter.

Best Golduck Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge

Golduck can strip Skeledirge of its Unaware ability with Skill Swap while setting up for powerful Water-type attacks. Here's how to optimize Golduck:

• 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

Start by using Skill Swap to remove Skeledirge's Unaware ability, enabling stat boosts to take effect. Then, use Calm Mind to boost Special Attack and Special Defense. Rain Dance will weaken Fire moves and amplify Surf, making Golduck a formidable special attacker.

Best Quagsire Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge

Quagsire brings durability, sustainability, and potent Water-type attacks to the fight against Skeledirge. Here's the optimal build:

• 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 buffs, making it resilient against Torch Song. Use Protect to stall turns and recover HP from Leftovers. Rain Dance weakens Fire moves and boosts Surf, while Acid Spray reduces Skeledirge's Special Defense for more impactful attacks.

Best Manaphy Build to Beat 7-Star Skeledirge

Manaphy excels at setting up powerful special attacks with Tail Glow and can remove Skeledirge's Unaware ability with Skill Swap. Here's the best build:

• 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

Begin by using Skill Swap to negate Skeledirge's Unaware ability. Then, apply Tail Glow for substantial Special Attack boosts, and unleash Weather Ball under Rain Dance for massive Water-type damage.

With these top counters at your disposal, you're well-equipped to take down the 7-Star Mightiest Mark Skeledirge in *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*. Don't forget to check the latest Mystery Gift codes for free Pokémon and items to further enhance your team. If you're still exploring the game, take a look at the full list of Paradox Pokémon to discover all the ancient and futuristic forms available in *Scarlet & Violet*.