Pokémon's New Tera Raid Boss in Scarlet and Violet Sets a Game-Changing Trend

In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Tera Raid Battle Events continue to introduce new content. The latest boss, Delphox, has been unveiled as a 7-star Tera Raid boss. This follows the trend of Pokemon's post-launch content model, which aims to keep players engaged until the release of the DLC later this year. While these Tera Raids have successfully introduced new Pokemon into Generation 9, the repetitive nature of these raids is becoming evident. With the predictable release of Delphox as the last remaining starter evolution of Gen 6, the excitement and appeal of Tera Raids may start to diminish. This could negatively impact the overall post-launch strategy and player experience if Game Freak does not find a way to address this issue.

Tera Raids Help Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Expand Its Pokedex

Tera Raids have become essential in maintaining player interest in Scarlet and Violet, the anticipated two-part DLC. These raids play a crucial role in introducing previously unobtainable Pokemon. Since Sword and Shield introduced limitations on the availability of over a thousand Pokemon, Game Freak has slowly added "new" Pokemon through in-game raids and events. As a result, Scarlet and Violet heavily rely on Tera Raids to expand their Pokedex, replacing the mass outbreaks from earlier games. This approach serves a dual purpose, keeping players engaged long after the endgame and creating anticipation for which missing Pokemon will be introduced in Gen 9. For instance, Charizard, a fan-favorite, was one of the first limited Tera Raids, with its Tera type reflecting its missing Dragon-type. The introduction of the new Legendary Pokemon, Walking Wake and Iron Leaves, further highlights the significant role Tera Raids play in driving post-launch content for Scarlet and Violet.

Tera Raids Have Become Too Predictable, Repetitive, and Forced

The anticipation for future Tera Raids and the showcased Pokemon loses its excitement when players already know what to expect. Chesnaught and Greninja were introduced in their own Tera Raids, followed by Delphox, making the repetition evident. Additionally, similar Tera Raids often focus on the final evolution of starter Pokemon, making it easy for players to predict future raid bosses. While the starter trios for X and Y and Pokemon Legends: Arceus are complete, Rillaboom is still missing from Sword and Shield.

However, the predictability and repetition of Tera Raids extend beyond the abundance of starter Pokemon and pseudo-legendaries. The format itself has become formulaic, granting players ample time to prepare and complete the raids effortlessly. This is exemplified by the disappointing Pikachu Tera Raid. Moreover, the limited time availability of these raids forces players into a repetitive gameplay loop, battling the same enemies and earning the same rewards in order to obtain "special" Pokemon. Game Freak has few alternatives to rely on for endgame content, aside from excessively utilizing Tera Raids or offering DLC.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.