In Pokemon Sword & Shield, the Raids were, and continue to be, one of the most significant parts of the game that keep people playing. I follow more than a few people on Twitch that stream nothing but Pokemon Sword/Shield Raids, so seeing them come back for Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet makes sense, and they look even better than before. 

Much like the dens in Sword/Shield, you’ll enter raids in Scarlet/Violet by touching unique crystals in the wild. However, these crystals will correspond to the Tera Type of the Pokemon you’ll find.

In these Raid Battles, you’ll take on Terastallized Pokemon with a time limit. Unlike the Raids in Sword/Shield, however, you’ll be able to attack without waiting for other trainers to complete. You’ll also be able to power up Pokemon with cheers, meaning the Raids should require much more attention than they have previously.

Your Pokemon will be able to attack freely, and given the time limit with the Raid, you’ll want to ensure you’re hitting all of your attacks. The Pokemon Company hasn’t explained if there will be a cooldown on your attacks that changes depending on the specific move or the Speed stat of your Pokemon, but these options would all make sense to me. You’re also able to use healing items in these battles. 

All players can cheer, with different effects boosting either the Attack or Sp. Attack, Defense, Sp. Def or healing a Pokemon. 

When you beat a Raid Battle Tera Pokemon within the time limit, you’ll have the opportunity to catch it. In the news post detailing the Raids, The Pokemon Company uses the word Poke Balls (plural), so it doesn’t sound like the Max Raids in Pokemon Sword/Shield where you only got one ball. 

What do you think of the Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet? Are you excited to meet up with friends? Let me know in the comment section below. 

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