Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: A Powerful Pseudo-Legendary Returns in 7-Star Tera Raids

The Return of a Formidable Challenger

Trainer adventures continue in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet with the much-anticipated return of a high-difficulty 7-Star Tera Raid battle. Following its initial debut, the iconic pseudo-legendary Pokémon Metagross makes its fierce comeback, sporting the formidable Steel Tera Type. This limited-time event presents a supreme test for seasoned trainers looking to add an exceptionally powerful monster to their collection.

Event Schedule and Capture Limitations

The 7-Star Tera Raid featuring Metagross runs from October 16 to October 22, 2026. This special encounter is part of an ongoing series spotlighting powerful pseudo-legendary creatures from across generations. Trainers should note that this specific Metagross arrives bearing the coveted Mightiest Mark. However, because it is restricted to a single capture per save file, players who successfully caught it during its previous 2025 appearance cannot catch another. Even so, participating in the event multiple times remains a rewarding endeavor for farming valuable in-game items and rare materials.

Metagross Raid Specifications

• Level: 100
• Tera Type: Steel
• Ability: Clear Body (Prevents other Pokémon from lowering its stats)
• Moveset: Meteor Mash, Zen Headbutt, Earthquake, Thunder Punch, Iron Defense, Light Screen, Polish (Aiguisage)

Strategic Guide: How to Defeat and Catch Metagross

Conquering a 7-Star raid boss of this caliber requires careful team composition and tactical execution. Metagross boasts devastating physical attacks and excellent defensive capabilities, making unprepared teams crumble quickly.

The optimal choice for countering this Steel Tera Type powerhouse is Skeledirge. Equipped with its Hidden Ability, Unaware, Skeledirge can bypass Metagross's stat boosts gained through moves like Iron Defense and Polish, while utilizing its Fire-type attacks to strike super-effectively. To mitigate Metagross's dangerous Ground-type move, Earthquake, players should consider resetting the raid until they are paired with the helpful NPC ally Arboliva.

Additionally, trainers should adhere to these critical battlefield rules:

• Avoid: Ghost, Water, and Flying-type Pokémon, as they leave you heavily exposed to Metagross's diverse coverage moves like Zen Headbutt and Thunder Punch.
• Offense: Rely primarily on Fire-type monsters with high special defense or defensive sustainability.
• Capture: When the time comes to secure your catch, use a Heavy Ball to maximize your capture success rate, given Metagross's massive in-game weight.

How to Access Tera Raid Battles

To unlock 7-Star Black Crystal Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, players must complete specific post-game events, including the academy ace tournament. For newer players who have not yet reached this milestone, participating is still entirely possible by joining another trainer's raid session through online multiplayer or by utilizing a Link Code.