Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: What Is The Terastal Phenomenon?

Here is everything known so far about the Terastal Phenomenon for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

Curious to know what the Terastal Phenomenon is in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet? Well, you are not alone, this is a game mechanic that wasn’t in the past games. But what really makes it interesting is how it changes the type of Pokemon. So in this guide let us check what is the Terastal Phenomenon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and how to catch Rare Tera type Pokemon.

What is the Terastal Phenomenon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?

what is terastal phenomenon and tera raid battles in pokemon scarlet violet

The Terastal Phenomenon is a new game mechanic introduced in the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet series. As per the official reveal “It makes the Pokemon shine like gems”. The best part is every Pokemon in the new Paldea region can Terastallize. It changes the physical appearance of the Pokemon by adding Tera Jewel to the Pokemon’s head. It also makes the body of the Pokemon appear Crystal-like.

The only thing known so far about the Terastal energy, is that it comes from the ground of the Paldea region. Worry not, Professor Sada and Professor Turo are working to find out how the Terastal Phenomenon exactly works. It gives a boost to the type of a Pokemon which also makes its moves stronger. But that is not where the true potential of this new mechanic lies. When you Terastallize a Pokemon they can also change their type. This is the biggest game changer.

We saw the example where a Pikachu that is normally an Electric type turns into a Flying type Pokemon. There were also three different cases where an Eevee stayed normal type, but also could transform into a Water or a Grass type. Do remember this is not an evolution but rather its Terastal form. So instead of evolving into Leafeon or Vaporeon, the Eevee still stays Eevee while changing its type.

So in order to gain an advantage in battle, you will need to catch a Pokemon with a certain Tera type.

How to Catch Pokemon with Rare Tera Types

You can catch Pokemon with rare Tera types in Tera Raid Battles. And the good thing is you are not alone during this raid. You can choose to team up with three other trainers to challenge the raid Pokemon. And upon defeating them you will get a chance to catch the Pokemon. This mechanism feels very similar to the Pokemon GO raids.

That covers this guide on what the Terastal Phenomenon is in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and how to catch Rare Tera type Pokemon. Since you are interested in this game also check our guide on the possible evolutions for gen 9 starters.