7-Star Feraligatr Tera Raid Guide

The 7-Star Feraligatr Tera Raid event in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet brings back the Gen 2 Water-type starter as a formidable Dark Tera Type boss. This Black Crystal raid challenges trainers with its high difficulty, offering a unique catch with the Mightiest Mark upon victory. Recent reruns, including February 2026, highlight its popularity among competitive players seeking rare Pokemon and valuable rewards.

Event Timeline and Availability

Feraligatr raids have appeared multiple times, with the latest iteration from February 13, 2026, at 00:00 UTC to February 19, 2026, at 11:59 UTC. Earlier events ran in November 2024, showcasing Nintendo’s pattern of starter Pokemon takeovers. These limited-time events spawn exclusively in Paldea, identifiable by black crystals pulsing with purple and black effects overlaid with a Dark-type icon.

• Primary Event Window: Feb 13–19, 2026 (UTC)
• Previous Runs: Oct 31–Nov 3, 2024; Nov 7–10, 2024
• Accompanying Raids: 5-Star Blissey variants during select periods for easier farming

Trainers can only catch one Feraligatr per save file, emphasizing the need for strategic participation. Post-event, dens vanish, so monitor Poke Portal news via Mystery Gift to activate raids in your world.

Unlocking Access to 7-Star Raids

Participation requires unlocking 6-Star Tera Raids first, achieved by completing the Academy Ace Tournament and participating in 8-10 raids of 4- or 5-Star difficulty until Jacq calls. No DLC like The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero or Mochi Mayhem epilogue is needed, keeping it accessible to base game players. Online connectivity is essential for group raids, though solos are viable with optimized builds.

Understanding Feraligatr’s Mechanics

This level 100 Feraligatr, titled “Feraligatr the Unrivaled,” leverages its Dark Tera Type to amplify moves like Crunch (TM108). It employs Waterfall, Ice Punch, and Liquidation, with shields boosting its defenses. Post-terastallization, it gains enhanced special attack, making early cheers crucial to prevent wipes. Its ability, Sheer Force, powers physical strikes, demanding counters that exploit Fairy, Fighting, and Bug weaknesses.

Key phases include pre-terastal setup, where it builds power, and post-terastal barrages. Clear weather abusers and status inducers struggle against its evasion and healing, so prioritize type-resilient tanks.

Top Counter Pokemon and Builds

Selecting the right team is critical. Focus on Pokemon with super-effective moves against Dark Tera, high bulk, and setup potential. Here are proven counters drawn from community strategies.

Kommo-o: Defense Stacking Powerhouse

Kommo-o excels by using Body Press, which scales with Defense boosts from Iron Defense. Bullet Seed chips shields effectively.

• Item: Shell Bell
• Tera Type: Dragon or Fighting
• Moves: Body Press, Iron Defense, Bullet Seed, Dragon Cheer
• Role: Main DPS after 4-5 Defense setups

Koraidon: Sun-Powered Sweeper

Koraidon sets harsh sunlight to weaken Water moves, then Swords Dances into Drain Punch for sustained damage and healing.

• Item: Metronome
• Tera Type: Fighting
• Moves: Swords Dance, Drain Punch, Flamethrower, Sunny Day
• Role: Late-game finisher

Iron Hands: Belly Drum Solo Specialist

For solo runs, Iron Hands uses Belly Drum after Iron Defense, amplified by Quark Drive and Scope Lens for critical Drain Punch hits.

• Nature: Adamant
• EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def
• Moves: Iron Defense, Belly Drum, Focus Energy, Drain Punch
• Role: High-risk, high-reward solo carry

Other strong options include Annihilape (Rage Fist builder), Abomasnow (Snow setup), and Amoonguss (status support).

Step-by-Step Raid Strategy

1. Turn 1-2: Cheer to boost defenses; use status moves like Iron Defense.
2. Shield Phase: Cheese with non-damaging moves; apply buffs.
3. Tera Phase: Terastallize lead counter; unload super-effective attacks.
4. Endgame: Heal with Drain Punch; avoid overkill to enable catch.

Group play amplifies cheers, reducing incoming damage by up to 75%. Solos demand perfect execution, often requiring Ability Patch for Quark Drive.

Rewards and Incentives

Victories yield a Dark Tera Type Feraligatr with Mightiest Mark, plus loot like Herba Mystica (all flavors), EXP Candy L/XL, Protein, and TM108 (Crunch). These aid Shiny hunting and competitive teams.

• Mightiest Mark Feraligatr (1 per save)
• Herba Mystica variants
• EXP Candies for leveling
• Battle items and TMs

Tips for Success and Common Pitfalls

Complete post-game content for stronger Pokemon. Avoid early-game attempts without links. Stock Shell Bells and terastal orbs. If wiped, restart without losing progress. Use online groups for reliability.

• Prep: Level 100 team, optimal EVs
• Avoid: Pure special attackers, frail glass cannons
• Pro Tip: Link Code sharing for quick lobbies

FAQ

Q: Can I catch multiple Feraligatr?
A: No, one per save file.

Q: Is DLC required?
A: No, Paldea-only.

Q: Best for solo or group?
A: Both viable; Iron Hands for solo.

Q: What if I missed the event?
A: Reruns occur; check Poke Portal.

Q: How to find the den?
A: Black crystal with Dark icon on map.

Why Participate in Feraligatr Raids?

Beyond the trophy Pokemon, these events hone raid mechanics for future content. Feraligatr’s stats (105 Attack, Sheer Force) make it a Paradox-tier threat in VGC, especially with Dark Tera coverage.