Azumarill stands out as a top-tier choice for tackling challenging Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, thanks to its robust stats and versatile typing. One key to maximizing its potential lies in teaching it Belly Drum, a high-risk, high-reward move that maxes out the user’s Attack at the cost of half its HP. While Azumarill cannot learn this move naturally through leveling or TMs, a clever mechanic involving the Mirror Herb makes it accessible without tedious breeding.
Why Belly Drum Transforms Azumarill
Belly Drum sets up devastating sweeps, especially when paired with Azumarill’s signature Play Rough and strong STAB moves. In Tera Raids, this combo allows it to outspeed and obliterate foes after the initial sacrifice. Competitive players favor it for events like Tera Charizard raids, where raw power overcomes tough defenses.
- Boosts Attack to +6: Instant maximum offensive power.
- Synergy with Huge Power: Azumarill’s ability doubles base Attack, amplifying the effect.
- Raid Utility: Clears shields and deals massive damage in one turn post-setup.
This setup demands precise execution, but the reward is a raid-sweeping machine.
Gathering Your Essential Pokemon Partners
To pull off the Mirror Herb method, you’ll need Azumarill (or its pre-evos Marill/Azurill) and a compatible teacher Pokemon that naturally learns Belly Drum. Ideal candidates include:
| Pokemon | Learn Level | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hariyama | 26 | West Province, South Province | Easiest to obtain; evolves from Makuhita at 24. |
| Makuhita | 25 | South Province (Area Two) | Quick level-up for early access. |
| Iron Hands | 84 | Paradise Protection Area (post-game) | Paradox form; higher investment but strong alternative. |
Catch or evolve these in Paldea. Ensure the teacher has Belly Drum in its moveset—use the summary screen’s ‘Remember Moves’ if forgotten. Azumarill should be ready with an open move slot.
Acquiring the Crucial Mirror Herb
The Mirror Herb is the game’s shortcut for mimicking egg moves outside breeding. Priced at 30,000 Poke Dollars, it’s sold exclusively at Delibird Presents shops. Head to Cascarrafa’s location in the west—it’s the most convenient for most players.
- Travel to Cascarrafa Gym area.
- Enter the Delibird Presents (marked by colorful signs).
- Purchase Mirror Herb from the hold items section.
Stock up if planning multiple teaches; it’s consumable per use.
Step-by-Step: The Picnic Mirror Method
This breeding-free technique leverages picnics to trigger move inheritance. Follow precisely for success.
- Prepare Azumarill: Open its summary, select ‘Forget a Move’ to free one slot (now 3/4 moves).
- Equip Item: Give Mirror Herb to Azumarill via bag > Key Items > Give to Pokemon.
- Party Setup: Box all other Pokemon. Party should only have Azumarill (holding Mirror Herb) and the Belly Drum teacher (e.g., Hariyama).
- Start Picnic: Press + menu > Picnic > Set up table. Wait 30 seconds to a few minutes—moves transfer automatically.
- Check Results: End picnic, review Azumarill’s moves. Belly Drum appears if successful.
If it fails, repack picnic (save first), ensure empty slot and solo party, then retry. Common pitfalls: Full moveset or extra party members.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not every attempt works on the first try. Here’s how to fix snags:
- No Transfer: Verify Mirror Herb is held and slot is empty. Restart picnic.
- Wrong Pokemon: Confirm teacher naturally learns Belly Drum (not TM/egg).
- Party Overload: Strictly two Pokemon only.
- Item Missing: Recheck Delibird stock; funds needed.
Success rate is high with correct setup, often within 1-3 tries.
Alternative: Breeding for Perfect Inheritance
For purists or IV hunting, breeding works but takes longer. Chain a male Zangoose (learns Belly Drum via level-up) with female Eiscue, then breed the resulting male Eiscue with female Azurill/Marill line using Egg Power sandwiches at picnics.
- Pros: Custom natures/IVs.
- Cons: Time-intensive hatching.
Mirror Herb skips this entirely, ideal for quick raid prep.
Optimizing Azumarill’s Post-Learning Moveset
With Belly Drum secured, build for raids:
| Move | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Belly Drum | Setup |
| Play Rough | Fairy STAB nuke |
| Aqua Tail/Jet | Water coverage |
| Superpower/Ice Punch | Steel/Rock coverage |
Item: Sitrus Berry for HP recovery post-Drum. Tera Type: Fairy for raid synergy. EVs: Full Attack/HP.
Belly Drum Azumarill in Competitive Play
Beyond raids, it shines in VGC with Huge Power sweeps. Pair with screens or Follow Me support. Watch for priority Taunt users.
FAQ
Can Marill learn Belly Drum too?
Yes, the method works on Marill/Azurill; evolve after.
Where exactly is Cascarrafa’s Delibird?
Central town, near the gym—can’t miss the bird mascot.
Does this work in multiplayer raids?
Yes, Belly Drum Azumarill excels in 4-player Tera Raids.
Iron Hands better than Hariyama?
Iron Hands hits harder long-term but requires post-game access.
Any TM for Belly Drum?
No TM exists; only natural learners + Mirror Herb.
References
- Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Official Strategy Guide — The Pokemon Company. 2022-11-18. https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/
- Bulbapedia: Mirror Herb — Bulbapedia (sourced from game data). 2023-01-15. https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mirror_Herb
- Serebii.net: Azumarill Moveset — Serebii. 2026-04-20. https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/azumarill/
- Pokemon Database: Belly Drum Learnset — PokemonDB. 2023-02-10. https://pokemondb.net/move/belly-drum
- Game Freak Patch Notes — Nintendo. 2023-05-08. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/pokemon-scarlet-switch/