Scarlet & Violet New Mechanics Explained

Terastallization

Every Pokémon in the game has a Tera Type, which is often one of its own types but can be something completely different. When you use the Tera Orb in battle, the Pokémon crystallizes and becomes that type for the rest of the fight. The change is visible in a gem-like crown over its head.

The trick that makes it matter is that a Terastallized Pokémon keeps the bonus on its original types and gets a boost on the Tera Type. A Pokémon that Terastallizes into one of its own types gets a particularly large boost on moves of that type, so a Fire-type Pokémon with a Fire Tera Type becomes a much stronger attacker.

Defensively, the Pokémon takes on the new type's weaknesses and resistances. That can fix a bad matchup, but it also means you can lose a resistance you were counting on. The signature move Tera Blast changes to match the Tera Type, so it makes a good coverage option.

Practical tips

• Check your Pokémon's Tera Type before a battle. If it matches one of its own types, you get a pure damage boost without losing defensive typing.
• Hold Terastallization until the turn that matters. An opponent who sees it coming can plan around it.
• Pick a Tera Type that covers a weakness. A Grass-type with a Fire Tera Type, for example, can protect itself from Ice or Bug attacks.

Tera Raid Battles

Tera Raid Battles take place at glowing crystal formations on the map. Each crystal contains one Terastallized Pokémon with a shield that has to be broken before it takes full damage. You can enter alone, with up to three computer-controlled partners, or with friends online or locally.

Raids are rated by stars: more stars mean a tougher boss and better rewards. Lower star counts can be cleared with a normal team, while higher levels require preparation, and the toughest raids reward you with rare materials and the chance to catch Pokémon with specific Tera Types.

Practical tips

• Check the boss's Tera Type before you start, because it determines which attacks will be effective after its shield breaks.
• Pack at least one support move such as a status move or a stat reducer. Cooperative play rewards variety.
• Use the item rewards to improve your team: Tera Shards let you change a Pokémon's Tera Type.

Picnics and sandwiches

You can start a picnic almost anywhere on the map. Your team spreads out, your Pokémon recover, and you can play with them to raise their friendship. It also lets you set up the sandwich-making station.

Sandwiches provide Meal Powers, temporary boosts that can affect catch rates, encounter types, shiny odds and more. Different ingredient combinations give different powers, and better recipes unlock as you collect new ingredients.

Practical tips

• Keep spare ingredients with you. A sandwich takes only a moment and can change the whole feel of an exploration session.
• Use a picnic to heal in the field instead of travelling back to a town.

Open-world exploration

Paldea is one continuous region. You can walk into almost any area right away, although tougher Pokémon in distant places will make it clear when you are early. Your ride Pokémon grows more capable as you clear the Titan battles, adding better jumping, swimming, climbing and gliding.

Because wild Pokémon levels depend on where you are, the map itself is the difficulty setting. The safest approach is to follow a loop that keeps you near your team's level, and then branch out as you grow stronger.

Practical tips

• If a wild Pokémon is much higher level than your team, treat it as a hint to leave and return later.
• Unlock fast travel points early so you can reset your position without a long trip.