The latest addition to the *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet* Tera Raid roster, Skeledirge with the Mightiest Mark, brings a serious challenge to 7-Star raids. This Fire-type powerhouse comes equipped with a dangerous moveset and the ability Unaware, making it a tricky opponent unless you come prepared with the right counters.
Skeledirge’s Weaknesses & Resistances In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
As a pure Fire-type Tera Pokémon in this raid encounter, Skeledirge is weak to Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type attacks, each dealing double damage. Dark-type moves also prove effective against it. On the flip side, it resists Bug-, Fairy-, Fire-, Grass-, Ice-, Poison-, Normal-, and Steel-type attacks, all of which only do half damage. Notably, Bug-type moves are even less effective, doing just a quarter of the usual damage. Thanks to its altered typing, Normal-type moves can now hit it effectively—something not possible when Skeledirge had its Ghost-type component.
Skeledirge’s Moveset
This high-tier boss packs a punch with a versatile moveset:
- Torch Song (Fire-type) – Boosts Special Attack on every use
- Shadow Ball (Ghost-type)
- Alluring Voice (Fairy-type)
- Earth Power (Ground-type)
- Will-O-Wisp (Fire-type, non-damaging) – May inflict a burn
- Snarl (Dark-type)
Torch Song becomes increasingly dangerous as the battle progresses, while Will-O-Wisp can cripple your physical attackers. Alluring Voice adds coverage against many types, and Earth Power covers Rock- and Ground-types. Plus, Skeledirge's Unaware ability nullifies any stat boosts or drops from your team, making it even more difficult to gain an edge.
Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
To overcome this powerful Fire-type foe, you’ll want to bring Water-type specialists that can resist its main offensive options while dishing out heavy special damage. Golduck, Quagsire, and Manaphy stand out as the top choices due to their resistances, sustainability, and raw power potential.
Best Golduck Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
- Ability: Swift Swim
- Nature: Modest
- Tera Type: Water
- Hold Item: Shell Bell
- EV Spread: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 HP, 4 Def
- Moveset: Calm Mind, Skill Swap, Surf, Rain Dance
Start by using Skill Swap to remove Skeledirge’s Unaware ability, allowing your stat boosts to take effect. Then, boost both Special Attack and Special Defense with Calm Mind. Use Rain Dance to weaken incoming Fire moves and supercharge your Surf for consistent Water-type damage.
Best Quagsire Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
- Ability: Unaware
- Nature: Modest
- Tera Type: Water
- Hold Item: Leftovers
- EV Spread: 4 HP, 252 Sp. Def, 252 Sp. Atk
- Moveset: Acid Spray, Protect, Rain Dance, Surf
Quagsire uses its bulk and Leftovers to recover health over time. Its own Unaware ability lets it ignore Skeledirge’s Special Attack boosts. Protect helps stall turns while Leftovers heal, and Acid Spray lowers Skeledirge’s Special Defense. Combine this with boosted Surf under Rain Dance for optimal results.
Best Manaphy Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge
- Ability: Hydration
- Nature: Modest
- Tera Type: Water
- Hold Item: Shell Bell
- EV Spread: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 HP, 4 Def
- Moveset: Skill Swap, Rain Dance, Tail Glow, Weather Ball
Manaphy starts with Skill Swap to disable Skeledirge’s Unaware, then uses Tail Glow to maximize its Special Attack. Once Rain Dance is active, unleash Weather Ball for massive Water-type damage. This build thrives on quick setup and raw power, especially under favorable weather conditions.
With these builds and strategies, you're well-equipped to tackle the Mightiest Mark Skeledirge in its 7-Star Tera Raid. Be sure to keep your team balanced, watch your stat changes, and make use of weather effects to ensure victory. Good luck, Trainer!
