Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are fun but difficult boss battles, and trainers should optimize their builds for even strong Pokémon like Cloyster. Even when entering a Raid with others, trainers can only use one of their own Pokémon, so the right choice can make all the difference. The Water- and Ice-type Cloyster is definitely in that window for the 'right choice,' with a few caveats on the build.

Cloyster has an absolutely monstrous Defense of 180 and can withstand any Tera Raid Boss focused around physical attacks, such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Cinderace Tera Raid that's right around the corner. In such a situation, defense takes care of itself, so trainers should focus on maximizing damage. With only 95 Attack and 85 Special attacks, they will want to catch one with the 'Skill Link' Ability. Skill Link ensures that any 2-5 multi-strike moves will always hit five times, leaping over the power gap it has with other top-tier Pokémon.

Related: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Best Azumarill Build For Tera Raids

Best Cloyster Moves For Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Cloyster in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet with the open world in the background

According to the Youtube channel RandomRam, trainers should catch a Shellder in the East, West, and South Paldean Seas. In Generation IX, Cloyster only learns Icicle Spear on evolution and Razor Shell on reaching level 5, so a properly trained Shellder will be needed to get the moves for this build. In addition, it should be trained up against Pokémon with Attack EVs.

Like with the signature move focus for Skeledirge's Tera Raid build in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Cloyster's best build is focused around its signature move, Icicle Spear, an Ice-type 2-5 multi-strike physical attack. With Skill Link, this will always hit five times, and the same type of attack boost synergy means it will hit hard. Shell Smash, learned by Shellder at level 44, pushes this even further in battle. Every use of this move raises the user's Defense and Special Defense by one tier and their Attack, Special Attack, and Speed by two tiers.

In a Tera Raid, the battle strategy is to use Shell Smash to pump up Cloyster's Attack, augment its defense, and then lay into the enemy with consecutive uses of Icicle Spear. This can turn Cloyster into a multi-hit wonder that would make Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Azumaril blush. All that's left is to round out the build with a Focus Scarf to prevent any OHKO from the boss.

More: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Best Koraidon Build For Tera Raids

Source: Youtube/RandomRam

  • Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Game Poster
    Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
    Released:
    2022-11-18
    Developer:
    Game Freak
    Franchise:
    Pokemon
    Genre:
    RPG, Adventure, Action
    Platform:
    Nintendo Switch
    Publisher:
    Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
    ESRB:
    E
    Summary:
    Pokémon returns in its next installment series: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Set in a fictional town near Mediterranean Spain, gamers will explore Paldea, catching new and classic Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the first ever open-world game in the series and features new Pokémon that can transform into vehicles. Pokémon staples like gym battles are still present, but co-op exploration and Terastallize battles are also introduced.
    Multiplayer:
    Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
    Prequel:
    Pokémon Sword and Shield
    Mode:
    Single Player, Multiplayer
    How Long To Beat:
    31 Hours