A futuristic version of Volcarona, the Paradox Pokémon Iron Moth remains one of the rarest creatures players can discover in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, boasting incredible traits and abilities that make it perfect for the challenging Tera Raid bosses of higher star difficulty. Players searching for a Pokémon with high Special Attack and Speed stats should consider adding Iron Moth to their lineup against incoming Tera Raids, whether online with friends or solo. This Fire-/Poison-type Paradox has access to damaging attacking moves, as well as options to recover its health when faced with dangerous situations.

The most important factor in planning when building Iron Moth for a Tera Raid involves its move list, as well as which held item would function best in tandem with the Ability and Nature of the Pokémon. Regarding applying a Tera type to Iron Moth, players could use the Poison-type to boost the Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) effectiveness of its offensive attacks related to that type. The Poison-type in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet already has strong resistance to the prevalent Fairy and Grass-types throughout the game, so Iron Moth has a distinct advantage when players play into that strength.

Related: The Best Grass-Type Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Best Iron Moth Held Item, Moves, and Nature For Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet Violet Iron Moth standing in a green lush background with a crown

Iron Moth has an Ability called Quark Drive, which boosts the highest stat of the Pokémon by 30%, except for Speed, whose increase turns into 50%. Ordinarily, this trait only applies when Iron Moth acts within an Electric Terrain, yet players can artificially activate this condition with a held item known as the Booster Energy. Many Paradox Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet also have this ability, so players might find a Booster Energy as a rare drop when battling these strange entities in the wild.

Using the Booster Energy, Iron Moth's Special Attack or Speed is typically affected since those are its most impressive stats. Giving Iron Moth a Modest Nature through an associated Mint item raises the Special Attack of the Pokémon while lowering its normal Attack, allowing players to reinforce its natural disposition. If players fear the 4x super-effective Ground-type moves that could devastate Iron Moth, they could also choose a Timid Nature that raises Speed instead to outpace the heavier Pokémon with moves like Earthquake.

Regarding the moves, the part Fire-type Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet should have Metal Sound has great utility by lowering the Special Defense of an opposing Tera Raid Pokémon by two stages. Firey Dance provides good damage at 80 Power bolstered through STAB and has a 50% chance to raise the Special Attack of Iron Moth by a single stage. Similarly, the Poison-type attack Sludge Wave has attacking power with a slight chance to inflict the poison condition. To finalize the best build for Tera Raids on Iron Moth in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players may wish to use Morning Sun, a move that recovers 50% health or more depending on weather conditions.

More: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Best Chien-Pao Build for Tera Raids

Source: YouTube/Nintendo of America Channel

  • 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