How to beat the Venusaur Tera Raid in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Tera Raids are some of the toughest challenges a Trainer can face. To celebrate Pokemon Day, we can battle a powered-up Venusaur, and it’s way tougher than you may think! Here’s how to beat the Venusaur Tera Raid in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

How to beat Venusaur in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Venusaur may be a humble Gen I Pokemon, but it brings out the big guns for this Tera Raid. Our opponent has the Ground Tera Type, which shuts down every traditional counter pick. 

Here’s what we’re dealing with; keep in mind that 7 Star Tera Raid Pokemon have an extended moveset:

Venusaur moveset

Tera Type: Ground
Ability: Chlorophyll

• Sunny Day
• Growth
• Petal Blizzard
• Giga Drain
• Amnesia
• Sludge Bomb
• Earth Power

In my testing, Venusaur loves to spam Petal Blizzard above all else and hits tremendously hard. Our opponent also likes Sludge Bomb if you bring any cheeky counters. Fortunately, Chesnaught works very well in this battle, and if you’ve been using our guides for Tera Raids, you’ve already got one from a previous 7-Star encounter that’s almost perfect. Here’s the build I recommend:

Chesnaught moveset

Tera Type: Grass
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Bulletproof
Held Item: Shell Bell
EV Spread: 252 ATK, 252 HP

• Wood Hammer
• Spiky Shield
• Seed Bomb
• Swords dance

It’s important to remember that Chesnaught works because of its Bulletproof ability, not because it’s a Grass type. Bulletproof protects you against Venusaur’s Sludge Bomb. Sadly, I’ve seen many Trainers swap to a Grass-type after seeing me pick Chesnaught, which almost guarantees a loss.

I’ve put Wood Hammer on the list because I have it, but the only moves we really care about are Spiky Shield, Seed Bomb, and Swords Dance. 

Use Seed Bomb until Venusaur wipes your stat changes. After this change, I recommend using Spiky Shield followed by X3 Swords Dance if possible. With everything set up, Terrastalize and spam Seed Bomb to Victory. 

Can I beat the Venusaur Tera Raid solo in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

While I’ve not been successful with a solo clear yet, I’m confident the Chesnaught build above can do it. I’ve come close several times but have had poor luck with AI teammates.

I’ve read that Trainers have had success with Hisuian Goodra with Sap Sipper holding an Air Balloon. I can’t say for sure if this strategy works as I’ve not tested it myself. Hisuian Goodra is also unavailable in Scarlet and Violet without Pokemon Home, but it could be worth trying if you have one.

Venusaur is a formidable opponent and what we should expect from such an iconic Gen I Pokemon. Here’s hoping the other upcoming Gen 1 Raid opponents are just as strong.

If you’re taking a break from fighting and are up for Shiny Hunting instead, check out our list of the best Shiny Pokemon.