Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: How to get Nasty Plot TM

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have a large range of TMs totaling over 170. To make team building as easy as possible, it’s ideal to collect all of these TMs by exploring Paldea. One of the most important TMs to own if you intend to use a special attacker is Nasty Plot. Here’s our guide on how to get Nasty Plot TM in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

How to get Nasty Plot TM in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Nasty Plot is one of the most powerful setup moves in Pokémon. When used in battle, it raises your Pokémon’s Special Attack by two stages. This doubles your Special Attack for the duration that the boosted Pokémon remains switched in. Keep in mind that, like all stat-boosting moves, either switching out your Pokémon or your Pokémon fainting will remove this boost.

Given how strong Nasty Plot is, it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s among one of the most difficult TMs to acquire in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. To get the Nasty Plot TM, you need to speak to Ms. Raifort after completing all of her history lessons and catching all four of the Treasures of Ruin legendary Pokémon.

The Grasswither Shrine where Wo-Chien can be found. Screenshot by PC Invasion

Despite their legendary status, the Treasures of Ruin can actually be caught as soon as you finish Scarlet and Violet‘s tutorial. You’ll need to locate and remove all 32 stakes scattered across Paldea to unlock their shrines. After pulling all of the stakes out of the ground, go to their shrines to encounter them. Once all four are caught, head back to Ms. Raifort to obtain your reward.

Alternatively, those who have already finished the main story of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can find Nasty Plot TM in Area Zero. To find Nasty Plot in Area Zero, go to Research Area Two, head outside, climb the cliff face immediately behind you and Nasty Plot will be located at the top. This is an easier method than catching the Treasures of Ruin, but it has more requirements to access.