ONE of the best parts of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is the challenging five- and six-star raids, as well as the limited-time seven-star raids.

Celles-ci raids are very difficult challenges against high-level Pokémon, with rare rewards and a chance to catch the Pokémon at the end.

This is one of the best methods to build competitive Pokémon as it gives Ability Patches, and XP candy, and for catching Shiny Pokémon using Herba Mystica.

Here are the five best Pokémon to use in raids in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Pokémon Écarlate & Violet: Gholdengo

Gholdengo is one of the most difficult Pokémon to evolve, as it requires 999 Gimmighoul coins in order to get one.

toutefois, it has an excellent ability, and varied move pool, which makes it extremely useful for raids.

Good as Gold prevents all status conditions, and stats from being lowered, one of the most annoying parts of raids. Paired with the Ability Shield, Gholdengo is unstoppable.

For moves you should definitely use stat-changing abilities like Metal Sound, and Nasty Plot.

The last two moves can be taken up by strong special moves such as Shadow Ball, and Flash Cannon, but can be changed depending on what will be best for that raid.

Ghouldengo – Level 100

• Nature – Modest, Special Attack and HP invested
• Ability – Good as Gold
• Item – Ability Shield
• Tera-type – Steel (or Ghost)
• Moves – Metal Sound, Nasty Plot, Shadow Ball, Recover

Pokémon Écarlate & Violet: Azumarill

Azumarill is great as both a support Pokémon and offensive ‘mon, but you’ll want the offensive set if you are taking on raids alone.

Huge Power will double Azumarill’s physical attack stat, while Belly Drum quadruples it for a devastating effect.

Belly Drum is an egg move and is difficult to teach. Première, attack the Mirror Herb to Azumarill, and delete one move.

Then add a Hariyama with only the move Belly Drum to your party. Then start a picnic and Azumarill will learn the move.

Pair this with HP restoring items to protect you from fainting, and a strong physical move.

Azumarill – Level 100

• Nature – Adamant, Attack and HP invested
• Ability – Huge Power
• Item – Shell Bell
• Tera-type – Fairy (or Water)
• Moves – Reflect (physical raids)/ Light Screen (special raids), Aqua Ring, Belly Drum, Play Rough/ Aqua Tail (depending on raid type)

Pokémon Écarlate & Violet: Iron Hands

Iron Hands is another Belly Drummer which has the benefit of a great HP and defence stat to keep it alive.

It suffers from a limited move pool, but if it is strong against the opponent, it can be a strong choice, particularly against defensively weak Pokémon.

While its defence is good, it suffers from poor special bulk, so it’s important to improve this how you can.

Drain Punch will also help you get your health back and stay in the game. Its impressive weight also makes Heavy Slam a great option.

Iron Hands – Level 100

• Nature – Careful, Special Defence and HP invested
• Ability – Quark Drive
• Item – Big Root
• Tera-type – Fighting (or Electric)
• Moves – Belly Drum, Drain Punch, Heavy Slam, Electric Terrain

Pokémon Écarlate & Violet: Flutter Mane

Flutter Mane is exactly the opposite to Iron Hands but is a great raid choice in its own ways.

While Flutter Mane can’t increase its Special Attack it can lower the opponent’s Special Defence which is the key to winning here.

It has a great typing but poor HP and defence, so these are the stats you will want to boost here.

Flutter Mane – Level 100

• Nature – Bold, Defence and HP invested
• Ability – Protosynthesis
• Item – Booster Energy
• Tera-type – Fairy (or Ghost)
• Moves – Fake Tears, Moonblast, Shadow Ball, Wish

Pokémon Écarlate & Violet: Miraidon

Miraidon has the edge over its legendary cousin, but be warned that it cannot be used in seven-star raids.

Miraidon has great attack and defences, and not much is needed to turn it into an incredible raid killing machine.

Its signature move Electro Drift deals huge damage if super-effective, so this is the move you should focus on.

Miraidon – Level 100

• Nature – Modest, Special Attack and HP invested
• Ability – Hadron Engine
• Item – Ability Shield
• Tera-type – Electric
• Moves – Metal Sound, Electro Drift, Electric Terrain, Parabolic Charge (for healing)

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GL HF.