Pokemon Scarlet & Violetis giving players a chance to take on Iron Thorns & Sandy Shocks as part of its latest Tera raid event. TheIron Thorns&Sandy ShocksTera Raid event is a 5-star event, and players will be getting a plethora of rewards for that.
While this is a 5-star Tera Raid and significantly easier than the 7-Star Tera raids which take place inPokemon Scarlet & Violetfrom time to time, the aspect that makes it much harder is the fact that it will be of random Tera-types. Now, considering the impact Tera-types have on the entire dynamics of the battle, it becomes extremely difficult to plan for this.

For those who aren’t unaware, Tera-type adds a new type to the same-type-attack-bonus, or simply multiplies the bonus even further if the Tera-type is the same. Not to forget, the weaknesses are totally replaced by that of the new Tera-type. Thus, knowing Iron Thorns or Sandy Shocks isn’t that useful considering the fact that it will most likely be replaced.
How To Unlock 5-Star Raids In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Unlike 7-Star Tera Raid,5-Star Tera Raids are much easier to unlockin the game and players shouldn’t have much trouble with them. Precisely,players will need to complete the game first, meaning players will have to wrap up all three paths; Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street. Once that’s done, the Academy Ace Tournament also needs to be completed, which can be slightly tricky without the right team. With all that completed, players will then be able to unlock 5-star Tera raids. When applicable, they will get a call from Professor Jacq which will notify them that 5-star Tera Raids are now available.
Best Counter & Weakness For Iron Thorns & Sandy Shocks
Despite the difficulties surrounding the strategies for the battle, players can still have a good selection of well-rounded Pokemon to ensure that they can counter any type that comes up during the battle. There are three Pokemon that are considered the absolute best in this department, which isAnnihilape, Azumarill, and Iron Hands. Annihilapee is considered as the go-to choice by the community, but the other two are not that far behind.
As per the current meta, players should be using a very specific build for Annihilape to make the most out of it. That is, with theGhost Tera-type, and with an adamant nature thatboosts its Attack at the cost of Special Attack. The best ability is Defiant, which further boosts its attack when subject to stat changes. Avery crucial item to have for this build is the Shell Bell, which helps the Annihilape to restore HP. For the moveset, the preferred ones areRage Fist, Drain Punch, Bulk Up, and Screech.

The strategy for this fight is quite simple, as players should always start with Bulk Up. Then Screech is going to make it easier to reduce the opponent’s HP, while Drain Punch can be used to restore HP whenever required. And once the terrestallization opens up, players can simply spam Rage Fist, which should be enough to wrap up the battle.
