If you're diving into the world of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, you've likely heard of Skeledirge—the Mightiest Mark in the latest 7-Star Tera Raid. This fiery foe requires a carefully crafted team of counters to exploit its weaknesses. With its new 7-Star Raid appearance, Skeledirge boasts a unique moveset designed to challenge even the most seasoned trainers. But fear not—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to take it down.

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Just like other powerful 7-Star Tera Raid bosses, Skeledirge presents a formidable challenge with its strategic move set. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses is key to defeating it.

Skeledirge’s Weaknesses & Resistances In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Image Source: The Pokémon Company

Skeledirge, the Unrivaled, is a Fire Tera-type with vulnerabilities to Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type attacks. Each of these types deals double damage, making them ideal choices for countering this boss. Additionally, Normal-type moves can now harm Skeledirge due to its Ghost typing being removed.

On the resistance front, Skeledirge shrugs off Bug-, Fairy-, Fire-, Grass-, Ice-, Poison-, Normal-, and Steel-type attacks. Bug-type moves only deal a quarter of their usual damage, while the rest inflict half damage.

Skeledirge’s Moveset

This 7-Star boss comes equipped with a formidable moveset designed to keep trainers on their toes:

• Torch Song (Fire-type): Boosts Skeledirge’s Special Attack with each use, making it increasingly dangerous over time.
• Shadow Ball (Ghost-type): A reliable Ghost-type attack.
• Alluring Voice (Fairy-type): A potent Fairy-type move capable of wiping out Dark-type counters.
• Earth Power (Ground-type): Adds extra type coverage.
• Will-O-Wisp (Fire-type, non-damaging): Burns opposing Pokémon, reducing their Attack stat.
• Snarl (Dark-type): Another dark move to keep opponents guessing.

Best 7-Star Skeledirge Counters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Golduck, Quagsire, and Manaphy stand out as the top counters to Skeledirge during its 7-Star Tera Raid. Each offers resistances to Fire-type attacks and neutral damage against Skeledirge’s other moves.

While Dark types might seem like obvious counters due to Skeledirge’s Ghost typing, remember that this boss is purely Fire this time around. Fairy-type moves like Alluring Voice can quickly eliminate Dark types.

Below are detailed builds for each recommended counter.

Best Golduck Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge

Golduck excels at disrupting Skeledirge’s Unaware ability while boosting its own offensive capabilities.

• Ability: Swift Swim
• Nature: Modest
• Tera Type: Water
• Hold Item: Shell Bell
• EVs: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 HP, 4 Def

Moveset:

• Calm Mind
• Skill Swap
• Surf
• Rain Dance

Start with Skill Swap to disable Skeledirge’s Unaware ability, allowing your stats to grow. Follow up with Calm Mind to enhance Special Attack and Special Defense. Rain Dance weakens Fire moves and amplifies Surf’s power, making Golduck a devastating special attacker.

Best Quagsire Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge

Quagsire combines durability, sustainability, and strong Water-type attacks.

• Ability: Unaware
• Nature: Modest
• Tera Type: Water
• Hold Item: Leftovers
• EVs: 4 HP, 252 Sp. Def, 252 Sp. Atk

Moveset:

• Acid Spray
• Protect
• Rain Dance
• Surf

Unaware ensures Quagsire ignores Skeledirge’s stat boosts, allowing it to withstand multiple Torch Song attacks. Protect stalls turns while Leftovers recover HP. Rain Dance reduces Fire damage and powers up Surf, while Acid Spray lowers Skeledirge’s Special Defense for maximum impact.

Best Manaphy Build To Beat 7-Star Skeledirge

Manaphy shines with its ability to unleash massive Water-type damage using Tail Glow.

• Ability: Hydration
• Nature: Modest
• Tera Type: Water
• Hold Item: Shell Bell
• EVs: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 HP, 4 Def

Moveset:

• Skill Swap
• Rain Dance
• Tail Glow
• Weather Ball

Begin with Skill Swap to disable Skeledirge’s Unaware ability. Next, use Tail Glow to maximize Manaphy’s Special Attack, followed by Weather Ball under Rain Dance for devastating Water-type damage.

With these counters in hand, you’re ready to tackle the 7-Star Mightiest Mark Skeledirge. Don’t forget to check out the latest Mystery Gift codes for free Pokémon and items. For those yet to complete the game, explore the full list of Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet to uncover ancient and futuristic forms.