Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Best Dragapult Build for Tera Raids

The Gen 8 fan-favorite, Dragapult, returns in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet to take down Terastalized monsters in Tera Raid Events with its best build.

The Generation 8 fan-favorite, Dragapult, returns in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, although its evolution line is exclusive to the latter title. Equipped with incredible attack and speed stats, Dragapult can out-speed most of its opponents, seizing any opportunity to deliver devastating blows. With the proper build, Dragapult can take down any Terastalized Pokémon in a Tera Raid.

Because of its near-legendary status, Dragapult falls in line with the likes of other powerful monsters, such as Garchomp in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet’s Tera Raids. While Dragapult does not sport the most excellent defenses, it has an average HP stat that can easily sustain it while attacking foes during raids. To maximize Dragapult’s potential for success, trainers should focus on perfecting its offenses with a complementary build to suit its Dragon Tera Type.

Related: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Tera Raid Guide (Getting Started and How to Join)

Dragapult’s Best Nature & EV Spread

For its best Tera Raid build, Dragapult should operate as a physical attacker with an Adamant nature to raise its Attack stat while lowering its Special Attack. Dragapult should have nearly perfect IVs to optimize this build, omitting its Special Attack stat and a similar EV spread with a max of 252 points in both HP and Attack. The four remaining points can be put toward its Speed stat. As a result, Dragapult’s final spread should resemble that of Annihilape’s Tera Raid build in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, effectively maximizing its offensive capabilities.

Dragapult’s Best Ability and Moveset

Dragapult’s best ability for Tera Raids is the Clear Body ability, which will prevent all opposing Pokémon from lowering its stats with moves or their own abilities. While Dragapult’s hidden ability, Cursed Body, could also benefit the pseudo-legendary monster by occasionally disabling its opponents’ moves, it’s not guaranteed to benefit Dragapult in battle, so Clear Body is a much safer bet. Similarly, a moveset consisting of Dragon Darts, Dragon Dance, Will-O-Wisp, and Phantom Force is optimal, as it plays to each of Dragapult’s unique strengths. However, Dragapult does not learn Will-O-Wisp on its own, and the TM can instead be crafted at the TM Machine in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Dragapult’s Best Items

According to YouTuber DuckTape Gaming, one of the best items for Dragapult to hold during Tera Raids is the Choice Band, which will boost the power of Dragapult’s offensive moves. However, this item also limits its holder to just one move, rendering the otherwise stealthy sweeper useless if an opponent disables the desired move. Similar alternatives like the Metronome and the Muscle Band can be purchased at Delibird Presents locations in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, boosting Dragapult’s offenses without penalty. Equipped with one of these held items, Dragapult can set up with Dragon Dance and Will-O-Wisp while dealing massive damage to Terastalized monsters with Dragon Darts and Phantom Force.

More: How to Get Choice Band in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Source: DuckTape Gaming/YouTube