Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Tandemaus Tera Raid Guide

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In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are special event Tera Raids that allows players to defeat a 7-star Pokémon with unique typing. For Valentine’s Day, the featured Pokémon will be Tandemaus, who will come with a special Fairy-type. This is apt as Tandemaus’ unique trait is that it comes as a pair.

Previously, trainers were able to capture the Charizard and Cinderace starter in a similar limited-time Tera Raid event in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. While those past events allowed trainers to capture previous starters, this one will be a little different, as Tandemaus can already be found in the Paldea Region. However, this one will be different as Tandemaus will get a new typing for the event. For trainers hoping to participate in this event, they should prepare to do so over Valentine’s Day, as the event runs from February 13th through the 15th.

Tandemaus Typing: Strengths & Weaknesses

Tandemaus is usually a mono Normal-type Pokémon, meaning it is only weak to the Fighting-type. However, this also means it is not super effective against any type, so it would be a very average fight. However, for this Tera Raid event in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Tandemaus will feature a Fairy-type.

This means that Tandemaus’ normal stats in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are not as important, as it will be focused on the Tera typing. Fairy-types are generally weak to Poison-, Steel-, and Fire-types, so bringing a Pokémon with one or more of those typings is a must. Additionally, a Fairy-type Tandemaus will be super effective against any Dragon-, Dark-, or Fighting-type. Tandemaus will also be immune to Dragon-type moves, so avoid any Pokémon with that move set. Fairy-types are also resistant to Bug-, Dark-, and Fighting-types, so avoid any of those moves for this Tera Raid.

Tandemaus Moves

Tandemaus can come with the ability Run Away or Pickup in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. While the first one will likely not be a problem in a Tera Raid, the second could allow the Tandemaus to pick up items the team used for their battles. This means any advantage a held item has for a trainer’s Pokémon might also be advantageous for Tandemaus. This may not happen, and it may not make much difference if it does, but it is worth keeping in mind. If there is an item a trainer really does not want Tandemaus to use, it might not be worth playing it. Additionally, Tandemaus has the hidden ability to Own Tempo, preventing it from being Confused or Intimidated. Corviknight being a strong Steel-type with the Intimidation move, becomes less appealing as an option to use.

The other significant move to remember is that Tandemaus is currently the only Pokémon who can use the Population Bomb move. This is a Normal-type attack, so it may not use it frequently, but it is Tandemaus’ signature move and could come up in the Tera Raid. This new move for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet hits for 20 damage when it hits, and it can hit a Pokémon up to 10 times. And, as it’s a Normal-type, the only Pokémon type that won’t take damage from it is a Ghost-type Pokémon.

Tandemaus Counters & Strategies

Players hoping to beat Tandemaus will have a few different strategies to enact. Of course, this will also change depending on whether they fight Tandemaus alone (with NPC help) or with a group of other trainers. That being said, here are three recommended counters for beating Tandemaus, along with recommended moves.

Revavroom is a Steel- and Poison-type Pokémon that cannot take much damage from Tandemaus’ Fairy-type moves. With access to Normal-type moves that can hit most Pokémon and strong typing against traditionally strong offensive Pokémon, Tandemaus has a strong offense. However, a Steel- and Poison-type Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet would be very resistant to any moves Tandemaus has, given that it cannot be damaged normally by most of Tandemaus’ moves. The only move Tandemaus can learn by leveling up that it would be damaged is Beat Up, which is a possible Dark-type move. Meanwhile, Revavroom’s most powerful moves, Spin Out and Gunk Shot, are both Super Effective against the Fairy Tera Type. Black Sludge is an ideal held item here because if Tandemaus uses it, it will hurt Tandemaus instead of helping it.

Aegislash is a strong defensive Pokémon for this fight, given its Steel- and Ghost-typing. This would make Aegislash immune to any Normal-type moves Tandemaus might retain and still resist the Fairy-type moves. If this version of Tandemaus does retain the Dark-type move mentioned before, then there is some danger. However, it is unlikely that the Fairy-type Tandemaus Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet will use that move. Do not use any of Aegislash’s Ghost-type moves, as they will not be very effective, but the Iron Head Steel-type move is a good option for dealing damage. TM Flash Cannon can also help lower Tandemaus’ Special Defense to help the rest of the team hit harder. Metal Coat can increase the Steel-type offensive move while providing no bonus to Tandemaus should it use it.

For those looking for a stronger offense, Salandit and its evolution Salazzle would be highly effective in this fight. Salazzle’s dual types are both Super Effective against Fairy-types. The only danger might be Population Bomb, but if trainers are grouping together to fight Tandemaus in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, a Pokémon with strong defensive stats can try to take some of the heat or support Salazzle should they get badly hurt by a Normal-type move. Salazzle’s hidden ability is also Oblivious, meaning it cannot become infatuated, taunted, or intimidated. Fairy-types can often inflict some of those status effects, as can Normal-types, so it is worth considering.

Any mono Fire-type will do relatively well for offense, but Salazzle can use Poison-type moves such as Toxic to inflict damage over time. As Tandemaus may have the ability to reduce Attack Stats with various Fairy-type moves, this could allow the trainer to keep whittling damage despite that. When Toxic is used with Venoshock, it can make for an even more powerful move, allowing Tandemaus to take even more damage. Salazzle can also take the TM Flare Blitz in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which has 100% accuracy and a power of 120. The PP is higher than some similar-level moves, and even if Tandemaus reduces Salazzle’s Attack, this move will still inflict significant damage.

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

  Franchise: Pokemon

  Platform: Nintendo Switch

  Released: 2022-11-18

  Developer: Game Freak

  Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokemon Company

  Genre: RPG, Adventure, Action

  Multiplayer: Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer

  ESRB: E

  Summary: Pokémon returns in its next installment series: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Set in a fictional town near Mediterranean Spain, gamers will explore Paldea, catching new and classic Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the first ever open-world game in the series and features new Pokémon that can transform into vehicles. Pokémon staples like gym battles are still present, but co-op exploration and Terastallize battles are also introduced.

  How Long To Beat: 31 Hours

  Prequel: Pokémon Sword and Shield

  Mode: Single Player, Multiplayer