Best Pokémon to counter Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid event in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

We are headed back to Galar for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s latest seven-star Tera Raid event, with an Ice Tera Type Inteleon appearing to terrorize unprepared players.

The event itself will run from May 4 to 7 and give anyone who beats the raid access to Inteleon in Gen IX for the first time. But you do need to actually knock out the Unrivaled Inteleon first, which can be a challenge if you are playing with strangers or don’t bring a Pokémon that can properly counter the raid boss. 

How to beat the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Seven-star Tera Raids aren’t overly difficult, but they are designed to be the most well-rounded and challenging for players who have unlocked them and want to put their skills to the test.

Every raid boss in these events is set to level 100 and has additional boosts provided by the Tera Raid mechanics depending on several factors that aren’t always shared. This means Pokémon Scarlet and Violet players will want to bring their own Pokémon at the level cap and that can reliably counter the Ice Tera Type Inteleon.

Because this is an event, Inteleon will only appear with that Ice Tera Type but will have plenty of moves to cover weaknesses while complimenting its original typing. This means you won’t want to bring a Fire or Rock-type.

Related: This Pokémon one-shots Inteleon in Scarlet and Violet’s Unrivaled Tera Raid

Best counters for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Best Crabominable build for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Taking into account how Inteleon’s gimmick is based around landing more Critical Hits, thanks to its Sniper ability, Crabominable can become a powerhouse without having to do any work on its own.

Anger Point is an ability Fighting/Ice-types have access to that instantly maxes out their Attack stat if they get hit by a Critical Hit. Pair that with Drain Punch and you have a heavy-hitting crab that also has access to reliable healing.

Rain Dance is also an option you can use if you want to clear Snowscape so Inteleon isn’t getting that Defense boost. You can move some EVs over from Attack to Special Defense if you want to be a bit bulkier too.

Best Annihilape build for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Just like with the previous Unrivaled Typhlosion Tera Raid event, Annihilape should prove to be a great offensive option some players already have trained up to battle in seven-star raids. 

Whether you spam Rage Fist until the Inteleon is beaten or mix it up with Bulk Up and a Fighting-type move, you just need to turn your brain off and hit buttons with this. Screech can also help you lower Inteleon’s Defense to make for a faster raid. Just make sure to Terrastallize when you can to avoid any incoming, super-effective Flying-type damage. 

Annihilape can also learn Sunny Day, which could be a way to clear Snowscape if you plan to just roll with Rage Fist and have an extra move slot.

Best Samurott build for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

In a build courtesy of the folks over at PKMNcast, Samurott is actually a strong counter to Inteleon in this event because it can’t be crit and hits like a truck.

Shell Armor blocks Critical Hits for Samurott, Inteleon can’t hit it for super effective damage, and you can fight back with your own increased crits. Using a Scope Lens and Focus Energy will ensure every Smart Strike you throw out is a Critical Hit and will deal a lot more damage. You can pair that with Swords Dance to deal even more damage.

Best Blissey build for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Inteleon is a pure Special Attacker and has no moves that can threaten a Normal-type tank like Blissey. 

Using Sunny Day to lower Snipe Shot’s damage and Blizzard’s accuracy is a great way to start the battle. You can follow that up by using Light Screen to boost your team’s Special Defense, Helping Hand to increase a teammate’s offensive ability, or Life Dew to heal away any damage. 

You can also use a Chansey with Eviolite if you prefer a bulkier Pokémon and don’t mind potentially setting up the sun a few additional times in a battle. 

Best Kingambit build for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Related: This Pokémon one-shots Inteleon in Scarlet and Violet’s Unrivaled Tera Raid

Kingambit hasn’t made an appearance in many seven-star Tera Raid events, but Inteleon has nothing that can really stop it from wiping it out if you properly set it up. 

Defiant will keep your offensive stats from being lowered in any form, so you can use Swords Dance and then swing away with Iron Head. You can also pack Rain Dance in to clear Snowscape too. 

Best Walking Wake build for the Unrivaled Inteleon Tera Raid in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Everyone loves bringing Paradox Pokémon to Tera Raids, and Walking Wake is a great option to shut down Inteleon without having to deal with super-effective hits. 

Sunny Day clears Inteleon’s Snowscape and boosts Walking Wake with its own ability and moves. Access to Fire-type attacks and Hydro Steam getting that edge in the sun too leads to great damage output and no real downsides. Just make sure to use Snarl at least once first.