Pokémon Scarlet And Violet - What Is Terastallizing?

Nearly every generation of Pokémon games has its own mechanic that players refer to as the generational gimmick, and Terastallizing has been revealed for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. In a continuation from the last few games, the latest gimmick will focus on changing the way that transformations can work in a battle.

For reference, the Sword and Shield Gimmick was VMAX. Nearly every Pokémon in the game had the ability to VMAX in a major stadium that would change them into massive versions of themselves. Some special types even had unique VMAX forms that made the mechanic more interesting. Terastallizing will have a similar core, but the mechanic is more in-depth.

How does Terastallizing work in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Like Sword and Shield, every Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet will have the ability to Terastallize. The new Terastal Phenomenon mechanic allows trainers to change the form of a given Pokémon to one that is crystallized. So far, it appears to upgrade the transformed pick as well to one that has more additions to its design like a Mega.

Any time that a Pokémon uses the Terastallized form, it will have a Tera Jewel above its head to signify the change. This energy and the jewels themselves come from the Paldea Region and are unique to the area like it was in Sword and Shield. Of course, Trainers can use this to their advantage.

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Once per battle in Scarlet and Violet, a Terastal Phenomenon can be used. For the rest of the battle, the Pokémon that has been Terastallized will remain in that form. Once the battle is over, it will go back down to the normal form and the mechanic will need to recharge before it's used again.

What truly separates the Terastal Phenomenon from other mechanics is the type changes. Every Pokémon can have a different Tera type. This means that something like an Eevee can have a Normal Tera type or a Flying Tera type. Matching moves with the Tera type will make those moves even more powerful.

In total, there are 18 different Tera types. If you mix these with the normal types you find throughout the Pokédex, there are far more combinations for battles than ever before. These Tera types can also change the weaknesses that a given Pokémon has.

To recharge the ability itself, everyone will need a Tera Orb. These items can be recharged by touching crystals around Paldea that are overflowing with Terastal Energy. The orbs can also be brought to a Pokémon center to recharge like anything else. With all the changes this mechanic will bring, you'll want to make sure this is recharged as much as possible.

For more on the game, head to our section dedicated to the latest Pokémon news, guides, tips, and more.

Featured image courtesy of Nintendo.