As part of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's ongoing limited-run Tera Raid Battle Events, Delphox's reveal as the next 7-star Tera Raid boss has only perpetuated a growing trend for Pokemon's new post-launch content model. Following on from Pokemon Sword and Shield's Max Raids, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have lapsed into the same trick for encouraging players to return even if there might be little else for them to do in-game until its DLC is released later this year. But while these Tera Raids have been a useful avenue for introducing previously unavailable Pokemon into Gen 9, the method has devolved into a rinse-and-repeat format.
After Chesnaught and Greninja had been released as part of their own Tera Raids, it was inevitable that Delphox would soon follow as the last remaining starter evolution of Gen 6. So while Delphox is still a worthwhile addition to Scarlet and Violet, its recent reveal was more or less expected which ultimately detracts from the intended appeal of Tera Raids. If Tera Raid bosses can become so predictable and their limited availability forces players into a repetitive pattern of training and raid battles, then Game Freak could find itself stuck with a post-launch strategy beyond just Scarlet and Violet that undermines the player's experience.
Tera Raids Help Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Expand Its Pokedex
Though Tera Raids have become a key component for maintaining player interest in Scarlet and Violet ahead of its anticipated two-part DLC, these raids have been crucial in adding Pokemon that had been previously unobtainable. Ever since Sword and Shield had marked the end of Pokemon's National Pokedex and restricted the availability of over one thousand Pokemon to a set amount, Game Freak has slowly introduced "new" Pokemon via in-game raids and events. So, without the benefits of mass outbreaks seen in earlier games, Scarlet and Violet have become reliant on Tera Raids for expanding their Pokedex.
At face value, this does seem like a "two birds with one stone" solution, as not only can Scarlet and Violet maintain interest long after its endgame, but it can create a sense of anticipation around which missing Pokemon will be added next to Gen 9. For example, one of the first limited Tera Raids was for Charizard, with the fan-favourite's Tera type based on its missing Dragon-type. This was also how the new Paradox Legendary Pokemon of Walking Wake and Iron Leaves were introduced, further supporting just how vital Tera Raids are for driving Scarlet and Violet's post-launch content.
Tera Raids Have Become Too Predictable, Repetitive, and Forced
However, the anticipation for future Tera Raids and the Pokemon they'll showcase is undercut when players already know what to expect. Once Chesnaught and Greninja had been introduced in their own Tera Raids, Delphox was soon to follow eventually, but the predictability and repetition go beyond the completion of the starter trio from Gen 6. For instance, many similar Tera Raids have also focused on the final evolution of starter Pokemon, meaning players could easily predict future starters to also appear as raid bosses. After all, while X and Y's and Pokemon Legends: Arceus' starter trios are complete, Rillaboom is still missing for Sword and Shield.
However, Tera Raids aren't just predictable and repetitive due to the abundance of starter Pokemon or pseudo-legendaries, but the format itself has become so formulaic that players have enough time to prepare and complete the raids with ease, such as with the underwhelming Pikachu Tera Raid. Then, with the limited time availability of these raids factored in, the result leaves players forced into a gameplay loop of the same battles and rewards just to get their hands on "special" Pokemon. But beyond DLC, Game Freak has few other options besides overusing Tera Raids for keeping up its endgame content.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.
