Best Dialga Tera Raid counters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

As part of the game alongside Palkia in a limited-time event, players have been frequently searching for the best Dialga counters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

As one of the signature legendaries from Sinnoh, this boss is still a formidable opponent despite this only being a 5-Star Raid - requiring some careful strategy to defeat Dialga and catch it for yourself in the game.

So, let's get right into the best counters for Dialga in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

Best Dialga Tera Raid counters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Azumarill

Not only is Azumarill one of the best physical counters for the Dialga Tera Raid, but also to used for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Raids altogether.

The best Azumarill Tera Raid build to beat Dialga is as follows: 

• Ability: Huge Power
• Nature: Adamant
• Tera Type: Fairy
• Hold Item: Shell Bell
• EVs: 252 Attack, 252 Sp. Def, 4 HP
• Moveset: Amnesia, Belly Drum, Liquidation, Play Rough

With this being similar to my individual Azumarill build guide for Tera Raids, the Marill evolution packs a resistance to Dialga's Fire and Dragon-type moves.

Once you've buffed your Sp. Def with Amnesia, you can do the same for your Attack stat with Belly Drum - setting yourself up for Azumarill to deal massive damage with Play Rough. 

Combined with the held Shell Bell, you'll then recover a massive amount of the health you lost, making this counter incredibly durable.

Tinkaton

Although Fairy-types are the obvious choice to use in a Dragon-type Tera Raid, Dialga's super-effective Steel Beam makes things a bit tricky.

Thanks to Tinkaton's dual Fairy and Steel typing though, you won't have to worry at all. 

The best build for Tinkaton to use against the Dialga Tera Raid is as follows: 

• Ability: Mold Breaker
• Nature: Adamant
• Tera Type: Fairy
• Hold Item: Shell Bell
• EVs: 252 Atk, 252 Sp. Def, 4 HP
• Moveset: Light Screen, Play Rough, Skitter Smack, Swords Dance

With Light Screen and Skitter Smack as support, raising your team's defences whilst debuffing Dialga's Sp. Atk, you'll mainly just need to focus on setting up your Attack with Swords Dance.

Then, after landing some big hits with Play Rough, you'll recover from extra health with the Shell Bell as well. 

Arceus

Using its Multitype ability, Arceus is a great fit for all types of Tera Raids by being able to become any type with a varied moveset to back it up.

Here is the best Arceus Tera Raid build to defeat Dialga:

• Ability: Multitype
• Nature: Modest
• Tera Type: Normal
• Hold Item: Pixie Plate
• EVs: 252 Sp. Attack, 252 Sp. Def, 4 HP
• Moveset: Acid Spray, Calm Mind, Judgment, Recover

Whilst Arceus will first be vulnerable to Dialga's Steel Beam, terastalising into a Normal type and buffing your Sp. Def and Sp. Atk with Calm Mind in the meantime will nullify that concern. 

Plus, you can use Recover to regain any lost health too. All the while, you can take time lowering Dialga's Sp. Def with Acid Spray then deliver some incredible blows with the Fairy-type Judgment afterwards.

Dialga's weaknesses in Scarlet & Violet

In this Tera Raid, Dialga has three weaknesses: Dragon-type, Fairy-type, and Ice-type attacks. Although its normally a dual Dragon and Steel-type, its Dragon Tera type changes its vulnerabilities.

However, with Dialga's moveset designed to counter all three of these, it's advised to go with one of the above counters - or choose any alternatives with extreme caution.

When does the Dialga Raid run until in Scarlet & Violet?

The Dialga Tera Raid is taking place from Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 15:59 PST to Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 15:59 PST. This was confirmed on the news post with details for the event.

Although Dialga can be transferred from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon GO, Pokemon Sword, and Brilliant Diamond via Pokemon HOME, beating this 5-Star Boss means you'll have a strong new build and moveset to add to your collection.

Plus, beating this Tera Raid also nets you a whole bunch of extra rewards like treasures, vitamins, and Tera Shards for your effort.

How to find Dialga Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

You'll be able to find the Dialga Tera Raid in Scarlet & Violet by looking out for the Dragon-type crystals on the map, as Dialga has a Dragon Tera Type.

However, keep in mind that the Dialga Tera Raid is a Pokemon Scarlet version exclusive. If you only have Pokemon Scarlet, you can still access the Raid by joining one from another player via the Poke Portal.

Dialga moveset in the 5-Star Tera Raid

In case you want to test any counters different from the list above, you'll also need to keep in mind the moveset Dialga will use as a Tera Raid boss:

• Draco Meteor
• Earth Power
• Fire Blast
• Iron Defense
• Stealth Rock
• Steel Beam
• Trick Room

That's everything to know about the best Dialga Tera Raid counters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. 

If you want to try beating more bosses, check out our Tera Raid event schedule. Otherwise, take a look at our Pokemon Scarlet & Violet guides and news homepage for even more essentials right here at GGRecon.