Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Guide: The Best Dragapult Builds for Tera Raids

Gen 8 fan-favorite Dragapult returns in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, though its evolution line is exclusive to the latter title. Equipped with incredible attack and speed stats, Dragapult can outrun most opponents and deliver devastating blows at any opportunity. With the proper build, Dragapult can take down any Terastalized Pokémon in a Tera Raid.

Due to its near-legendary status, the Dragapult is joined by other powerful monsters such as Garchomp in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Tera Raids. While Dragapult doesn't have the greatest defense, its average HP stat can easily sustain it while attacking enemies during raids. To maximize a Dragapult's potential for success, trainers should focus on perfecting its offense with complementary builds to suit its Dragon Tera Type.

Dragapult's Best Nature & EV Spread

Best Nature: Adamant
EV Spread: 252 Points in HP & Attack

For its best Tera Raid builds, Dragapult should operate as a physical attacker with a tough nature, boosting its attack stats while lowering its special attacks. Dragapult should have near-perfect IVs to optimize this build, omitting its Special Attack stat and similar EV distribution, maxing out at 252 points for HP and Attack. The remaining four points can be placed in its speed stat. Therefore, Dragapult's final spread should be similar to Annihilape's Tera Raid build in Pokémon Crimson and Violet, effectively maximizing its attack power.

Dragapult's Best Ability and Moveset

Best Ability: Clear Body
Best Moves: Dragon Darts; Dragon Dance; Will-O-Wisp; Phantom Force

Dragapult's best ability for Tera Raids is the Clear Body ability, which will prevent all opponent Pokémon from lowering their stats through movement or their own abilities. While Dragapult's hidden ability, Cursed Body, can also benefit pseudo-legendary monsters by occasionally disabling the opponent's moves, it's not guaranteed to benefit Dragapult in combat, so Clear Body is a safer bet. Likewise, a moveset consisting of Dragon Darts, Dragon Dance, Will-O-Wisp, and Phantom Force is the best choice because it brings out each of Dragapult's unique strengths. However, Dragapult won't learn Will-O-Wisp on its own, and TMs can be crafted on Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's TM Machine.

Dragapult's Best Items

According to YouTuber DuckTape Gaming, one of the best items Dragapult holds during Tera Raids is the Choice Band, which will enhance the power of Dragapult's offensive moves. However, this item also limits its wielder to one move, rendering the otherwise stealthy sweeper useless if the opponent disables the required move. Similar replacements, such as Metronome and Muscle Band, can be purchased at Delibird Presents locations in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, boosting Dragapult's offense without penalty. Equipped with one of these handheld items, Dragapult can set up Dragon Dance and Will-O-Wisp, while dealing massive damage to Terastalized monsters with Dragon Darts and Phantom Force.

If you're interested in learning more about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, check out our other guides on Pokemon, along with all potions, all special evolution conditions, secret gift codes, all held items, and more. Of course, you can also buy Pokemon SV shiny and held items on pkmbuy.