On December 20, a special era Raid Battle event began in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, featuring the Shiny Rayquaza Pokémon. This event will run from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025. During this period, every player will have the opportunity to obtain a 5-star Shiny Rayquaza completely free, but with certain conditions.

How to get Shiny Rayquaza for free

Shiny Rayquaza cannot be encountered through regular gameplay, and once the event ends, it's unknown when this Pokémon will reappear in the game. Therefore, it's quite a unique opportunity for players. Additionally, Shiny Rayquaza can only be caught once. To get Shiny Rayquaza, you need to complete the corresponding five-star Tera Raid. Once you do this, you are guaranteed to receive this Pokémon.

However, you can continue to participate in Tera Raid Battles to earn additional rewards even after catching the desired Pokémon. Among the additional and repeatable rewards, you will receive:

• Dragon Tera Shards
• TM115: Dragon Pulse
• Ability Capsules
• Ability Patches

To participate in the event: First, make sure your game is updated to the latest version to access the event. Open the X menu, select "Poké Portal," then "Mystery Gift," and choose "Check Poké Portal News" to receive the latest updates. A paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to receive Poké Portal news.

Complete the main story of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet to unlock 5-star Tera Raid Battles. If you haven't completed the main story, you can still join these raids in multiplayer sessions with other trainers. Look for the Tera Raid crystals throughout the Paldea region to find Shiny Rayquaza raids.

If you have trouble finding Rayquaza’s Tera Den, open your PokéPortal and select the Tera Raid Battle option. Rayquaza should appear in the list of available raids on the next screen.

How to defeat Shiny Rayquaza

Abilities and moves of Shiny Rayquaza

During the battle with Shiny Rayquaza, be prepared for its first ability, Dragon Ascent. It's recommended to use Fairy-type Pokémon, as this attack does not harm them, ensuring a strong start for your team. After the first turn, your priority is to lower Rayquaza’s stats. Moves like Fake Tears, Screech, Tickle, and Snarl are great choices for this.

Do not boost your Pokémon's stats until Rayquaza's health drops to 80% or lower, as it will reset all stat changes affecting your team by then. Once Rayquaza uses the reset, you can safely start enhancing your stats without worrying about another reset.

After Rayquaza resets stat changes, focus on boosting your stats and preparing for terastallization. It's best to enhance your Pokémon up to three times, or as needed depending on the situation. When the conditions are safe, initiate terastallization to maximize its benefits.

At 50% HP, Rayquaza will use Dragon Dance to enhance its stats. At this point, it's advisable to go on the offensive to minimize damage and avoid unnecessary losses. Additionally, Rayquaza will use Draco Meteor twice—once at 60% HP and again at 30% HP. For Fairy-type Pokémon, this attack poses almost no threat.

Tips and strategies for Shiny Rayquaza:

• Since Shiny Rayquaza has a "Dragon" Tera type, it's recommended to use Fairy, Ice, or Dragon-type Pokémon to exploit its weaknesses. Fairy-type Pokémon are particularly effective due to their immunity to Dragon-type attacks.
  
  
• Equip your Pokémon with items that boost super-effective attacks, such as Expert Belt, or items that enhance survival, like Shell Bell for healing.
  
  
• Ensure your Pokémon are at a high level, preferably 100, to effectively tackle the challenges of 5-star raids.