Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to beat 7-Star Dondozo Tera Raid guide
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s next 7-Star Tera Raid event will feature the Water-type behemoth Dondozo.
The Pokemon Company announced that Dondozo with the Mightiest Mark will coincide with aMass Outbreak eventfeaturing Tatsugiri’s different forms.
This new 7-Star Dondozo Raid followedSceptile, which sported the Dragon Tera Type. However, it seems Dondozo’s Tera Type will be much more straightforward this time around.
So, if you’re looking to take on and defeat this powerful Water-type, here’s everything to know about the 7-Star Dondozo Tera Raid, including when it begins and the best Pokemon to counter it.
When will Dondozo appear in Tera Raids?
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s 7-Star Dondozo Tera Raid event willoccur on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 00:00 UTC and last until Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 23:59 UTC.
It’s important to remember that you can only catch one Dondozo with its Mightiest Mark per save file, though you can challenge it as many times as you want.
7-star Dondozo moves, Tera-type, and Ability
During this event,Dondozo with the Mightiest Mark will feature aWaterTera Type, just like its standard typing in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Dondozo base stats
Dondozo moves
At the time of writing, Dondozo’s moveset for this Tera Raid event has not been discovered yet.
We will update this guide when the full moveset is available.
Best Dondozo 7-star Tera Raid counters
Here are some of the best counters to use against Dondozo with the Mightiest Mark in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Tera Raid battles:
ThisBellibolt build has become a staplefor Scarlet & Violet’s Tera Raid scene, and for good reason: it’s fairly easy to put together. Bellibolt is readily available for trainers to catch in the base game and requires basically no setup other than reaching level 100.
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Best Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The basic premise of this build relies onBelliboltspammingParabolic Charge, a 65 Power move that restores the user’s HP equal to half the damage dealt. Withthe Metronome Held Item, this move will only get stronger as it’s used in succession, helping to keep Bellibolt alive all the while.
Setting up anElectric Terrainbeforehand can boost Parabolic Charge’s damage even further, and it also prevents Sleep.
Of course,Reflectis an all-around great move for Tera Raid battles, as it will help the entire team tank physical attacks. Finally,Acid Spraycan help lower Dondozo’s Special Defense by two stages, softening it up for Bellibolt and its team members.
Another great option for the Dondozo Tera Raid is Cacturne, which has some handy tools in its kit to deal good damage and stay in the fight.
ItsHidden Ability, Water Absorb,will be incredibly helpful for this Raid, as it will essentially negate all of Dondozo’s Water-type attacks while healing Cacturne should they hit.
As for its moveset, Cacturne willfirst and foremost want to try to set up buffs withNasty Plot. Additionally, trainers can benefit their teammates withSunny Day, reducing the power of Dondozo’s Water-type attacks.
Afterward, the basic idea of the Bellibolt build applies here. Cacturne will want to spamGiga Drainto deal massive damage to Dondozo while healing the damage it’s taken.Spiky Shieldcan also be great in a pinch to protect from any strong physical attacks.
Again,Cacnea and Cacturneare readily available in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s base game, so trainers shouldn’t have too much trouble hunting one down.
For players wanting to take on a more Support/Tank-like role in this Raid, Appletun is the best choice. Appletun’s pre-evolutionApplinis also available in the base game, though it can also be found in Kitakami throughthe Teal Mask DLC.
Appletun has relatively high Defensive stats and high Special Attack, so we’ll opt for aModest naturewith this build to capitalize on damage output. To compensate, theShell Bell held itemandGrassy Terrainwill help Appletun stay in the fight.
Trainers should try to set up Grassy Terrain early, along withReflectandIron Defense, to help both Appletun and its teammates take on some big hits. After the setup is complete, Appletun can support the team by hitting Dondozo withAcid Spray, which will shred its Special Defense over time.
Pokemon Scarlet Violet Dondozo Tera Raid rewards
Trainers who defeat this 7-Star Raid can catch Dondozo, though it’s limited to only one per save file. Like all other 7-Star Tera Raids, defeating it again will offer the following rewards:
Can 7-star Tera Raid Dondozo be Shiny in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?
Sadly, for those looking to snag a Shiny gold Dondozo with the Mightiest Mark,this 7-Star boss cannot be Shiny. This has been the case for previous 7-Star Raid bosses as well.
However, players who catch this Dondozo can try to obtain a Shiny version through breeding, usingthe Masuda Methodto improve the odds.
Be sure to check out our other Pokemon Scarlet & Violet coverage, including guides onMass Outbreak eventsand all Pokemon Scarlet & VioletShiny sandwich recipes.
