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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Jewel: What is it?

By Ralston Dacanay

"Terastallizing holds the key to victory or defeat in battles in the Paldea region."
"Terastallizing holds the key to victory or defeat in battles in the Paldea region." / Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

If the terms "Tera Jewel," "Tera Type" or "Terastallizing" sounds new to you, it's because they have to do with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the iconic franchise's upcoming ninth-generation titles and first-ever open-world RPGs.

Just like with Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Gigantamax feature, the Terastal mechanic is set to be the defining wrinkle to battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about Terastallizing in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Terastal Phenomenon Explained

Lore-wise, the Terastal phenomenon is said to be something unique to Scarlet and Violet's Paldea region where the Terastal energy that seeps from the ground causes its Pokémon to shine and glimmer like gems.

When a Pokémon Terastallizes, a Tera Jewel appears above its head like a crown and its body glistens like a cut gemstone. The Tera Jewel and the luster on the Pokémon’s body differ depending on the type.

Tera Orb
Tera Orb / Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Terastallizing a Pokémon requires the use of a Tera Orb, which is only allowed to be carried by select trainers in the Paldea region.

In terms of gameplay, Terastallizing allows players to increase the power of any moves that have the same type as their Pokémon’s Tera Type, as well as change their Pokémon’s weaknesses overall.

A boost is given when a Terastallized Pokémon uses a move that matches its Tera Type and at least one of its original types.
A boost is given when a Terastallized Pokémon uses a move that matches its Tera Type and at least one of its original types. / Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Each Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet will have a Tera Type. A Pokémon's Tera Type is inactive until the Pokémon Terastallizes, at which time the Pokémon's type will change to its Tera Type.

There are 18 types, meaning there are countless combinations of Pokémon and Tera Types.

When to activate this special transformation and the combination of Pokémon and Tera Types players choose are vital as they can only be done once per battle and last until the battle ends.

Once players use a Tera Orb to Terastallize a Pokémon, their Tera Orb will lose all its Terastal energy and won’t be able to be used again until it’s been recharged.

You can find shining crystals scattered around many locations throughout the region.
You can find shining crystals scattered around many locations throughout the region. / Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Tera Orbs can be charged by touching crystals overflowing with Terastal energy while exploring, or by going to a Pokémon Center.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are set to release worldwide exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 18, 2022.

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