Clever tricks to help you counter Chesnaught in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – it’s easier than you think

CHESNAUGHT has finally returned in raids for its second week.

With a Rock-tera type, this Pokémon will be very defensive and difficult to take down.

Chesnaught has incredibly high defense.Credit: The Pokémon Company

As Chesnaught is incredibly bulky, it is almost impossible to defeat using physical attacks.

Here’s everything you need to know and the best counters for the upcoming Chesnaught raids in Pokémon SV.

Pokémon SV: Chesnaught raids

Chesnaught raids will return from Friday, June 16, 2023 until Sunday, June 18, 2023.

It is an extremely bulky defensive Pokémon, which also has a decent physical attack stat.

As a Grass-/Fighting-type it also has a wide move pool featuring strong Rock-, Ground-, Grass- and Fighting-type attacks.

With the ability Bulletproof a number of super-effective attacks such as Aura Sphere, and Energy Ball won’t deal damage to it.

It will also come with the Rock Tera-typing which resists a key number of common types.

Chesnaught will start the fight by setting up Iron Defense, and will nullify your stat changes on turn three when it sets up the barrier, and when you eventually break it.

Pokémon SV: Chesnaught counters

Grass-type Pokémon will be invaluable here, as they resist or are neutral Chesnaught’s attacks.

With its huge physical defence and defence setting moves, you will also need to use a special attacker, preferably with defensive bulk.

Here is what we recommend:

Lurantis

Lurantis is our favourite pick for these raids, as it has the ability Contrary which raises stats instead of lowering them.

It is capable of soloing this raid and is a strong choice for those playing on and offline.

This means that if it uses Leaf Storm, it will raise Lurantis’ attack by two stages instead of lowering it.

Leaf Storm's PP is low. Make sure you use other attacks before the barrier is up to now waste your attack boosts.

Also remember that Contrary will not activate one turn after this, so don't use Leaf Storm again straight away.

Pollen Puff can also help with healing your comrades in battle. Here’s what we recommend.

Lurantis - Level 100

Nature – Bold
Ability – Contrary
Item – Shell Bell
Tera type – Grass
Potential moveset – Leaf Storm, Pollen Puff, Giga Drain, Grassy Terrain

Gogoat

Gogoat has some of the best bulk in the game, and can boost it with the ability Grass Pelt.

Its other ability, Sap Sipper, is another strong choice, as it will boost its attack when hit by a Grass move and also nullify the damage.

Gogoat also carries a number of great supportive moves, even if it can’t get the best use of its good physical attack.

Here’s what we recommend.

Gogoat - Level 100

Nature – Lax
Ability – Grass Pelt / Sap Sipper
Item – Shell Bell
Tera type – Grass
Potential moveset – Grassy Terrain, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Milk Drink

Amoonguss

Amoonguss has long been the supportive Pokémon of choice due to its incredible bulk and typing.

It also has some of the best support moves in the game, and its ability Effect Spore will allow for status conditions even when the barrier is up.

Clear Smog will also be especially helpful when Chesnaught increases its stats with Curse, Bulk Up, and Iron Defense

Here’s what we recommend.

Amoonguss - Level 100

Nature – Bold
Ability – Effect Spore
Item – Leftovers
Tera type – Grass
Potential moveset – Pollen Puff, Clear Smog, Sunny Day, Synthesis, Solar Beam

Rotom-Mow

Rotom is a common favourite to take down raids.Credit: The Pokémon Company

While Electric-type is weak to Ground-type moves, Rotom will negate this with its ability Levitate.

Its most powerful Grass-type move is Leaf Storm, can have the drops negated if paired with the Clear Smog Amoonguss.

Amoonguss can further support by keeping Rotom healthy with Pollen Puff.

Here’s what we recommend.

Rotom-Mow - Level 100

Nature – Bold
Ability – Levitate
Item – Shell Bell
Tera type – Grass
Potential moveset – Leaf Storm, Nasty Plot, Reflect, Will-O-Wisp

Lilligant

Lilligant is one of the strongest Grass-type special attackers, and also comes with impressive bulk.

The ability Chlorophyll will double its speed in the sun, while also allowing for fast Solar Beams.

Quiver Dance is also one of the game’s best set up moves, improving its special attack, defence and speed.

Here’s what we recommend.

Lilligant - Level 100

Nature – Bold
Ability – Chlorophyll
Item – Shell Bell
Tera type – Grass
Potential moveset – Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Synthesis, Quiver Dance, Worry Seed, Grassy Terrain