Summary:
Salamence with the Mightiest Mark has returned to black Tera Raid crystals in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, showing up as a 7-star Flying-Tera raid boss from October 9 to October 15, 2026. This event gives Trainers another chance to claim the exclusive Mightiest Mark Salamence – but you can only catch one per save file, so plan who you want to trade it to or which save to use. The raid itself is tough but predictable: expect powerful Flying moves and heavy offense, so bring strong counters and coordinate multiplayer runs. Whether you missed the first run or want a better-natured version, these raids are a perfect time to team up, practice strategies and earn useful rewards even after you already own the marked Salamence. NintendoReporters will keep covering any follow-ups and share tips to make your raids smoother.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Mightiest Mark Salamence Event Overview
The Mightiest Mark Salamence showing up in 7-star Tera Raids is one of those events that gets the heart racing for competitive collectors and casual Trainers alike. Between October 9 and October 15, 2026, black Tera Raid crystals in the Paldea region can spawn a Salamence with a Flying Tera Type and the exclusive Mightiest Mark title. This Salamence is scripted to pack a potent moveset and the sort of stats you’d expect from a raid-exclusive powerhouse. While the catch limit means you can only keep one per save file, the raids remain available for repeat battles so you can still farm rewards, XP and event items even after securing the marked Salamence. If you want a chance at a specific nature or to test different strategies, that repeatability is a blessing.
When to Find Salamence
The event window is specific and short, running from October 9, 2026 through October 15, 2026 inclusive. To encounter Salamence, make sure your game has the latest Poké Portal News downloaded via the Mystery Gift menu – that updates the in-game event listing and enables black crystal spawns for the featured raid. If you haven’t unlocked black Tera Raid crystals through postgame progression, you can still join other Trainers online to fight these raids, so having a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a reliable connection helps. Keep an eye on the clock too – the event ends at 23:59 UTC on October 15, 2026, so coordinate with friends or raid communities to squeeze in runs before the event window closes.
What Makes This Salamence Special
Mightiest Mark Pokémon are more than strong raid bosses – they’re collectible showpieces that carry a unique title and fixed characteristics that set them apart from normal wild spawns. This Salamence arrives with the Mightiest Mark, a distinct moveset and a Flying Tera Type that changes how it behaves and what moves hit most effectively. Because of that Tera Type and scripted pool of moves, Salamence tends to favour powerful flying attacks and mixed offense, so it can threaten both physical and special walls. The one-catch-per-save rule is important – if you already claimed the marked Salamence during a previous event, you won’t be able to catch another, though you can still run the raid for materials and rewards.
How to Join and What to Expect
Joining a 7-star Tera Raid is straightforward but demands some preparation. First, make sure you’ve updated your Poké Portal News so the event appears in-game. Then, either unlock black Tera Raid crystals via the required postgame steps or invite other Trainers to host the raid and join their session. Expect a tough timed fight against an AI-controlled Salamence that uses a scripted set of moves designed to pressure unprepared teams. Communication helps a lot – call targets, set roles (breaker, supporter, healer) and bring sandwiches or meals that boost Title Power if you’re chasing marks or higher rewards. Even solo attempts are possible for experienced players who know the raid script and optimal counters.
Recommended Counters and Strategies
Salamence’s Flying Tera Type makes it vulnerable to Electric and Rock moves, so bring strong Electric or Rock attackers to exploit that weakness. Steel types can resist many Flying moves, but be careful of mixed coverage and unpredictable special attacks. Since the raid Salamence often carries high-speed offense, consider using priority moves or speed control to keep it off balance. Support Pokémon that can heal, set hazards or provide stat drops are valuable in multiplayer runs, especially if your team composition lacks raw defensive bulk. If you’re short on teammates, practice a solo strategy with high sustained DPS and reliable protection mechanics. For detailed recommended builds and step-by-step setups check our Nintendo Guides for raid tips, or connect with fellow Trainers for coordinated runs.
Rewards and Catching Rules
Even after you’ve caught the Mightiest Mark Salamence once, continuing to defeat the raid yields rewards like Tera Shards, XP candy and valuable battle items. The marked Salamence is catchable only once per save file, so those who already captured it during a previous run can still join raids for loot and experience but won’t receive another marked Salamence. Pay attention to whether you’ve already claimed the marked version on a different save, and plan trades or training accordingly. Also note that event Pokémon often come with predetermined abilities and move sets, which makes them highly desirable for collectors and battlers who want specific builds without breeding or lengthy training.
Community Tips and Next Steps
If you want to make the most of this Salamence event, organize a few multiplayer sessions with friends or local raid groups, share roles and bring complementary Pokémon. Record the raid script if you can – knowing which moves Salamence uses in which phases makes future solo attempts far easier. If you caught the marked Salamence already but still want raid practice, run the fights for rewards or to test new team comps. Trade communities often help players obtain desired natures or IV spreads legally, so consider trading if your save allows it. Finally, keep checking Poké Portal News and follow trusted sources to stay up to date on future Mightiest Mark reruns.
Conclusion
Salamence’s return in 7-star Tera Raids is a welcome chance for Trainers to nab the Mightiest Mark Salamence, refine strategies and earn rewards. With the event running October 9 through October 15, 2026, now’s the time to coordinate, prepare counters and decide if you want to trade or keep the marked Salamence for your main save. Follow NintendoReporters for quick updates and guides to make your raids easier and more rewarding.
FAQs
- When does the Salamence Mightiest Mark event run?
- From October 9, 2026 through October 15, 2026. Make sure to download the Poké Portal News in Mystery Gift to access the event.
- Can I catch more than one Mightiest Mark Salamence?
- No – the marked Salamence can only be caught once per save file. You can still repeat the raid for rewards after catching it.
- Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to join the raid?
- To host or join online multiplayer raids you generally need a Nintendo Switch Online membership, though you can still join friends locally where supported.
- What are the best types to bring?
- Electric and Rock types work well against a Flying-Tera Salamence. Steel types resist Flying moves but watch for coverage moves.
- I already caught the marked Salamence – is it worth running the raids?
- Yes – you can still earn Tera Shards, XP candy and other rewards by repeating the raid even if you can’t catch another marked Salamence.
Sources
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet bring back 7-star Salamence Tera Raids with the Mightiest Mark, Nintendo & Pokémon Blog, October 9, 2026
- Friday: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Salamence Tera Raid Battle, Serebii.net, October 9, 2026
- Mightiest Mark Salamence Tera Raid Event Returns For Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, NintendoSoup, October 9, 2026