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

CHESNAUGHT is the next target of seven-star raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

It’s one of the starters from the Kalos region which was featured in Pokémon X & Y.

This starter’s appearance follows on from fellow Kalos starter, fan-favourite Greninja.

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 take place from Friday, May 12, 2023 until Sunday, May 14, 2023, and again from Friday, May 19, 2023 until Sunday, May 21, 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.

Here’s the set we predict for Chesnaught:

The Mightiest Chesnaught – Level 100

• Nature – Relaxed
• Ability – Bulletproof
• Item – None
• Tera type – Rock
• Potential moveset – Spiky Shield, Rock Slide, Hammer Arm, Wood Hammer, Body Press, Bulk Up, Earthquake

Pokémon SV: Chesnaught counters

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

With its huge physical defence 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.

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

Contrary can quickly turn the tide in battle, and will help out if Chesnaught tries to lower any of its stats.

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, Ingrain, 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 if Chesnaught decides to increase its attack with Bulk Up.

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, Grassy Terrain

Rotom-Mow

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

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.