Like Mega Evolution and Gigantamaxing before it, the Terastallizing mechanic found in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has had a huge impact on the way that battles take place. It effectively lets a Pokemon completely change its type or strengthen its existing one with the push of a button, allowing for some incredibly unique type combinations for those with the patience to seek them out.
Most Pokemon in Paldea will have a Tera type that matches their main elemental type, but this isn't always the case. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players can find special wild Tera Type Pokemon while out exploring the region. What many might not realize though is that it's also possible to change a Pokemon's Tera type after a certain point in the story.
How to Change a Pokemon's Tera Type in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
In order to be able to change a Pokemon's Tera type, players will first need to beat Larry at the Medali Gym. After that, if they return to the Treasure Eatery, they'll notice that the chef in the back left-hand corner now has a yellow speech bubble that reads "Want to change any Pokemon's Tera Type?" Naturally, they should speak with the chef, who'll reveal that they're able to change a Pokemon's Tera type by feeding it a special dish, though to prepare that dish, players will need to fork over special items known as Tera Shards.
Where to Find Tera Shards in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Players will receive 50 Normal Tera Shards from the chef, which is enough to change one Pokemon's Tera type to Normal. However, those hoping to change a Pokemon's Tera type to any other type will need to find the corresponding type of Tera Shards. The best way to get Tera Shards in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is by taking part in special Tera Raid Events and shattering the Pokemon's Tera Jewel.
The type of Tera Shards players receive from wild Tera Type Pokemon and Tera Raid Events is determined by the Pokemon's Tera Type rather than its primary type.
Alternatively, players can get Tera Shards by catching or defeating wild Tera Type Pokemon or by investigating the gold sparkling spots on the ground. Sadly, they're incredibly rare when using the latter method, though players can farm them very slowly in the Asado Desert to the north of Cascarrafa. It's certainly time-consuming, but they'll find a lot of other rare items like Stardust and evolution stones while doing so, so it's worth players spending a bit of time looking around if they should ever find themselves in the area.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.