Final Shot for Event-Only Ultra Rare Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet (July 17)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet players have one final window to grab a rare, event-only Pokémon before it’s gone for good on July 17. Scarlet and Violet are nearly four years old and are set to enter their fifth year since launch in November 2026, but the series’ future is already in motion: Pokémon Winds and Waves was teased during Pokémon Day with an undisclosed release in 2027. That timing suggests Gen 9 could be getting new activity for roughly five years after it first arrived—though for a while, it has mostly lived in “maintenance mode” with small additions rather than major drops. Still, 2026 brings multiple events worth revisiting.
Summer 2026 Events: Magikarp Tera Raids and Mass Outbreaks
A few days ago, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rolled out new Summer 2026 content. The highlights include a fresh Tera Raid centered on a special Magikarp, plus several Mass Outbreaks that cover both the base game and its downloadable content. If you’ve been away from Gen 9—or you’re just starting out—this is a solid moment to return before Gen 10’s expected 2027 debut.
Scarlet and Violet officially reached their fourth year since release, and 2026 gives players a few practical reasons to jump back in while the game is still actively cycling event rewards.
Three-Day Deadline for Hisuian Starter Tera Raids
One of the biggest “don’t miss it” items right now is tied to Hisuian starter raids. These Hisuian starter Tera Raids began on June 25 and are scheduled to end on July 17. The last raid of the run will feature Hisuian Samurott bearing the Mightiest Mark, and once July 17 hits, that final one will leave the game permanently.
Since January of this year, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has been running a weekly event for each starter in the series—up through the Hisuian starters. Each starter is obtainable via 7-Star Tera Raids with the Mightiest Mark. That Mightiest Mark is restricted to Pokémon caught during this specific event. While the same general event pattern has appeared before, this time it has been confirmed as the final run. In other words, Hisuian Samurott won’t return after the event ends again on July 17.
If you still haven’t caught Hisuian Samurott from a 7-Star Tera Raid, this is the last scheduled opportunity. The event concludes at 3:59 pm PT / 6:59 pm ET on July 17.
What You Can and Can’t Still Get
Not every Hisuian starter remains available with the Mightiest Mark. Hisuian Decidueye and Hisuian Typhlosion are no longer obtainable with their Mightiest Mark as of this point in the event cycle.
- The Hisuian starters with the Mightiest Mark are only available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through these native event raids.
- Normally, players can transfer the base forms to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, evolve them there, and then transfer them back into Gen 9—but that does not replicate the event-specific Mightiest Mark availability.
- For Hisuian Samurott specifically, the Mightiest Mark run ends when the event finishes on July 17.
Best Counters for Hisuian Samurott (7-Star Tera Raid)
If you’re preparing to hunt Hisuian Samurott before the deadline, the article’s suggested top counters include Miraidon, Meowscarada, and Clodsire.
- Miraidon: Known for strong damage using Electric moves, and it has self-sustain options that let it heal during the fight.
- Meowscarada: Uses Protean to shift into a pure Grass-type, then leans on Nasty Plot to boost Special Attack before using Giga Drain for both damage and healing.
- Clodsire: Plays well due to Water Absorb, and it can use Acid Spray to reduce Hisuian Samurott’s Special Defense.
Bellibolt can also be used effectively in this raid, and other Pokémon are viable as well—such as Breloom.
When it comes to overall strength in raids and competitive play, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Miraidon is highlighted as one of the best options for Tera Raids and even for VGC-style battles.
Will the Starters Return After Samurott?
After Hisuian Samurott, the next expected rotation for a 7-Star Tera Raid appearance would be Meowscarada. However, with the Magikarp Raids announced for this week, the future schedule is less certain. It’s unclear whether the Gen 9 starter lineup will return after this wave, and if so, exactly when that would happen.
July 2026: A Busy Month for Pokémon Players
Beyond Scarlet and Violet, July 2026 is positioned as a major month for Pokémon fans across multiple games. The month includes extremely rare Pokémon from Pokémon GO tied to its 10th anniversary, along with a large set of freebies in Pokémon Unite. Between those campaigns and the Gen 9 events running now, players have plenty of reasons to stay active across the franchise during July.
