This is a guide for defeating Dendra the Instructor during the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Dendra, who you met during the Psychic Gym challenge, is one of the trainers you can fight in the Academy Ace Tournament. In the very first tournament, she will always be your Round 3 opponent.

From the second tournament onwards, you can randomly encounter her as a opponent during the first three rounds.

What is the Academy Ace Tournament?¶

The Academy Ace Tournament is a single elimination tournament, consisting of 4 rounds, that you can participate in during the postgame. Your opponents will be trainers and faculty members from Naranja/Uva Academy.

To unlock the Academy Ace Tournament, you must complete the Area Zero story, perform the Gym Inspection for Geeta and report the results to her back at Naranja/Uva Academy.

Recommended Pokémon for Dendra (Academy Ace Tournament)¶

Like Jacq, you won’t have fought Dendra before, so her team may be a surprise. As it happens, she’s a Fighting fan, so bring along some Flying, Psychic and Fairy types for an easier time. Her Pokémon are all Level 65 to 66, so it’s a good idea if your own Pokémon are Level 66+.

Here are some recommendations, if you need help:

• The Level 75 Tera Dragonite, north-east from Levincia. You can use Hurricane or relearn Wing Attack, which is weaker, but more accurate and runs off Dragonite’s superior Attack stat.
• If playing Scarlet, Flutter Mane, an exceptional Ghost and Fairy Paradox found in the caves of upper Area Zero.
• If playing Scarlet, Scream Tail, a Fairy and Psychic Paradox commonly found throughout Area Zero.
• If playing Violet, Iron Valiant, a fearsome Fighting and Fairy type Paradox found in the caves of upper Area Zero.
• Corviknight, a tanky Flying and Steel type commonly found in upper Area Zero.
• Azumarill, a good all-round Water and Fairy type. There’s a Level 55 Tera in north Casseroya Lake.

What Pokémon Does Dendra (Academy Ace Tournament) Use?¶

Falinks¶

First into the arena is Falinks, a pure Fighting type. It can use Close Combat for hard-hitting STAB, First Impressions to try and attack first on its first turn, dealing large Bug type damage, Smart Strike to punish Fairy types and Zen Headbutt for additional coverage.

Flying types are strongly recommended. Fairy types won’t like Smart Strike and Psychic types are liable to take big damage from First Impressions. Farigiraf with Armor Tail can negate First Impressions though.

Paldean Tauros (Fire)¶

The Fire type Paldean Tauros can use Raging Bull for Fire STAB and to break barriers, Close Combat for hard-hitting Fighting STAB, plus Earthquake and Zen Headbutt for general coverage. Its Intimidate ability will weaken your Attack when it enters the field.

Water, Ground, Flying and Psychic types are all good here. Try to field a special attacker so Intimidate isn’t an issue.

Paldean Tauros (Water)¶

The Water type Paldean Tauros can use Raging Bull for Water STAB and to shatter barriers, Close Combat for hard-hitting Fighting STAB, Aqua Jet to try and attack first and Rock Slide to take out Flying types. It also has Intimidate, to lower your Pokémon’s Attack when it’s sent out.

This time, we suggest fielding a Grass type if possible, to resist Raging Bull and Aqua Jet. Electric, Fairy and Psychic types should also do well.

Medicham¶

Medicham is both brains and brawn. It’s carrying Axe Kick for heavy Fighting STAB but hurts the user instead if it misses, Zen Headbutt for Psychic STAB, plus Thunder Punch and Ice Punch to terrorize Flying types. Its Pure Power ability doubles its Attack stat. However, its base Attack is so-so.

We recommend a reliable Ghost or Fairy type. Ghost types have the benefit of being immune to Axe Kick. You could even try and trick Medicham by fielding a Pokémon weak to Axe Kick, then switching to a Ghost.

Hawlucha¶

Hawlucha is taking time out from chasing you all across the map. This one can use Flying Press for dual Fighting and Flying damage, Iron Head to batter Fairy types, X-Scissor to cut down Psychic types and Rock Tomb to squash Flying types. It cannot be paralyzed thanks to its Limber ability.

Electric types are ideal, since the other counters are all weak to something.

Terastallized Hariyama¶

Finally, Dendra will send out and immediately Terastallize her Hariyama. In terms of attacks, it’s got Close Combat for STAB and Tera-boosted damage, Stone Edge to give Flying types a hard time, Heavy Slam to pound Fairy types and Earthquake for additional coverage.

This leaves Psychic types as the only safe counters. Ghost types could also work, since they’re immune to its strongest attack.