How to Beat Iron Treads, the Quaking Earth Titan (Violet)

Struggling with Iron Treads, the Quaking Earth Titan in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet? Get the best strategies, recommended Pokemon, and tips to defeat this Ground/Steel type.

Alright, so you've made it to the desert and you're staring down Iron Treads, the Quaking Earth Titan! Don't sweat it, I've got your back. This big guy looks super intimidating, but with the right approach, you'll have it beat in no time.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Type: Ground / Steel
• Weaknesses: Water, Fire, Fighting
• Resistances: Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Psychic, Dragon, Fairy
• Immune to: Poison
• High Stats: Attack, Defense
• Low Stats: Special Attack, Special Defense

Phases:

1. First Encounter: You fight Iron Treads solo.
2. Second Encounter: A double battle where Arven joins you with his Scovillain.

Strategy:

• Recommended Level: Aim for at least Level 45, though Level 30 with strong Water-types can work.
• Offensive Types: Water, Fire, Fighting are your best bets for dealing super-effective damage.
• Defensive Types: Water and Fire are great resistances against Iron Treads' moves. Avoid Rock, Ice, and Fairy unless they have a secondary typing.
• Starter Choices: Quaxly (Water) and Fuecoco (Fire) are excellent. Avoid Sprigatito due to Iron Treads' Fire Fang.
• Good Pokémon to Consider:
  • Gyarados (Water/Flying) - Evolves from Magikarp, found in rivers.
  • Azumarill (Water/Fairy) - Found around south and north-west Paldea.
  • Makuhita (Fighting) - Found north of Asado Desert.
  • Crawlwr (Fighting) - Found on the beach near Porto Marinada.
  • Finizen (Water) - Found swimming near the beach by Porto Marinada.
• Iron Treads' Moveset:
  • Rapid Spin: Now does decent damage and boosts Speed, also removes status effects.
  • Iron Head: Steel-type move with a chance to flinch.
  • Fire Fang: Fire-type move with a chance to burn.
• Key Strategies:
  • Lower its Attack: Use moves like Growl or Baby-Doll Eyes. Switching in Pokémon with the Intimidate ability repeatedly also works wonders. Just remember critical hits ignore these drops, but they're rare.
  • Burn it: Iron Treads is susceptible to burns! If it gets burned, it'll lose a good chunk of HP each turn. Spam healing items or use Protect while it burns.
  • Arven's Help: In the second fight, Arven's Scovillain (Grass/Fire) will assist you, making the double battle a bit easier.
• What to Avoid:
  • Rock, Ice, and Fairy types unless they have a balancing secondary typing.
  • Using Pokémon that are significantly lower than Level 45 can make the fight a real grind.

You'll find Iron Treads roaming in the desert, specifically on the west side of Asado Desert, between West Province (Area One) and West Province (Area Two). It's also west of Cascarrafa. It's HUGE, so you really can't miss it once you're close!

Getting There: The easiest way is to head to Cascarrafa. From there, just travel west through the Asado Desert. If you're coming from Cortondo (the Grass Gym town), head north-west, cross the river, and keep going west past a Pokémon Center. Follow the road north, then northeast after another bridge, and Cascarrafa will be ahead. Asado Desert is directly west of the town.