How to Beat Salvatore (Academy Ace Tournament)

Learn how to defeat Salvatore in the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Get tips on recommended Pokemon and Salvatore's team.

Alright, let's get you prepped to take on Salvatore in the Academy Ace Tournament! This is a postgame challenge, so make sure you've wrapped up the Area Zero story and reported back to Geeta at the Academy. Salvatore's team is pretty varied, and his Pokémon are around Level 65-66. You'll want to bring your own crew that's at least Level 66, and having some Dark and Fighting types on your team will be a huge help.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Honchkrow (Dark/Flying): Weak to Fairy, Electric, Rock. Watch out for Sucker Punch, Hurricane, Psychic, and Heat Wave.
• Persian (Normal): Weak to Fighting. Be careful of Fake Out (first turn flinch), Snarl, Aerial Ace, and Play Rough. Technician ability boosts its moves.
• Palossand (Ghost/Ground): Weak to Ice, Dark. Avoid Water types due to Giga Drain and its Water Compaction ability (boosts Defense when hit by Water). It has Shadow Ball, Earth Power, Sludge Bomb, and Giga Drain.
• Glaceon (Ice): Weak to Fighting, Rock, Fire, Steel. Uses Freeze-Dry, Ice Shard, Mud Shot, and Baby-Doll Eyes.
• Gothitelle (Psychic): Weak to Dark, Bug. Can use Psychic, Shadow Ball, Grass Knot, and Reflect. Its Competitive ability boosts Special Attack if its stats are lowered.
• Raichu (Electric - Tera Type: Electric): Weak to Ground. Uses Thunder, Grass Knot, Focus Blast, and Quick Attack. Its Electric STAB is boosted by Terastallization.

Strategy:

• Against Honchkrow: Fairy, Electric, or Rock types are your best bet here.
• Against Persian: Fighting types are ideal. Just be mindful of its Fake Out on the first turn.
• Against Palossand: Ice or Dark types are recommended. Absolutely no Water types, or its Defense will skyrocket!
• Against Glaceon: Fighting types should handle this one with ease.
• Against Gothitelle: Dark types are your top pick, but Bug types are also effective.
• Against Raichu: Bring a Ground type! It's the best way to counter its boosted Electric attacks.

Recommended Pokémon:

• The Level 75 Tera Lucario found in the underground tunnel at Dalizapa Passage is a solid choice.
• Any of the Treasures of Ruin Legendary Pokémon are powerful Dark types that can help.
• If you're playing Scarlet, Great Tusk (Ground/Fighting) from Area Zero is excellent.
• If you're playing Violet, Iron Treads (Ground/Steel) from Area Zero is a great pick.