How to Beat Team Star's Fairy Crew Leader, Ortega

Struggling against Ortega's Fairy-type team in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet? Get the best strategy, recommended Pokémon, and type counters to defeat him easily.

Alright, let's get you prepped to take on Ortega, the leader of Team Star's Fairy Crew in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. He's a bit of a drama queen, but we can totally handle him!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Azumarill - Level 50 (Water/Fairy)
• Wigglytuff - Level 50 (Normal/Fairy)
• Dachsbun - Level 51 (Fairy)
• Revavroom (Ruchbah Starmobile) - Level 50 (Fairy)
• Recommended Types: Poison, Steel, Grass, Electric.
• Watch out for: Charm, Baby-Doll Eyes (lowers Attack), Confuse Ray, Magical Torque (inflicts confusion).

Phases:

1. Ortega's Opening: He starts with Azumarill. While Steel-types hit neutrally, Poison-types are your best bet here. Grass and Electric types are also good, but be careful because Azumarill can use Bounce. Also, watch out for Charm, which really lowers your Pokémon's Attack stat.
2. Mid-Battle Pokémon: Next up might be Wigglytuff. The same Poison and Steel types work well. Like Azumarill, it can use Charm to weaken your physical attackers. Plus, if your Pokémon is male and makes contact, Wigglytuff might make it fall in love! Then there's Dachsbun, a pure Fairy-type, so it's weak to Poison and Steel. It can also use Baby-Doll Eyes, which lowers Attack with priority, though only by one stage.
3. The Starmobile Showdown: Finally, Ortega brings out his Ruchbah Starmobile. This thing has the Misty Surge ability, meaning it'll automatically set up Misty Terrain when it comes out, which prevents status conditions. However, it can use Steel Roller, a Steel-type move that actually gets rid of terrain effects. It also has Confuse Ray, which is super annoying because it causes confusion. Plus, it has Spin Out, a strong Steel-type move that drastically lowers its own Speed, and Magical Torque, a powerful Fairy-type attack that has a high chance to confuse you.

Strategy:

• Focus on using Poison or Steel type Pokémon. They'll resist Fairy attacks and deal super-effective damage.
• If you have a Fire-type Pokémon, it can also wall the Ruchbah Starmobile effectively.
• Be mindful of moves that lower your Attack stat, like Charm and Baby-Doll Eyes. If you're using a physical attacker, switch out or use items to boost your Attack back up.
• Don't get too flustered by the confusion status effect from Confuse Ray or Magical Torque. Just keep attacking or use a status-healing item if needed.
• Your own Revavroom can actually do really well against Ortega's Starmobile, so don't hesitate to send it out!

After you defeat Ortega, you'll earn a Star Badge and TM079 Dazzling Gleam, a powerful Fairy-type move that hits multiple opponents in Double Battles. Cassiopeia will also call you, unlocking more TMs to craft and giving you materials.