Duraludon has finally made its way into Pokémon Go during the Steel Skyline event. Known as the skyscraper Pokémon, this Gen 8 Steel/Dragon type brings with it Dynamax battles, Shiny availability, and a future evolution into Archaludon. If you want to add Duraludon to your team, you’ll need to know how to catch it and which Pokémon stand the best chance against its Dynamax form.
How to Catch Duraludon in Pokémon Go
Duraludon debuted during the Steel Skyline event (September 30 – October 7, 2025). During this period, there are two primary ways to encounter it:
- Four-Star Dynamax Battles
- Duraludon appears in four-star Max Battles at Power Spots.
- You’ll need Max Particles to join these raids, so be sure to complete the To the Max! questline first.
- Coordinating with other trainers is recommended, as Duraludon is tough to solo.
- Event-Exclusive Field Research
- Some research tasks reward encounters with Duraludon.
- For example, completing “Win 3 Dynamax Battles” can unlock an encounter.
- Since tasks rotate daily, spin plenty of PokéStops to increase your chances of finding the right one.
Tip: Catch at least one Duraludon before the event ends, since its availability afterward is uncertain. It may be tied to future raids or seasonal research, but nothing is guaranteed.
Dynamax Duraludon Weaknesses and Best Counters
Because Duraludon is a Steel/Dragon type, it’s weak to Fighting and Ground moves. However, Max Battles add restrictions: you can only use Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon.
Recommended Attackers
- Gigantamax Machamp – the strongest Fighting-type option and the top counter.
- Urshifu (Single Strike or Rapid Strike) – reliable Fighting-type damage.
- Excadrill – a solid Ground-type attacker.
- Passimian – a useful Fighting-type backup.
See also: Pokémon Go Shiny Magikarp Guide – How to Catch, Odds, and Evolve into Red Gyarados
Recommended Defenders
- Crowned Shield Zamazenta – the best tank, highly resistant to Duraludon’s moves.
- Metagross – strong Steel-type defense.
- Crowned Sword Zacian – another excellent wall.
- Omastar – a niche but viable defender.
Recommended Healers
- Blissey – the ideal healer thanks to its bulk.
- Gigantamax Snorlax or Gigantamax Lapras – alternative sustain picks.
Battle Tactics for Dynamax Duraludon
When building your team, aim for a mix of attackers, defenders, and at least one healer:
- Open with a Defender – Start with Zamazenta or Metagross to soak damage.
- Switch to an Attacker at Dynamax Phase – Gigantamax Machamp is the prime choice here.
- Cycle Between Roles – Once your attacker returns to normal, swap back to a defender to keep it alive.
- Healer Support – A Blissey or Lapras on the team can make a big difference in longer fights.
Remember, Dynamax bosses often rotate between area-of-effect moves (which can’t be dodged) and single-target heavy hits (which can be dodged). Pay attention to the animation patterns and re-lobby if you want to reroll the boss’s movepool.
Is Shiny Duraludon Available in Pokémon Go?
Yes, Shiny Duraludon is available from the moment of its debut. Its shiny form swaps the silver body for a darker grey, with subtle changes to its blue accents. While not the flashiest shiny, it’s still a must-have for collectors.
Duraludon’s CP and Moveset
- Catch CP range: 1674 – 1753 CP (from Max Battles).
- Best Moveset:
- Fast Move: Dragon Tail
- Charged Move: Dragon Claw
- For a defensive setup, consider Hyper Beam as a second Charged Move. Although Duraludon is part Steel-type, its Dragon moves provide more consistency in raids and battles.
What About Archaludon?
At launch, Archaludon is not available in Pokémon Go. This Gen 9 evolution debuted in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask DLC. Niantic has not announced when it will join the game, but given its ties to Duraludon, it’s likely to appear in future events or research.
Quick Tips for the Steel Skyline Event
- Focus on Fighting and Ground attackers to speed up raids.
- Join local or remote raid groups for four-star Duraludon battles.
- Complete Field Research daily to maximize your encounter chances.
- Take advantage of global challenge bonuses like extra candies and XP.
Duraludon’s arrival in Pokémon Go is a big deal, not just for its Dynamax raid battles but also for its future evolution into Archaludon. With its Steel/Dragon typing, unique skyscraper design, and Shiny availability, it’s worth the effort to catch at least one during the Steel Skyline event. Build your counters around Fighting and Ground Pokémon, and you’ll stand a solid chance of bringing this towering Pokémon into your collection.
