Archaludon

The Alloy Pokémon looks like a dragon built from girders, plates and metal parts. Its elongated body curves like an architectural structure, while its legs and back bring bridge supports to mind. Its upright stance and angular silhouette clearly set it apart from Duraludon, although it retains its industrial dragon traits and Steel and Dragon typing.

The English name Archaludon combines “arch”, referring to arch bridges, with Duraludon; it also fits its appearance as a large metal construction. In Japanese, it is called ブリジュラス, Briduras, from “bridge”, Duraludon and the “-saurus” suffix commonly used in dinosaur names. Its design also recalls cable-stayed bridges and folding structures, with crossed lines that look like cables or reinforcements.

It is the second stage of its evolutionary line. Duraludon uses Metal Alloy and takes on a taller, heavier and more specialised form, standing 2 m tall, weighing 60 kg and reaching a total of 600. The Alloy category describes both its material and the transformation of a metal body into an even more complex structure.

With 90 HP, 130 Defense and 125 Special Attack, Archaludon combines physical durability with special pressure that does not rely on its Attack, which sits at 105. Its 85 Speed is enough to keep it from always being left behind, but its 65 Special Defense sets the limit for the build: powerful special attacks force it back, especially without support.

Stamina is the ability that best suits its role. Every physical attack it takes raises its Defense, so opponents trying to wear it down from that side may end up helping it withstand even more. Sturdy offers one-off protection against single-hit attacks, while Stalwart stops an opposing ability or move from drawing attacks aimed at another target towards itself.

Steel gives it plenty of resistances, while Dragon adds power to moves such as Dragon Claw, Breaking Swipe and Draco Meteor. Flash Cannon makes use of its Special Attack, and Iron Defense reinforces the physical approach. Electro Shot raises its threat when rain is available and lets it work as a special attacker in doubles, where it receives support to attack and stay on the field.

It is not an automatic choice. Its weaknesses to Ground and Fighting, low Special Defense and Speed that falls short of many offensive attackers limit its opportunities to switch in. It finds its clearest role on rain teams and in doubles; in a standard match, it performs best when switching into a physical attacker and taking advantage of the Defense boost from Stamina.

Archaludon belongs to the Mineral and Dragon Egg Groups. It has an even gender split, with 50% female, and needs 30 Egg cycles to hatch: approximately eight thousand steps. Its catch rate is 10, so catching it directly is difficult, and it is worth preparing the capture with status conditions, moves that leave the opponent on low HP and suitable Poké Balls.

Its Egg Moves cover three different roles. Slash provides Normal-type physical damage, Night Slash offers a Dark-type physical option and Mirror Coat returns the special damage received. The offspring also retains a broad base of level-up and TM moves, with physical, special and support options.

The evolution has a specific requirement: Metal Alloy must be used on Duraludon. It does not depend on level or friendship. After using the item, the line evolves directly into Archaludon. The resulting species retains Duraludon’s Egg Groups and gender ratio, so it can be included in a breeding chain with Pokémon from the Mineral or Dragon Egg Groups.