Duraludon

Duraludon’s design is based on a metal alloy and the silhouette of a skyscraper, with a body that also recalls a theropod dinosaur. Its narrow, angular appearance fits the image of a modern tower, while its Dragon typing preserves the idea of a creature associated with fortresses and tall buildings. The material it evokes is duralumin, which is lightweight and strong but prone to corrosion, a detail that matches its Pokédex entries: its body can withstand a lot despite being light, but it rusts easily.

Rain is especially unpleasant for it. It seeks shelter in caves and takes advantage of the mobility provided by that special metal to move quickly. In Galar, it has a well-known rivalry with Tyranitar, portrayed as a clash between giant monsters and buildings that dominate the urban landscape.

Duraludon has no prior evolution. It occupies the first place in its evolutionary line and evolves into Archaludon when using Metal Alloy. In the eighth-generation games, it also has a Gigantamax form that takes its architectural inspiration to the extreme.

Duraludon is not notable as a physical attacker: it has 95 Attack, but concentrates its strength in its 120 Special Attack. Its 115 Defense lets it take physical hits, while its 50 Special Defense is the problem that most limits its switch-ins. Its 70 HP and 85 Speed complete a useful offensive profile, although it is not especially fast.

Steel/Dragon gives it many resistances and an immunity to Poison, with weaknesses only to Fighting and Ground. Offensively, Steel STAB punishes Fairy-type Pokémon, which stop many Dragon attacks. Flash Cannon and Dragon Pulse are reliable options; Draco Meteor deals heavy damage at the cost of lowering Special Attack, and Thunderbolt lets it pressure Water-type targets that resist its STAB moves.

Light Metal halves its weight, while Heavy Metal doubles it. Neither ability changes its matchups on its own as much as Stalwart, which prevents the opponent from drawing attacks towards itself with an Ability or a move. In double battles, this effect stops redirection from diverting the chosen attack.

Its utility increases when it can take advantage of its Defense, set Stealth Rock or spread paralysis with Thunder Wave. Even so, its poor Special Defense prevents it from repeatedly switching into powerful special attackers, and Ground- and Fighting-type Pokémon force it to play carefully. In a standard game, it works best as a midgame special attacker or as support that wears down the opposing team before the cleaner comes in.

Duraludon belongs to the Mineral and Dragon Egg Groups, so it can breed with compatible species from either group. The gender ratio is 50% female. Its Eggs need 30 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 7905 steps using the usual formula.

Its notable Egg Moves include Slash, which provides a straightforward physical option; Night Slash, useful against opponents weak to Dark; and Mirror Coat, a special response that returns the damage received. The choice depends on the role it is going to fill, since its stats clearly favor Special Attack and physical Defense.

Its catch rate is 45: it is not an easy species to catch, so it is worth saving Poké Balls with suitable bonuses or weakening it carefully. It is associated with caves because of its dislike of rain, although the specific habitat depends on the game. To evolve it, you have to use Metal Alloy; it does not require a level, friendship or weather condition.