Archaludon, the Alloy Pokémon. It gathers static electricity from its surroundings. The beams it launches when down on all fours are tremendously powerful. It digs holes on mountains, searching for food. It's so durable that being caught in a cave-in won't faze it.
Overview
Despite all the attention heaped upon Duraludon in Sword and Shield, being the 8th gym leader’s ace and with a unique Gigantamax form, it was rather underwhelming. Yet it is due to all this attention it still came as a shock that Duraludon got a new evolution in the Indigo Disc. To say that Archaludon blows its pre-evolution out of the water is an understatement. With a much improved 90 HP and 130 Defense alongside the fantastic Dragon Steel typing Archaludon is already an impressive physical tank, but it goes beyond that thanks to Stamina. With Stamina, each physical attack just increases Archaludon’s Defense, turning a pivot into a predicted resist into actual value that makes Archaludon harder to knock out. Archaludon is no slouch offensively either; sitting at the famed base 125 Special Attack, Archaludon is all but guaranteed to hit hard even without investment, especially with powerful STABs like Draco Meteor. Archaludon can crank that power even higher with its signature Electro Shot, a retrain of Meteor Beam that skips the charging phase in the rain, allowing Archaludon to apply immense pressure while boosting at the same time. All of this adds to Archaludon acting as an unstoppable juggernaut that escalates out of control.
If you believe that is all to Archaludon, then the authors of this article have a bridge to sell to you. Base 65 Special Defense is a poor a Special Defense as Archaludon’s base 130 Defense is great, leaving it quickly downed by powerful special blows. Common physical weaknesses to Ground and Fighting hurt Archaludon’s longevity too, allowing it to be taken down in a single blow if it hasn’t accrued enough Stamina boosts. Even if Archaludon has gotten several Stamina Boosts, its lack of reliable recovery leaves it prone to being worn down. Electroshot is also Archaludon’s lone offensive boosting option, leaving it reliant on Rain or the one-time use of Power Herb to boost up safely, all the while exasperating Archaludon’s already poor matchup into Ground types by giving them a free pivot in. Archaludon is still a juggernaut in all senses of the word, and care must be taken in facing it lest it build up to impossible heights.
Positives
90/130 physical bulk is fantastic and can become unbreakable with Stamina
Dragon-Steel typing is fantastic defensively offering a myriad of resistances with little in terms of exploitable weaknesses.
Base 125 Special Attack is fierce, allowing Archaludon to deal significant damage even uninvested.
Electro Shot is an absurd signature move that grants coverage and boosting all in one attack.
Negatives
65 Special Defense is rather poor and a gaping achilles heel to Archaludon’s otherwise impressive bulk.
Common Fighting and Ground weaknesses sabotage Archaludon’s fantastic physical bulk.
Lack of reliable recovery prevents Archaludon from playing the long game.
Movesets
Opening Bridge Hazard
-Stealth Rock
-Foul Play
-Metal Burst
-Draco Meteor/Steel Beam
Ability: Sturdy
Item: Custap Berry
EVs and Nature:
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
Lead Archaludon strikes out against the many restricted and mythical Pokémon of regulation J, reliably setting up Stealth Rocks before going out with a bang, setting the pace of the match. With Sturdy, Archaludon can reliably setup Stealth Rocks, though what happens next depends on the field state. If Archaludon is facing a high Attack target not resistant to Dark, like Arceus, Calyrex-Ice Rider, and Ho-oh, or just Dark weak in general like Calyrex-Shadow Rider, Foul Play is the way to go, dealing considerable damage. If expecting a big hit from a faster target, Metal Burst can provide a brutal blow as Archaludon is brought down to Sturdy. Draco Meteor and Steel Beam perform a similar role, allowing Archaludon to go out with a bang especially after being knocked down to Custap Berry range, knocking out a target in retribution or heavily damaging it for Archaludon’s team mate. Draco Meteor has the benefit of not knocking out Archaludon allowing for follow up if Archaludon’s opponent does not knock it out, while Steel Beam has its uses in dodging hazard removal like Rapid Spin and Defog by knocking out Archaludon.
Tera Types:
While Archaludon is normally resistant to Terastalizing in the first place given its fantastic defensive profile, it becomes near non-existent with the lead set where Archaludon’s role is to setup Stealth Rocks and be knocked out in short measure. Tera Ghost may be the only concession, preventing Arceus’ and Dragonite’s Extreme Speed from picking it off before Archaludon can use its Custap Berry attack.
EVs and Items:
Max Special Attack and Speed are recommended. This Archaludon set is meant to die fast doing as much damage as possible and the EVs support that screaming offense. While the Speed investment is at odds with Metal Burst, it is important for Archaludon laying down as much damage as possible and outrunning most targets to get more hits off. Modest is generally preferred for damage, though Timid is helpful against Timid Gholdengo, and Jolly Dragonite. Custap Berry is generally recommended, allowing for pseudo-priority when Sturdy is activated allowing for one last move from Archaludon. Power Herb can be considered if running Electro Shot
Partners:
:
Attackers of all stripes adore lead Archaludon’s support, chipping opponents into knock out range, and outright removing key threats in good matchups. However, Archaludon’s poor matchups into Ground and Fighting types remain, so allies that can clean up common culprits that fell Archaludon are greatly appreciated. Ho-oh is the most prominent Flying type around, its physical leanings contrasting Archaludon’s Special and makes an excellent pivot into predicted Ground attacks if one wants to preserve Archaludon’s Sturdy for later. Ghost types like Calyrex-Shadow Rider and Flutter Mane are also important, dealing with the common Extreme Speed users called upon to fell Custap Berry Archaludon before it can get its boosted move on top of being clean outs into the fearsome Urshifu-Rapid Strike.
Other Options:
Electro Shot remains a powerful option, boosting up Archaludon’s offense even higher.
Thunder Wave is potent speed control that can turn a normally faster opponent into fodder for Archaludon and its teammates.
Mirror Coat is more reliable than Metal Burst given its negative priority but only works against special attackers.
Roar can phase out opponents trying to use Archaludon to setup.
Doubles and VGC Options
For all Archaludon’s strengths in Singles, it is even more potent in Doubles. With the strength of Weather, getting Rain up for repeated Electro Shots is not as much a concession in teambuilding. In fact, Archaludon has made a name for itself as a mainstay on Rain teams, its Electric and Grass resistances invaluable on a team style that often stacks multiple Water types. Stamina takes a new dimension in Doubles as well, turning Fake Out into an outright detriment by giving Archaludon a free boost. This isn't even stopping from Archaludon to eschew Stamina entirely and instead act akin to Lunala with Power Herb Electro Shot and Sturdy, giving it a home outside of Rain teams and indeed a solid counter to them. This even takes on a new dimension in closed team sheet, where opponents will avoid using Fake Out or weak moves to break Sturdy in fear of Stamina and vice versa. Really the main thing holding Archaludon back is its poor Base 65 Special Defense, a clear achilles heel to its titanic bulk. The lack of built in recovery is troublesome as well, making it possible to overwhelm Archaludon through damage, though trying to damage race a boost Archaludon often ends in disaster and can be easily remedied with teammates.
Lunar Bridge
-Electro Shot
-Protect
-Dragon Pulse
-Flash Cannon
Ability: Sturdy
Item: Power Herb
Tera Type: Electric/Stellar
EVs and Nature:
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
Sturdy Archaludon acts as Lunala-lite in lower power formats, using Sturdy in place of Lunar Shield for the guaranteed survival of one blow while using Electro Shot to boost up and sweep. While Archaludon's bulk is impressive, especially when invested, this does not mean it is invincible with even Max HP variants falling to powerful Ground and Fighting attacks like Adamant Sneasler's Close Combat, Ursaluna's Headlong Rush (Guts not required), Annihilape's Final Gambit, and Gallade's Stamina ignoring Sacred Sword. Sturdy guarantees Archaludon survives such hits, while opening up its moveset to include the ever important Protect, whose utility in Doubles is endless, scouting for Teras, stalling for allied setup, stalling out opponent setup and more. Dragon Pulse and Flash Cannon are reliable STABs, Dragon Pulse for its wide neutral coverage on top of handling the ever threatening Dragonite, Garchomp and Dragapult and Flash Cannon for the Alolan Ninetales, Clefairy and Tera Fairy users immune to Dragon Pulse.
Preferred Partners:
Answers to Ground and Fighting attacks are recommended given Archaludon's weakness to them and take some pressure off Sturdy. Pelipper is a natural pick, the synergy with Electro Shot being incredibly tempting despite this set’s strength being that it doesn’t require Pelipper. Other picks like Primarina, Sinistcha, and Whimsicott can be used. Sinistcha is great for reestablishing Sturdy with Hospitality and Life Dew, while Whimsicott's Tailwind and Fake Tears Support is invaluable for this more offensive Archaludon. While lacking the requisite Ground resistance, Alolan-Ninetales is a strong option for threatens STAB attackers and can reinforce Archaludon’s bulk with Aurora Veil.
Thunderbolt is an alternative Electric coverage, leaving Archaludon less reliant on Rain to deal Electric damage. Recommended if one already has good Steel or Dragon coverage from other party members.
Draco Meteor is a strong one time nuke, but less attractive given how Electro Shot cannot be repeated.
Stalwart as an ability can be worth consideration, ensuring redirectors cannot protect their teammates and thus a nasty surprise to anyone trying such protection, though the defensive utility of Sturdy Is hard to deny.
Electro Bridge
-Electro Shot
-Body Press
-Draco Meteor
-Flash Cannon
Ability: Stamina
Item: Assault Vest
Tera Type: Bug/Grass
EVs and Nature:
180 HP / 84 SAtk / 240 SDef / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
Assault Vest Archaludon is the crowning jewel for the rain modes on teams, providing excellent resistances and coverage while easily capable of escalating into an out-of-control ball of stats. Electro Shot is key to this, allowing Archaludon to escalate with every attack it makes, while being a solid answer into opposing Water types thanks to its resistances. If unable to get a knockout, it is often better than not to go for Electro Shot, causing Archaludon to escalate for later turns. Body Press is the main payoff for all the Stamina boosts, allowing Archaludon to wield its greatest asset as a deadly weapon and bludgeon sponges like Hisuian Goodra, Assault Vest Ursaluna, and Tyranitar. Draco Meteor is power incarnate, if not deleting, severely damaging its target, especially after an Electro Shot or two. Flash Cannon pulls the set together, not only being reliable STAB that doesn’t sink Archaludon’s Special Attack but covers the Fairy types that resist both Body Press and Draco Meteor, ensuring the likes of Alolan-Ninetales, Whimsicott and Ribombee along with the main Tera Fairy users cannot slow Archaludon’s assault.
This specific EV spread is meant to maximize Special Bulk ensuring that Archaludon can survive a Modest Life Orb Ursaluna-Bloodmoon’s Earth Power, turning such an attack into a 3HKO if Archaludon Terastalizes, with everything else going into Special Attack for power. Thankfully Archaludon’s base Speed is high enough to outrun even Max Speed Modest Ursaluna-Bloodmoon. For Timid, 76 Speed EVs will be needed to ensure Archaludon outruns. Otherwise, more simplistic spreads of max HP investment for more general bulk or max Special Attack investment for more power are perfectly acceptable. Tera Bug is the preferred Tera Type for Archaludon, granting important resistances to Fighting and Ground. Tera Grass is also popular for the Ground resistance and immunity to Amoongus and Smeargle’s Spore as well as Rage Powder. Both types also benefit from Rain support, making their Fire weaknesses less of an issue.
Preferred Partners:
As this set is meant to operate in the Rain, Pelipper, or if available, Kyogre are musts. The pure value from chargeless Electro Shot is too hard to pass up. Archaludon’s amazing matchups into opposing Water resists and checks to Water types more than returns the favor, enabling an aggressive offense that is hard to overwhelm. These water types also provide strong disincentive for Ground types to come in to block Electro Shot, allowing Archaludon to apply even more pressure. Pelipper and common Swift Swim sweeper Basculegion also benefit Archaludon in their great matchup against Fighting types, freely pivoting in to one of Archaludon’s weaknesses.
Archaludon also makes for a good pick on Annihilape Beat Up cores with Whimsicott and Maushold, similarly benefitting from an allied Beat Up to shoot up Body Press’ damage to terrifying levels while making Archaludon unbreakable physically.
Given how Assault Vest Archaludon is meant to sit on the field and accrue boosts, allies that can heal it are invaluable. Rillaboom’s Grassy Terrain is a given, especially with how it also reduces damage from Earthquake. Sinistcha’s Hospitality and Life Dew are another excellent option as is Amoonguss with Pollen Puff. The latter two being redirectors that resist or are immune to Archaludon’s Ground and Fighting weaknesses just adds to the value they provide.
Snarl is a more direct method for Archaludon to buffer its Special Defense, making breaking through it an even more backbreaking.
Dragon Pulse is reliable Dragon STAB that doesn’t sink Archaludon’s Special Attack which may be preferable given the wide neutral coverage of Dragon.
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Countering Archaludon
Archaludon’s impressive defense, intense offense, and defensive abilities make it a chore to handle effectively without taking catastrophic damage.
Ground types are highly recommended in dealing with Archaludon given their super effective STAB and immunity to Electro Shot, greatly reducing the value of the move. However, this is complicated by Archaludon often surrounding itself with Water types, ensuring that at the very least there is a check for them waiting in the wings if not on the field. Gastrodon is notable in Doubles formats for its phenomenal Special Bulk and Storm Drain allowing it to reliably take on Archaludon and its teammates while capable of 2HKOing more offensive Assault Vest variants. While Ting-Lu dislikes boosted Body Presses, it takes several boosts to directly threaten it while it can quickly cleave Archaludon’s HP with Ruination if not remove it with a lucky Fissure, while in Singles removing Archaludon’s boosts with Whirlwind. While not a Ground type, Assault Vest Iron Hands proves similarly immovable thanks to its resistance to Electro Shot and Flash Cannon as well as its titanic bulk with Body Press and can outlast Archaludon with Drain Punch.
If dealing with the Stamina sets, immediate high-powered offense is recommended to prevent Archaludon from stacking too many boosts from Stamina and Electro Shot. Sneasler is the gold standard for this naturally outspeeding and OHKOing with Close Combat. Others like Excadrill, Blaziken, Tauros-Aqua, can all if not OHKO, deal catastrophic damage that renders any defense boost moot. Gallade is also notable for its fantastic Special Bulk, Body Press resistance and Stamina ignoring Sacred Sword. In formats with restricted Pokémon, this list explodes, with Chien-Pao, Zamazenta-Crowned, Urshifu, Groudon, and more all dealing devastating damage to Archaludon. Such sets are also reliant on Rain to spam Electro Shot, so weather disruption can cause them to waste turns and greatly reduce the pressure they exert.
Sturdy sets are ironically vulnerable to Fake Out given their usually offensive EV spreads, making them prime doubling up targets. Though such sets access to Protect does enable them to punish such tactics. In singles, breaking Sturdy with hazards or chip damage is ideal as such sets often run Metal Burst, Mirror Coat or Custap Berry as a nasty surprise for attackers that knock them down to Sturdy range. However such sets tend to be purely special, and thus are more vulnerable to Special walls like Blissey. The lack of Fighting coverage makes Iron Treads and Heatran issues as well.
Locations in Games
Red/Blue/Yellow:
Not in game
Gold/Silver/Crystal:
Not in game
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Not in game
FireRed/LeafGreen:
Not in game
Colosseum/XD:
Not in game
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Not in game
HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Not in game
Black/White:
Not in game
Black 2/White 2:
Not in game
X/Y:
Not in game
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Not in game
Sun/Moon:
Not in game
Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon:
Not in game
Let's Go, Pikachu!/Let's Go, Eevee!:
Not in game
Sword/Shield:
Not in game
Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl:
Not in game
Legends: Arceus:
Not in game
Scarlet/Violet:
Evolve Duraludon
Legends: Z-A:
Not in game
Anime Appearences
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Archaludon has made several appearances in the animated series. In this appearance, it was used by Drayton while the Rising Volt Tacklers were in the Blueberry Academy
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