Introduction

The Pokémon universe is always expanding, and one of the newest and most intriguing additions is Archaludon. With its unique abilities and powerful stats, Archaludon has quickly become a fan-favorite in competitive battles. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting your Pokémon journey, this comprehensive guide will help you master Archaludon. We’ll cover everything from its abilities and type advantages to the best strategies for using Archaludon effectively in battle.

What Is Archaludon?

Archaludon is a newly introduced Pokémon with a mix of Steel and Dragon typing, making it a powerhouse in terms of both offense and defense. Its design is reminiscent of Duraludon, but Archaludon stands out with superior stats and a deeper move pool. With a blend of strong defensive capabilities and devastating offensive moves, Archaludon can be a game-changer in both casual and competitive play.

Archaludon’s Stats and Abilities

Archaludon comes with impressive stats that make it a versatile Pokémon. Here’s a breakdown of its base stats:

• HP: 90
• Attack: 100
• Defense: 120
• Special Attack: 120
• Special Defense: 100
• Speed: 80

Abilities:

1. Pressure: Forces the opposing Pokémon to use 2 PP instead of 1 for each move.
2. Heavy Metal: Doubles Archaludon’s weight, increasing the damage of weight-based moves like Heavy Slam.
3. Hidden Ability (Sturdy): Prevents Archaludon from being knocked out in one hit if it’s at full HP.

These stats and abilities make Archaludon particularly strong against common threats like Fairy, Rock, and Ice-type Pokémon, but vulnerable to Fighting and Ground types.

Best Movesets for Archaludon

To get the most out of Archaludon in battle, it’s crucial to choose the right moveset. Here are some optimal choices:

1. Offensive Moveset:
   • Heavy Slam: Leverages Archaludon’s weight to deal massive damage to lighter Pokémon.
   • Dragon Pulse: A reliable STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) move that deals consistent damage.
   • Thunderbolt: Protects against Pokémon of the Water and Flying types.
   • Flash Cannon: A powerful Steel-type move that hits hard against Fairy-types.
2. Defensive/Utility Moveset:
   • Stealth Rock: A great move for setting up hazards and chipping away at opposing Pokémon.
   • Toxic: Useful for wearing down bulky opponents.
   • Protect: To stall and scout for enemy moves.
   • Roar: To shuffle the opponent’s team and disrupt setup sweepers.

Type Advantages and Weaknesses

As a Steel/Dragon Pokémon, Archaludon has an interesting combination of resistances and vulnerabilities:

Strengths:

• Fairy-type Pokémon, which are normally a threat to Dragon-types, are neutralized by Archaludon’s Steel typing.
• Resists Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Water, Electric, Psychic, and Grass-type moves.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to Ground and Fighting-type moves.
• Archaludon struggles against fast, hard-hitting Ground types like Excadrill and Fighting types like Lucario.

Best Strategies for Using Archaludon in Competitive Play

Archaludon excels as a bulky offensive Pokémon. Its Steel/Dragon typing provides numerous resistances, allowing it to switch into common attacks and set up hazards or deal consistent damage. Here are some strategic tips:

1. Set Up Stealth Rocks: In competitive play, Archaludon can act as a great lead for setting up entry hazards. Use Stealth Rock early to chip away at opposing teams.
2. Tank and Stall: With access to Protect and Toxic, Archaludon can stall out physical attackers while slowly wearing them down.
3. Offensive Pivot: Due to its decent bulk and offensive power, Archaludon can switch in on resisted moves and apply pressure with hard-hitting attacks like Heavy Slam and Dragon Pulse.

Best Partners for Archaludon

To maximize Archaludon’s potential, pair it with Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses:

1. Rotom-Wash: Provides a Ground immunity and can deal with bulky Water-types.
2. Togekiss: Offers immunity to Ground-type moves and can handle Fighting-type threats with Air Slash.
3. Excadrill: Another Steel-type Pokémon that can clear away hazards and deal with opposing threats to Archaludon.

How to Counter Archaludon

If you find yourself up against Archaludon, it’s important to have a game plan. Here are some effective counters:

1. Excadrill: With Mold Breaker and access to Ground-type moves, Excadrill can tear through Archaludon’s defenses.
2. Conkeldurr: Its Fighting-type moves are super effective, and it has the bulk to take a hit from Archaludon.
3. Garchomp: A fast Dragon/Ground Pokémon that can outspeed and deal massive damage with Earthquake.

FAQs About Archaludon

1. Is Archaludon available in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Answer: At the time of this writing, Archaludon is available in [game version].

2. What is Archaludon’s strongest move?
Answer: Heavy Slam is one of its strongest moves due to Archaludon’s Heavy Metal ability, allowing it to deal maximum damage to lighter Pokémon.

3. Can Archaludon be used in doubles?
Answer: Yes, Archaludon’s bulk and access to support moves like Stealth Rock and Protect make it viable in doubles formats as well.

Conclusion

Archaludon is shaping up to be a powerhouse in both casual and competitive Pokémon play. With its unique Steel/Dragon typing, a diverse move pool, and excellent stats, it has earned a spot on many competitive teams. Whether you’re looking to master Archaludon or find effective ways to counter it, understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal strategies is key to success.