The Steel Skyline event brought Duraludon, the imposing Steel/Dragon-type from Gen VIII, to Pokémon GO on September 30, 2025. This skyscraper-inspired Pokémon debuts exclusively through Max Battles, offering trainers a fresh challenge and the exciting opportunity to hunt its shiny form. Whether you’re a competitive battler or shiny collector, this guide covers everything you need to capture Duraludon.

Pokémon GO Duraludon Quick Stats

Category	Details
Type	Steel/Dragon
Release Date	September 30, 2025
Availability	4-Star Max Battles, Trading
Shiny Available	Yes (1/64 odds)
CP Range	1,674 – 1,753 (Level 20)
Best Counters	Fighting & Ground types
Attack Stat	239
Max Battle Cost	800 MP

How to Obtain Duraludon

Method 1: Four-Star Max Battles

The primary method requires participating in 4-star Max Battles, Pokémon GO’s newest raid-style feature. Here’s what you need to know:

Entry Cost: 800 Max Particles (MP) per attempt, only deducted upon successful completion

Battle Requirements: Duraludon’s Steel/Dragon typing creates a unique weakness profile. Ground- and Fighting-type attacks deal massive damage, making these your top choices:

Gigantamax Machamp: The ultimate counter with Fighting-type Max Moves
Dynamax Machamp: Excellent alternative if Gigantamax isn’t available
Urshifu: Rapid Strike or Single Strike forms both excel
Eternatus: Dragon-type coverage with strong stats

After defeating Duraludon, you’ll enter the catch phase where it appears at Level 20 with CP ranging from 1,674 (minimum IVs) to 1,753 (perfect 15/15/15 hundo). Unlike traditional raids, Max Battles don’t offer weather-boosted encounters.

For detailed Max Battle strategies, visit our Pokémon GO raid guides.

Method 2: Trading

Can’t access Max Battles? Trading offers an alternative route. Find a friend who’s caught Duraludon and negotiate an exchange. Keep in mind:

High Stardust Cost: Legendary trades require significant Stardust investment
Best Friend Bonus: Reduces costs but remains expensive
IV Reroll: Traded Pokémon receive random IVs based on friendship level

Shiny Duraludon: Your Lucky Break

Yes, Shiny Duraludon is available immediately upon release! The gleaming variant features altered coloring with 1/64 (1.5625%) shiny odds per encounter—significantly better than the standard 1/500 wild encounter rate.

This boosted rate makes the Steel Skyline event prime time for shiny hunting. Each Max Battle completion gives you another 1.5625% chance, so persistent trainers willing to invest MP will likely secure the shiny form during the event window.

Discover more shiny hunting tips on our Pokémon GO events hub.

Battle Performance & Movesets

Duraludon boasts competitive stats that make it viable for both PvE and PvP content:

Fast Moves:

Dragon Tail (generates Max Wyrmwind)
Metal Claw (generates Max Steelspike)

Charged Moves:

Flash Cannon (Steel-type STAB)
Dragon Claw (Dragon-type STAB, fast energy)
Hyper Beam (Coverage, high damage)

Max Move Upgrade Costs:

Level 1: 400 MP + 70 Candy
Level 2: 600 MP + 120 Candy
Level Max: 800 MP + 50 Candy XL

Its 239 Attack stat makes Duraludon a formidable attacker, while decent 185 Defense provides survivability. The 172 Stamina is average but manageable with proper shielding.

Event Timeline

While Duraludon debuted September 30, 2025, during the Steel Skyline event, availability beyond this window remains uncertain. Niantic typically rotates Max Battle bosses, so prioritize capturing Duraludon (especially shiny variants) before potential rotation.

Stay updated with the official Pokémon GO website for event announcements and Max Battle rotations.

FAQs

Q: Can I solo 4-star Max Battles for Duraludon?

A: Yes, but it’s challenging. Solo attempts require maxed-out Fighting or Ground-type counters, preferably with Dynamax or Gigantamax capabilities. Gigantamax Machamp is the optimal solo choice due to type advantage and Max Move power. Most trainers find 2-3 player groups more reliable for consistent victories. Having at least one Gigantamax Pokémon in your team significantly improves solo success rates.

Q: Will Duraludon be available in raids after the Steel Skyline event ends?

A: Niantic hasn’t confirmed Duraludon’s availability after the initial event period. Historically, Pokémon introduced through special features like Max Battles may rotate out temporarily before returning in future events or standard raid rotations. Your best strategy is catching (and shiny hunting) during the Steel Skyline event. Check the official Pokémon GO blog regularly for announcements about returning featured Pokémon.