- Event Dates: Steel Skyline runs Sept 30 – Oct 7, 2025 (10:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time) [1] [2].
- New Pokémon: Dynamax Duraludon debuts in this event as a four-star raid boss – including a chance for Shiny Duraludon [3] [4].
- Duraludon Details: Duraludon is a Steel/Dragon-type “Alloy Pokémon” from the Galar region (Pokémon Sword/Shield). It even has an evolution, Archaludon, but as of this event it cannot yet evolve in GO [5].
- How to Get Duraludon: Catch it by defeating the Dynamax Duraludon raid (Four-Star Max Battle) or earn it from special Field Research. Niantic notes that you “may even encounter Dynamax Duraludon” by completing event research tasks [6] [7]. Paid Timed Research ($1.99) guarantees an encounter with Dynamax Duraludon [8].
- Event Bonuses: Steel-type Pokémon spawn more often, and Global Challenges/Timed Research offer big rewards. According to Niantic, the Level 1 Global Challenge bonus grants extra Candy and XP for nice/great/excellent throws [9]. Completing Timed Research (free or premium) yields rewards like Magnetic Lure Modules, XP, Stardust, and encounter candy or Pokémon [10] [11].
- Top Counters: As a Steel/Dragon type, Duraludon is weak to Fighting and Ground moves. Pokémon GO Hub advises that “the best Dynamax Duraludon counter is Gigantamax Machamp,” with other strong Fighting-types (e.g. Urshifu) or Ground-types (Excadrill) on your team [12] [13].
Event Overview: Steel Skyline Launch
Niantic’s official announcement confirms that the Steel Skyline event will run from September 30 to October 7, 2025, with Dynamax Duraludon as its centerpiece [14] [15]. In a news update, the Pokémon GO team stated: “Dynamax Duraludon will make its Pokémon GO debut in four-star Max Battles!” and reminded trainers that, if they’re lucky, “you may encounter a Shiny one!” [16]. In other words, this event marks the first appearance of Duraludon (and its rare shiny variant) in Pokémon GO. The schedule confirms that all local timezones will see the event begin at 10 AM on Sept 30 and end at 8 PM on Oct 7 [17] [18].
In addition to the raid boss, Steel Skyline adds plenty of bonuses. Steel-type wild spawns (e.g. Magnemite, Aron, Grimer, Skarmory) are boosted, and Niantic has set up Global Challenges – communal goals for trainers worldwide. For example, Team GO Hub notes: “Global Challenges will take place throughout the Steel Skyline event. Work with Trainers around the world to complete Field Research tasks and complete throwing-based challenges to unlock bonuses.” [19]. Rewards scale as challenges are met; Niantic’s blog details that Level 1 unlocks extra Candy (and Candy XL chances for higher-level trainers) for good throws [20], Level 2 adds bonus raid XP, and Level 3 guarantees Rare XL Candy from Max Battles [21]. These incentives keep all players engaged – newbies earn more XP and candy for skillful throws, while veteran trainers collect rare items like XL Candy and Rare Candy.
Meet Duraludon: Galar’s “Alloy Pokémon”
Duraludon is a Generation VIII (Galar) Pokémon with Steel/Dragon typing. Known in the anime and games as the “Alloy Pokémon,” its design is literally inspired by skyscrapers – hence “Steel Skyline.” Pokemon GO Hub describes: “Duraludon, the Alloy Pokémon, makes their debut in Pokémon GO!” [22]. According to the Hub guide, Duraludon also has a Gigantamax form and an evolution called Archaludon (introduced in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet), though “it is not expected for Duraludon to be able to evolve upon release” in GO [23]. In practice, that means trainers can catch Duraludon itself but cannot (for now) evolve it into Archaludon in-game. It’s also worth noting that Duraludon’s shiny color palette is slightly darker than its normal blue-silver – so shiny hunters will have a fresh target this event.
How to Catch Dynamax Duraludon
The primary method to obtain Duraludon is by battling it in the new Dynamax (Gigantamax) raid. As noted by Gamepressure, “you must engage in Max Battles. The encounter with Duraludon happens in Four-Star Max Battle.” [24]. In other words, Duraludon will appear as the boss of Four-Star raids (the highest tier in the Dynamax raid pool). Gather 3 friends (or play remotely with four total players) and join these raids to face Dynamax Duraludon. Winning the raid gives you a chance to catch Duraludon. Niantic even hints that rare field research tasks can reward an encounter: “Complete Field Research tasks to earn encounters with event-themed Pokémon. You may even encounter Dynamax Duraludon – if you’re lucky!” [25]. Indeed, some of the event’s special research tasks give Duraludon itself as a reward: for example, GO Hub’s task chart shows “Win 3 Dynamax Battles” rewards a Duraludon encounter [26].
Trainers can also purchase a Premium Timed Research ticket for US$1.99. Niantic’s announcement confirms that the paid Timed Research includes a guaranteed encounter with Dynamax Duraludon [27]. In summary, you can catch Duraludon via: (1) winning the Four-Star Dynamax Duraludon raid, (2) lucky field-research rewards during the event [28] [29], or (3) the paid Timed Research path [30].
Event Challenges and Rewards
Beyond Duraludon, Steel Skyline is packed with bonuses. Steel-type species like Magnemite, Aron, Grimer, Bronzor, Klink, and Trubbish will swarm the wild [31] (with even rarer spawns like Galarian Meowth, Skarmory, and Mawile popping up) [32]. Niantic’s Global Challenges, mentioned above, unlock universal buffs: at Level 1 you get extra Candy for perfect throws and more chances for Candy XL [33]. Level 2 grants +5,000 XP per raid win [34], and Level 3 guarantees Rare Candy XL from in-person Max Raids [35]. These add-ons boost all players’ progress through the event.
Timed Research is another layer. A free event Timed Research track is automatically available, offering lure modules, XP, Stardust and Pokémon encounters (including possibly Duraludon) when tasks are completed [36] [37]. Additionally, the paid Steel Skyline Ultra Ticket Box ($1.99) not only gives the Premium Research ticket, but also 3 Golden Razz Berries. GO Hub notes that completing the paid Timed Research tasks earns 800 Max Particles, 3000 Stardust, and an encounter with Duraludon [38], making the modest purchase worth it for hardcore collectors. (Niantic emphasizes these tickets are non-refundable and cannot be bought with PokéCoins [39].) Overall, the combination of Global Challenges, Spotlight/raid hours, and Timed Research means active players can reap a bounty of XP, candy, and bonus items throughout Steel Skyline.
Battling Duraludon: Counters and Strategy
Facing Dynamax Duraludon calls for the right counters. Its Steel/Dragon typing makes it weak to Fighting-, Ground-, and Dragon-type moves. Pokémon GO Hub’s battle guide confirms this, stating “Your best Dynamax Duraludon counter is Gigantamax Machamp. Machamp is the strongest Fighting-type attacker available at the moment.” [40]. In practice, bring multiple powerful Fighting-type attackers: Urshifu (any form) is a solid choice, as is Gigantamax Machamp if you have one. Ground-type attackers like Excadrill also fare well (Duraludon’s moveset includes Metal Claw/Flash Cannon, so Ground is effective). The Hub’s recommended lineup lists Machamp, Urshifu, Excadrill, even Alakazam, as top attackers [41].
On defense, Steel GO counter-experts note that Crowned Zamazenta is an excellent shield against Duraludon’s moves (resisting its Dragon and Steel attacks) [42]. In a typical raid, your team of four should include 2–3 strong attackers and 1–2 high-stamina defenders or healers (Blissey, Wailord, Snorlax, etc. can act as buffers). Keep the match short by loading up on Fighting attacks as soon as the max meter fills – remember, Dynamax battles use fast moves to charge the max gauge. With coordinated play, many groups should be able to defeat Dynamax Duraludon and catch it.
Looking Forward
Steel Skyline’s debut of Duraludon marks the continued rollout of Galar Pokémon into GO (after last year’s Galarian Great League updates). Trainers will watch to see when Archaludon or other Gen 9 features arrive. For now, the focus is on exploiting this event’s bonuses and catching Shiny Duraludon while it’s available. As Pokemon GO Hub summarizes, the Steel Skyline event “features the debut of Duraludon, and it can be shiny!” [43] – a signal that this week-long event is a must-play for GO fans. With max raids, research and global challenges offering plentiful rewards, players have every reason to log in and explore the Steel Skyline from September 30 through October 7.
Sources: Official Niantic Pokémon GO blog and in-game announcements [44] [45]; Pokémon GO Hub guide by experts [46] [47]; Gamepressure news article [48]; event coverage summaries [49] [50], among others. These confirm dates, features, and expert tips for the Steel Skyline event.
References
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