The Evolution of Duraludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: A Game-Changer Among Galarian Corsola Controversy
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk DLC introduces Archaludon, a new evolution for Duraludon in Gen 8 This exciting addition has the potential to make a significant impact in the game, reminiscent of Galarian Corsola's influence
Highlights
The Indigo Disk DLC is set to introduce Duraludon's new evolution, Archaludon, which could have a significant impact on the competitive meta.
Previous instances of cross-gen evolutions, such as Kingambit, have demonstrated their potency and influence within the competitive realm. Archaludon has the potential to yield a comparable impact.
Galarian Corsola from Generation 8 garnered popularity and strength due to its utilization of the Eviolite. Duraludon possesses the potential to emerge as a new contender for this item, thereby causing disruption within the meta.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet revolutionized competitive gaming by making it more accessible to players aspiring to climb the ranked ladder and experiment with PvP teams. This achievement was made possible through the introduction of various new and revamped features. For instance, acquiring Mints, which were previously scarce and primarily obtained as rewards from competitive matches, became easier as Gen 9 made them available for purchase from regular vendors at a reasonable price. The competitive meta in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has also witnessed significant changes, particularly with the recent inclusion of Hisuian creatures through Pokemon Home compatibility. However, the upcoming Indigo Disk DLC poses a significant challenge for Duraludon's newly evolved form. Duraludon was initially introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield as the chosen companion of Raihan, Leon's formidable rival. Its formidable Dragon and Steel typing, combined with its versatile moveset and unique Gigantamax form, marked it as a strong contender right from the start. Unfortunately, it had a short-lived presence in the competitive scene due to the constraints of Gen 8's meta and its absence from the base version of Gen 9 games. Thankfully, the DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet aims to rectify this by granting Duraludon an exciting new cross-generation evolution called Archaludon.
Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC Adding Archaludon is a Double-Edged Sword
Cross-generational evolutions are highly coveted in the world of Pokemon games. They offer a fresh take on familiar critters, as demonstrated by the recent introduction of Kingambit in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Kingambit, the evolved form of Bisharp from Generation 5, has become incredibly potent. Its presence in numerous winning teams and high-ranking placements in major tournaments attests to the significant impact that cross-gen evolutions can have on a game's competitive scene.
A particularly noteworthy example is the case of Duraludon and Archaludon in Pokemon Sword and Shield. These games introduced regional forms, one of which was a delightful coral-like creature called Corsola from Generation 2. While Galarian Corsola may not appear menacing at first glance, it received an evolution in the form of Cursola in Generation 8. Although Cursola may not have reached the same level of prowess, the simple fact that it existed propelled Galarian Corsola to the very top of the competitive meta in Sword and Shield. Additionally, Pokemon that have not yet reached their final evolution can benefit from an item called Eviolite.
The Eviolite increases the Defense and Special Defense of the holder by 50%, making Galarian Corsola incredibly resilient and difficult to remove from the field. Porygon2 is also a great example of effective Eviolite usage due to its wide movepool, coverage, and already strong stats, which made it competitive in Pokemon battles. The addition of an evolution for Duraludon in the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk DLC not only means potential increased power in its new form, but also for its base form.
Duraludon's unique bulk and typing make it a special Pokemon, and if it gains the ability to boost its Defense and Special Defense by holding an item, it could become even more desirable on many teams. Even if this doesn't happen, there are potential combos in double battles with Archaludon, such as using its Stamina Ability alongside Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Maushold's Population Bomb, while benefiting from the Friend Guard Ability. Currently, both Eviolite Duraludon and regular Archaludon have a place in the metagame, but Game Freak should be cautious not to repeat the situation with Galarian Corsola.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
