Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC Regulation H: Best build, strategies, and more

Archaludon is one of the newest creatures introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. A later-discovered evolution of Duraludon, Archaludon improves on the base creature in many ways while still maintaining its Dragon and Steel typing. Given its reliance on set-up strategies, it was seemingly built for double battles and is performing very well in the current regulation of Pokemon VGC.

With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Regulation H being the most accessible format in the current generation of the franchise, a lot of players may want to give competitive play a chance. As such, they may be looking to add Archaludon to their team.

Here is everything to know about using Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's VGC format.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the writer's opinions

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Why use Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC?

Archaludon is a great damage dealer in rain teams (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Archaludon is currently one of the most popular creatures players use in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC Regulation H matches. It has amazing bulk, a decent defensive and offensive type combination, and synergy with rain, thanks to its signature move Electro Shot. The Pocket Monster is also incredibly adaptable, having different builds to fit different team compositions.

Electro Shot is a base 130 power Electric-type move that typically takes a turn to charge up, unless Archaludon is holding a Power Herb or rain is present on the battlefield. It can also take the Electric Tera Typing to rid itself of its Fighting weakness and increase the damage of Electro Shot further.

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Best strategies for Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC

While Archaludon does work well on rain teams, it can also complement other archetypes. Its speed stat of 85 makes it usable in both Tailwind and Trick Room teams with different amounts of investment. It is typically ran with Draco Meteor, a strong Dragon-type move that lowers the user's Special Attack stat.

Archaludon is most commonly paired with Pelipper, as its Drizzle ability sets up rain automatically. Pelipper also has access to Tailwind and Wide Guard, making it Archaludon's best friend. It can also be paired with Incineroar if trainers would rather focus on locking down opponents with debuffs instead of enhancing Archaludon.

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Best build for Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC

Archaludon is most commonly used on rain teams (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Here is the most popular build competitive players use for Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC:

• Nature: Timid (+ Speed, - Attack)
• Held Item: Power Herb, Assault Vest
• Tera Type: Electric
• Ability: Sturdy
• Effort Values: 252 Special Attack, 252 Speed, 4 Special Defense
• Moves: Electro Shot, Draco Meteor, Flash Cannon, Protect (Body Press)

Whether players take the Power Herb or Assault Vest depends on whether or not they intend on relying on rain to support Archaludon. If rain is not present or important to the overall team composition, players can take the Power Herb to guarantee one free use of Electro Shot without having to wait the charge turn.

Assault Vest is recommended for teams using rain. This item drastically increases Archaludon's Special Defense stat, which is the worst of its base stats. In this case, players should take Body Press over Protect, as the Assault Vest prevents the use of status moves like Protect.

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Counters to Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC

Since Archaludon is most commonly paired with creatures that are immune to Ground-type attacks like Pelipper and Dragonite, it can be easy to forget that the element is its biggest weakness. Sturdy can also be hard to work around, as it prevents Archaludon from being one-shotted, practically guaranteeing that it will deal significant damage before going down.

Earthquake is a great way to bypass redirectors like Amoongus, while Headlong Rush and Earth Power can be great for targeted damage. However, to take down Archaludon before it has the chance to act, players will have to double-target it, which takes pressure off of its ally, which could prove to be more troublesome.