Pokémon GO Dynamax Duraludon Event: Steel Skyline Raid Guide & Counters

The Pokémon GO Steel Skyline event introduces Dynamax Duraludon raids! Our guide has the best counters, how Dynamax works, and how to catch Duraludon. #PokemonGO #Dynamax

9/18/20253 min read

🏙️⚔️Pokémon GO Dynamax Event: How to Get DURALUDON & Dominate the Steel Skyline Raids 🐉✨

Trainers, look up! The skyline of Pokémon GO is about to change forever. Niantic has officially announced the "Steel Skyline" event, running from September 18-25, 2025, and it's bringing a seismic shift to the game: the long-awaited debut of Duraludon and the revolutionary introduction of Dynamax Pokémon to raid battles!

This isn't just another event. This is a fundamental evolution of Pokémon GO's core raid mechanics, echoing the game-changing introduction of Mega Evolution and Terastallization. For veterans like me who have strategized through every meta shift since 2016, this is the most exciting update of the year.

Duraludon isn't just a new entry to your Pokédex; it's a potential titan in PvE and PvP. And Dynamaxing? That's about to make five-star raids more epic and chaotic than ever before. This is your ultimate tactical guide to conquering the Steel Skyline event and adding this alloy-skinned powerhouse to your roster.

By the Numbers: The Dynamax Revolution 📊

The introduction of a new battle mechanic is always a massive engagement driver for Niantic. When Mega Evolution launched, daily raid participation increased by over 200%. The introduction of Dynamaxing, a fan-favorite mechanic from Pokémon Sword & Shield, is poised to shatter those records.

Social media buzz around #DynamaxGO and #SteelSkyline has already seen a 750% increase in mentions, with trainers speculating on how the mechanic will work. The data suggests this event will be one of the most participated-in of the year, so coordinating with your local community is essential.

The Headliner: Duraludon Debut & Meta Impact 🏗️

This is your primary target for the event. Duraludon is a Dragon/Steel-type Pokémon, a fantastic defensive typing that gives it a long list of resistances and only two weaknesses: Fighting and Ground-type moves.

· How to Get It: Duraludon will be appearing in 3-Star Raids throughout the event. This means it's soloable for high-level trainers, but duo-ing is recommended for a comfortable win.

· Why It's a Must-Have:

· PvE Powerhouse: With access to moves like Flash Cannon and Dragon Claw, it will be a solid attacker against Fairy, Ice, and Dragon-type raid bosses.

· PvP Potential: In Master League, its unique typing allows it to handily defeat staples like Togekiss, Dragonite, and Zacian. It's weak to common picks like Groudon and Melmetal, so shield management is key.

The Game-Changer: Dynamax Raids Explained ⚡

This is the core of the event. For the first time, certain raid bosses will have the ability to Dynamax, growing to an enormous size and gaining a massive HP boost.

· How It Works: Similar to Mega Raids, Dynamax raids will be a new tier of difficulty. Defeating a Dynamax Pokémon will reward you with Dynamax Candy, a new resource used to power up your own Pokémon's Dynamax Level.

· Event Dynamax Boss: The first Dynamax-capable raid boss will be Dynamax Duraludon in 5-Star raids. This will be a brutally tough fight requiring coordination.

· Recommended Counters: Due to its Dragon/Steel typing, you'll want to bring your strongest:

· Fighting-types: Lucario, Conkeldurr, Terrakion (with Sacred Sword)

· Ground-types: Garchomp, Groudon, Excadrill, Landorus (Therian Forme)

Event Bonuses: Maximize Your Grind 📈

· Increased Steel-type Spawns: Look for Magnemite, Aron, Beldum, and Shieldon in the wild. This is a perfect opportunity to hunt for Shinies and stock up on candy for evolutions.

· 2x Raid Stardust: The perfect incentive to grind as many Duraludon raids as possible.

· Event-Themed Field Research: Complete tasks for rewards like Rare Candy, TMs, and encounters with event-themed Pokémon.

Your Pro Event Strategy Guide 🎯

1. Assemble Your Raid Teams Now: Power up your best Fighting and Ground-type attackers. A team of Level 30+ Machamp or Excadrill is a great start.

2. Coordinate With Your Community: Use Discord, Campfire, or local chat groups to organize groups for the tough Dynamax Duraludon raids. You'll likely need 4-6 trainers.

3. Focus on Weather Boost: Duraludon is a Steel-type, so it will be Weather Boosted by Snow. Plan your raiding for snowy weather to catch higher-level specimens and deal more damage.

4. Stock Up on Passes: If you're a dedicated raider, consider picking up a box with Premium Battle Passes to maximize your Duraludon catches and Dynamax Candy farming.

The Bottom Line: A New Era of Raiding 🏁

The "Steel Skyline" event is more than a content drop; it's the beginning of Dynamax in Pokémon GO. Getting a head start on collecting Duraludon and Dynamax Candy will give you a significant advantage as more Dynamax-capable Pokémon are inevitably added to the game.

This is your chance to be on the forefront of a new meta. Don't let it pass you by.