What it does
Stalwart prevents redirection effects from changing the carrier's move targets. Follow Me, Rage Powder, Spotlight, and the redirection components of Lightning Rod and Storm Drain — none of them work on the carrier's moves.
You aim at a Pokémon, you hit that Pokémon. The opponent's redirection user can't pull your moves to itself.
A clarification: spread moves (spread move) like Rock Slide or Earthquake already hit both opposing Pokémon — there's nothing to redirect. Stalwart matters specifically for single-target moves against teams that use Follow Me or Rage Powder to protect one target.
The high-value scenario: opponent leads a redirection Pokémon next to their setup or attacker. Normally your single-target moves get pulled to the support. With Stalwart, you bypass it entirely and hit the Pokémon you actually need removed.
Who runs it
Archaludon is the Champions carrier at ~6% usage. Most Archaludon runs Stamina or Electromorphosis. Stalwart is the choice when the expected opponent field features heavy Follow Me or Rage Powder usage — targeted preparation, not general-purpose.
Archaludon's moveset (Draco Meteor, Flash Cannon, Body Press) delivers serious single-target damage, and Stalwart makes sure that damage lands where it's intended.
How to use it
The play: when you know the opponent is running a redirection support — Amoonguss with Rage Powder, Comfey with Follow Me, Indeedee with Follow Me — bring Stalwart Archaludon to bypass it. Their protection layer doesn't work against you, so the core attacker they're shielding is exposed.
The threat itself has deterrence value. The moment Stalwart Archaludon is in play, the redirection piece becomes ineffective. The opponent has to protect their core differently — switch strategies, use Protect, or just take the hit.
Tips & strategy
Stalwart only covers the carrier's own moves. Your partner's moves can still be redirected. The opponent's Follow Me user still protects their partner from your partner's single-target moves.
Lightning Rod still grants +1 Sp. Atk to its holder when an Electric move is used — Stalwart only nullifies the redirection portion, not the stat-boosting side effect.
In a game without Follow Me or Rage Powder, Stalwart does nothing. That's the main reason it's at 6% — Stamina provides defensive bulk that's useful in nearly every game, while Stalwart only matters in specific matchups.