Steelix
It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Flash Cannon is Steelix's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Steel-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Steelix's Attack stat of 85, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Earthquake is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Steelix's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Iron Tail is the STAB anchor of this set. The Steel-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Steelix's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Steel weaknesses.
As Steelix's trusted Steel STAB option, Metal Claw benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Steel types.
Strengths
- ▸Thanks to its Steel/Ground typing, Steelix can leverage STAB-boosted Flash Cannon and Earthquake to punch through opponents weak to Steel attacks
- ▸Resisting Bug, Dragon, Fairy gives Steelix natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸Steelix takes zero damage from Electric, Poison type moves, creating free switch-in opportunities
- ▸With 200 defense, Steelix stands out as a durable tank
Weaknesses
- ▸Steelix's weakness to Fighting, Fire, Ground means it needs team support to handle these matchups safely
- ▸The low speed of 30 is a significant liability that opponents can exploit
- ▸Below-average Speed (30) means Steelix will often move second, taking damage before it can act
Pro Tips
Build Steelix as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Leftovers provides passive recovery, extending Steelix's staying power as a tank. Keep Steelix away from Fighting-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Build teams that cover Steelix's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
As a Tier A Pokemon, Steelix serves as a balanced utility Pokemon in team compositions. The 510 BST distribution, highlighted by 200 defense, defines how Steelix should be built and deployed. Its Steel/Ground typing creates vulnerabilities to Fighting, Fire, Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Dragon, Fairy provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Steelix depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Steelix features 510 total base stats with defense (200) as its defining attribute and speed (30) as its weakest point. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Flash Cannon, Earthquake, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Fire, Ground mean Steelix must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Dragon, Fairy provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric, Poison gives Steelix a unique defensive advantage. Its Tier A rating places Steelix in the upper competitive bracket, where it can consistently contribute to team success. For optimal performance, build Steelix with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Steelix is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Steelix in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Flash Cannon and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Steelix has the advantage here. Its Steel typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Steelix to tank hits and retaliate with Flash Cannon. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Steelix is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Steelix in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Steelix's 30 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fire-type opponents: Steelix has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Steel moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Steelix when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Steelix, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 510 total base stats, Steelix should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Fighting coverage, save Steelix for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Flash Cannon and Earthquake while assessing the opponent's team composition.
During the mid-game, Steelix's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Steelix out when facing its weakness to Fighting, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Steelix can handle.
Use Iron Tail as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Steelix is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
Late game, Steelix becomes a powerful cleanup sweeper.
Once the opponent's Fighting users are removed, Steelix can run through the remaining team.
The combination of 200 defense and STAB Steel moves makes it a genuine threat in the endgame.
Position Steelix to land the finishing blows.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Poison-type teammate covers Steelix's Fighting weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Add a cleric (Heal Bell, Aromatherapy) to remove status conditions that would cripple Steelix
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Steelix's potential weaknesses
How to Counter
- ▸Any Fighting-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Steelix due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Steelix before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Special attackers target Steelix's weak Special Defense (65) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Toxic poison wears Steelix down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Steelix with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Steelix's primary weakness while Steelix handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Steelix alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Steelix's defensive typing. Switch Steelix in to absorb hits with its Bug, Dragon resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
VoltTurn Core: Steelix works well in a Volt Switch/U-turn core, allowing safe pivoting. Pair with other pivot users to maintain momentum and control the battle tempo, bringing Steelix in only when it has a favorable matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Steelix good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Steelix is a solid pick in Pokemon Champions, rated Tier A. With 510 total stats and a Steel/Ground typing, it performs well in most team compositions. While not the strongest option available, Steelix is reliable and can win games when used correctly.
Q:What's the best item for Steelix?
A:Steelix benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Steelix has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Steelix?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Steelix, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Steelix to outspeed specific threats. Since Steelix's Attack (85) exceeds its Special Attack (55), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Steelix?
A:Steelix's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Steelix before it acts, especially given its 30 Speed. To beat Steelix, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.