RELATED: Pokemon Based On Mythical Creatures (& Mythical Creatures That Would Make Great Pokemon)
That said, this isn’t to say there aren’t strong Steel types out there. In fact, some of the strongest Pokemon in the metagame are also the most powerful Steel-type Pokemon. Of course, not all Steel types are created equally and some are undeniably better than others, but when Game Freak puts their mind to creating a new Steel Pokemon, they often knock them out of the park.
Updated January 3, 2023, by Suzail Ahmad:Steel-type Pokemon are one of the most used types in the games. Steel-type Pokemon are mainly used by trainers because of their extremely high defense. In addition to their defense stats, Steel-type Pokemon also have immunity against Poison-type attacks, which are known to be annoying, especially in prolonged battles. With the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the players were introduced to multiple new Steel-type Pokemon. The flurry of new Pokemon means it is time to go through all of them to see where they rank in the all-time list.
24 Gholdengo (Gen IX)
Highest Stat: Special Attack (133) Best Nature: Timid
Gholdengo is one of the new Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. It is the evolved form of Gimmighoul. Trainers can only evolve Gimmighoul into Gholdengo after leveling up and collecting 999 Gimmighoul coins.
Gholdengo is a Steel/Ghost-type Pokemon, which makes it completely immune to Normal, Poison, and Fighting-type Pokemon. Furthermore, the Pokemon has fairly balanced stats across the board, making it a viable option in trainer battles. Gholdengo’s “Good as Gold ability” allows it to block the effects of the status moves from other Pokemon. Clearly, Gholdengo is a powerful option to have, although some trainers might be put off by the fact that they have to collect 999 Gimmighoul coins.
23 Iron Treads (Gen IX)
Highest Stat: Defense (120) Best Nature: Jolly
Iron Treads is a paradox Pokemon from Pokemon Violet. It does not evolve from or into any other Pokemon. Iron Treads’ design is a lot similar to Donphan, but it appears more futuristic than the latter.
RELATED: All the Humanoid Pokemon
Iron Treads is a Ground/Steel-type with some good stats, which allow it to tank multiple hits. The Pokemon’s typing means it is weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground. Iron Treads has a good moveset, which is further enhanced by its ability to use multiple TMs. Overall, the Pokemon is a good option to have on one’s team.
22 Kingambit (Gen IX)
Highest Stat: Attack (135) Best Nature: Adamant
Kingambit is the evolved form of Bisharp. In order to evolve it, a trainer needs to make sure that their Bisharp defeats three other Bisharp while holding a leader’s crest. The Pokemon keeps its Steel/Dark typing even after evolving.
Kingambit has three main weaknesses: Fighting, Fire, and Ground. However, its high defensive stat means that it should be able to withstand a couple of hits, which might come in really handy. The Pokemon is immune to Psychic and Poison-type attacks, which makes it a great choice against either of the two types.
21 Tinkaton (Gen IX)
Highest Stat: Special Defense (105) Best Nature: Careful
Tinkaton has become an instant hit within the Pokemon community due to its design. It is the final form of Tinkatink, and it evolves from Tinkatuff at level 38. Tinkaton is a pink humanoid Pokemon that carries a giant hammer that is larger than its own body.
It is the only Pokemon that can learn Gigaton Hammer, a move that has an astounding power of 160. In order to get the most out of Tinkaton, players will have to raise it according to its most suitable nature. The Pokemon might not have high stats, but its moveset and abilities make it one of the best Steel-type Pokemon.
20 Metagross (Gen II)
Highest Stat: Attack (135) Best Nature: Jolly
Metagross is a Steel-Psychic Pokemon introduced back in Gen II. It’s the final evolution of Beldum, and all three Pokemon in the evolutionary chain are also Steel-Psychic Pokemon. This limits the types that can deal high damage to Metagross to Fire, Ground, Ghost, and Dark.
Despite its intimidating appearance, Metagross’ stats are actually quite balanced across the board with no one stat outshining the rest. Its main strengths are Attack and Defense, at 135 and 130 respectively, and although it’s not the best, it’s still a good Steel-type Pokemon.
19 Steelix (Gen II)
Highest Stat: Defense (200) Best Nature: Impish
Steelix is a Steel-Ground-type Pokemon that, just like Metagross, was introduced back in Pokemon Silver and Gold versions (and also Crystal). It can only be acquired by trading an Onyx while it holds the Metal Coat item, giving up its Rock-type in exchange for Steel.
It has one of the highest Defense stats of any Pokemon in the series at a whopping 200 at level 100, but its other stats suffer a little bit comparably. It’s certainly a threat on the battlefield but not as much as some other Steel-type Pokemon.
18 Registeel (Gen III)
Highest Stat: Special Defense (150) Best Nature: Careful
Registeel is one of the legendary Regi Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire versions (and also Emerald). It’s notable for being a Steel-only type, and it’s resistant to almost every attack in the game save for Fire, Fighting, and Ground.
Registeel is a balanced defensive Pokemon with 150 Defense and 150 Special Defense at level 100. The one major downside is its speed, which sits at a measly 50, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best Steel Pokemon.
17 Magnezone (Gen IV)
Highest Stat: Special Attack (130) Best Nature: Timid
Magnezone came to the Pokemon series in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl versions (and also Platinum) as the final evolution of the Magnemite evolution chain. As an Electric-Steel dual-type Pokemon, it’s especially vulnerable to Ground-based attacks but resistant to just about everything else.
RELATED: Pokemon Unite: All Ranks
It has a respectable 130 Special Attack stat at level 100 and a decent Defense stat too. It’s relatively easy to acquire, as players merely have to level up their Magneton in a Magnetic Field area in the game.
16 Aggron (Gen III)
Highest Stat: Defense (180) Best Nature: Adamant
Aggron is a Steel-Rock dual-type Pokemon first introduced in Generation III and serves as the final part of the Aron evolution tree. Players have to get their Lairon to level 42 to morph into Aggron, and it’s a good idea thanks to its absolutely massive 180 Defense stat.
Unfortunately, it’s especially vulnerable to Fighting and Ground attacks, though it gains a high resistance to Normal and Flying damage. It has a half-decent Attack stat of 110 at Level 100, too, making it a good choice to round out a team lacking a Steel or Ground-type presence.
15 Corviknight (Gen VIII)
Highest Stat: Defense (105) Best Nature: Impish
Corviknight is a unique kind of bird, primarily due to the bulk it boasts. It has great typing and is defense oriented as well. Its abilities are solid, each with its own uses. It isn’t quite as fast as other birds, though, which makes it an interesting choice for an entire region’s taxi service.
Regardless, many trainers were instantly drawn to Corviknight’s design. It’s an edgy black bird, a far cry from the typical Route 1 bird. It isn’t quite as game-changing as Kalos’s Talonflame, but it plays its role incredibly well. In terms of utility, it has plenty of moves to stall and support its team. In terms of offense, it packs a mean Brave Bird with enough buffs. It’s a well-rounded Steel-type and clearly a fan favorite.
14 Melmetal (Gen VII/VIII)
Highest Stat: Attack (143) Best Nature: Brave
Melmetal is an odd Pokemon. It was the first Pokemon to be exclusively designed and released for Pokemon Go. However, it also found use in Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, and can even be transferred to Sword and Shield. It may be a bit more common than your average mythical Pokemon, but it definitely has the power of one.
Melmetal is like if Regigigas didn’t have to deal with Slow Start. It has absurdly high HP, attack, and defense with a poor speed stat. It’s a classic Steel-type in every way, including its industrial design. This bulk allows it to play many different roles. It can be purely offensive with a Choice Band or play it safer with an Assault Vest to cover its poor special defense. Either way, Melmetal is certainly a cool and exciting Pokemon.
13 Kartana (Gen VII)
Highest Stat: Attack (181) Best Nature: Jolly
Kartana is almost the opposite of a classic Steel-type. Its typing makes it incredibly weak to Fire-type Pokemon, and its statline has it essentially have the bulk of a wet napkin. However, it’s fairly fast and has a ridiculously high base attack of 181, the highest of any non-Mega Evolved Pokemon. In terms of hitting hard, it can’t be beaten.
Kartana truly is a glass cannon, which is an interesting twist for the type. Like many other Ultra Beasts, it’s highly specialized and Beast Boost only makes it stronger. Like the paper it resembles, it can also flex into many different strategies and builds depending on what the trainer needs from their offensive threat. With enough Beast Boosts, it really does feel like there is no counter.
12 Zacian and Zamazenta (Gen VIII)
Highest Stat: Zacian Attack (170), Zamazenta Defense (145) Best Nature: Zacian (Adamant), Zamazenta (Impish)
In their base forms, Zacian and Zamazenta are identical. When they equip their specialty piece of gear, however, they change into fulfilling entirely different roles, but with near equal power. Zamazenta trades speed for bulk but still is fast on its feet. Zacian simply gets faster as a result, its sword boosting how aerodynamic it is (or something). Zacian plays offense while Zamazenta plays defense.
RELATED: The Hardest Pokemon To Catch, According To Catch Rate
Despite that, both of them are valid selections for any team composition. Zacian is arguably better, as its typing is very good and checks many other Uber-tier Pokemon. Plus, that extra speed is certainly not a bad thing. Despite that, it really comes down to which doggo the player likes more. Either way, they’re still both some of the best Steel-types in the series.
11 Necrozma Dusk Mane (Gen VII)
Highest Stat: Attack (157) Best Nature: Timid
Necrozma is one of those Pokemon capable of fusion, like Kyurem in the past and Calyrex in Sword and Shield. However, when it takes over the bodies of either Lunala or Solgaleo, it pretty much just replaces both of them in terms of usage. Necrozma-DM, a Steel-type like Solgaleo, was one of the definitive Pokemon of the Ubers metagame in Sun and Moon.
Necrozma-DM is unmatched in many different qualities. It has great defensive-typing, a wide movepool of coverage options and entire sets, and an ability that pretty much negates offensive checks for it. The worst thing you can say about Necrozma-DM is that it’s a tad slow, but in a Trick Room, that’s not a disadvantage. There are so many options for this Pokemon, and it is easily one of the most powerful Steel-types in the franchise’s history.
10 Celesteela (Gen VII)
Highest Stat: Special Attack (107) Best Nature: Modest
Celesteela’s lack of speed would typically pose a problem for the Pokemon, but considering how well-rounded it is otherwise, Celesteela actually ends up with a lot of different ways to counter its naturally low Speed. Not only does it have high enough Defense to tank a hit or two, but its move pool will also keep it alive effortlessly with a bit of creative thinking.
By coupling Leech Seed with Leftovers, Celesteela will be able to regain enough health to pose a serious threat in a competitive battle. A Celesteela that’s been EV trained in Speed will also be able to make up for some of the Pokemon’s inherent failings, contributing to a party member that’ll be sure to stay in the ring long after it should have fainted.
9 Ferrothorn (Gen V)
Highest Stat: Defense (131) Best Nature: Relaxed
Pretty much any Pokemon that has access to Stealth Rock is going to end up serving a vital role on any team. As Stealth Rock damages any Pokemon that gets swapped in, it can allow players to keep a consistent health lead. Taking into account Ferrothorn’s insane defense stats and that lead will keep him active for quite a while.
In this respect, Ferrothorn is best used as a supportive Pokemon, enduring damage while dishing out enough perhaps not to outright faint opponents, but to set up fainting for later. Ferrothorn also has naturally strong STAB moves, meaning that it can do some serious damage against the right Typing.
8 Mega-Scizor (Gen VI)
Highest Stat: Attack (150) Best Nature: Adamant
It’s kind of crazy how useful a Typing like Bug/Steel ends up being. With surprisingly excellent resistances, Scizor is able to Mega Evolve into Mega-Scizor, an even better version of his base form. Save for his HP, all his stats end up rising considerably with Mega-Scizor in particular hitting and tanking physical hits on a level few Johto Pokemon can muster.
RELATED: Pokemon: The Biggest Things That Happened To The Franchise In 2020
His Ability, Technician, also buffs all his sub-60 power attacks with a 1.5 multiplier, making Mega-Scizor’s obscene attack stat all the more imposing. This is to say nothing of Roost, a move that allows Mega-Scizor to heal himself in battle, a rarity for most Steel-type Pokemon.
7 Magearna (Gen VII)
Highest Stat: Special Attack (130) Best Nature: Modest
Like with Celesteela, Magerna will suffer from its low speed should trainers allow it to. It won’t hit fast and it won’t be hitting first more often than not. That said, Magerna has the stats to more than makeup for its low speed. Not only is its attack high enough to do some serious damage, but its special attack is also even higher, dishing out monstrous damage at every turn.
Magearna also falls on the tankier side of things even if its HP is nothing to write home about. With the right EV training, Magearna should realistically be able to one-shot other Pokemon with its killer special attack stat. Of course, should it get swept due to its low speed, that won’t be happening, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to keep Magearna alive.
6 Excadrill (Gen V)
Highest Stat: Attack (135) Best Nature: Adamant
Excadrill has some truly pitiful stats when it comes down to it. His defense, special attack, and special defense are all borderline terrible. At first glance, he’s a Pokemon that perhaps should be ignored. Fortunately for Excadrill, his Ground/Steel typing ends up giving him a natural defense against the Electric-heavy metagame.
More importantly, Excadrill is one of the better sweepers in the game even if he might not look it. His high attack stat makes fainting other Pokemon insanely easy for him. A Sand Rush Excadrill using Swords Dance is going to end up demolishing the competition in no time flat.
5 Jirachi (Gen III)
Highest Stat: Speed (100) Best Nature: Jolly
As a Legendary, it’s only natural Jirachi winds up with some advantages over his Steel-type counterparts. For starters, Jirachi has above-average stats for literally every single stat. Though he excels nowhere, featuring a base value of 100 across the board, he’s not hurting in any single department, making Jirachi a very well-rounded Pokemon.
RELATED: Jirachi & Other Gift Pokemon That Were Tied To Physical Media
Jirachi also has access to Healing Wish—one of the few healing-based moves in the game—and excellent Typing. This allows Jirachi to play an active role for quite a while. Jirachi also hits surprisingly hard and can cover a wide variety of different type advantages, ensuring he can always contribute meaningfully.
