Steel-type Pokémon are a force to be reckoned with since their introduction in Generation II. Known for their exceptional resistance and high defenses, these metallic creatures can be a challenge to defeat in battles.
Fear not, for this comprehensive guide will help you understand Steel-type Pokémon weaknesses, resistances, and the best counters to use against them.
Steel-Type Pokémon Weaknesses
Steel-type Pokémon have three primary weaknesses:
- Fire-types
- Fighting-types
- Ground-types
When battling a Steel-type Pokémon, it’s crucial to have Pokémon from these types on your team to exploit their weaknesses effectively.
Fire-Type Advantage
Fire-type Pokémon are particularly effective against Steel-types because they not only deal super-effective damage but are also resistant to Steel-type attacks. Some powerful Fire-type Pokémon to consider using against Steel-types include:
- Arcanine
- Flareon
- Camerupt (Fire/Ground)
- Blaziken (Fire/Fighting)
- Infernape (Fire/Fighting)
- Emboar (Fire/Fighting)
Fighting-Type Advantage
Fighting-type Pokémon can deal significant damage to Steel-types with their high attack stats. While they don’t have a resistance to Steel-type moves, they can still be a powerful choice for battling Steel-types. Some excellent Fighting-type Pokémon to use against Steel-types are:
- Primeape
- Lucario (Fighting/Steel)
- Machamp
- Conkeldurr
- Great Tusk (Ground/Fighting)
Ground-Type Advantage
Ground-type Pokémon often boast high defenses and are capable of dealing super-effective damage against Steel-types. However, be cautious, as many Ground-types may have secondary types that are weak to Steel-type moves. Some strong Ground-type Pokémon to consider using against Steel-types are:
- Groudon (Fire/Ground)
- Donphan
- Excadrill (Ground/Steel)
- Garchomp (Ground/Dragon)
Steel-Type Pokémon Resistances
While Steel Type Pokemon have their weaknesses, they also have their resistances. Steel-Types are resistant to the following types of pokemon:
- Normal
- Flying
- Rock
- Bug
- Grass
- Psychic
- Ice
- Dragon
- Fairy
- Steel
Additionally, pure Steel-types are immune to Poison-type attacks.
Best Moves to Use Against Steel-Type Pokémon
The moves you use during a battle are just as important as the Pokémon you have on your team. Some effective moves to use against Steel-types include:
Fire-Type Moves
- Ember
- Fire Fang
- Flame Charge
- Flamethrower
- Flare Blitz
- Burn Up
Fighting-Type Moves
- Cross Chop
- Close Combat
- Rock Smash
- Drain Punch
- Focus Blast
- Low Kick
Ground-Type Moves
- Bulldoze
- Earthquake
- Sand Attack
- Mud Slap
- Earth Power
- High Horsepower
Tips for Battling Steel-Type Pokémon
When facing a Steel-type Pokémon, keep the following tips in mind to increase your chances of victory:
- Use dual-type Pokémon: Dual-type Pokémon like Camerupt (Fire/Ground) and Infernape (Fire/Fighting) can be highly effective against Steel-types due to their combined resistances and super-effective moves.
- Be aware of secondary types: When choosing your counters, make sure to consider the primary and secondary types of both your Pokémon and the opponent’s Steel-type Pokémon.
- Adapt your strategy: Pay attention to your opponent’s moves and switch out your Pokémon if necessary. Be prepared to change your strategy based on how the battle unfolds.
- Use moves that lower defense: Moves like Screech and Acid Armor can lower a Steel-type Pokémon’s high defense, making it easier for your Pokémon to deal damage.
- Utilize held items: Held items like Charcoal and Black Belt can boost the power of your Pokémon’s Fire-type and Fighting-type moves, respectively. Make sure your Pokémon are equipped with the appropriate items to maximize their effectiveness against Steel-types.
- Watch out for abilities: Some Steel-type Pokémon have abilities that negate or reduce damage from certain types. For example, Heatran has the ability Flash Fire, which makes it immune to Fire-type moves. Keep these abilities in mind when selecting your counters.
Steel-Type Pokémon in Competitive Play
In competitive PvP Pokémon battles, Steel-type Pokémon are often used for their defensive capabilities and strategic potential. Some popular Steel-type Pokémon in competitive play include:
- Aegislash (Steel/Ghost)
- Bisharp (Dark/Steel)
- Bronzong (Steel/Psychic)
- Excadrill (Ground/Steel)
- Ferrothorn (Grass/Steel)
- Scizor (Bug/Steel)
- Skarmory (Steel/Flying)
When building a team for competitive play, it’s essential to have a balanced mix of Pokémon that can counter various types, including Steel-types.
Remember to take advantage of your Pokémon’s unique abilities, moves, and stats to create a team that can handle different opponents and situations.
20 Best Steel Type Pokemon
If you are looking to use a Steel Type pokemon yourself, these are the 20 best-ranked Steel Type Pokemon:
- Metagross
- Dialga
- Zacian (Crowned Sword form)
- Excadrill
- Genesect
- Scizor
- Empoleon
- Bisharp
- Aggron
- Durant
- Lucario
- Cobalion
- Perrserker
- Steelix
- Lairon
- Skarmory
- Ferrothorn
- Registeel
- Galarian Meowth
- Bastiodon
Wrapping Up
Steel-type Pokémon are a formidable force in the world of Pokémon, boasting incredible resistances and defensive capabilities. To take them on, it’s crucial to understand their weaknesses, resistances, and the best counters to use against them.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to face any Steel-type Pokémon in battle, whether it’s in-game or in competitive play. With the right strategy and a well-rounded team, you can emerge victorious against even the toughest Steel-type opponents.
