Steel is a sharp, slashing blade, a sturdy, reliable shield, the tip of an arrow piercing through space towards the target. But primarily, it is a durable material, much less susceptible to corrosion, deformation, which has defined popularity in use on the battlefield, in industry, and even in household settings.
Therefore, it is not surprising that metals are widely used in computer games: as resources for production, crafting, or as materials for weapons/armor. The magical pet franchise has taken the praise of the material even further, making it one of the kinds. In our article, we will explore the features of Steel type Pokémon, and also talk about 20 of the strongest among them.
What strengths and weaknesses do Steel type Pokémon have?
These classes of heroes are versatile fighters. The kind is considered one of the most balanced in the franchise since it has resistance to a full 10 types of attacks, as well as immunity to poison (indeed, trying to poison a metallic creature is an activity of dubious effectiveness). Moreover, this class of heroes deals increased damage to Fairy, Ice, Rock. However, Fighting, Ground, Fire are effective against the same classes, so such battles should be avoided.
What are other features of Steel type Pokémon?
These warriors are characterized by high attack + defense stats, and also by moves typical for the type that deal massive damage to a single opponent. Their abilities also aid in this, for example, Iron Head, which increases attack stats + gives a chance to stun the enemy.
The high potential in duels comes at a price — metal characters almost have no abilities for AoE damage, only some of them (like Excadrill) can tactically use the battlefield.
If one were to draw parallels, Steel Pokémon could be compared to a foot knight in heavy armor in medieval battles or to a tank in MMORPGs: warriors who can withstand a lot of damage, can attack well, but due to a lack of mobility are only applicable in direct confrontations and are vulnerable against more flexible combat tactics.
List of top 20 Steel Pokémon
Having completed a general description of the features, we are ready to inform our readers about whom we consider the strongest among all Steel type Pokémon. Our selection may seem subjective (as any top list is), but it stems from the idea that the strength of a creature is not just measured by attack + defense stats, but also by the possibilities for tactical use along with strong abilities. Therefore, the list represents particularly strong fighters comprehensively.
Metagross
First in our top list is a Pokémon that represents a combination of high technology and the power of metal. Metagross combines Steel/Psychic types, which increases the versatility of the hero in battle. Abilities like Agility + Steel Shield allow it to increase its defense, speed stats, making the creature able to attack more frequently and deal more damage to the opponent.
Excadrill
Next up is a representative of Steel/Ground. Excadrill resembles both a mole, a drilling machine, which definitely fits its role in battle — emerging suddenly from underground, disorienting the opponent, dealing substantial damage. This is the only Pokémon that can learn more than one one-hit knockout attack, incredibly useful for turning the tide of battle or securing a victory.
Lucario
An anthropomorphic fighting dog, a loyal assistant, and a brilliant strategist — this is all about Lucario. The warrior combines excellent attacks + skills that increase damage. The ability to sense the aura of surrounding creatures to then use the knowledge to its and trainer's advantage. Being both Fighting/Steel type makes the character an excellent counter-pick against many classes.
Bronzong
Drawing its image from ancient Japanese bells, Bronzong acts as a conduit between the world of the living and the dead, humans and spirits. Its dual nature of Steel + Psychic kinds provides good resistance to many types of attacks. Additionally, robot can use telekinesis, influence weather conditions, which reduces the effectiveness of ground attacks used against the hero, and allows effective combinations with other creatures with elemental damage.
Aggron
Sometimes just one look at a Pokémon is enough to feel the grandeur of the fighter, power, and the danger it poses to enemies. Aggron fits this description well — a massive stone armor, threateningly large horns on a steel helmet, aggressive behavior in battle leave no chance for any opponent daring to challenge this dinosaur-like creature.
Klinklang
This Pokémon will surely appeal to steampunk fans. It consists of several gears (reminiscent of a clock mechanism), surrounded by a lethal spiky collar. Klinklang boasts excellent speed, and ability Gear Grind, which involves a double attack, makes the creature doubly dangerous as an opponent.
Magnezone
Continuing the theme of designs inspired by various gadgets, devices, Magnezone emerges. This warrior combines the Electric/Steel types, capable of generating an electromagnetic field around itself and moving freely across the battlefield, ignoring obstacles. Add good defense + powerful special attacks, the choice to include it in your team becomes obvious!
Ferrothorn
If the source of inspiration for several previous entries was obvious, now comes the opposite example. In Ferrothorn, one can see a sea urchin, a sea mine, and a pufferfish simultaneously. Each comparison is justified — this is a challenging opponent thanks to high defense + survivability, and ability to inflict damage when attacked by an enemy.
Skarmory
Is this a bird? Is this a plane? No, that’s Skarmory. Strictly speaking, it is indeed a bird, but armor + wingspan prevent it from being classified alongside Pidgeot or Fearow. Interestingly, thanks to Flying type, the Pokémon excellently compensates for the common mobility shortfall of the Steel kind. Abilities like Brave Bird + Steel Wing allow it to deal significant damage to opponents.
Steelix
From the skies, we return to the ground, where a massive stone-steel serpent awaits us (calling this character a worm would be an insult). Steelix embodies resilience and reliability, capable of withstanding colossal damage, using the earth element against enemies. Earthquakes + stone traps are perfect for disrupting the enemy's plans.
Klefki
An unusual combination of Fairy/Steel matches its unusual appearance of a set of keys with a cute keychain. Yet, this is indeed a Pokémon, and a very useful one for any team. Klefki may not boast significant damage output, but its strength lies elsewhere — in a plethora of abilities with status effects that aid allies, inconvenience enemies. With wise usage, the creature can become an effective addition to any trainer’s team.
Bisharp
This hero inevitably brings to mind a boss from one of the levels in the old Mega Man games on the NES. However, in the Pokémon universe, it is a dangerous fighter, utilizing the advantages of Steel + Dark types. In battles, the warrior benefits from high attack speed, the ability to damage multiple targets, and the use of various tricks that increase the chance of critical damage and cause opponents to miss their attacks.
Empoleon
The uniqueness of this Pokémon lies in the combination of Water/Steel classes — there are no others like it in the entire franchise. The fighter's appearance is quite notable — an emperor penguin with a trident-like crown, sharp spikes symbolizing nobility, command over the water element, and danger to others. Possessing both close and long-range attacks, as well as skillfully using water damage, Empoleon is clearly a great option for your team!
Cobalion
A legendary Steel/Fighting Pokémon, one of the three members of the Swords of Justice, and a veiled reference to Athos from Dumas' immortal classic. But Cobalion's inclusion in our list isn’t solely based on this reference. High speed stats, the likelihood of critical damage, and versatility in use make the character a must-have for almost any style of gameplay.
Aegislash
What better demonstrates the power of steel than the image of a shield, sword? This is exactly what Aegislash embodies, having both defensive, offensive forms. In defensive form, the hero withstands enemy attacks with enhanced defense stats and a created force field. In offensive form, it delivers merciless attacks on the enemy, amplified by special abilities. The ability to freely switch between these forms provides great versatility in various styles of gameplay.
Escavalier
A snail in a knight’s helmet with a jouster’s lance from a medieval tournament makes a formidable opponent. The combination of Steel/Bug types means that Escavalier is only vulnerable to fire attacks, which, coupled with high defense stats, gives the hero excellent survivability. The combination of the attack-boosting ability Swords Dance + the damage-reflecting Metal Burst encourages its use in aggressive battle schemes.
Durant
In every endeavor, diligent workers are needed. Battles in the Pokémon world are no exception. The steel ant Durant combines resistance to many types of damage, good endurance stats, and the ability to use underground tunnels for unexpected attacks. However, the character's hardworking nature has a downside — hidden ability, Truant, conversely gives the opponent a sleep status, reducing their chance to move and attack.
Scizor
Another representative inspired by the image of insects, now something between a wasp and a praying mantis. In battle, Scizor benefits from high speed + attack stats, which classifies the character as a Pincer type, as well as resistance to various classes of damage, which offsets its relatively low defense values.
Probopass
This Pokémon is a stone-metal sculpture, excellently able to withstand a large amount of damage. Despite inherent Rock + Steel types, Probopass is distinguished by skill in managing the electromagnetic field, which can influence the steel attacks of warriors. This allows the fighter to be used as a counter-pick against similar adversaries.
Mawile
Concluding our selection of the strongest steel Pokémon is the master of disguise, deception, Mawile. Outwardly appearing as a harmless cloth or straw doll, this creature possesses terrifying jaws capable of inflicting tremendous damage. Its main strength lies in the use of deceptive tactics + skills, which confuse the opponent and reduce their ability to defend.
Thus, our top 20 steel creatures in the Pokémon universe has come to an end. Of course, not all of them may suit your specific style of play, but we are confident that everyone will find a favorite in this selection or will be able to see a character in a new light. We also recommend reading our article on Bug Pokémon, which presents strong and best representatives of this kind.
Main image by Ensigame
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