Steel-type Pokémon have long been recognized as some of the best for competitive play due to their remarkable defensive capabilities and solid offensive potential. With Steel-type moves being both strong and versatile, combined with the impressive array of resistances these Pokémon have, Steel-types are a staple in any high-level competitive Pokémon battle. Here’s a rundown of the best Steel-type Pokémon for competitive play:
1. Aegislash
Aegislash stands out as one of the most unique Steel-type Pokémon due to its ability to shift between two forms, the Shield Form and the Sword Form. This ability, called Stance Change, allows Aegislash to effectively adapt its stats in battle, making it a dynamic choice for competitive play. In Shield Form, Aegislash has excellent defenses, while in Sword Form, it boasts impressive offensive power.
- Key Moves:
- Shadow Ball (Ghost-type)
- King’s Shield (Defensive stance move)
- Sacred Sword (Steel-type)
- Iron Head (Steel-type)
- Strengths:
- Stance change makes it flexible.
- It resists a wide variety of types, including Normal, Psychic, Dragon, Fairy, and more.
- Its powerful Ghost-type moves can surprise opponents.
2. Scizor
Scizor has been a staple in competitive battles since its introduction, thanks to its strong offensive presence and great typing. Its Steel/Bug typing gives it a solid defensive advantage while also providing offensive power with moves like Bullet Punch, a Steel-type move that benefits from Scizor’s high Attack stat and priority.
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Key Moves:
- Bullet Punch (Steel-type, priority)
- U-turn (Bug-type, for switching out)
- Pursuit (Dark-type, for trapping opponents)
- Swords Dance (boosts Attack)
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Strengths:
- Great physical attacker with priority moves.
- High Defense and decent Special Defense make it hard to take down.
- The Steel typing helps resist common offensive types like Fairy, Dragon, and Psychic.
3. Magnezone
Magnezone is a powerful special attacker thanks to its Electric/Steel typing, which grants it resistances to Fairy, Dragon, Flying, and Psychic-type moves. Its ability Magnet Pull can trap Steel-type Pokémon, rendering them vulnerable to its powerful Electric-type attacks.
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Key Moves:
- Thunderbolt (Electric-type)
- Flash Cannon (Steel-type)
- Hidden Power Fire (to deal with Steel-types)
- Volt Switch (Electric-type, for switching)
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Strengths:
- Great special attacker with excellent coverage.
- The ability to trap Steel-types with Magnet Pull is invaluable.
- Magnezone’s Steel typing helps it tank many hits, and its Electric moves hit hard.
4. Excadrill
Excadrill is a fast and powerful Steel/Ground-type Pokémon that excels in both offensive and defensive roles. With its Mold Breaker ability, Excadrill can hit through abilities like Levitate, which would normally make Ground-type moves ineffective. Its ability to learn strong physical Steel-type moves, combined with its speed and high Attack stat, makes it an outstanding offensive threat.
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Key Moves:
- Iron Head (Steel-type)
- Earthquake (Ground-type)
- Rock Slide (for coverage)
- Swords Dance (boosts Attack)
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Strengths:
- Fast and hits hard with Iron Head and Earthquake.
- Its Steel typing provides excellent resistances.
- Mold Breaker allows it to hit Pokémon with abilities that usually counter Ground-type moves.
5. Heatran
Heatran, the Fire/Steel-type Legendary Pokémon, combines offensive power with defensive strength. Its typing grants it several resistances, including to Fairy, Dragon, Ice, and Steel-type moves. Heatran’s ability Flash Fire can even boost its Fire-type moves when hit by a Fire-type move, giving it added offensive potential.
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Key Moves:
- Lava Plume (Fire-type)
- Earth Power (Ground-type)
- Toxic (to wear down opponents)
- Stealth Rock (to set hazards)
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Strengths:
- Strong defensive stats, especially with its Fire/Steel typing.
- Can serve as a special attacker or support with Stealth Rock.
- Flash Fire gives it a Fire-type power boost when hit by a Fire-type move.
6. Kartana
Kartana is a fast, offensive powerhouse in the competitive scene, boasting one of the highest Attack stats in the game. Its Grass/Steel typing gives it both strong offensive presence and defensive prowess. Kartana excels in roles that require it to hit hard and fast, often surprising opponents with its sheer offensive power.
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Key Moves:
- Leaf Blade (Grass-type, physical)
- Sacred Sword (Fighting-type)
- Smart Strike (Steel-type)
- Knock Off (Dark-type)
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Strengths:
- Unmatched physical Attack stat, capable of destroying opponents quickly.
- Fast and hits hard, especially with moves like Leaf Blade and Smart Strike.
- Steel typing provides excellent resistance to Fairy-type moves.
7. Cobalion
Cobalion is a Steel/Fighting-type Legendary Pokémon known for its high Speed and decent bulk. It is often used as a utility or offensive support Pokémon due to its strong typing and versatile movepool. Cobalion is particularly useful for countering Dark and Fairy-types.
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Key Moves:
- Close Combat (Fighting-type)
- Iron Head (Steel-type)
- Stealth Rock (support move)
- Toxic (for status)
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Strengths:
- Fast and capable of setting up Stealth Rock.
- Great resistances, including to Dragon, Psychic, and Fairy.
- Can function as a bulky attacker or utility support.
8. Bisharp
Bisharp, a Dark/Steel-type Pokémon, is known for its offensive prowess combined with its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies using Defiant. When an opposing Pokémon lowers its stats, Defiant boosts Bisharp’s Attack, making it an excellent revenge killer and offensive threat.
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Key Moves:
- Knock Off (Dark-type, for removing items)
- Iron Head (Steel-type)
- Sucker Punch (Dark-type, priority)
- Pursuit (Dark-type)
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Strengths:
- Great offensive stats, particularly with Sucker Punch and Knock Off.
- Defiant ability makes it a threat to opponents who try to lower its stats.
- Steel typing helps with resistances to Fairy, Rock, and Ghost-type moves.
9. Mawile (Mega Mawile)
Mega Mawile’s Steel/Fairy typing makes it a devastating threat on both the offensive and defensive fronts. With its ability Huge Power, its Attack stat becomes monstrous, allowing it to hit hard with moves like Play Rough and Iron Head. It can tear through many top-tier Pokémon in competitive play.
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Key Moves:
- Play Rough (Fairy-type)
- Iron Head (Steel-type)
- Sucker Punch (Dark-type, priority)
- Swords Dance (boosts Attack)
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Strengths:
- Huge offensive potential thanks to Huge Power.
- The Steel/Fairy typing gives it many resistances, especially to Dragon and Dark-type moves.
- Can function as a setup sweeper with Swords Dance.
10. Empoleon
Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokémon that offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. It has excellent special bulk and a solid offensive movepool, making it a versatile choice for competitive teams.
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Key Moves:
- Scald (Water-type, for status and damage)
- Flash Cannon (Steel-type)
- Ice Beam (coverage move)
- Stealth Rock (support)
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Strengths:
- Good special bulk with a variety of resistances.
- Can function as a special attacker or support.
- Steel typing provides resistance to many common offensive threats, like Fairy and Psychic.
Conclusion
Steel-type Pokémon are some of the best in competitive play due to their impressive defensive stats, versatility, and wide range of offensive options. The Pokémon listed above are highly effective in battling scenarios, with a combination of strong offensive moves, excellent typing, and useful abilities. Whether you’re setting up hazards, dishing out powerful attacks, or resisting hits from formidable opponents, Steel-types are often the key to a successful competitive team.
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