Steel Type Pokemon were introduced in the second gen of Pokemon and they have the strongest defense and resistance to both physical and special attacks.
In battles they typically take on a support role, using their great defense to protect their teammates. Steel-types are often able to inflict status conditions on their opponents, such as paralysis or poison.
While they may not be the strongest attackers, Steel-types are always a valuable addition to any team. In this guide we have hand-picked our top 20 Best Steel Pokemon…
1. Metagross
Metagross is a gigantic, robotic, pseudo-legendary Pokémon with a disc-shaped turquoise body and four legs. The primary body appears to be both head and body, and the whole architecture of this Pokémon gives it the appearance of a robotic arachnid. It evolves directly from Metang. It is a dual-type with Psychic and was introduced in the third Generation.
Metagross is probably one of the best Pokémon appearing in Pokémon GO Steel-type or not. It has a high max CP, and its Attack and Defense stats are astronomical. It’s dual typing with Psychic covers a lot both in offense and defense. Not to mention, Metagross’ movepool is one of the most diverse out there.
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Metagross is an excellent choice for players looking for a Physical Sweeper with some Defense or a Pokémon to clear out any Fairy types that get in the way of their Dragons or other Fairy-weak Pokémon.
In Pokémon Black 2, Metagross isn’t the finest Pokémon but it is still a solid choice due to the Clear Body ability. In utilizing Metagross, you have to max up its Attack stat, but the rest of the EVs should largely depend on the role you give it, a sweeper or a tank.
2. Dialga
Dialga is a Legendary Pokémon which is a Steel/Dragon dual-type. Dialga is a dark-blue, reptilian creature Pokémon with gray metallic and light blue stripes. On its torso is a chest plate with a deep blue diamond-like crystal implanted in the center. Dialga features a fin-like structure on its back, three spines on the back of its neck, and a dinosaur-like crest on its head. It is the game mascot for the Pokémon Diamond games. Dialga is a Generation IV Pokémon.
Because of Dialga’s solid typing, it can withstand fighting against other Dragon-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It is also a solid choice against Ice-types and Rock-types. Dialga has an incredibly high max CP that should make it a go-to Pokémon in five-star Raid Battles against Dragonite, Tyranitarm, and Latios / Latias.
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Dialga distinguishes itself from other Dragon types by having great defensive stats and being one of the few that can sustain regular damage from Fairy-type techniques and counter with a highly efficient Steel-type move. It’s also one of the few Dynamax Pokémon that, because of its Steel typing, doesn’t fear Zacian’s Behemoth Blade and can counter with a powerful Max Quake or Max Flare.
3. Zacian (Crowned Sword form)
Zacian is not necessarily a Steel Pokémon technically, but it does have a second form activated by equipping it with a Rusted Sword, and then it turns into Crowned Sword form which is a Fairy/Steel-type. It is introduced in Generation VIII as the featured Pokémon in Pokémon Sword.
The fur fringes on its back transform into wing-like armor and its strands become ribbons in Crowned Sword form. Its head is also protected by a golden helmet, and it wields a golden sword painted with the colors of Zacian.
Unfortunately, Zacian is only available in its default Hero of Many Battles form. However, in Pokémon Sword, it is the best Legendary Pokémon in the game. When equipped with the Rusted Form in its Crowned Sword form it has amazing stats: 170 Attack and 148 Speed. Its Behemoth Blade moveset is also incredible.
4. Excadrill
Excadrill is a dual-type Ground / Steel Generation V Pokémon. Excadrill is a mole-like Pokémon with dark brown fur and diagonal red splotches on its body. There are three scratch-like patterns on its front, two under each arm, and two on its back. It has short legs and small, slender feet with three toes each. It has a little white face that is long and slender, with a pink nose at the tip. Its eyes are positioned back, on either side of the nose bridge.
Excadrill in Pokémon GO is usually a good choice because it is a dual Ground and Steel type. Excadrill, with the correct move set, is a fantastic option for both PvP and PvE combat in Pokémon GO. Within the move set, Excadrill can technically use three types.
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Excadrill has a deadly attack as well as an acceptable Speed stat. Excadrill’s general strategy is to buff up its assault before using its relatively wide type of coverage to sweep through the opponent team. Overall, Excadrill is a versatile option that most players can quickly learn and apply.
5. Genesect
Genesect is a Generation V Mythical Pokémon, dual-typed with Bug. It has four forms which are achieved by inserting Drive in the cannon of its back. Genesect is an insectoid Pokémon with a saucer-shaped head and a metal body. It’s mostly purple with some gray patterns. It features two huge red eyes and a little white section that could represent its mouth or a vent. It has long, slender arms with overlapping segments. Each arm has a single, pointed claw that can spin a sticky string to build structures.
In Pokémon GO, Genesect is one of the game’s most powerful mythological Pokémon, and if you want to capitalize on its offensive power, the best moves to teach it are Metal Claw and Magnet Bomb. Alternately, you can use Fury Cutter instead of the former move to make use of Genesect’s Bug typing and make it a more powerful counter against Psychic-type Pokémon.
In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Genesect is considered an overpowered Pokémon. It makes the campaign portion of the games to be mad easy.
6. Scizor
Scizor is a Generation II Pokémon. It is another Steel-type Pokémon on this list which is dual-type with Bug. Scizor is a bipedal insectoid with a metallic red exoskeleton. It has gray forewings that retract and hind wings with simple, curled venation. It has a rounded skull with three blunt horns protruding above its forehead and dark yellow pupils in its eyes. Scizor has a narrow, black neck that leads to a teardrop-shaped black patch on its thorax. Scizor’s shoulders are broad, and his arms are thin and segmented, ending in large, round pincers.
In Pokémon GO, Scizor is a bit hit or miss in Pokémon GO, thanks primarily to its moveset potential. Its Max CP isn’t bad, and its stats are significantly superior to Scyther’s. However, his lack of viable movesets and evolution anxiety make it a poor choice.
However, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus,  Scizor is a strong Bug and Steel-type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Teach it Air Slash, Close Combat, and other battle-winning moves. Scizor can be captured in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and, with the proper moveset, can be a valuable addition to any team.
7. Empoleon
Finally, a Water-type Pokémon dual-typed with Steel. Empoleon is a Generation IV Pokémon that looks like a penguin. It has a broad yellow beak that continues upward to produce three pointed horns that form a trident-shaped crest that surrounds blue eyes. A blue crown-like feature over its eyes and a white, lacy line along its chest distinguish it. A blue, fin-like projection that runs down the length of its chest and belly forms a collar around its throat.
Empoleon is a Water/Steel type Pokémon with good bulk and the ability to use the devastating Hydro Cannon. Water Pokémon are commonly employed in the meta, and while Empoleon competes for a roster spot with many other Water types, it sticks out with its distinctive Steel sub-typing, which offers a slew of resistances.
In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Empoleon is the powerful ultimate evolution of the Water-type starter. In the main plot, Empoleon can be transformed into an ultimate beast. Once you’ve reached this stage, you’ll want it to have four fantastic attacks that work well together.
Empoleon’s base Special Attack is a whopping 111. Surf, which is no longer an HM in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, is therefore an excellent alternative. It offers 135 watts of power and 100 watts of accuracy. Surf is an incredibly powerful Water-type move that will also grant Empoleon a Same Type Attack Bonus when used. This is an excellent choice for its primary STAB move.
8. Bisharp
Bisharp is a Generation IV Pokémon with dual typing of Dark and Steel. Bisharp is a humanoid Pokémon that walks on two legs. It has a spherical, red, and black skull that resembles a war helmet and is capped with a golden, double-headed axe blade with white edges. It has a yellow face with a black outline. Bisharp has a unique Dark/Steel typing, which provides it with a variety of resistances while simultaneously making it vulnerable to Fighting-type attacks.
In Pokémon GO, Bisharp’s total mass in this league is limited by its high ATK number, making it squishy in comparison to other Pokémon. The choice between using Steel-type coverage to threaten Fairy-types or simply accepting being walled makes Bisharp more difficult to use and necessitates proper team building and planning ahead of time for success.
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Bisharp’s greatest advantage is its STAB, high-power Sucker Punch, which can be supplemented with Swords Dance. Bisharp is especially effective against devoted attackers because Sucker Punch takes precedence if the opponent uses an
9. Aggron
Aggron is a Generation III Pokémon. It is dual-type Steel and Rock. It evolves from Lairon. Aggron is a colossal Pokémon. It is mostly gray with silver armor plates. The armor on its head contains two sets of holes, the first of which has horns protruding. Its frontal plate extends in a little point past its upper jaw. It features two nostril-like slits on the tip of its upper jaw and sky-blue eyes.
In Pokémon Omega Ruby, Aggron is an excellent physical attacker and pseudo-tank. Admittedly, it is a shame Aggron cannot raise his pitiful Special Defense stat. His quad vulnerability to Fighting-type, like his quad weakness to Earthquake, is easily remedied by an Iron Defense or two. However, the quad’s susceptibility to Water-types remains unaddressed.
10. Durant
Durant is a unique Steel-type Pokémon due to its dual-typing with Bug. This Generation V Pokémon looks like an ant. Durant is an insectoid Pokémon with a steel body divided into three pieces. It has a dark gray ovoid abdomen with a light gray band running around the middle and two rings that look like rivets near a jagged seam.
In Pokémon GO, Durant is a weaker Scizor. It has no true utility in the PVE meta and simply cannot make a difference no matter what it does. It has a great design, and its Regional status provides it true worth, but that’s about all there is to say about this poor, unlucky insect. Due to faster access to its charge moves, Durant can actually beat Forretress in shielding scenarios with successful shield baiting.
11. Lucario
Lucario is a Fighting Pokémon, dual-typed with Steel. It was introduced in Generation IV. Lucario is a canine-like bipedal Pokémon with primarily blue and black fur. It has a small, spherical spike on the rear of each forepaw, as well as a third on its chest. It has a long snout, red eyes, and ears. When its mouth is open, two pairs of sharp teeth may be seen, one in the upper jaw and one in the lower. It has cream-colored fur on its torso and blue fur on its thighs, which look like shorts. It also has a medium-length tail of the same blue color.
In Pokémon GO, Lucario has decent stats, amazing typing that combines one of the finest offensive kinds with one of the best defensive types, and attacks that can change the course of a battle.
Lucario is, without a doubt, a meta-defining Pokémon at the top level.
Furthermore, it is one of the most difficult Pokémon to obtain due to the fact that it can only be obtained as a Riolu hatching from 10 km.
12. Cobalion
Cobalion is a dual-type Steel/Fighting Legendary Pokémon released in Generation V. Cobalion is a quadrupedal Pokémon with stag and goat characteristics. It has azure blue fur and jagged golden horns in the shape of thunderbolts.
In Pokémon GO, Defense is its highest maximum stat. Cobalion, with moves like Sacred Sword, Metal Claw, Stone Edge, and Iron Head, can be a solid replacement for players who don’t have fan-favorite Registeel for Ultra League PvP.
In the Pokémon Black series of games, since Steel covers a lot of weaknesses, hence, Steel is one of the greatest defensive types in the game, allowing Cobalion to withstand a wide range of attacks. However, Cobalion’s low Special Defense combined with Steel Typing makes it extremely vulnerable to many Fire-Type techniques.
13. Perrserker
Perrserker is one of the few pure Steel-type Pokémon on this list. It is a Generation VIII Pokémon with a striking resemblance to cats. It evolves from Galarian Meowth.
In Pokémon GO, Perrserker is a mono-Steel type with medium bulk and an extremely unique moveset. In terms of damage output, the lack of STAB on its more viable movesets is somewhat inefficient. However, its distinct coverage as a Steel-type can be extremely valuable in limited formats such as Silph Arena cups.
14. Steelix
Steelix is a dual-type Steel/Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation. Steelix is a long, serpentine Pokémon with a silvery-gray body composed of rock-like pieces that can have chips and scrapes from battles and tunneling.
Three of those portions have large rock spikes protruding from either side. It has a gigantic head that is mostly formed up of its large, broad jaw, which contains sets of large square teeth.
In Pokémon GO, Steelix is an excellent defender. The Steel type has numerous resistances. Steel-type Pokémon are less vulnerable to common attacking types in Pokémon GO, including as Normal, Fairy, and Psychic.
15. Lairon
Lairon is a dual-type Steel / Rock Pokémon introduced in Generation III. Lairon is a stocky, armored Pokémon with four short legs. Its body is dark gray, and its eyes are sky blue.
In Pokémon GO, Lairon competes in Great League alongside several other “Steel Tanks” as a relatively heavy Pokémon with a multitude of resistances. Lairon, unlike its counterparts, has less size and a less impressive moveset, with neither fast energy generation nor significant damage output. Lairon’s coverage is also somewhat less ideal, as both of its rapid moves are Steel-type, making it more niche at best.
Lairon is specifically in this list because it evolves into Aggron, which is a necessity in Pokémon Emerald as well as other games.
16. Skarmory
Skarmory is a Steel / Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation II. Skarmory is an avian Pokémon with a silver-gray body and a long, metallic blue neck, legs, and tail. It features bright eyes, a triangular crest on its head, and a sharp beak with numerous pointed teeth.
In Pokémon GO, Skarmory is a Great League PvP staple, with great bulk, strong typing, and a solid moveset.
It’s well-known as a fantastic flier in the meta, and it’s almost always a strong pick thanks to its 10 resistances and excellent meta performance.
17. Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn is a dual-type Grass / Steel Pokémon. It evolves from Ferroseed. It is introduced in Generation V. Ferrothorn is a Pokémon that looks like a flattened durian. It has thorns covering its metallic body and three black bands surrounding its width. Just below its eyes, the center stripe has triangular forms with green rims, yellow sclerae, and dark pupils.
Ferrothorn is relatively bulky, but that’s about. It has way too little power for raids, and its moveset possibilities aren’t ideal. On the other hand, given its unique type and good moveset, it’s a good option for defense.
18. Registeel
Registeel is a mono-Steel Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation III. Registeel is a powerful robotic Pokémon. The majority of Registeel’s body is spherical and gray, with the middle of its face seeming exposed with black “skin” and encircled by elevated metal.
In Pokémon GO, Registeel is a relatively durable Pokémon in Great League, having a low ATK stat that allows for big bulk owing to the CP cap in Great League. A mono-Steel type provides a vast list of valuable resistances, adding to its survival.
In Pokémon Omega Red, If you want good defenses, go with Registeel; otherwise, go with Regirock if you want a good balance of weaknesses and resistances. If you have Regice’s hidden talent, you can train it to learn Hail. Diancie is a good Pokémon, and depending on the game, it can Mega evolve.
19. Galarian Meowth
Galarion Meowth is one of the Regional forms of Meowth and is a Steel type. Galarian Meowth features a shaggy, greyish-brown beard-like coat, yellow eyes, and a toothy grin. Its coin is now black and incredibly hard, with the darkest and hardest coins, in particular, highly sought after and respected among the species.
In Pokémon GO, the Galarian Meowth is considered the best. Galarian Meowth possesses the best shine, not only among Kantonian and Galarian regional varieties but even among Alolan Meowth. Both Alolan and Kantonian Meowth shinies are a touch darker than their usual forms, making them more difficult to recognize and less striking overall.
20. Bastiodon
Bastiodon is a Rock/Steel Fossil Pokémon that debuted in Generation IV. Bastiodon appears to be a cute triceratops, but it is anything from cute when it comes to fighting prowess. Bastiodon is an extremely protective Pokémon on both ends of the spectrum.
In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Bastiodon’s support is quite effective. It can take strikes and dish out poison or rocks. Iron Head stops you from being Taunt bait and is Bastiodon’s most reliable strike. Toxic wreaks havoc on everything, especially powerful defensive Pokémon.
