Defense leads and Speed gets almost nothing. That's Steelix's stat line in a nutshell. 2 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Very hard to catch and yields 2 Defense EVs.
This Pokémon evolved through use of a strange item. Its body is coated with steel powder and notably hard—not even diamond can leave so much as a scratch.
Steelix is weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric and Poison-type moves entirely. With 8 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Steelix's physical bulk (base 200 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Water, Fighting, Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Normal, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Dragon, Steel, Fairy |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Rock |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric, Poison |
Tyranitar's Earthquake hits Steelix for 60-71%. Krookodile's Earthquake hits Steelix for 51-60%.
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Tyranitar builds →Knock Off30-35% Stone Edge11-13% Pursuit18-22% Earthquake 2x60-71% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMoxie ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Krookodile builds →Earthquake 2x51-60% Knock Off16-20% Close Combat 2x40-47% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySynchronize ItemLeftovers NatureCalm Moves View Umbreon builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityUnburden ItemFocus Sash NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Slurpuff builds →Flamethrower 2x49-58% | ||
 | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityPoison Point ItemDragalgite NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Dragalge builds →Draco Meteor46-55% Flip Turn 2x10-12% | ||
Getting Steelix requires a trade, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Onix. Breed this form to get Onix eggs (average hatch time). HP grew the most through evolution (+40 over Onix), and Steelix peaks at 510 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Steelix to get Onix eggs easily using 84 partners from the Mineral egg group.
Steelix runs a standard setup attacker set. Hardy nature with max Attack without Speed EVs shapes the build, while Rocky Helmet brings chip damage on every physical hit received. Sturdy supports the kit from the background.
Best Build
Steelix best EVs are Attack and Defense
Physical Tank Moveset
- Body Press
- Earthquake
- Iron Defense
- Gyro Ball
Recommended Teammates
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Dragon Dance
Recommended Teammates
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Slide
- Body Press
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Tank Moveset
- Body Press
- Head Smash
- Double Edge
- Iron Head
Recommended Teammates
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Dragon Dance
Recommended Teammates
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Slide
- Body Press
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Tank Moveset
- Body Press
- Head Smash
- Double Edge
- Iron Head
Recommended Teammates
Moves
TMs carry this one. Steelix learns Steel Beam and Earthquake naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Dark and Rock and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A solid spread overall. Steelix gets Steel Beam and Iron Tail for same-type damage alongside coverage across 8 types. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
Breeding opens up real options for Steelix. Block and Defense Curl come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Iron Tail and Earthquake and coverage across 8 types.
Breeding opens up real options for Steelix. Block and Defense Curl come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Steel Roller and Iron Tail and coverage across 9 types.
Steelix isn't available in the wild in Legends: Z-A. Start by transferring Onix from Red, Yellow, or FireRed. The evolution path from Onix to Steelix is covered in the steps below.
A trade step sits in Steelix's 2-stage line from Onix. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Onix shows up at decent rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Steelix in Legends: Arceus
The path to Steelix starts with Onix at walking via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch OnixBolderoll SlopeGrassUncommonCelestica TrailGrass RouteUncommonLake ValorGrass WaterUncommonScarlet BogGrass SwampUncommon
Step 2Steelix ✓Celestica TrailGrass RouteUncommonor evolve from Onix (Step 1)
Steelix's 2-stage line starts with Onix, which appears at solid rates in the locations below. Level through 2 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
Where To Catch Steelix in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Onix is your first catch on the way to Steelix. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 8-56 across 70 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch OnixOreburgh Mine - 1FShining PearlGrass Lv.8 Cave10%EarlyOreburgh Mine - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.8 Cave10%EarlyOreburgh Mine - B1FShining PearlGrass Lv.9 Cave10%EarlyOreburgh Mine - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.9 Cave10%EarlyBig Bluff CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidBig Bluff CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidRocky CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidRocky CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidSandsear CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 DesertMidSandsear CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 DesertMidTyphlo CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidTyphlo CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidVolcanic CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 VolcanoMidVolcanic CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 VolcanoMidIron Island - B2F Right CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.31-33 Water30%LateIron Island - B2F Right CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.31-33 Water30%LateIron Island - B2F Left CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water30%LateIron Island - B2F Left CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water30%LateIron Island - B3FShining PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water30%LateIron Island - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water30%LateIron Island - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water10%LateIron Island - 1FShining PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water10%LateIron Island - B1F Left CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water10%LateIron Island - B1F Left CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water10%LateIron Island - B1F Right CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water10%LateIron Island - B1F Right CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water10%LateVictory Road - 1FShining PearlGrass Lv.44 Cave10%LateVictory Road - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.44 Cave10%LateVictory Road - 2FShining PearlGrass Lv.45 Cave10%LateVictory Road - 2FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.45 Cave10%LateSnowpoint Temple - 1FShining PearlGrass Lv.50-52 Ice15%PostSnowpoint Temple - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.50-52 Ice15%PostVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaShining PearlGrass Lv.50 Cave10%PostVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.50 Cave10%PostSnowpoint Temple - B1FShining PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Ice5%PostSnowpoint Temple - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Ice5%PostSnowpoint Temple - B2FShining PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Ice5%PostSnowpoint Temple - B2FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Ice5%PostSnowpoint Temple - B3FShining PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Ice5%PostSnowpoint Temple - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Ice5%PostStark Mountain - EntranceShining PearlGrass Lv.54 Volcano5%PostStark Mountain - EntranceBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.54 Volcano5%PostStark Mountain - InteriorShining PearlGrass Lv.56 Volcano5%PostStark Mountain - InteriorBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.56 Volcano5%Post
Step 2Steelix ✓Iron Island - B2F Left CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.33-34 Water10%LateIron Island - B2F Left CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.33-34 Water10%LateIron Island - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.33-34 Water10%LateIron Island - B3FShining PearlGrass Lv.33-34 Water10%LateSnowpoint Temple - B4FShining PearlGrass Lv.54-56 Ice20%PostSnowpoint Temple - B4FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.54-56 Ice20%PostSnowpoint Temple - B5FShining PearlGrass Lv.54-56 Ice20%PostSnowpoint Temple - B5FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.54-56 Ice20%PostSnowpoint Temple - B1FShining PearlGrass Lv.53-54 Ice15%PostSnowpoint Temple - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.53-54 Ice15%PostSnowpoint Temple - B2FShining PearlGrass Lv.53-54 Ice15%PostSnowpoint Temple - B2FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.53-54 Ice15%PostSnowpoint Temple - B3FShining PearlGrass Lv.53-54 Ice15%PostSnowpoint Temple - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.53-54 Ice15%PostVictory Road - 1FShining PearlGrass Lv.46 Cave10%PostVictory Road - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.46 Cave10%PostVictory Road - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.46 Cave10%PostVictory Road - B1FShining PearlGrass Lv.46 Cave10%PostVictory Road - 2FShining PearlGrass Lv.47 Cave10%PostVictory Road - 2FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.47 Cave10%PostVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52 Cave10%PostVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaShining PearlGrass Lv.52 Cave10%PostVictory Road - Nat Dex Area B1FShining PearlGrass Lv.52 Cave10%PostVictory Road - Nat Dex Area B1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52 Cave10%PostSnowpoint Temple - 1FShining PearlGrass Lv.52 Ice5%PostSnowpoint Temple - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52 Ice5%Postor evolve from Onix (Step 1)
Steelix's 2-stage line starts with Onix, which appears at solid rates in the locations below. Level through 2 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
How to Obtain Steelix in Sword & Shield
Onix is your first catch on the way to Steelix. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 8-35 across 14 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch OnixEast Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.8-12 Cave10%EarlyIntense SunEast Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.8-12 Cave10%EarlySandstormEast Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.8-12 Cave10%EarlyIntense SunEast Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.8-12 Cave10%EarlySandstormMotostoke RiverbankShieldGrass Lv.26-2830%MidSandstormMotostoke RiverbankSwordGrass Lv.26-2830%MidSandstormGiant's SeatSwordGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidSandstormGiant's SeatSwordGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidOvercastGiant's SeatSwordGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidNormal WeatherGiant's SeatShieldGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidIntense SunGiant's SeatShieldGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidSandstormGiant's SeatShieldGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidOvercastGiant's SeatShieldGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidNormal WeatherGiant's SeatSwordGrass Lv.30-35 Water20%MidIntense Sun
Step 2Steelix ✓
Sheer Force changes the entire equation for Steelix. The 510 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a trick room.
Sheer Force is what you want on Steelix. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Rock Head, Sturdy) work on paper but Sheer Force is what makes Steelix worth using.
Base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Steelix is a physical attacker with base 85 Attack. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a trick room.
The core moveset is Bodypress, Earthquake, Iron Defense, and Gyroball. Bodypress leads at 15% usage. Earthquake provides reliable STAB damage.
Obtainable through a trade evolution, Steelix appears in 18 titles across 9 generations since Gold & Silver. The evolution method adds a barrier that wild-catchable Pokemon don't have.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves