Steelix was practically built for Trick Room teams. Sheer Force drops secondary effects for a straight power boost, and 200 base Defense gives it real offensive presence. Electric and Poison moves can't touch it, which offsets the 4 weaknesses somewhat. Known as the Iron Snake Pokemon.
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 Weakness
ExcellentSteelix is weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. 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.
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.
How to Evolve
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
Best Steelix Moveset
- Body Press
- Earthquake
- Iron Defense
- Gyro Ball
Recommended Teammates
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 OnixEASYBolderoll SlopeGrassUncommonEASYCelestica TrailGrassUncommonRouteEASYLake ValorGrassUncommonWaterEASYScarlet BogGrassUncommonSwamp
Step 2Steelix ✓EASYCelestica TrailGrassUncommonRouteor 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 OnixMODERATEOreburgh Mine - 1FShining PearlGrassLv.810%EarlyCaveMODERATEOreburgh Mine - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.810%EarlyCaveMODERATEOreburgh Mine - B1FShining PearlGrassLv.910%EarlyCaveMODERATEOreburgh Mine - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.910%EarlyCaveBig Bluff CavernShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveBig Bluff CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveRocky CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveRocky CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveSandsear CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidDesertSandsear CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidDesertTyphlo CavernShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveTyphlo CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveVolcanic CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidVolcanoVolcanic CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidVolcanoEFFORTLESSIron Island - B2F Right CaveShining PearlGrassLv.31-3330%LateWaterEFFORTLESSIron Island - B2F Right CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.31-3330%LateWaterEFFORTLESSIron Island - B2F Left CaveShining PearlGrassLv.32-3330%LateWaterEFFORTLESSIron Island - B2F Left CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.32-3330%LateWaterEFFORTLESSIron Island - B3FShining PearlGrassLv.32-3330%LateWaterEFFORTLESSIron Island - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.32-3330%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.32-3310%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - 1FShining PearlGrassLv.32-3310%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B1F Left CaveShining PearlGrassLv.32-3310%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B1F Left CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.32-3310%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B1F Right CaveShining PearlGrassLv.32-3310%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B1F Right CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.32-3310%LateWaterMODERATEVictory Road - 1FShining PearlGrassLv.4410%LateCaveMODERATEVictory Road - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.4410%LateCaveMODERATEVictory Road - 2FShining PearlGrassLv.4510%LateCaveMODERATEVictory Road - 2FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.4510%LateCaveEASYSnowpoint Temple - 1FShining PearlGrassLv.50-5215%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.50-5215%PostIceMODERATEVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaShining PearlGrassLv.5010%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.5010%PostCaveCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - B1FShining PearlGrassLv.52-535%PostIceCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.52-535%PostIceCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - B2FShining PearlGrassLv.52-535%PostIceCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - B2FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.52-535%PostIceCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - B3FShining PearlGrassLv.52-535%PostIceCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.52-535%PostIceCHALLENGINGStark Mountain - EntranceShining PearlGrassLv.545%PostVolcanoCHALLENGINGStark Mountain - EntranceBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.545%PostVolcanoCHALLENGINGStark Mountain - InteriorShining PearlGrassLv.565%PostVolcanoCHALLENGINGStark Mountain - InteriorBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.565%PostVolcano
Step 2Steelix ✓MODERATEIron Island - B2F Left CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.33-3410%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B2F Left CaveShining PearlGrassLv.33-3410%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.33-3410%LateWaterMODERATEIron Island - B3FShining PearlGrassLv.33-3410%LateWaterEASYSnowpoint Temple - B4FShining PearlGrassLv.54-5620%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B4FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.54-5620%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B5FShining PearlGrassLv.54-5620%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B5FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.54-5620%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B1FShining PearlGrassLv.53-5415%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.53-5415%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B2FShining PearlGrassLv.53-5415%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B2FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.53-5415%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B3FShining PearlGrassLv.53-5415%PostIceEASYSnowpoint Temple - B3FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.53-5415%PostIceMODERATEVictory Road - 1FShining PearlGrassLv.4610%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.4610%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - B1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.4610%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - B1FShining PearlGrassLv.4610%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - 2FShining PearlGrassLv.4710%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - 2FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.4710%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.5210%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - Nat Dex AreaShining PearlGrassLv.5210%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - Nat Dex Area B1FShining PearlGrassLv.5210%PostCaveMODERATEVictory Road - Nat Dex Area B1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.5210%PostCaveCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - 1FShining PearlGrassLv.525%PostIceCHALLENGINGSnowpoint Temple - 1FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.525%PostIceor 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 OnixMODERATEEast Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.8-1210%EarlyCaveIntense SunMODERATEEast Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.8-1210%EarlyCaveSandstormMODERATEEast Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.8-1210%EarlyCaveIntense SunMODERATEEast Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.8-1210%EarlyCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldGrassLv.26-2830%MidSandstormEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankSwordGrassLv.26-2830%MidSandstormEASYGiant's SeatSwordGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterSandstormEASYGiant's SeatSwordGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterOvercastEASYGiant's SeatSwordGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterNormal WeatherEASYGiant's SeatShieldGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterIntense SunEASYGiant's SeatShieldGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterSandstormEASYGiant's SeatShieldGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterOvercastEASYGiant's SeatShieldGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterNormal WeatherEASYGiant's SeatSwordGrassLv.30-3520%MidWaterIntense 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.
Onix evolves into Steelix while holding a Metal Coat. Steelix is the fully evolved form. At 510 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
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.
Steelix appears in 18 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Obtainable through a trade evolution, Steelix appears in 18 titles across 8 generations since Gold & Silver. The evolution method adds a barrier that wild-catchable Pokemon don't have.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A