Physical
Trick Room
30Speed · Very Slow

Stats & Training

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.

Base Stats
High
HP75
C
Attack85
C
Defense200
S
Sp. Atk55
D
Sp. Def65
C
Speed30
F
Total510
Details
Catch Rate
Difficult25 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height9.2 m
Weight400.0 kg
Base XP179
Abilities
Rock HeadPopular
Protects against recoil damage.
SturdyPopular
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Sheer ForceHANot in game
Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
EV Yield
HPAtkDef+2SpASpDSpe
Defense training target
Pokedex Entries

Tempered underground under high pressure and heat, its body is harder than any metal.

Steelix Weakness

Steelix is weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric and Poison-type moves entirely. With 9 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.

Steelix Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fire, Water, Fighting, Ground
0.5x (Resist)Normal, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel
0.25x (Resist)Rock
0x (Immune)Electric, Poison
Type ChartExcellent
4Weak
9Resist
2Immune
Score+8
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
How to Beat Steelix in Diamond & Pearl (Best Counters)
Gastrodon
Gastrodon
WaterGround
C
Available Moves
Moves
  • EarthquakeTM26
  • Muddy WaterLv. 41
  • SurfHM03
  • DigTM28
Damage vs Steelix
Earthquake 2x
37-44%
Muddy Water 2x
90-106%KO
Surf 2x
90-106%KO
Dig 2x
30-35%
View Gastrodon builds →

Diamond & Pearl Evolution

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

2 Forms
Onix
#095Onix
Trade + Metal Coat
Trade + Metal Coat
Steelix
#208Steelix
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Onix
RockGround
Steelix
SteelGround
HP
35
75+40
ATK
45
85+40
DEF
160
200+40
SP.ATK
30
55+25
SP.DEF
45
65+20
SPE
70
30-40
BST
385C-Tier
510C-Tier+125
ROLE
Balanced
Trick Room
TYPE
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Easy

Breed with Steelix to get Onix eggs easily using 29 partners from the Mineral egg group. Notable egg moves include Block, Defense Curl, Explosion and 4 more.

Egg Groups
Mineral
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
25 cycles·6,425 steps
Moderate~6 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
glaliefroslasssnoruntporygon2claydolbronzongmagnezoneporygon-zprobopassgolemelectrodemagneton

Diamond & Pearl Steelix Best Moveset

Brave nature gives Steelix the slow physical lean it needs to trade hits effectively. Leftovers adds passive recovery each turn, max HP and Attack EVs split the difference, and Normal coverage punishes anything trying to wall it.

Best Build

Situational pick
Physical Tank
Ability
Rock Head
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Steelix
Brave+ATK

Steelix best EVs are HP and Attack

EVs

Physical Tank Moveset

  • EarthquakeSTAB
  • ExplosionCoverage
  • Stealth Rock
  • Gyro BallSTAB

Recommended Teammates

Moves

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.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bind
157520Normal
Lv 1
Fire Fang
D659515Fire
Lv 1
Harden
30Normal
Lv 1
Ice Fang
D659515Ice
Lv 1
Mud Sport
15Ground
Lv 1
Tackle
3510035Normal
Lv 1
Thunder Fang
D659515Electric
Lv 6
Screech
8540Normal
Lv 9
Rock Throw
509015Rock
Lv 14
Rage
D2010020Normal
Lv 17
Rock Tomb
D609510Rock
Lv 22
Sandstorm
10Rock
Lv 25
Slam
807520Normal
Lv 30
Rock Polish
C20Rock
Lv 33
Dragon Breath
6010020Dragon
Lv 38
Iron Tail
C1007515Steel
Lv 41
Crunch
C8010015Dark
Lv 46
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Lv 49
Stone Edge
C100805Rock

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
10015Normal
TM78
Captivate
10020Normal
HM01
Cut
509530Normal
TM79
Dark Pulse
D8010015Dark
TM28
Dig
C8010010Ground
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM59
Dragon Pulse
D9010010Dragon
TM26
Earthquake
S10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4
10Normal
TM64
Explosion
S2501005Normal
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
TM91
Flash Cannon
C8010010Steel
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM68
Giga Impact
C150905Normal
TM74
Gyro Ball
A1005Steel
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper Beam
C150905Normal
TM23
Iron Tail
C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural Gift
D10015Normal
TM66
Payback
D5010010Dark
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM77
Psych Up
10Normal
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6
B20Normal
HM08
Rock Climb
908520Normal
TM69
Rock Polish
C20Rock
TM80
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
HM06
Rock Smash
D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock Tomb
D609510Rock
TM37
Sandstorm
10Rock
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep Talk
C10Normal
TM76
Stealth Rock
S20Rock
TM71
Stone Edge
C100805Rock
HM04
Strength
C8010015Normal
TM90
Substitute
C10Normal
TM11
Sunny Day
C5Fire
TM87
Swagger
9015Normal
TM12
Taunt
C10020Dark
TM41
Torment
10015Dark
TM06
Toxic
C8510Poison

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Block
5Normal
Egg
Defense Curl
40Normal
Egg
Explosion
S2501005Normal
Egg
Flail
10015Normal
Egg
Rock Blast
D259010Rock
Egg
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
Egg
Rollout
309020Rock

Tutor Moves

Steelix can't learn any Tutor moves

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Sand Tomb
358515Ground

Transfer Moves

Gen
Gen 3
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Gen 3
Mimic
10Normal

How to Get Steelix in Diamond & Pearl

The chain to Steelix requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Onix at solid rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.

Trade Evolution Required — Requires trading with another player

Where To Catch Steelix in Diamond & Pearl

To get Steelix, start by catching Onix through walking encounters at Lv. 8-56. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

  1. Onix
    Step 1Catch Onix
    Oreburgh Mine - 1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.8 Cave
    UncommonEarly
    Oreburgh Mine - 1F
    PearlGrass Lv.8 Cave
    UncommonEarly
    Oreburgh Mine - B1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.8-9 Cave
    UncommonEarly
    Oreburgh Mine - B1F
    PearlGrass Lv.8-9 Cave
    UncommonEarly
    Iron Island - B2F Right Cave
    PearlGrass Lv.31-33 Water
    CommonLate
    Iron Island - B2F Right Cave
    DiamondGrass Lv.31-33 Water
    CommonLate
    Iron Island - B2F Left Cave
    PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    CommonLate
    Iron Island - B2F Left Cave
    DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    CommonLate
    Iron Island - B3F
    DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    CommonLate
    Iron Island - B3F
    PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    CommonLate
    Iron Island - 1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - 1F
    PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B1F Left Cave
    DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B1F Left Cave
    PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B1F Right Cave
    PearlGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B1F Right Cave
    DiamondGrass Lv.32-33 Water
    UncommonLate
    Victory Road - 1F
    PearlGrass Lv.44 Cave
    UncommonLate
    Victory Road - 1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.44 Cave
    UncommonLate
    Victory Road - 2F
    PearlGrass Lv.45 Cave
    UncommonLate
    Victory Road - 2F
    DiamondGrass Lv.45 Cave
    UncommonLate
    Snowpoint Temple - 1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.50-52 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - 1F
    PearlGrass Lv.50-52 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Area
    DiamondGrass Lv.50 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Area
    PearlGrass Lv.50 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Exit Area
    DiamondGrass Lv.50 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Exit Area
    PearlGrass Lv.50 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Ice
    RarePost
    Snowpoint Temple - B1F
    PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Ice
    RarePost
    Snowpoint Temple - B2F
    DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Ice
    RarePost
    Snowpoint Temple - B2F
    PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Ice
    RarePost
    Snowpoint Temple - B3F
    DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Ice
    RarePost
    Snowpoint Temple - B3F
    PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Ice
    RarePost
    Stark Mountain - Entrance
    PearlGrass Lv.54 Volcano
    RarePost
    Stark Mountain - Entrance
    DiamondGrass Lv.54 Volcano
    RarePost
    Stark Mountain - Interior
    PearlGrass Lv.56 Volcano
    RarePost
    Stark Mountain - Interior
    DiamondGrass Lv.56 Volcano
    RarePost
  2. Steelix
    Step 2Steelix
    Iron Island - B2F Left Cave
    DiamondGrass Lv.33-34 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B2F Left Cave
    PearlGrass Lv.33-34 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B3F
    DiamondGrass Lv.33-34 Water
    UncommonLate
    Iron Island - B3F
    PearlGrass Lv.33-34 Water
    UncommonLate
    Victory Road - 1F
    PearlGrass Lv.46 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - 1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.46 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - B1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.46 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - B1F
    PearlGrass Lv.46 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - 2F
    DiamondGrass Lv.47 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - 2F
    PearlGrass Lv.47 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Area
    DiamondGrass Lv.52 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Area
    PearlGrass Lv.52 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
    PearlGrass Lv.52 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.52 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Exit Area
    PearlGrass Lv.52 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Victory Road - Nat Dex Exit Area
    DiamondGrass Lv.52 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B1F
    PearlGrass Lv.53-54 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.53-54 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B2F
    PearlGrass Lv.53-54 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B2F
    DiamondGrass Lv.53-54 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B3F
    PearlGrass Lv.53-54 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B3F
    DiamondGrass Lv.53-54 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B4F
    PearlGrass Lv.54-56 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B4F
    DiamondGrass Lv.54-56 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B5F
    PearlGrass Lv.54-56 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - B5F
    DiamondGrass Lv.54-56 Ice
    UncommonPost
    Snowpoint Temple - 1F
    PearlGrass Lv.52 Ice
    RarePost
    Snowpoint Temple - 1F
    DiamondGrass Lv.52 Ice
    RarePost
    or evolve from Onix (Step 1)

Steelix Guide

  • In Diamond & Pearl, Sheer Force changes the entire equation for Steelix. The 510 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a trick room. Earthquake with Leftovers is the standard set.

  • Mega Evolution isn't available in Diamond & Pearl, but Steelix does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Steelix hits 610 BST.

  • In Diamond & Pearl, Steelix's biggest threats include Charizard (Fire), Starmie (Water), and Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Ground-type attackers are also a problem. At base 30 Speed, Steelix won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.

  • 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.

Game Availability

Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Steelix has appeared in 18 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 6, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.

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