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The Steel-type is one of the strongest in all of the Pokemon series, so if you're into competitive battling, you can expect to see a lot of them getting some usage. It's inherently more of a defensive type thanks to its matchups with other types, but every Pokemon utilizes the type in its own way.
That's certainly the case for these fifteen. 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Every metagame is different, but these Pokemon have specifically been good in the Sword and Shield metagame for one reason or another. With the franchise's new releases potentially shaking the competitive scene up, here's a definitive look at the most viable Steel-type Pokemon throughout this generation.
Note: This will not include Pokemon currently banned to Ubers.
15 Registeel
On paper, this pure Steel-type Legendary is an absolute defensive wall at 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:150 in both defenses, and that giv🔯es it potential as a great utility player.
It has access to a nice range of utility moves, such as Steaꦚlth Rock, Toxic, Thunder Wave, and Protect. It can also deal decent damage without relying on its measly attacking stats thanks to moves like Seismic Toss and Body Press. It unfortunately lacks in a good ability, with Clear Body being respectable but not extraordinary, and avenues for recovery for its mediocre 80 HP.
14 Metagross
168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Being a pseudo-Legendary, Metagross is no stranger to having good stats. It's a rare Psychic-type proficient on the physical end, having 135 Attack and 130 Defense. It has access to Meteor Mash, which is only learned by a handful of Pokemon, as well as a slew of coverage moves.
Where it lacks is the Speed department, and while it generally has the bulk to withstand hits, it doesn't like facing strong, relatively fast wall breakers. It also has the exact same ability deficiencies as Registeel, only having access to Clear Body and Light Metal.
13 ✨ Celesteela ✨
The first of many great Steel/Flying-types, Celesteela has a strong argument 💯for being the most versatile Pokemon out there. Outside of its Speed stat, all its stats fall under the 90-100 range, and it has such a wide array of moves it 🍬can learn.
It's an excellent candidate for learning Heavy Slam, being the heaviest base Pokemon. It also has atypical access to both Flamethrower and Leech Seed, giving it some excellent coverage and utility. Of course, being a jack-of-all-trades has its drawbacks; don't expect it to be either a dangerous sweeper or insurmountable wall.
12 Jirachi
This cute Mythical is infamous in the competitive scene for being the staunchest employer of Serene Grace flinch tactics, thanks to having the best tools to do so. Getting STAB from both Iron Head and Zen Headbutt adds to the 60 percent chance of flinching opponents from both moves. Flinch haxing is inherently RNG-reliant, though, so expect some battles where the dice just don't roll your way.
Fortunately, it ca൩n also provide some utility, with pivoting from U-Turn, and Wish or Healing Wish for healing itself or other members of its team, respectively.
11 Aegislash
It's not the Uber-level threat it used to be, but Aegislash's ability to switch 💜between a defensive stance and an offensive s♒tance is still so valuable. When utilized right, Aegis💖lash can be an absolute threat.
An underrated part of Aegislash's battling prowess is its versatility offensively. It can go physical, special, or mixed if desired, with access to the necessary moves from both its types. Its signature King's Shield is also one of a kind, lowering opponents' Attack stat upon contact. Just be careful to not get caught in its offensive stance at a bad time.
10 Excadrill
The first Pokemon here to currently be in Generation Eight's OU tier in Smogon, Excadrill is an offensive Steel/Ground-type with multiple avenues of attack. Two out of its three possible abilities act as de facto benchmarks for how it's best used in battle.
The first is the more commonly used Sand Rush. While sandstorm teams aren't that common, Excadrill is unquestionably the best sand sweeper out there thanks to its high Attack stat. The other is a less common and more situational Mold Breaker, which acts more like a safety net for facing opponents with weird abilities.
9 Bisharp
It's hard to picture a Pokemon being great offensively with Sucker Punch as its main attack, but Bisharp has done that and then some. It doesn't have the Speed of most wall breakers, but you can rely on that priority to deal consistent damage, with Knock Off and Iron Head as good backups. Regardless of what moves it uses, its 125 Attack stat is not something to be messed with.
It helps to have Swords Dance and the Defiant ability as potential Attack boosts. It's merely decent on the defensive side, though, so be wary of special attackers and Fighting-types.
8 Skarmory
The archetype of defensive Steel/Flying-type has arguably been perfected by a certain Generation Eight bird, but Skarmory has to be mentioned as a worthy runner-up. To go with that typing, its incredible 140 Defense makes it basically unkillable with physical offense🍬.
It has access to Spikes, an uncommon entry hazard that might catch opponents off guard. That and Toxic, Whirlwind, and Roost make a great pure utility set, and there's always Body Press or Brave Bird for an avenue of attack. Unfortunately, its Special Defense is only half its Defense, so be wary of special attackers.
7 Magnezone
The combination of Steel/Electric is one of the b🅘est out there, and Magnezon♏e puts it to good use, both offensively and defensively.
Its unique selling point is Magnet Pull, a move that traps fellow Steel-types, which is especially great for Pokemon like Skarmory and Corviknight that are weak to Magnezone's Thunderbolt. It also has some unexpected utility moves like Toxic, Teleport, and Volt Switch, the latter two of which are 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:great options for pivoting out. Despite its good defenses on both ends, 🍃thoug♈h, it gets obliterated by Ground-types, so beware.
6 Scizor
Arguably the best proprietor of the Technician ability, Scizor's STAB, Technician-boosted, priority Bullet Punch is still one of the most potent methods of attack out there. Everything else it has going for it is all gravy.
Alongside Bullet Punch, it has STAB U-Turn and Knock Off as strong attacks with some utility, as well as Superpower for some extra coverage, Swords Dance for set-up, and Roost for healing. It's also pretty good defensively, especially thanks to the incredible Bug/Steel-typing. Of course, that typing is straight-up allergic to Fire-types, so tread with caution on that front.