From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.

This article is about the in-game type. For the TCG type, see Metal (TCG). For the mountain in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, see Mt. Steel.

The Steel type (Japanese: はがねタイプ Steel type) is one of the eighteen types. It was introduced in Generation II, along with the Dark type. As well as introducing new Pokémon and moves with the Steel type, 2 Pokémon were changed to have the Steel type. Steel-type moves are super effective against Fairy-, Ice-, and Rock-type Pokémon, while Steel-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting-, Fire-, and Ground-type moves.

Table of Contents

Battle properties

Note: Type effectiveness multipliers may vary in other games outside the core series.

Generations II to V

Generation VI onwards

Additional effects

Steel-type Pokémon are immune to damage from the sandstorm weather condition.

In Generation II, the Steel type's immunity to Poison-type moves means Steel-type Pokémon can only be poisoned by Twineedle and cannot be badly poisoned. Starting from Generation III, Steel-type Pokémon are innately immune to both types of poison unless the Pokémon inflicting it has the Ability Corrosion, introduced in Generation VII.

Pokémon

As of Generation IX, 77 Pokémon or 7.51% of all Pokémon are Steel-type (counting those that are Steel-type in at least one of their forms, including regional forms), causing it to tie with Rock and Ground as the 6th rarest type among Pokémon after Dragon and Electric and before Dark and Fighting.

The Pokémon below are listed by their current types. Some Pokémon have had their types changed, usually when a new type was introduced.

Pure Steel-type Pokémon

Half Steel-type Pokémon

Primary Steel-type Pokémon

Secondary Steel-type Pokémon

Changed types

These Steel-type Pokémon have had their types changed.

Moves

As of Generation IX, there are 39 Steel-type moves, which makes up 4.17% of all moves (excluding those that are Steel-type only under certain circumstances), making it the 8th most common type among moves, after Fire and before Poison.

Prior to changes in Generation IV, all damaging Steel-type moves were physical, but they may now also be special depending on the attack.

Gen Move Category Contest Power Accuracy PP Range Description
VII Anchor Shot Physical 80 100% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Normal
The user entangles the target with its anchor chain while attacking. The target becomes unable to flee.
V Autotomize Status Beautiful — —% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Self
The user sheds part of its body to make itself lighter and sharply raise its Speed stat.
VIII Behemoth Bash Physical 100 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user's body becomes a firm shield and slams into the target fiercely.This move deals twice the damage if the target is Dynamaxed.*
VIII Behemoth Blade Physical 100 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user wields a large, powerful sword using its whole body and cuts the target in a vigorous attack.This move deals twice the damage if the target is Dynamaxed.*
IV Bullet Punch Physical Tough 40 100% 30 (max 48)
     
     
Normal
The user strikes the target with tough punches as fast as bullets. This move always goes first.
VII Corkscrew Crash Physical — —% 1 (max 1)
     
     
Normal
The user spins very fast and rams into the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
VII Corkscrew Crash Special — —% 1 (max 1)
     
     
Normal
The user spins very fast and rams into the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
III Doom Desire Special Beautiful 140 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
Two turns after this move is used, a concentrated bundle of light blasts the target.
VII Double Iron Bash Physical 60 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user uses the hex nut in its chest as an axis to spin, striking the target with its arms twice in a row. This may also make the target flinch.
IV Flash Cannon Special Beautiful 80 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Normal
The user gathers all its light energy and releases it at once. This may also lower the target's Sp. Def stat.
V Gear Grind Physical Clever 50 85% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Normal
The user attacks by throwing steel gears at the target twice in a row.
VII Gear Up Status — —% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Your Party
The user engages its gears to raise the Attack and Sp. Atk stats of ally Pokémon with the Plus or Minus Ability.
IX Gigaton Hammer Physical 160 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user swings its whole body around to attack with its huge hammer. This move can't be used twice in a row.
VIII G-Max Meltdown Physical — —% 3 (max 4)
     
     
1 Other
A Steel-type attack that Gigantamax Melmetal use. This move makes opponents incapable of using the same move twice in a row.
VIII G-Max Meltdown Special — —% 3 (max 4)
     
     
1 Other
A Steel-type attack that Gigantamax Melmetal use. This move makes opponents incapable of using the same move twice in a row.
VIII G-Max Steelsurge Physical — —% 3 (max 4)
     
     
1 Other
A Steel-type attack that Gigantamax Copperajah use. This move scatters sharp spikes around the field.
VIII G-Max Steelsurge Special — —% 3 (max 4)
     
     
1 Other
A Steel-type attack that Gigantamax Copperajah use. This move scatters sharp spikes around the field.
IV Gyro Ball Physical Cool — 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user tackles the target with a high-speed spin. The slower the user is than the target, the greater the move's power.
IX Hard Press Physical Tough — —% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Normal
The target is crushed with an arm, a claw, or the like to inflict damage. The more HP the target has left, the greater the move's power.
V Heavy Slam Physical Tough — 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Normal
The user slams into the target with its heavy body. The more the user outweighs the target, the greater the move's power.
III Iron Defense Status Tough — —% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Self
The user hardens its body's surface like iron, sharply boosting its Defense stat.
IV Iron Head Physical Tough 80 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Normal
The user slams the target with its steel-hard head. This may also make the target flinch.
II Iron Tail Physical Cool 100 75% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Normal
The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
VI King's Shield Status Cool — —% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Self
The user takes a defensive stance while it protects itself from damage. This also lowers the Attack stat of any attacker that makes direct contact.
IV Magnet Bomb Physical Cool 60 —% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Normal
The user launches steel bombs that stick to the target. This attack never misses.
IX Make It Rain Special 120 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Many Others
The user attacks by throwing out a mass of coins. This also lowers the user's Sp. Atk stat. Money is earned after the battle.
VIII Max Steelspike Physical — —% 3 (max 4)
     
     
1 Other
This is a Steel-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. This boosts ally Pokémon's Defense stats.
VIII Max Steelspike Special — —% 3 (max 4)
     
     
1 Other
This is a Steel-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. This boosts ally Pokémon's Defense stats.
IV Metal Burst Physical Cool — 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Varies
The user retaliates with much greater force against the opponent that last inflicted damage on it.
II Metal Claw Physical Cool 50 95% 35 (max 56)
     
     
Normal
The target is raked with steel claws. This may also boost the user's Attack stat.
III Metal Sound Status Clever — 85% 40 (max 64)
     
     
Normal
A horrible sound like scraping metal harshly lowers the target's Sp. Def stat.
III Meteor Mash Physical Cool 90 90% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Normal
The target is hit with a hard punch fired like a meteor. This may also boost the user’s Attack stat.
IV Mirror Shot Special Beautiful 65 85% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Normal
The user lets loose a flash of energy at the target from its polished body. This may also lower the target's accuracy.
VII Searing Sunraze Smash Physical 200 —% 1 (max 1)
     
     
Normal
After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Solgaleo, attacks the target with full force. This move can ignore the effect of the target's Ability.
V Shift Gear Status Clever — —% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Self
The user rotates its gears, boosting its Attack stat and sharply boosting its Speed stat.
VIII Shelter Status — —% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Self
The user makes its skin as hard as an iron shield, sharply boosting its Defense stat.
VII Smart Strike Physical 70 —% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Normal
The user stabs the target with a sharp horn. This attack never misses.
IX Spin Out Physical 100 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user spins furiously by straining its legs, inflicting damage on the target. This also harshly lowers the user's Speed stat.
VIII Steel Beam Special 140 95% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user fires a beam of steel that it collected from its entire body. This also damages the user.
VIII Steel Roller Physical 130 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user attacks while destroying the terrain. This move fails if the ground hasn't turned into a terrain.
II Steel Wing Physical Cool 70 90% 25 (max 40)
     
     
Normal
The target is hit with wings of steel. This may also boost the user's Defense stat.
VII Sunsteel Strike Physical 100 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Normal
The user slams into the target with the force of a meteor. This move can be used on the target regardless of its Ability.
IX Tachyon Cutter Special 50 —% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Normal
The user attacks by launching particle blades at the target twice in a row. This attack never misses.
All details are accurate to Generation VII games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual move's page. Target data assumes user is in the lower left.

Abilities

Interacting with the Steel type

A Pokémon with Protean or Libero will become a Steel-type Pokémon if it uses a Steel-type move. A Pokémon with Color Change, Imposter, RKS System, or Multitype will become a Steel-type Pokémon if (respectively) it is hit with a Steel-type move, is sent out against a Steel-type opponent, is holding a Steel Memory, or is holding an Iron Plate or Steelium Z.

Steel-type Pokémon are also immune to becoming poisoned from the Abilities Poison Point, Poison Touch, Synchronize, or Effect Spore.

Gen Ability Description
VII Corrosion The Pokémon can poison the target even if it's a Steel or Poison type.
III Magnet Pull Prevents Steel-type Pokémon from fleeing by pulling them in with magnetism.
V Sand Force Boosts the power of Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-type moves in a sandstorm.
VII Steelworker Powers up Steel-type moves.
VIII Steely Spirit Powers up the Steel-type moves of the Pokémon and its allies.
All details are accurate to Generation IX games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page.

Exclusive Abilities

Only Steel-type Pokémon have these Abilities. This does not include signature Abilities.

Gen Ability Description
V Heavy Metal Doubles the Pokémon's weight.
V Iron Barbs The Pokémon's iron barbs damage the attacker if it makes direct contact.
V Light Metal Halves the Pokémon's weight.
All details are accurate to Generation IX games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page.

Items

Cram-o-matic

Notable Steel-type Trainers

Main article: Category:Steel-type Trainers

Icons

Core series

Icon fromPokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, HeartGold and SoulSilver Icon fromPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Icon fromGeneration IV Icon fromGeneration V Icon fromGeneration VI Icon fromPokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Icon fromLet's Go, Pikachu!; Let's Go, Eevee! Icon fromPokémon Sword and Shield Symbol icon fromLet's Go, Pikachu!; Let's Go, Eevee!; Sword, Shield and HOME (Gen VIII) Icon fromPokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Symbol icon fromPokémon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet and Violet, and HOME (Gen IX) Icon fromPokémon Legends: Arceus Symbol icon fromPokémon Legends: Arceus Icon fromPokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera icon fromPokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera symbol icon fromPokémon Scarlet and Violet

Side series

Spin-off games

In the TCG

Main article: Metal (TCG)

Introduced in the Neo Genesis set, Metal-type Pokémon in the TCG are generally weak to Fire and Fighting with resistances to Grass and Psychic. Metal-type Pokémon can be strong against Water and Fairy, whilst some Water and Lightning Pokémon can resist this type.

Statistical averages

Overall

Stat
Attack: 96.57
Defense: 108.36
Sp.Atk: 75.83
Sp.Def: 82.84
Speed: 65.54
Total: 500.6

Fully evolved

Stat
Attack: 106.37
Defense: 116.46
Sp.Atk: 84.68
Sp.Def: 90.32
Speed: 72.22
Total: 549.08

Trivia

  • The Steel type has the most resistances of any type.
  • Steel-type Pokémon, on average, have the highest physical Defense among all Pokémon and among fully evolved Pokémon.
  • Generation VII introduced the most Steel-type Pokémon of any generation, with 13, and Generation VI introduced the fewest Steel-type Pokémon since the type was created, with four.
  • Generation VIII introduced the most Steel-type moves of any generation, with eight, and Generation VI introduced the fewest Steel-type moves since the type was created, with one.
  • In Generation II, the Steel type saw one type change in a Pokémon family (Magnemite and Magneton), but no change in moves. The opposite is true for the Dark type, which saw one type change in a move (Bite), but no change in a Pokémon.
  • Before Generation VI, Steel was the only type that had a non-neutral type match-up with all the seventeen existing types, considering both the offense and defense of both types. In Generation VI, it was changed so that Steel no longer resisted Dark- or Ghost-type moves.
  • Each of the three first partner Pokémon types inflict a different amount of damage when attacking a pure Steel-type Pokémon (Grass does ½× damage, Water does 1× damage, and Fire does 2× damage).
    • This trait is also shared by the Bug type.
  • In Generation II, there is a glitch type that is a copy of the Steel type, named “l) m) ZM”. The ?????GS (hex form FF) is the only Pokémon with this type. This type has no moves.
  • The Steel type is tied with the Dark type for most Pokémon that gain it upon evolving, with a total of thirteen each.
  • The Steel type is the only type that resists Dragon-type moves.
  • Despite being introduced in Generation II, there were no pure Steel-type Pokémon until Generation III, with Mawile (at the time) and Registeel.
  • Every generation since the Steel type debuted has introduced at least one Steel-type specialist.
  • The Steel type is the last type to receive a Team GO Rocket Grunt type specialist in Pokémon GO.
  • The Steel type is tied with the Poison type for being the most common type among Ultra Beasts, with three Ultra Beasts being Steel- or Poison-type each.
  • The Steel type has been paired up with every other type except for Normal (not including Pokéstar Studios opponents).

In other languages