Introduced in Generation II in an attempt to rebalance Typing as a whole, Steel-types should have taken the Pokemon world by storm. They were designed to hit hard, be sturdy, and change up the metagame. Unfortunately, Steel types have been largely ignored by Game Freak ever since, with older types getting priority when it comes to new designs.
That said, this isn’t to say there aren’t strong Steel types out there. In fact, some of the strongest Pokemon in the metagame are also the most powerful Steel-type Pokemon. Of course, not all Steel types are created equally and some are undeniably better than others, but when Game Freak puts their mind to creating a new Steel Pokemon, they often knock them out of the park.
Updated January 3, 2023, by Suzail Ahmad: Steel-type Pokemon are one of the most used types in the games. Steel-type Pokemon are mainly used by trainers because of their extremely high defense. In addition to their defense stats, Steel-type Pokemon also have immunity against Poison-type attacks, which are known to be annoying, especially in prolonged battles. With the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the players were introduced to multiple new Steel-type Pokemon. The flurry of new Pokemon means it is time to go through all of them to see where they rank in the all-time list.
24 Gholdengo (Gen IX)
- Highest Stat: Special Attack (133)
- Best Nature: Timid
Gholdengo is one of the new Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. It is the evolved form of Gimmighoul. Trainers can only evolve Gimmighoul into Gholdengo after leveling up and collecting 999 Gimmighoul coins.
Gholdengo is a Steel/Ghost-type Pokemon, which makes it completely immune to Normal, Poison, and Fighting-type Pokemon. Furthermore, the Pokemon has fairly balanced stats across the board, making it a viable option in trainer battles. Gholdengo's "Good as Gold ability" allows it to block the effects of the status moves from other Pokemon. Clearly, Gholdengo is a powerful option to have, although some trainers might be put off by the fact that they have to collect 999 Gimmighoul coins.
23 Iron Treads (Gen IX)
- Highest Stat: Defense (120)
- Best Nature: Jolly
Iron Treads is a paradox Pokemon from Pokemon Violet. It does not evolve from or into any other Pokemon. Iron Treads' design is a lot similar to Donphan, but it appears more futuristic than the latter.
Iron Treads is a Ground/Steel-type with some good stats, which allow it to tank multiple hits. The Pokemon's typing means it is weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground. Iron Treads has a good moveset, which is further enhanced by its ability to use multiple TMs. Overall, the Pokemon is a good option to have on one's team.
22 Kingambit (Gen IX)
- Highest Stat: Attack (135)
- Best Nature: Adamant
Kingambit is the evolved form of Bisharp. In order to evolve it, a trainer needs to make sure that their Bisharp defeats three other Bisharp while holding a leader's crest. The Pokemon keeps its Steel/Dark typing even after evolving.
Kingambit has three main weaknesses: Fighting, Fire, and Ground. However, its high defensive stat means that it should be able to withstand a couple of hits, which might come in really handy. The Pokemon is immune to Psychic and Poison-type attacks, which makes it a great choice against either of the two types.
21 Tinkaton (Gen IX)
- Highest Stat: Special Defense (105)
- Best Nature: Careful
Tinkaton has become an instant hit within the Pokemon community due to its design. It is the final form of Tinkatink, and it evolves from Tinkatuff at level 38. Tinkaton is a pink humanoid Pokemon that carries a giant hammer that is larger than its own body.
It is the only Pokemon that can learn Gigaton Hammer, a move that has an astounding power of 160. In order to get the most out of Tinkaton, players will have to raise it according to its most suitable nature. The Pokemon might not have high stats, but its moveset and abilities make it one of the best Steel-type Pokemon.
20 Metagross (Gen II)
- Highest Stat: Attack (135)
- Best Nature: Jolly
Metagross is a Steel-Psychic Pokemon introduced back in Gen II. It's the final evolution of Beldum, and all three Pokemon in the evolutionary chain are also Steel-Psychic Pokemon. This limits the types that can deal high damage to Metagross to Fire, Ground, Ghost, and Dark.
Despite its intimidating appearance, Metagross' stats are actually quite balanced across the board with no one stat outshining the rest. Its main strengths are Attack and Defense, at 135 and 130 respectively, and although it's not the best, it's still a good Steel-type Pokemon.
19 Steelix (Gen II)
- Highest Stat: Defense (200)
- Best Nature: Impish
Steelix is a Steel-Ground-type Pokemon that, just like Metagross, was introduced back in Pokemon Silver and Gold versions (and also Crystal). It can only be acquired by trading an Onyx while it holds the Metal Coat item, giving up its Rock-type in exchange for Steel.
It has one of the highest Defense stats of any Pokemon in the series at a whopping 200 at level 100, but its other stats suffer a little bit comparably. It's certainly a threat on the battlefield but not as much as some other Steel-type Pokemon.
18 Registeel (Gen III)
- Highest Stat: Special Defense (150)
- Best Nature: Careful
Registeel is one of the legendary Regi Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire versions (and also Emerald). It's notable for being a Steel-only type, and it's resistant to almost every attack in the game save for Fire, Fighting, and Ground.
Registeel is a balanced defensive Pokemon with 150 Defense and 150 Special Defense at level 100. The one major downside is its speed, which sits at a measly 50, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best Steel Pokemon.
17 Magnezone (Gen IV)
- Highest Stat: Special Attack (130)
- Best Nature: Timid
Magnezone came to the Pokemon series in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl versions (and also Platinum) as the final evolution of the Magnemite evolution chain. As an Electric-Steel dual-type Pokemon, it's especially vulnerable to Ground-based attacks but resistant to just about everything else.
It has a respectable 130 Special Attack stat at level 100 and a decent Defense stat too. It's relatively easy to acquire, as players merely have to level up their Magneton in a Magnetic Field area in the game.
16 Aggron (Gen III)
- Highest Stat: Defense (180)
- Best Nature: Adamant
Aggron is a Steel-Rock dual-type Pokemon first introduced in Generation III and serves as the final part of the Aron evolution tree. Players have to get their Lairon to level 42 to morph into Aggron, and it's a good idea thanks to its absolutely massive 180 Defense stat.
Unfortunately, it's especially vulnerable to Fighting and Ground attacks, though it gains a high resistance to Normal and Flying damage. It has a half-decent Attack stat of 110 at Level 100, too, making it a good choice to round out a team lacking a Steel or Ground-type presence.
15 Corviknight (Gen VIII)
- Highest Stat: Defense (105)
- Best Nature: Impish
Corviknight is a unique kind of bird, primarily due to the bulk it boasts. It has great typing and is defense oriented as well. Its abilities are solid, each with its own uses. It isn't quite as fast as other birds, though, which makes it an interesting choice for an entire region's taxi service.
Regardless, many trainers were instantly drawn to Corviknight's design. It's an edgy black bird, a far cry from the typical Route 1 bird. It isn't quite as game-changing as Kalos's Talonflame, but it plays its role incredibly well. In terms of utility, it has plenty of moves to stall and support its team. In terms of offense, it packs a mean Brave Bird with enough buffs. It's a well-rounded Steel-type and clearly a fan favorite.