Summary
Steel-type Pokemon are the most resistant in thePokemongames, being resistant to 10 types. They were first created in Generation II and help balance matchups because they resist Psychics and are Super Effective against Fairy-types. Steel-types are very popular in thePokemonVideo Game Championships (VGC) because of their defensive stats. Furthermore, many have good Attack stats, so they have some versatility.
RELATED:Pokemon VGC: How To Build The Best Sandstorm Team
Ground/steel-type matchups are the bestcombination because it eliminates one of their weaknesses. Players will need to keep an eye out for Fighting and Fire-types, both very common in the Pokemon VGC meta. Steel-types are immune to poisoning, so Poison teams do not pose a threat to them. Furthermore, they are immune to Sand damage, so they are seen on Sandstorm teams more often than not. Here are the best Steel-type Pokemon for competitive battles.
Updated Jun 23, 2025 by Taylor Pittman:The competitive Pokemon meta is ever-changing, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet brought several changes with more Pokemon, new evolution mechanics, and Pokemon types. Players are now building teams with Paradox Pokemon and switching up types using Terastalizing.
There are several Generation Nine Pokemon that have risen to the occasion for winning teams, so this guide has been updated to include more of the best Steel-type Pokemon used in the Pokemon VGC.
HP: 80
Sp. Def: 67
Speed: 90
Revavroom is a dual Steel/Poison-type Pokemon fromPokemon Scarlet and Violet. It’s a recognizable Pokemon fromGeneration Nine’s main storyline, but it has made a name for itself in the competitive battles as well. Revavroom is a great opponent against Grass and Fairy-type Pokemon, but players will need to prepare for a 4X weakness to Ground-types.
One way to account for this is the move Magnet Rise. Magnet Rise gives it temporary immunity to Ground-type moves. Revavroom is slightly gimmicky with its signature moves, Shift Gear and Spin Out, alternating its Speed stat up and down. However, as it slows down, its attacks only get stronger.
HP: 85
Sp. Def: 105
Speed: 94
Tinkaton hasbecome an iconic Pokemonfrom Generation Nine due to its natural prejudice against Corviknight. In battle, players enjoy Tinkaton because of its powerful Fairy/Steel-typing and diverse movepool. Tinkaton is resistant and immune to more types than it’s not, so opponents will have trouble finding a winning match-up.
Competitive Pokemon players can use Tinkaton as a Utility Pokemon with Stealth Rock and Screens in its movepool. There are also moves like Knock Off and Covet, which can take care of worrisome-held items. Tinkaton is also the only known Pokemon who can use the move Gigaton Hammer, a move with an attack power of 160.
HP: 90
Sp. Def: 70
Speed: 106
Iron Treads is a special type of Pokemon fromPokemon Scarlet and Violetknown as a Paradox Pokemon. It looks similar to Donphan and is rumored to be a futuristic relative, but there’s no known relation. Paradox Pokemon are known for their high base stats, and Iron Treads is no exception.
Iron Treads is a dual Steel/Ground-type Pokemon, so its type coverage is amazing. It is an absolute Tank and can blow through most defensive walls with ease with offensive moves such as Iron Head and Stomping Tantrum. Players can also use Electric Terrain to use the move Steel Roller for an even more powerful attack.
HP: 74
Sp. Def: 116
Speed: 20
Ferrothorn is a Grass/Steel-type Pokemon introduced in Generation V. Because it’s a steel Pokemon, it only has two weaknesses, but its Grass-typing makes it 4X weak to Fire-types. Players should buffer this by pairing itwith a Water-type ally. Fortunately, It still has nine resistances to many popular types seen in competitive play, and both its Defense and Sp. Def. are impressive; basically, it can Wall any team.
Its Attack stat is average but better than its Sp. Atk., so players should stick with Physical moves. Good choices include Iron Head and Power Whip. Its ability Iron Barbs is fantastic for pulling in passive damage from contact moves, and if it’s a multi-strike move, then each hit will damage. Overall, it makes it a good defense Pokemon while still offering offensive benefits to its team.
HP: 65
Speed: 70
Skarmory has been around since Generation II and is a Steel/Flying combo. Its Defense stat is worth talking about, and players can run a defensive strategy to absorb damage. Even though its HP and Sp. Def. leave room for improvement, it still maintains nice type-resistance. In addition, it also gains immunity to Ground-type Pokemon. It can set up Spikes, and players can use a TM to teach it Stealth Rock, so bothentry hazards are activeon the field.
If a Sandstorm is active, players who switch it onto the field are in trouble without even having to land an attack. It does have some goodSame Type Attack Bonus(STAB) moves, its best ones being Bravebird, Drill Peck, and Steel Wing. Players can increase its Speed by using Agility or Automize.
Sp. Def: 90
Metagross is a Steel/Psychic-type Tank Pokemon. It’s got a decent bulk with 80/130/90 defensive stats on the field against most Sweepers. Players should prepare support for Dark, Ground, and Fire-type Pokemon to get the best out of Metagross. Recoveryitems are its best friendin those situations. Still, it is a sturdy Pokemon that can handle quite a bit of abuse before getting KO.
When it goes on the Attack, it’s hard to ignore. Its STAB moves include Grass Knot and Iron Head. It also has good type coverage from Poison and Thunder to Dark-type moves, so no one is safe on the field. Additionally, it has access to Earthquake to handle pesky Steel or Fire-type foes, including the popular Incineroar. Speaking of, Metagross is immune to the effects of Intimidate because of its ability Clear Body.
HP: 67
Speed: 33
Bronzong is a Steel/Psychic-type Pokemon. Luckily, Psychic allows it to keep many resistances even if it gains a Ghost-type weakness. On top of this, its abilityLevitate grants it immunityto Ground-types and specific entry hazards. Therefore, the best strategy with Bronzong is for players to use it to Wall opponents and set up entry hazards on their side with Stealth Rock.
Bronzong could do with some recovery help to keep it on the field. However, its high Defense stats work well with the move Reflect, so not many Pokemon are taking it out quickly. This allows it to use powerful attack moves like Gyro Ball, Heavy Slam, and Psychic, which few can withstand.
HP: 110
Sp. Def: 65
Speed: 88
One of the best pairings, Ground/Steel-type Excadrill, is a considerableadvantage on competitive teams. Exacrill is the perfect Sandstorm setter, and its ability Sand Rush means players don’t have to worry about its Speed as much. In Double Battles, players can pair it with a Rock, Ground, or another Steel to ensure its partner isn’t negatively affected by the storm.
Offensively, its Attack stat cannot be ignored. Its moves,Earthquake and Drill Runare almost always OHKOs. As a result, it can effectively poke holes through opposing teams while using the Sandstorm to pull in passive damage.
