Steelix Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips

Steelix is a popular Steel/Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,414, Steelix is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Steelix in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Steelix Base Stats & Overview

Steelix (#208) is a Steel/Ground-type Pokemon from Generation 2.

Base Stats
Attack	148
Defense	272
Stamina	181
Total Stats	601
Max CP	2,414
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 148 Attack, 272 Defense, and 181 Stamina, Steelix has a total stat product of 601. Its impressive Defense stat makes it a bulky option that can take hits while dealing consistent damage.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Steelix

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Steelix’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Steelix for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Steel/Ground-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Steelix Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Steelix effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Steel/Ground-type Pokemon, Steelix has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Steelix is weak to: Fire, Fighting, Ground, Water, Grass, Ice-type moves. When battling against Steelix, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Fire – Deals increased damage
• Fighting – Deals increased damage
• Ground – Deals increased damage
• Water – Deals increased damage
• Grass – Deals increased damage
• Ice – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Steelix resists: Normal, Grass, Ice, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Dragon, Steel, Fairy, Poison, Electric-type moves. This means Steelix takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Normal – Reduced damage
• Grass – Reduced damage
• Ice – Reduced damage
• Flying – Reduced damage
• Psychic – Reduced damage
• Bug – Reduced damage
• Rock – Reduced damage
• Dragon – Reduced damage
• Steel – Reduced damage
• Fairy – Reduced damage
• Poison – Reduced damage
• Electric – Reduced damage

🏆 Steelix PvP Analysis

Steelix can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 2,414, Steelix would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

Steelix fits well in Ultra League with a max CP of 2,414. It can compete effectively against the meta threats in this league.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Steelix is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (2,414). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Steelix Raid Guide

Steelix is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Steelix in Raids

When using Steelix as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Steel-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Steelix

Whether you’re battling Steelix in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Steelix:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Steelix’s weaknesses to Fire, Fighting, Ground, Water, Grass, Ice-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Reshiram	Dragon/Fire	Top Fire attacker with Fire Fang + Overheat
Chandelure	Ghost/Fire	High Fire DPS with Fire Spin + Overheat
Moltres	Fire/Flying	Legendary Fire attacker
Machamp	Fighting	High DPS with Counter + Dynamic Punch
Lucario	Fighting/Steel	Counter + Aura Sphere deals massive damage
Conkeldurr	Fighting	Excellent attack stat with Fighting moves

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Steelix
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Steelix may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Steelix in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Steelix in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Steelix can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Steelix

Yes, Shiny Steelix is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Steelix Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Steelix

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Steelix’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Steelix with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Steelix, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Steelix works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Steel/Ground type weak to Fire, Fighting, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Steelix spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Steel moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Steelix in the Pokemon Franchise

Steelix first appeared in Generation 2 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Steelix’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Steelix was introduced as part of the Generation 2 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 2 Pokemon update.

📊 How Steelix Compares

Let’s see how Steelix stacks up against other Steel-type Pokemon:

Stat	Steelix	Type Average	Rating
Attack	148	~180	⭐
Defense	272	~160	⭐⭐⭐
Stamina	181	~170	⭐⭐
Max CP	2,414	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Steelix is a versatile Steel/Ground-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 2,414 and solid base stats (148/272/181), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Steelix’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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