Stats & Training
Defense leads and Speed gets almost nothing. That's Steelix's stat line in a nutshell. 2 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Very hard to catch and yields 2 Defense EVs.
The iron it ingested with the soil it swallowed transformed its body and made it harder than diamonds.
The iron it ingested with the soil it swallowed transformed its body and made it harder than diamonds.
Steelix Weakness
Steelix is weak to Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric and Poison-type moves entirely. With 9 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Steelix's physical bulk (base 200 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Water, Fighting, Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Normal, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Rock |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric, Poison |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Growlithe builds →Ember 2x35-43% Rock Smash 2x12-16% | ||
Psyduck Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Psyduck builds →Water Gun 2x35-43% Rock Smash 2x10-12% | ||
Tepig Fire | D | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Tepig builds →Ember 2x31-37% Rock Smash 2x12-16% | ||
Oshawott Water | D | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Oshawott builds →Water Gun 2x35-43% Rock Smash 2x12-16% | ||
Riolu Fighting | D | |
Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Growlithe builds →Flame Wheel 2x24-29% Flame Charge 2x19-24% Ember 2x35-43% Rock Smash 2x13-16% | ||
Psyduck Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Psyduck builds →Water Pulse 2x48-57% Water Gun 2x35-43% Rock Smash 2x10-13% | ||
Tepig Fire | D | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Tepig builds →Flame Charge 2x19-24% Ember 2x27-33% Rock Smash 2x10-13% | ||
Oshawott Water | D | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Oshawott builds →Razor Shell 2x24-29% Water Gun 2x32-38% Rock Smash 2x10-13% | ||
Riolu Fighting | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Riolu builds →Force Palm 2x24-29% Rock Smash 2x19-24% | ||
Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Volcarona builds →Flame Charge 2x18-22% Ember 2x60-70% Fire Spin 2x51-61% | ||
Sandslash Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Sandslash builds →Dig 2x37-45% Rock Smash 2x14-17% Sand Tomb 2x18-22% | ||
Tepig Fire | D | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Tepig builds →Flame Charge 2x18-22% Ember 2x27-32% Rock Smash 2x11-13% | ||
Krokorok GroundDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Krokorok builds →Dig 2x32-38% Rock Smash 2x12-15% Sand Tomb 2x16-19% Mud-Slap 2x16-19% | ||
Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Growlithe builds →Dig 2x19-23% Flame Burst 2x60-70% Fire Fang 2x23-29% Flame Wheel 2x23-29% | ||
Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Volcarona builds →Incinerate 2x82-97% Flame Charge 2x16-20% Ember 2x55-66% Fire Spin 2x50-60% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Ducklett builds →Bubble Beam 2x38-46% Water Pulse 2x36-43% Water Gun 2x27-31% | ||
Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Growlithe builds →Flamethrower 2x72-86% Dig 2x19-23% Flame Burst 2x58-69% Fire Fang 2x24-29% | ||
Psyduck Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Psyduck builds →Aqua Tail 2x24-29% Dig 2x14-17% Brick Break 2x14-17% Water Pulse 2x49-57% | ||
Pansear Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Pansear builds →Fire Blast 2x72-86% Dig 2x16-19% Flame Burst 2x49-57% Incinerate 2x41-49% | ||
Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Volcarona builds →Incinerate 2x83-98% Flame Charge 2x17-20% Ember 2x55-66% Fire Spin 2x49-58% | ||
Azumarill Water | C | |
Obtain MethodFloccesy Ranch Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Azumarill builds →Aqua Tail 2x24-28% Surf 2x64-76% Dig 2x14-17% Brick Break 2x14-17% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Ducklett builds →Surf 2x53-63% Bubble Beam 2x38-45% Water Pulse 2x36-43% Water Gun 2x25-30% | ||
Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Growlithe builds →Flamethrower 2x72-86% Dig 2x18-22% Flame Burst 2x57-68% Fire Fang 2x24-28% | ||
Psyduck Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Psyduck builds →Aqua Tail 2x25-30% Surf 2x68-81% Dig 2x14-17% Brick Break 2x14-17% | ||
Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Volcarona builds →Fire Blast 2x150-177%KO Incinerate 2x83-98% Flame Charge 2x15-19% Ember 2x56-67% | ||
Excadrill GroundSteel | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Excadrill builds →Earthquake 2x55-65% Dig 2x44-52% Brick Break 2x28-33% Bulldoze 2x33-40% | ||
Pelipper Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Pelipper builds →Surf 2x94-110%KO Brine 2x67-79% Water Pulse 2x63-75% Water Gun 2x42-50% | ||
Cobalion SteelFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 13 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Cobalion builds →Sacred Sword 2x35-42% Rock Smash 2x17-21% Double Kick 2x14-17% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Ducklett builds →Surf 2x53-63% Dive 2x19-23% Bubble Beam 2x39-46% Water Pulse 2x37-44% | ||
Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Volcarona builds →Fire Blast 2x153-180%KO Incinerate 2x85-100%KO Flame Charge 2x17-20% Ember 2x57-68% | ||
Excadrill GroundSteel | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Excadrill builds →Earthquake 2x56-66% Dig 2x44-52% Brick Break 2x28-33% Bulldoze 2x34-40% | ||
Pelipper Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Pelipper builds →Surf 2x93-110%KO Scald 2x83-98% Brine 2x68-80% Water Pulse 2x63-74% | ||
Cobalion SteelFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 13 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Cobalion builds →Sacred Sword 2x35-42% Rock Smash 2x17-20% Double Kick 2x13-16% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Ducklett builds →Surf 2x53-62% Dive 2x20-24% Scald 2x47-56% Bubble Beam 2x39-46% | ||
In Black 2 & White 2, Excadrill's Earthquake hits Steelix for 52-61%. Volcarona threatens a KO with Fire Blast (99-116%). Politoed deals 42-50% with Scald.
Excadrill GroundSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySandforce ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Excadrill builds →Earthquake 2x52-61% Rapid Spin4-5% Rock Slide3-4% | ||
Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemLum Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Volcarona builds →Giga Drain22-27% Fire Blast 2x99-116%KO | ||
Politoed Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Politoed builds →Scald 2x42-50% | ||
Conkeldurr Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityGuts ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Steelix View Conkeldurr builds →Drain Punch 2x44-52% Mach Punch 2x24-28% | ||
Black 2 & White 2 Evolution
Getting Steelix requires a trade, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Onix. Breed this form to get Onix eggs (average hatch time). HP grew the most through evolution (+40 over Onix), and Steelix peaks at 510 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Steelix to get Onix eggs easily using 49 partners from the Mineral egg group. Notable egg moves include Block, Defense Curl, Flail and 5 more.
Black 2 & White 2 Steelix Best Moveset
Steelix's job is getting Stealth Rock up and staying on the field. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Sturdy helps it stick around, and max HP and Sp. Def EVs prioritize longevity.
Best Build
Steelix best EVs are HP and Sp. Def
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Gyro Ball
- Explosion
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Breeding opens up real options for Steelix. Block and Defense Curl come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Iron Tail and Earthquake and coverage across 9 types.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Steelix in Black 2 & White 2
The chain to Steelix requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Onix at decent rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
Where To Catch Steelix in Black 2 & White 2
To get Steelix, start by catching Onix through walking encounters at Lv. 16-57. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch OnixRelic Passage - Room 3Black 2Grass Lv.16 CaveUncommonMidAnyShaking spotRelic Passage - Room 3White 2Grass Lv.16 CaveUncommonMidAnyShaking spotRelic Passage - Room 1Black 2Grass Lv.27 CaveUncommonMidAnyShaking spotRelic Passage - Room 1White 2Grass Lv.27 CaveUncommonMidAnyShaking spotRelic Passage - Room 2Black 2Grass Lv.27 CaveUncommonMidAnyShaking spotRelic Passage - Room 2White 2Grass Lv.27 CaveUncommonMidAnyShaking spotRelic Passage - Room 3Black 2Grass Lv.18 CaveRareMidAnyRelic Passage - Room 3White 2Grass Lv.18 CaveRareMidAnyRelic Passage - Room 1White 2Grass Lv.30 CaveRareMidAnyRelic Passage - Room 1Black 2Grass Lv.30 CaveRareMidAnyRelic Passage - Room 2Black 2Grass Lv.30 CaveRareMidAnyRelic Passage - Room 2White 2Grass Lv.30 CaveRareMidAnyVictory Road - 2FWhite 2Grass Lv.41 CaveUncommonLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 2FBlack 2Grass Lv.41 CaveUncommonLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 2FBlack 2Grass Lv.43-44 CaveUncommonLateAnyVictory Road - 2FWhite 2Grass Lv.43-44 CaveUncommonLateAnyVictory Road - 4FWhite 2Grass Lv.47 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 4FBlack 2Grass Lv.47 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotVictory Road - N's CastleWhite 2Grass Lv.47 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotVictory Road - N's CastleBlack 2Grass Lv.47 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 4FWhite 2Grass Lv.49-50 CaveUncommonPostAnyVictory Road - 4FBlack 2Grass Lv.49-50 CaveUncommonPostAnyClay Tunnel - Room 1Black 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 1White 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 2White 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 2Black 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 3White 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 3Black 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 1FWhite 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 1FBlack 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 2FWhite 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 2FBlack 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 3FBlack 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 3FWhite 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - B1FBlack 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - B1FWhite 2Grass Lv.54 CaveUncommonPostAnyShaking spotUnderground Ruins - All areasBlack 2Grass Lv.54 RuinsUncommonPostAnyShaking spotUnderground Ruins - All areasWhite 2Grass Lv.54 RuinsUncommonPostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 1Black 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyClay Tunnel - Room 1White 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyClay Tunnel - Room 2White 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyClay Tunnel - Room 2Black 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyClay Tunnel - Room 3White 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyClay Tunnel - Room 3Black 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - 1FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - 1FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - 2FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - 2FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - 3FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - 3FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - B1FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyTwist Mountain - B1FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyUnderground Ruins - All areasBlack 2Grass Lv.57 RuinsRarePostAnyUnderground Ruins - All areasWhite 2Grass Lv.57 RuinsRarePostAny
Step 2Steelix ✓Clay Tunnel - Room 1Black 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 1White 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 2Black 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 2White 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 3White 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotClay Tunnel - Room 3Black 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 1FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 1FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 2FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 2FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 3FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - 3FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - B1FBlack 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotTwist Mountain - B1FWhite 2Grass Lv.57 CaveRarePostAnyShaking spotUnderground Ruins - All areasBlack 2Grass Lv.57 RuinsRarePostAnyShaking spotUnderground Ruins - All areasWhite 2Grass Lv.57 RuinsRarePostAnyShaking spotor evolve from Onix (Step 1)
Steelix Guide
In Black 2 & White 2, Sheer Force changes the entire equation for Steelix. The 510 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a trick room. Stealth Rock with Leftovers is the standard set.
Mega Evolution isn't available in Black 2 & White 2, but Steelix does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Steelix hits 610 BST.
In Black 2 & White 2, Steelix's biggest threats include Charizard (Fire), Starmie (Water), and Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Ground-type attackers are also a problem. At base 30 Speed, Steelix won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Sheer Force is what you want on Steelix. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Rock Head, Sturdy) work on paper but Sheer Force is what makes Steelix worth using.
Base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Steelix is a physical attacker with base 85 Attack. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a trick room.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Steelix has appeared in 18 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 6, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB

Red & Blue - Gen 2GSDebut

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORASMega

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves