Physical
Trick Room
30Speed · Very Slow

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.

Base Stats
High
HP75
C
Attack85
C
Defense200
S
Sp. Atk55
D
Sp. Def65
C
Speed30
F
Total510
Details
Catch Rate
Difficult25 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height9.2 m
Weight400.0 kg
Base XP179
Abilities
Rock Head
Protects against recoil damage.
SturdyTop Pick
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Sheer ForceHARare
Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
EV Yield
HPAtkDef+2SpASpDSpe
Defense training target
Pokedex Entries

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.

Steelix Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
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
Type ChartExcellent
4Weak
9Resist
2Immune
Score+8
Gen V Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
How to Beat Steelix in Black 2 & White 2 (Best Counters)
Volcarona
Volcarona
BugFire
A
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter
Available Moves
Moves
  • Fire BlastTM38
  • IncinerateTM59
  • Flame ChargeTM43
  • EmberLv. 1
Damage vs Steelix
Fire Blast 2x
153-180%KO
Incinerate 2x
85-100%KO
Flame Charge 2x
17-20%
Ember 2x
57-68%
View Volcarona builds →

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

2 Forms
Onix
#095Onix
Trade + Metal Coat
Trade + Metal Coat
Steelix
#208Steelix
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Onix
RockGround
Steelix
SteelGround
HP
35
75+40
ATK
45
85+40
DEF
160
200+40
SP.ATK
30
55+25
SP.DEF
45
65+20
SPE
70
30-40
BST
385C-Tier
510C-Tier+125
ROLE
Balanced
Trick Room
TYPE
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Easy

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.

Egg Groups
Mineral
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
25 cycles·6,425 steps
Moderate~6 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
8moves
Breed With (best first)
glaliefroslasscrustleferrothorndwebblesnoruntferroseedcofagrigusyamaskporygon2claydolbronzong

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

Experimental
Hazard Setter
Ability
Sturdy
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Steelix

Steelix best EVs are HP and Sp. Def

EVs

Hazard Setter Moveset

  • Stealth Rock
  • EarthquakeSTAB
  • Gyro BallSTAB
  • ExplosionCoverage

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

Lv 1
Bind
158520Normal
Lv 1
Fire Fang
D659515Fire
Lv 1
Harden
30Normal
Lv 1
Ice Fang
D659515Ice
Lv 1
Mud Sport
15Ground
Lv 1
Tackle
D5010035Normal
Lv 1
Thunder Fang
D659515Electric
Lv 4
Curse
C10Ghost
Lv 7
Rock Throw
509015Rock
Lv 10
Rage
2010020Normal
Lv 13
Rock Tomb
609510Rock
Lv 16
Stealth Rock
S20Rock
Lv 19
Autotomize
D15Steel
Lv 22
Smack Down
5010015Rock
Lv 25
Dragon Breath
6010020Dragon
Lv 28
Slam
807520Normal
Lv 31
Screech
8540Normal
Lv 34
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
Lv 37
Crunch
C8010015Dark
Lv 40
Iron Tail
C1007515Steel
Lv 43
Dig
C8010010Ground
Lv 46
Stone Edge
C100805Rock
Lv 49
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Lv 52
Sandstorm
D10Rock

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
C10015Normal
TM78
Bulldoze
C6010020Ground
HM01
Cut
509530Normal
TM28
Dig
C8010010Ground
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM82
Dragon Tail-6
B609010Dragon
TM26
Earthquake
A10010010Ground
TM64
Explosion
A2501005Normal
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
TM91
Flash Cannon
C8010010Steel
TM21
Frustration
10020Normal
TM68
Giga Impact
C150905Normal
TM74
Gyro Ball
A1005Steel
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper Beam
C150905Normal
TM66
Payback
D5010010Dark
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM77
Psych Up
10Normal
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6
C10020Normal
TM69
Rock Polish
D20Rock
TM80
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
TM94
Rock Smash
D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock Tomb
609510Rock
TM48
Round
6010015Normal
TM37
Sandstorm
D10Rock
TM23
Smack Down
5010015Rock
TM71
Stone Edge
C100805Rock
HM04
Strength
C8010015Normal
TM90
Substitute
C10Normal
TM11
Sunny Day
C5Fire
TM87
Swagger
9015Normal
TM12
Taunt
C10020Dark
TM41
Torment
10015Dark
TM06
Toxic
C9010Poison

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Block
5Normal
Egg
Defense Curl
40Normal
Egg
Flail
10015Normal
Egg
Heavy Slam
D10010Steel
Egg
Rock Blast
D259010Rock
Egg
Rock Climb
C908520Normal
Egg
Rollout
309020Rock
Egg
Stealth Rock
S20Rock

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C909010Water
Tutor
Bind
158520Normal
Tutor
Block
5Normal
Tutor
Dark Pulse
D8010015Dark
Tutor
Dragon Pulse
D9010010Dragon
Tutor
Earth Power
C9010010Ground
Tutor
Iron Head
B8010015Steel
Tutor
Iron Tail
C1007515Steel
Tutor
Magnet Rise
D10Electric
Tutor
Sleep Talk
D10Normal
Tutor
Snore
4010015Normal
Tutor
Stealth Rock
S20Rock

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Rock Polish
D20Rock
Rem
Sand Tomb
358515Ground

Transfer Moves

Gen
Gen 4
Ancient Power
D601005Rock
Gen 3
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Gen 4
Captivate
10020Normal
Gen 4
Endure+4
D10Normal
Gen 4
Headbutt
D7010015Normal
Gen 3
Mimic
10Normal
Gen 4
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Gen 4
Natural Gift
10015Normal
Gen 4
Secret Power
7010020Normal
Gen 4
Twister
4010020Dragon

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.

Trade Evolution Required — Requires trading with another player

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.

  1. Onix
    Step 1Catch Onix
    Relic Passage - Room 3
    Black 2Grass Lv.16 Cave
    UncommonMid
    AnyShaking spot
    Relic Passage - Room 3
    White 2Grass Lv.16 Cave
    UncommonMid
    AnyShaking spot
    Relic Passage - Room 1
    Black 2Grass Lv.27 Cave
    UncommonMid
    AnyShaking spot
    Relic Passage - Room 1
    White 2Grass Lv.27 Cave
    UncommonMid
    AnyShaking spot
    Relic Passage - Room 2
    Black 2Grass Lv.27 Cave
    UncommonMid
    AnyShaking spot
    Relic Passage - Room 2
    White 2Grass Lv.27 Cave
    UncommonMid
    AnyShaking spot
    Relic Passage - Room 3
    Black 2Grass Lv.18 Cave
    RareMid
    Any
    Relic Passage - Room 3
    White 2Grass Lv.18 Cave
    RareMid
    Any
    Relic Passage - Room 1
    White 2Grass Lv.30 Cave
    RareMid
    Any
    Relic Passage - Room 1
    Black 2Grass Lv.30 Cave
    RareMid
    Any
    Relic Passage - Room 2
    Black 2Grass Lv.30 Cave
    RareMid
    Any
    Relic Passage - Room 2
    White 2Grass Lv.30 Cave
    RareMid
    Any
    Victory Road - 2F
    White 2Grass Lv.41 Cave
    UncommonLate
    AnyShaking spot
    Victory Road - 2F
    Black 2Grass Lv.41 Cave
    UncommonLate
    AnyShaking spot
    Victory Road - 2F
    Black 2Grass Lv.43-44 Cave
    UncommonLate
    Any
    Victory Road - 2F
    White 2Grass Lv.43-44 Cave
    UncommonLate
    Any
    Victory Road - 4F
    White 2Grass Lv.47 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Victory Road - 4F
    Black 2Grass Lv.47 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Victory Road - N's Castle
    White 2Grass Lv.47 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Victory Road - N's Castle
    Black 2Grass Lv.47 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Victory Road - 4F
    White 2Grass Lv.49-50 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Any
    Victory Road - 4F
    Black 2Grass Lv.49-50 Cave
    UncommonPost
    Any
    Clay Tunnel - Room 1
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 1
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 2
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 2
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 3
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 3
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - B1F
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - B1F
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Cave
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Underground Ruins - All areas
    Black 2Grass Lv.54 Ruins
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Underground Ruins - All areas
    White 2Grass Lv.54 Ruins
    UncommonPost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 1
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Clay Tunnel - Room 1
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Clay Tunnel - Room 2
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Clay Tunnel - Room 2
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Clay Tunnel - Room 3
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Clay Tunnel - Room 3
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - B1F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Twist Mountain - B1F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    Any
    Underground Ruins - All areas
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Ruins
    RarePost
    Any
    Underground Ruins - All areas
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Ruins
    RarePost
    Any
  2. Steelix
    Step 2Steelix
    Clay Tunnel - Room 1
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 1
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 2
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 2
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 3
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Clay Tunnel - Room 3
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - B1F
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Twist Mountain - B1F
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Cave
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Underground Ruins - All areas
    Black 2Grass Lv.57 Ruins
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    Underground Ruins - All areas
    White 2Grass Lv.57 Ruins
    RarePost
    AnyShaking spot
    or 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.

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