Every Pure Steel-Type Pokemon, Ranked

Summary

• Steel types have great defense and resistances, with some standout choices like Copperajah and Perrserker.
• Klink and Klang may not be as strong but they still have their uses in battles with their utility moves.
• Melmetal and Registeel are powerful and iconic Steel types, dominating in competitive play.

Jasmine and Byron could tell any trainer just how strong Steel types can be! These metal pocket monsters were introduced in Generation II, with the likes of Steelix and Skarmory, and have been part of the delicate balance of Pokemon types ever since.

Still, Steven, Wilkstrom, and Molayne wouldn’t just use any Steel-type to defend the elite four. Be it due to style or strength, some Pokemon simply stand out among the rest. These alloy allies are no exception to the rule, and some have become fan favorites for good reason.

Updated January 13, 2025, by Ben Painter: Steel types are some of the best to use in Pokemon, although they have three weaknesses (Fire, Ground, and Fighting). Steel Pokemon are insanely defensive and resist every other type apart from Poison, which they are immune to. Having a Steel-type on a team is vital and there are plenty of good ones to choose from in the franchise. However, many of them have dual-typing and there are only 12 pure Steel-type Pokemon in the franchise, including a new one introduced in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. This update adds some more information to each entry including where gamers can find them in the latest game.

12

Klang

The Second Evolution Stage Of Klinklang

• Generation: 5
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Black & White
• Best Stat: 95 Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Gear Grind, Zap Cannon, Shift Gear, Lock-On
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: N/A

Klang is, unfortunately, one of those mid-evolutions in the series that doesn’t stand out in a major way. The most curious appearance it’s ever had was when it was used to power Virgil’s helicopter in Mewtwo — Prologue to Awakening.

It’s not a bad Pokemon by any means; there are just others that do so much more. Its design is essentially just a Klink with extra steps, which seems like a lazy design choice. However, if gamers are looking to use one in-game, it is not a bad mid-game mon with great all-around defenses and offenses.

Klang’s Base Stats:

11

Cufant

The First Evolution Of Copperajah

• Generation: 8
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Sword & Shield
• Best Stat: 80 Attack
• Suggested Moveset: Dig, Iron Defense, Stomp, Rollout
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: East Province: Area Three, Tera Raid Battles (2★)

One of the new Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Sword & Shield, Cufant, is marvelously adorable for a Steel-type Pokemon. Interestingly, they weren’t originally from the Galar region, only being introduced there to help the people living there with heavy labor.

Its design is perfect, although it isn’t the only mini elephant in the franchise. It is also a great ‘mon to use in the franchise, but mainly due to its evolution which it evolves into at the respectable level of 34. This gives it an immense boost to its stats, especially its already grand Attack stat.

Cufant’s Base Stats:

10

Galarian Meowth

A Galar Variant Of Meowth

• Generation: 8
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Sword & Shield
• Best Stat: 65 Attack
• Suggested Moveset: Fake Out, Hone Claws, Metal Claw, Slash
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: Gift from Salvatore

One of the most interesting redesigns of the Galar region, these Viking-like cats look like marvelous little gremlins. Its design was inspired by Norwegian Forest cats that have the kind of beard-like ruffs that are seen on Galarian Meowth.

Love it or hate it, it’s one heck of a unique Steel type. Despite Meowth having three different versions now, the Galar form is the only one that has a different evolution. Persian may be a thing of the past.

Galarian Mewoth’s Base Stats:

9

Klinklang

The Final Evolution Of The Klang Line

• Generation: 5
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Black & White
• Best Stat: 115 Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Gear Grind, Lock-On, Shift Gear, Zap Cannon
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: N/A

Pokemon based on real-life objects are underrated, and it’s quite puzzling as to why. Klinklang is incredibly iconic; who doesn’t see this big bunch of gears and think that it’s a Steel-type?

It backs up its design with a fantastic stat range, it is great both offensively and defensively and has a decent moveset for gamers to choose from. Sadly, this Pokemon was missed out in Scarlet & Violet, one of the Pokemon that has been forgotten by Game Freak. Maybe in the next entry of the franchise, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Klinklang will make a return and possibly receive a Mega Evolution.

Klinklang’s Base Stats:

8

Orthworm

One Of The Paldean Titans

• Generation: 9
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
• Best Stat: 145 Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Earthquake, Iron Tail, Shed Tail, Iron Defense
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: East Province: Area Three, West Province: Asado Desert, East Province: Area Three (Former Titan) (Only one), Tera Raid Battles (5★, 6★), Apple Hills, Reveler’s Road, Oni Mountain, Oni’s Maw, Wistful Fields, Paradise Barrens, Kitakami Wilds

There may have been a few Steel types introduced in the latest Pokemon games, but Orthworm is the only pure Steel type. Gamers will recognize this metal boy as one of the titans required to defeat in Paldea in order to acquire a new skill for their Koraidon or Miraidon.

Orthworm is a great Pokemon to use in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet as it is a defensive tank and, just like all Steel types, it has a lot of resistance. It can learn Ground, Steel, and Rock moves so there is some variety in which players can use the Earthworm Pokemon in their party.

Orthworm’s Base Stats:

7

Meltan

The First Evolution Of Melmetal

• Generation: 7
• Game Introduced: Pokemon GO
• Best Stat: 65 Attack & Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Headbutt, Thunderwave, Acid Armor, Flash Cannon
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: N/A

A special Pokemon that was introduced in Pokemon GO, with the ability to be transferred into Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee. Meltan had fans fascinated from the moment it was revealed. Once Ash’s Meltan became a major part of the anime, it became a fan favorite.

It’s the only Mythical Pokemon capable of evolution, but it’s not easy collecting all the candies required to do so. To this day, some players are still grinding to evolve one in the mobile game as this is the only way to achieve its evolution.

Meltan’s Base Stats:

6

Copperajah

The Final Evolution Of Cufant

• Generation: 8
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Sword & Shield
• Best Stat: 130 Attack
• Suggested Moveset: Heavy Slam, Play Rough, Iron Defense, High Horsepower
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: South Province: Area Six, North Province: Casseroya Lake, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area One, Area Two, Area Three, Area Zero, Tera Raid Battles (5★)

Copperajah was already amazing upon its reveal. Once fans realized it had a Gigantamax form, they all wanted to get their hands on this new Pokemon. Just try to survive against a fully powered G-Max Steelsurge!

Rose uses one expertly in the anime and manga series, which makes it even more appealing for trainers to grab and try out on their own teams. With amazing Attack and HP stats, it can take hits but also dish them out. With some amazing Physical moves in its locker, it is a superb ‘mon and a great representation of the pure Steel types.

Copperajah’s Base Stats:

5

Perrserker

The Final Evolution Of Galarian Meowth

• Generation: 8
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Sword & Shield
• Best Stat: 110 Attack
• Suggested Moveset: Hone Claws, Iron Head, Slash, Fake Out
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: Evolve Meowth

Pokemon Sun & Moon introduced regional variants, but Sword & Shield took this one step further and brought out new evolutions for those regional variants. Perrserker was one of these Pokemon, evolving from the Galarian version of Meowth.

Dubbed the Wolverine of the Pokemon franchise, Perrserker uses its claws to attack, and it makes sense that its Physical Attack is its best attribute. It doesn’t take a lot to get this ‘mon as in Galar it can be acquired fairly early on. However, in Scarlet & Violet, players cannot find this one in the wild and must be evolved from the gift Meowth, given to the player after passing the languages final exam.

Perrserker’s Base Stats:

4

Mega Aggron

The Mega Evolution Of Aggron

• Generation: 6
  • Aggron was originally introduced in Generation 3
• Game Introduced: Pokemon X & Y
  • Aggron was originally introduced in Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Best Stat: 230 Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Protect, Iron Slam, Iron Defense, Double-Edge
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: N/A

While Aggron itself isn’t a pure Steel type, give it some Aggronite and all of that can change. Mega Aggron is even seen in battle during the movie Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel showing just how fierce it can be.

Unfortunately, Mega Aggron has not been available in a game since Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, but with Mega Evolution returning in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, this pure Steel-type Pokemon may make a comeback. Players will be thankful as this ‘mon is a defensive monster with a staggering 230 Defense stat, making it the joint highest in all of the franchise.

Mega Aggron’s Base Stats:

3

Klink

The First Evolution Of The Klang Line

• Generation: 5
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Black & White
• Best Stat: 70 Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Vise Grip, Gear Grind, Discharge, Autotomize
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: N/A

Klink is the only pure Steel type that has been shown to be extremely useful in the early game of a Unova playthrough. Its access to Shift Gear allows it to raise its Attack and Speed stats, while Gear Grind allows it to break past enemy Pokemon with a Focus Stash or with the ability Sturdy.

When it evolves, it becomes an incredible late-game sweeper that opposing teams need to respect and fear. Klink has a very cute design. Although some people may not enjoy Pokemon based on objects, Klink is certainly not one to miss as it has immense battle potential.

Klink’s Base Stats:

2

Registeel

One Of The Legendary Titans

• Generation: 3
• Game Introduced: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Best Stat: 150 Defense & Special Defense
• Suggested Moveset: Flash Cannon, Lock-On, Zap Cannon, Explosion
• Location In Scarlet & Violet: N/A

Registeel may not be too powerful in the mainline games, but it’s actually a top tier in competitive Pokemon GO. It dominates the Ultra League while still being a strong choice in the Great League for anyone who uses it.

It is also iconic, not only as a legendary Pokemon but for all of its appearances in the anime. Brandon’s Registeel was featured in many battles in the show. Registeel also plays a major role in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. If gamers do use Registeel throughout a mainline playthrough, they will have a ‘mon who thrives in defense.

Registeel’s Base Stats:

The Final Evolution Of Meltan

• Generation:
• Game Introduced:
• Best Stat:
• Suggested Moveset:
• Location In Scarlet & Violet:

Melmetal is as powerful as it is amazing to behold. It’s not easy to get all the candies required to evolve one from a Meltan, but any player who does will find it absolutely worth it to do so. It’s shown itself to be a major threat in Smogon’s OU format and is a Pokemon every team needs to be prepared to face.

On top of its normal form, Melmetal received a Gigantimax form in Pokemon Sword & Shield. It has an incredible design and its G-max Meltdown is enough to send the opposing team into disarray with its tormenting effect if it doesn’t simply knock them out in one hit.