Pokémon is a franchise that’s grown so immensely and built such a large fanbase, that you’d be hard-pressed to find people with identical opinions regarding it. Most fans flock to Fire and Dragon-types, but there are large pockets of fans who prefer the weirder types like Steel and Poison. Steel is a neat typing and helps categorize the large number of technology and metal related Pokémon throughout the series. Which ones are the best of the best, though? Let’s now take a look at and rank the best Steel-type Pokémon from every generation through Pokémon Sword & Shield.
8 Corviknight (Gen 8)
Corviknight may be looked down upon for being the early game 3-stage bird evolution, but it makes a case for itself. Before talking about its battle effectiveness it should be mentioned that Corviknight provides transportation for the entire Galar region via its taxi service, which is pretty impressive. It has decent stats across the board with its strengths being its physical defense and health. It’s worth chasing down its shiny form too as it is covered in a metallic gray that brings its naming inspiration to life and makes it feel fantastical.
7 Melmetal (Gen 7)
So, Melmetal wasn’t featured in the 7th generation Pokémon games but is considered part of it even though it was a Pokémon GO exclusive. Thankfully it was included in the 7th generation since it happens to be the only Steel-type the generation can claim as its own.
So it may have made the list simply by existing, but it does have some interesting aspects that make it worth owning as a trainer. Melmetal has pretty solid stats, but due to how difficult it is to obtain, most Pokémon fans who don’t play the mobile game forget it even exists.
6 Aegislash (Gen 6)
It wouldn’t feel right if a Pokémon meant to resemble a sword and shield didn’t make the list of best Steel-types. Thankfully for Aegislash, it didn’t have much competition as the Kalos region is one of the franchise’s most lackluster. As you’d expect its blade form has top-tier physical and special attack base stats, whereas its shield form as the same for the defensive versions of those stats. Trainers who think ahead and are good at planning will get the most out of Aegislash, while others might struggle to find a rhythm with the Royal Sword Pokémon.
5 Excadrill (Gen 5)
Excadrill is a neat mole Pokémon who was a part of the giant new roster of creatures introduced in the 5th generation of games titled Pokémon Black & White. It’s most effective when battling inside of a sandstorm, so pairing it on a team with Tyrantitar is pretty ideal.
It can learn the Ghost-type move Shadow Claw and the Fighting-type move Brick Break, both from technical machines. These are off-type for the Subterrene Pokémon and will more than likely catch the opponent off guard as they anticipate Steel and Ground-type moves.
4 Lucario (Gen 4)
Communication is one of the most important aspects of being successful regardless of what the situation is. The fact that Lucario can feel emotions and even understand human speech gives it a leg up on most other Pokémon. The Fighting and Steel dual-type is a more than capable fighter who has ascended to the ranks of the series most recognizable creatures. It’s the ideal anti-flinch matchup as each of its possible born abilities give it advantageous when facing off against foes who love to use flinch-inducing moves.
3 Metagross (Gen 3)
Metagross isn’t just the best Steel-type of the 3rd generation of games, it also happens to be one of the best designed Pokémon in the series. The Psychic/Steel dual-type comes packed with solid base stats across the board and a mix of hidden and regular abilities that make it a tougher out on the battlefield. Metagross also happens to have one of the most desirable shiny forms in the franchise as it ditches its blue rocks and steel faceguard for a silvery body accented by a golden x-shaped guard across its face.
2 Steelix (Gen 2)
Despite it being a rock Pokémon comprised of boulders, fans enjoyed Onix’s design. When the 2nd generation of games was being revealed, kids across the globe lost their collective minds when Steelix was revealed.
This Steel/Ground dual-type is the evolution of Onix when it is traded holding a Metal Coat. Just like its base form, Steelix comes equipped with an incredibly high physical defense base stat that comes at the cost of any speed. Its design should be enough of a case for its inclusion on this list, though.
1 Magneton (Gen 1)
Magneton is a beautiful example of how retroactive updating of Pokémon typings can be super beneficial. The mix of magnets was originally just an Electric-type Pokémon before the 2nd generation of games introduced the Steel-typing. Most Electric-type moves are special attacks, which is great considering that’s Magenton’s best base stat. You’d assume that Steel is a type with mostly physical moves, but some of its most powerful ones, including Flash Cannon, are special attacks that fit right into what Magneton does best.
NEXT: Pokémon: The Best Bug-Type Pokémon Of Every Generation, Ranked
