First introduced in the second generation ofPokemongames, Steel-type Pokemon are renowned for theirimpressive durabilityandcrunching attacks. They can dish out some insanely high damage when up against Fairy, Ice, and Rock-type Pokemon, although are vulnerable to Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type attacks as a result. Thanks to some of them having dual typings, however, this isn’t always the case.
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The number of Steel-types inPokemon GOhas gradually increased over the years to the point where players now have a wide selection of more than capable candidates to choose from.Some rely on their raw power, while others look to gain an advantage through either theirincredible durabilityor option-opening versatility. While there are plenty to choose from, however, most players are only interested in the very best Steel-types inPokemon GO.
Updated August 02, 2025, by Tom Bowen:Given that the mainline series benefited from a two-decade headstart, it’s a little wild to think that Pokemon GO has pretty much caught up. Granted, not all of the series' 900 or so Pokemon can be found within the game just yet, but it at least features a wide selection of Pokemon from all eight generations of the long-running franchise. In total, there are more than 750 of them available, including powerful Pokemon for each of the series' eighteen different types. This bodes well for those looking for the best Steel-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, as there are plenty to choose from these days.
12Shadow Scizor
Shadow Scizor may not seem like a good pick for a Steel-type attacker on paper, although it can actually be one of the very best in certain situations. Its damage output is decent, butits biggest strength is its bug and steel dual typing, which grants it resistance to several of the steel typing’s biggest weaknesses. Of course,fire will absolutely destroy it, but it no longer needs to worry about Ground or Fighting-type counters.
Though the differences between Shadow Scizor and its regular form are not as noticeable as some of the other Shadow Pokemon inPokemon GO, it’s large enough to make a difference. In fact, those with only a regular Scizor would actually be better off bringing Genesect in its place, as the latter offers the exact same type advantages, but also a slightly higher damage output.
11Excadrill
There aren’t all that many situations where being a Ground andSteel-type Pokemonwill be all that useful, although this does give Excadrill a huge advantage when up against other Steel-type Pokemon. When equipped with Metal Claw and Earthquake, its DPS is up there with the very best, although swapping the latter out for Iron Head for an all Steel-type move set does hurt it a little.
Excadrill is a bit of a glass cannon too, with incredibly impressive Attack and Stamina stats when compared to a lot of the other Steel-types in the game. Its defense, on the other hand, is absolutely abysmal, meaning that Excadrill is only really viable when attacking weakness or in battles that don’t drag on for too long.
10Cobalion
Cobalion is a solid pick for those looking for a Pokemon capable of dishing out both Steel andFighting-typedamage, although it can also be built as a pure Steel-type attacker if taught Metal Claw and Iron Head. Its damage output is perhaps a little lacking when compared to some of the other Steel-type attackers inPokemon GO, but it makes up for this somewhat with its high Defense and Stamina stats.
For as good as Cobalion can be, it’s difficult to recommend it over Lucario, which offers the same type combination while also dishing out a lot more damage. Cobalion does have a rather noticeable edge when it comes to overall durability, however, so may be the better option when up against tankier opposition or when trainers want to use it to battle multiple Pokemon.
9Heatran
Despite being one of the most forgettableLegendary Pokemonin the series, Heatran is a solid Steel-type attacker inPokemonGO. What’s more, it being a Steel and Fire-type Pokemon means that it can’t be countered by Fire-types like some of its peers can, although this does come at the cost of increased weakness to Ground-type attacks.
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While it works best as a pure Fire-type attacker, Iron Head is a solid enough charge move for dishing out Steel-type damage. Pairing the move with Fire Spin will give it the edge over other Steel-types, as too will its high Attack and Defense stats. Sunny and snowy weather will also grant it a decent stat boost, which can be fairly useful in certain situations.
8Shadow Aggron
Though still a more than viable option, Aggron is not quite as effective inPokemon GOas it is in the mainline games. It’s still incredibly durable, however, thanks in large to its massive 257 Defense stat when at Max CP. It can also double up as a somewhat decent Rock-type attacker, although is undoubtedly at its best when set up exclusively for Steel-type attacks.
While equipped with Iron Tail and Heavy Slam, Shadow Aggron’s DPS and total damage are higher than most, although it’s worth noting that regular Aggron does lag some way behind.Its Mega Evolutionwill no doubt rectify this when it’s finally added into the game, but those with only a regular Aggron should find themselves another Steel-type to hold them over until then.
7Empoleon
While there are undoubtedly better Steel-type Pokemon inPokemon GO, Empoleon holds the distinction of being the only Steel andWater-type Pokemonin not only the popular mobile game, but also the entire series. There are therefore certain situations where players may want to draft the penguin-like Pokemon into their team ahead of some of its more powerful peers.
Those looking for an all Steel-type move set will likely end up settling on Metal Claw and Flash Cannon, but many opt to replace the latter with Hydro Cannon for maximum DPS. Not only does this increase damage output and the Pokemon’s overall versatility, but it can also help out when up against Ground-type counters like Excadrill, Groudon, and Garchomp.
6Lucario
Lucario is among the best in class for both itsFightingandSteel typings, making it a solid choice for any team. If and when Niantic eventually gets round to adding its Mega Evolution into the game, there’s a good chance it will end up being the number one Pokemon in both groups, so the future is definitely bright for Lucario owners.
When going for an all Steel-type move set, players will want to teach their Lucario Bullet Punch and Flash Cannon, although the Fighting-type move Aura Sphere makes for a much better charge move when it comes to DPS and raw damage output. One thing to keep in mind with Lucario is that although its damage output is good, its Defense stat is a little on the low side and so it’s not quite as durable as some of the other Steel-type Pokemon in the game.
5Zacian
Given their status as Gen 8 Legendaries, it was perhaps a little surprising to see Niantic add Zacian and Zamazenta intoPokemon GOso soon. The pair arrived in August of 2021 as part of a specialSword&Shield-themed event and quickly went about demonstrating their value. Of the pair, Zacian is particularly impressive, serving as both one ofthe best Fairy-types inPokemon GOand one of the game’s best Steel-type Pokemon.
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For an all Steel-type move set, players should choose Metal Claw and Iron Head, which will lead to an incredibly high Total Damage Output. Alternatively, players could opt to use Play Rough as Zacian’s Charge Move so as to make the most of its primary Fairy typing.Fire Fang can also make for a pretty decent Fast Move, however, as it will allow Zacian to serve as an excellent counter for other Steel-type Pokemon if needed.
4Dialga
When it comes to versatility, Dialga is one of the best Pokemon inPokemon GO. Not only does it rank among the best Steel-types in the game, but it’s also one ofthe best Dragon-typestoo. Players can therefore opt to teach it Metal Claw and Draco Meteor for a strong hybrid build or go all steel with Metal Claw and Iron Head.
Its stats are incredibly impressive when compared to some of its peers, particularly in the attacking department. All three of its key stats are above 200 when at max cp, allowing it to hold its own against most opposition. It can be countered by a strong Fighting orGround-type Pokemon, however, with Lucario and Groudon arguably posing the biggest threats.
3Jirachi
A lot of theLegendaryandMythical PokemoninPokemon GOare a little underwhelming, but that’s definitely not the case with Jirachi.The Steel and Psychic-type Pokemonis able to dish out more damage per second than most of the other strong Steel-types inPokemon GO, while its Psychic typing makes it a lot more versatile.
Jirachi is at its best when taught Confusion and Doom Desire, although Charge Beam is also a viable option when it comes to fast moves. Its Attack and Defense stats are both incredibly high too and its 225 Stamina stat allows it to act much faster than most of its peers. It may be small, but it packs a real punch.
