#0208

Steelix

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Max CP 2,729 Dragon Tail + Breaking Swipe Sunny Snow
Steelix Pokemon GO sprite

Steelix is a Steel/Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Johto region (#208, Generation 2). With a max CP of 2,729 and base stats of 148/272/181 (Atk/Def/Sta), Steelix has a total stat product of 601.

Steelix is weak to Fighting, Fire, Ground, Water-type moves. It resists Poison, Electric, Rock, Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Steel-type attacks. Steelix is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,729
Lv.40: 2,414 Lv.50: 2,729
Attack 148
Defense 272
Stamina 181
Total 601
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 2 · Johto 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Dragon
14
DPS
14.0 PWR 8 EN 1.0s DUR 8 EPS Windy
Steel
Iron Tail STAB
14
DPS
14.0 PWR 6 EN 1.0s DUR 6 EPS Snow
Electric
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 13 EN 1.0s DUR 13 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Dragon
45
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 1.0s DUR
Dark
Crunch Buff
21.7
DPS
65.0 PWR 33 EN 3.0s DUR
Ground
Earthquake STAB
40
DPS
140.0 PWR 100 EN 3.5s DUR
Steel
Heavy Slam STAB
35
DPS
70.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR
Psychic
25
DPS
25.0 PWR 33 EN 1.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Dragon Tail (14 DPS), while Thunder Fang generates energy the fastest (13 EPS).

Evolution

Onix Pokemon GO
Onix
50 Candy
Metal Coat
Steelix Pokemon GO
Steelix

Raid Guide

Steelix as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Steelix is not currently available as a raid boss. When Steelix returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Steelix from raids would have 1379 CP at level 20, or 1724 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

View full raid guide →

Best Counters to Beat Steelix

Steelix is weak to Fighting, Fire, Ground, Water-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Steelix

Steelix evolves from Onix using 50 Candy and a Metal Coat.

A Shadow version of Steelix is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Steelix knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 5,000 Stardust and 5 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Steelix as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km. It also earns 25 Mega Energy per km when you have Mega Evolved it before.

To Mega Evolve Steelix, you need Mega Energy. The initial Mega Evolution requires 200 Mega Energy, with subsequent Mega Evolutions costing less based on your Mega Level. You can earn Steelix's Mega Energy by completing Mega Raids, walking Steelix as your buddy (25 Mega Energy per km after the first Mega Evolution), or through special research tasks and events.

Steelix Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Steelix in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
59 – 2,087 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
59 – 2,259 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,341 – 1,414 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,668 – 1,759 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,341 – 1,414 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,014 – 1,069 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,341 – 1,414 CP

A 100% IV Steelix from raids or eggs will show 1,379 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Steelix is a Steel/Ground-type Pokemon with a stat total of 601. With its bulk spread of 272 Defense and 181 Stamina, Steelix has solid survivability in battles.

Watch out for Fighting, Fire, Ground, Water-type moves when using Steelix. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Steelix's performance.

Steelix's moves get a damage boost in Sunny and Snow weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Steelix much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Steelix?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Steelix is a Steel/Ground-type Pokemon with base stats of 148/272/181 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,729. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Steelix may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Steelix deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Steelix in Pokemon GO?
Steelix has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Steelix for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Steelix's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Steelix is weak to Fighting, Fire, Ground, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Steelix resists Poison, Electric, Rock, Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Steel-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Steelix effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Steelix's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Steelix's maximum CP is 2,729 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,414 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Steelix's CP is calculated from its base stats: 148 Attack, 272 Defense, and 181 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Steelix caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,379 CP, or 1,724 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Steelix?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Steelix has the following CP at key levels: 1,034 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,379 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,724 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,729 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Steelix, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Steelix ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
Is Shadow Steelix better than regular?
Shadow Steelix deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Steelix is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Steelix comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Steelix in Pokemon GO?
Steelix is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Onix with 50 Candy + Metal Coat). Steelix can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.
Can Steelix be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Steelix's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Steelix availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

Max CP per Level

L1 34 CP
L5 325 CP
L10 690 CP
L15 1,034 CP
L20 1,379 CP
L25 1,724 CP
L30 2,069 CP
L35 2,242 CP
L40 2,414 CP
L50 2,729 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #208
Generation Gen 2
Region Johto
Height 9.19 m
Weight 400.00 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 75,000 Dust / 75 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 5,000 Dust / 5 Candy
Mega Energy (Buddy) 25 / km