Steelix Pokemon GO sprite
#0208

Steelix

B
Tier B · Great League
#50 · 55.64% WR
Max CP
2,729
Best
Thunder Fang
Earthquake
Sunny Snow

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's best moveset is Thunder Fang and Earthquake.

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

Rankings

PvP Battle
Great League
B
#50
55.64% Win Rate
Thunder Fang
Earthquake
Ideal IVs 0/14/15
Ultra League
A
#33
64.22% Win Rate
Thunder Fang
Earthquake
Ideal IVs 2/15/15

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

In Great League PvP, Steelix runs Thunder Fang and Earthquake, ranked #50 (Tier B) with a 55.64% win rate. In Ultra League PvP, Steelix runs Thunder Fang and Earthquake, ranked #33 (Tier A) with a 64.22% win rate. Steelix has access to 3 fast moves and 5 charged moves, giving trainers flexibility depending on the battle format.

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.

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.

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

Niche PvP Pick
Steelix doesn't stand out as a raid attacker but has a place in PvP, ranked #50 (Tier B) in Great League with a 55.64% overall win rate. With base stats of 148/272/181 and a max CP of 2,729, its stat distribution favors bulk, which is ideal for PvP formats. Run Thunder Fang with Earthquake for best results. Consider building one if you enjoy using it, but there are stronger PvP options in this league.

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's best moveset is Thunder Fang (fast) and Earthquake (charged).
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.
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. 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).
Is Steelix good for PvP in Pokemon GO?
Steelix is ranked #50 (Tier B) in Great League with a 55.64% overall win rate. The recommended moveset is Thunder Fang and Earthquake. The ideal IV spread for Great League is 0/14/15. Steelix is ranked #33 (Tier A) in Ultra League with a 64.22% overall win rate. The recommended moveset is Thunder Fang and Earthquake. The ideal IV spread for Ultra League is 2/15/15.
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.
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.

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