Highlights

• Steel types have strong defensive capabilities and resist many other types, making them valuable additions to a team.
• Some Steel-type Pokemon, like Klinklang and Registeel, have made appearances in various forms of media, showcasing their popularity and impact.
• Certain Steel-type Pokemon, such as Copperajah and Melmetal, have unique forms or evolutions that make them even more formidable in battle.

Jasmine and Byron could tell any trainer out there 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 November 23, 2023 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 the team will be vital and there are plenty of good ones to choose in the franchise. However, a lot 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.

12 Klang, The Second Evolution Stage Of Klinklang

Generation 5

Klang is, unfortunately, one of those mid-evolutions in a 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.

Klang's Base Stats:

11 Cufant, The First Evolution Of Copperajah

Generation 8

One of the new Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Sword and 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. Perhaps this means we'll eventually see a new version of Cufant in another region someday.

Cufant's Base Stats:

10 Galarian Meowth, A Galar Variant Of Meowth

Generation 8

One of the most interesting redesigns of the Galar region, these Viking-like cats look like marvelous little gremlins. Their 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.

Galarian Mewoth's Base Stats:

9 Klinklang, The Final Evolution Of The Klang Line

Generation 5

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?

Seeing one help power Mannes's music machine at the Eindoak Town's Harvest Festival was absolutely lovely as it shows the Pokemon is useful outside of battle as well. It even made a cameo in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in the Kalos League Pokemon stage.

Klinklang's Base Stats:

8 Orthworm, One Of The Paldean Titans

Generation 9

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.

Orthworm's Base Stats:

7 Meltan, The First Evolution Of Melmetal

Generation 7

A special Pokemon introduced in the Pokemon Let's Go series of games, 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 of the candies required to do so. To this day, some players are still grinding to evolve one in Pokemon GO.

Meltan's Base Stats:

6 Copperajah, The Final Evolution Of Cufant

Generation 8

Copperajah was already amazing upon its reveal. Once everyone 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.

Copperajah's Base Stats:

5 Perrserker, The Final Evolution Of Galarian Meowth

Generation 8

This Viking-Cat is one of the few new Galarian Steel types that may actually have a future in competitive VCG play. Before the pandemic canceled competitions in 2020, Nicholas Vella showed it had potential by placing with it at the Melbourne International. There will be a lot more experimenting to do, but fans are excited to see the potential of this Pokemon.

Perrserker's Base Stats:

4 Mega Aggron, The Mega Evolution Of Aggron

Generation 6

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.

While not very useful in VGC, Mega Aggron did serve as a defensive wall in 1v1 competition during the Sun and Moon era. It was capable of taking on threats like Aegislash, both Mega Charizards, and Dragonite which made it valuable to have on teams.

Mega Aggron's Base Stats:

3 Klink, The First Evolution Of The Klang Line

Generation 5

Klink is the only pure Steel type that has been shown to be extremely useful in the Little Cup format. Its access to Shift Gear allows it to raise its attack and speed stats while Gear Grind allows it to break past Pokemon with a Focus Stash or with the ability Sturdy. It's an incredible late-game sweeper that opposing teams need to respect and fear.

Klink's Base Stats:

2 Registeel, One Of The Legendary Titans

Generation 3

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 also is 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.

Registeel's Base Stats:

1 Melmetal, The Final Evolution Of Meltan

Generation 7

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 that 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 the latest game. 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.

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