Summary
Jasmine and Byron could tell any trainer 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 ofPokemontypes 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 August 08, 2025, 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 a team is vital and there are plenty of good ones to choose from in the franchise. However, many of them have dual-typing and there are only 12pure Steel-type Pokemonin the franchise, including a new one introduced inPokemon Scarlet & Violet.This update adds some more information to each entry including where gamers can find them in the latest game.
12Klang
The Second Evolution Stage Of Klinklang
Klang is, unfortunately,one of those mid-evolutions in the seriesthat 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 inMewtwo — Prologue to Awakening.
It’s not a bad Pokemon by any means; there are just others that do so much more. Its design is essentially just a Klink with extra steps, which seems like a lazy design choice. However, if gamers are looking to use one in-game, it is not a bad mid-game mon with great all-around defenses and offenses.
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11Cufant
The First Evolution Of Copperajah
One of the new Pokemon introduced inPokemon Sword & 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.
Its design is perfect, although it isn’t the only mini elephant in the franchise. It is also a great ‘mon to use in the franchise, but mainly due to its evolution which it evolves into at the respectable level of 34. This gives it an immense boost to its stats, especially its already grand Attack stat.
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10Galarian Meowth
A Galar Variant Of Meowth
One of the most interestingredesigns of the Galar region, these Viking-like cats look like marvelous little gremlins. Its 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. Despite Meowth having three different versions now, the Galar form is the only one that has a different evolution. Persian may be a thing of the past.
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9Klinklang
The Final Evolution Of The Klang Line
Pokemon based on real-life objectsare 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?
It backs up its design with a fantastic stat range, it is great both offensively and defensively and has a decent moveset for gamers to choose from. Sadly, this Pokemon was missed out inScarlet & Violet, one of the Pokemon that has been forgotten by Game Freak. Maybe in the next entry of the franchise, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Klinklang will make a return and possibly receive a Mega Evolution.
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8Orthworm
One Of The Paldean Titans
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 inPokemon Scarlet & Violetas it is a defensive tankand, just like all Steel types, it has a lot of resistance. It can learn Ground, Steel, and Rock moves so there is some variety in which players can use the Earthworm Pokemon in their party.
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7Meltan
The First Evolution Of Melmetal
A special Pokemon that was introduced inPokemon GO, with the ability to be transferred intoPokemon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee. 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 the candies required to do so. To this day, some players are still grinding to evolve one in the mobile game as this is the only way to achieve its evolution.
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6Copperajah
The Final Evolution Of Cufant
Copperajah was already amazing upon its reveal. Once fans realized it had a Gigantamax form, they all wanted to get their hands on this new Pokemon. Just attempt to survive against a fully powered G-Max Steelsurge!
Rose uses one expertly in the animeand manga series, which makes it even more appealing for trainers to grab and try out on their own teams. With amazing Attack and HP stats, it can take hits but also dish them out. With some amazing Physical moves in its locker, it is a superb ‘mon and a great representation of the pure Steel types.
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5Perrserker
The Final Evolution Of Galarian Meowth
Pokemon Sun & Moonintroduced regional variants, butSword & Shieldtook this one step further and brought out new evolutions for those regional variants. Perrserker was one of these Pokemon, evolving from the Galarian version of Meowth.
Dubbed the Wolverine of thePokemonfranchise, Perrserker uses its claws to attack, and it makes sense that its Physical Attack is its best attribute. It doesn’t take a lot to get this ‘mon as in Galar it can be acquired fairly early on. However, inScarlet & Violet, players cannot find this one in the wild and must be evolved from the gift Meowth, given to the player after passing the languages final exam.
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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 movieVolcanion and the Mechanical Marvelshowing just how fierce it can be.
Unfortunately, Mega Aggron has not been available in a game sincePokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, but with Mega Evolution returning inPokemon Legends: Z-A, this pure Steel-type Pokemon may make a comeback. Players will be thankful as this ‘mon is a defensive monster with a staggering 230 Defense stat, making it the joint highest in all of the franchise.
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3Klink
The First Evolution Of The Klang Line
Klink is the only pure Steel type that has been shown to be extremely useful in the early game of a Unova playthrough. Its access to Shift Gear allows it to raise its Attack and Speed stats, while Gear Grind allows it to break past enemy Pokemon with a Focus Stash or with the ability Sturdy.
When it evolves, it becomes an incredible late-game sweeper that opposing teams need to respect and fear. Klink has a very cute design. Although some people may not enjoy Pokemon based on objects, Klink is certainly not one to miss as it has immense battle potential.
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