Pokemon GO Steelix: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good?

Pokemon GO Steelix's best moveset, counters, and competitive viability will interest players wishing to use this critter in battle. It was released alongside the main host of Johto-region Pokemon on February 16, 2027. Its shiny and Shadow forms have also been released over the years.

Steelix can be obtained via Raids and Research Task rewards. Upon acquiring one, you'd want to look into the best moveset for Steelix in Pokemon GO. You should also know whether it is good in PvP and PvE battles as well as what critters counter it, should you see it on the other side of the battlefield.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the author's opinions.

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Pokemon GO Steelix best moveset

Steelix in the anime (Image via TPC)

Steelix's best moveset in Pokemon GO changes based on the format you are using it in. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Pokemon GO Steelix best PvP moveset

• Fast Attack: Dragon Tail
• Charged Attacks: Psychic Fangs and Crunch

Pokemon GO Steelix best PvE moveset

Steel-type attacker [Mega Steelix]

• Fast Attack: Iron Tail
• Charged Attacks: Heavy Slam

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Is Steelix good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

Steelix in Pokemon GO PvP

Steelix is a respectable pick in Pokemon GO PvP. It does well in both Great League and Ultra League battles, thanks to its superior bulk and versatile attacking options. Dragon Tail is a strong neutral Fast Attack option, and with cheap Charged Attacks in Psychic Fangs and Crunch (both moves that lower the target's Defense), Steelix performs exceedingly well as a safe switch.

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Steelix in Pokemon GO PvE

Unlike GO Battle League where Steelix does well, it has next to no play as a Gym or raid attacker. Its base form has sub-par offensive stats that wouldn't have any substantial impact.

On the other hand, its Steel- and Ground-typing—with its 10 resistances and four weaknesses—make it one of the best Gym Defenders in Pokemon GO.

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Pokemon GO Steelix: All moves and stats

Mega Steelix in the anime (Image via TPC)

Fast Attacks

• Dragon Tail
• Iron Tail
• Thunder Fang

Charged Attacks

• Breaking Swipe
• Crunch
• Earthquake
• Heavy Slam
• Psychic Fangs

Base Stats

• Attack: 148
• Defense: 272
• Stamina: 181
• Max CP: 2,729

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Pokemon GO Steelix strengths and weaknesses

Steelix in Pokemon GO resists the following types:

• Poison (24.4%)
• Rock (39.1%)
• Electric (39.1%)
• Flying (62.5%)
• Bug (62.5%)
• Dragon (62.5%)
• Fairy (62.5%)
• Grass (62.5%)
• Normal (62.5%)
• Psychic (62.5%)

Steelix has the following weaknesses:

• Ground (160.0%)
• Fire (160.0%)
• Fighting (160.0%)
• Water (160.0%)

The types that Steelix can hit with STAB super-effective damage are:

• Ice
• Rock
• Fairy
• Electric
• Steel
• Poison

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Best counters to Pokemon GO Steelix

Great League counters: Whiscash, Annihilape, Vigoroth, Lickitung, Shadow Gligar

Ultra League counters: Tapu Fini, Cobalion, Talonflame, Virizion, Poliwrath

PvE counters:

• Primal or regular Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
• Mega or Shadow Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
• Shadow Excadrill with Mud Slap and Scorching Sands
• Mega or Shadow Blaziken with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Mega Charizard X or Y with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flame Thrower
• Mega Blaziken with Counter and Focus Blast
• Mega Lopunny with Double Kick and Focus Blast
• Annihilape with Counter and Close Combat
• Primal Kyogre with Water Fall and Origin Pulse
• Mega Swampert or Shadow with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Kingler with Bubble and Crabhammer

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters