Ground-type Mega Evolution of Steelix, Mega Steelix is Iron Snake Pokémon. Renowned for its great Defense stat, Mega Steelix is a rare Pokémon in Pokémon GO mostly used as a defensive wall and niche counter in both PvE and PvP. This guide will review the best PvE and PvP movesets for Mega Steelix, examine its counters, go over its general viability, and provide professional advice on how to best maximize its possibilities.
Mega Steelix Overview
Pokédex Entry & Typing
According to the Pokédex, when Steelix Mega Evolves, his body, tempered beneath extreme pressure and heat, gets harder than diamond.
- Type: Steel / Ground
- Weaknesses: Fighting, Fire, Ground, Water (1.6x damage)
- Resistances: Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Psychic, Dragon, Fairy (0.625x damage), Poison, Electric (0.391x damage)
Base Stats
- Attack: 212
- Defense: 327
- Stamina: 181
Best Roles
Mega Steelix’s incredibly high Defense stat makes it a specialist rather than a generalist. Its best roles are:
- PvP (Great League & Ultra League): A defensive wall and counter to specific threats.
- PvE (Raids): A niche counter to certain raid bosses, particularly those weak to Ground or Steel, where its bulk allows it to survive longer and deal consistent damage, boosting other pokemon of the same type.
- Gym Defense: It is not top-tier, but its immense bulk and double resistance to normal makes it acceptable.
Best Moveset for Mega Steelix in PvE (Raids & Gym Battles)
Optimal Moveset
- Fast Move: Iron Tail (Steel)
- Charged Move: Earthquake (Ground)
DPS & TDO
Iron Tail, when combined with Earthquake, provides the highest combined damage dealt and total damage inflicted, despite the fact that its attack stat is not the highest. Crunch (dark), which provides extremely effective coverage, and Heavy Slam (steel-type), which is a move that can be used for a STAB charge, are two additional viable options.
PvE Moveset Comparison Table
| Fast Move | Charged Move | Effectiveness |
| Iron Tail | Earthquake | Best Overall PvE Option |
| Dragon Tail | Earthquake | Decent Alternative |
| Iron Tail | Heavy Slam | Niche, Steel-type damage |
| Any | Crunch | Niche, Dark-type coverage |
| Dragon Tail | Heavy Slam | Suboptimal |
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Use Cases
Mega Steelix is most suited against weak to Ground or Steel raid bosses that lack strong attacks against it, such those of some Electric or Rock types. Though its DPS isn’t the absolute highest, its great bulk enables it to cause damage over a longer period. When you need a tanky attacker to survive strong charged moves, this is a good option. When trying to short-man challenging raids, you really should have a Mega in your toolkit.
Ideal Mega Steelix Moveset for PvP (GO Battle League)
Great League, Ultra League, & Master League Viability
Mega Steelix is a strong contender in the Great League and Ultra League. Its massive Defense stat allows it to absorb hits and wear down opponents. It is not viable in Master League, as its CP is too low to compete.
Recommended Moveset
- Fast Move: Dragon Tail (Dragon)
- Charged Moves: Earthquake (Ground) and Crunch (Dark)
PvP Moveset Comparison Table
| Fast Move | Charged Move | Best For |
| Dragon Tail | Earthquake & Crunch | All-Around |
| Dragon Tail | Earthquake | Lead |
| Dragon Tail | Crunch | Safe Switch/Closer |
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Playstyle & Strategy
- Lead: Mega Steelix can function as a lead, disrupting opponents with its bulk and coverage moves.
- Safe Switch: Its incredible Defense makes it a strong safe switch, able to absorb charged moves and force switches.
- Closer: While its damage output isn’t the highest, its bulk allows it to close out matches against weakened opponents.
- Shield-Baiting: Crunch is relatively low-energy, allowing for some baiting potential, though Earthquake is the primary threat.
- Dragon Tail is prefered for it’s neutral damage output in most matchups.
PvP Rankings
According to PvPoke, Mega Steelix consistently ranks well in both the Great League and Ultra League. Its success comes from its ability to wall many common threats and provide consistent damage.
Shadow Steelix: Is It Worth It?
Shadow Steelix is not relevant, as Steelix must be mega-evolved to reach it’s full potential.
Best Counters to Mega Steelix
Mega Steelix’s weaknesses to Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Water mean it’s vulnerable to many common attackers.
Top Pokémon to Counter Mega Steelix in Raids & PvP:
- Reshiram (Dragon/Fire)
- Chandelure (Ghost/Fire)
- Groudon (Ground)
- Excadrill (Ground/Steel)
- Swampert (Water/Ground)
- Conkeldurr (Fighting)
- Lucario (Fighting/Steel)
- Kyogre (Water)
Counter Moveset Table
| Counter Pokémon | Fast Move | Charged Move |
| Reshiram | Fire Fang | Overheat |
| Chandelure | Fire Spin | Overheat |
| Groudon | Mud Shot | Precipice Blades |
| Excadrill | Mud-Slap | Earthquake |
| Swampert | Mud Shot | Hydro Cannon |
| Conkeldurr | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
| Lucario | Counter | Aura Sphere |
| Kyogre | Waterfall | Origin Pulse |
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How to Get Mega Steelix in Pokémon GO
- Mega Raids: Mega Steelix Energy is obtained by defeating Mega Steelix in Mega Raids.
- Walking as Buddy: Once you’ve Mega Evolved a Steelix, you can earn Mega Energy by walking with it as your buddy.
- Special Research: Occasionally, Mega Energy may be available through Special Research tasks.
Conclusion
Mega Steelix is a unique Pokémon in Pokémon GO, valued for its exceptional Defense rather than its raw attacking power. Its best PvE moveset is Iron Tail and Earthquake. In PvP, Dragon Tail, Earthquake, and Crunch make it a formidable wall in the Great and Ultra Leagues. While not a top-tier attacker, its bulk and unique typing make it a valuable niche pick in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Final Recommendation: Players who enjoy Great League and Ultra League PvP should definitely invest in a Mega Steelix. Its ability to counter common threats and disrupt opponents makes it a worthwhile addition to any team. For PvE, it’s a solid choice for specific raid matchups where its bulk is advantageous.
