Biology
Steelix is a long, serpentine Pokémon with a silvery-gray body made up of rock-like sections, which can possess chips and scrapes from fights and tunneling. Three of those sections have long rock spikes coming out of them on either side. It has a massive head mainly made up of its large, wide jaw with sets of large square teeth inside. Along its bottom jaw are ridges: there are two pairs of ridges on a male Steelix, while there is only one pair on a female. Several small, square lumps cover the underside of its lower jaw. Its eye sockets are slightly deep-set, and the eyes themselves are red. Its head has two long ridges going from the eyes up to the top of its head. The tip of its tail is conical with a blunt tip.
As Mega Steelix, its body becomes longer, almost doubles its mass, and gains more features. Mega Steelix's eyes turn blue and its lower jaw becomes more heavily armored with a round, curved shape. Additionally, a third pair of ridges appear on its bottom jaw, as well as two sharp, flat structures consisting of three conjoined projections on each side. The gray, rock-like spikes and its tail point have transformed into prism-like crystalline spikes; the segments from which the spikes protrude are much larger as well. In-between the head and individual spiked segments are smaller units, now adorned by a black spot with a blue hexagon on each side. Several metallic-looking scraps constantly rotate around its neck; these scraps react to Mega Steelix's movements and change position when attacking. The cells within its body, crystallized by the energy produced from Mega Evolution, are stronger than any mineral and able to withstand any temperature. It moves incredibly slowly, but its strengthened body is also impervious to damage, and it lashes out at foes without flinching. [1]
Steelix burrows up to six-tenths of a mile underground, even further than its pre-evolved form Onix, and it can be found in mountains or caves. Steelix can dig even towards the world's core. It easily chews through boulders with its powerful jaws, and its eyes are capable of seeing in the dark. Exposure to underground heat and pressures alongside its iron-rich soil diet has made its body harder than diamonds. Steelix's evolution is said to have been the result of an Onix's composition becoming more diamond-like after living for about 100 years.
In the anime
Main series
Mega Steelix in the anime
Major appearances
Sometime before Grating Spaces, Brock's Onix evolved into a Steelix while it was being trained by Brock's younger brother Forrest. In When Regions Collide!, it was revealed that it can Mega Evolve into Mega Steelix.
Steelix debuted in Nerves of Steelix!, under the ownership of Jasmine. She first used it to help Ash stop Team Rocket from stealing Pikachu. Then, during their Gym battle, Ash's Cyndaquil managed to defeat it, winning Ash the Mineral Badge.
Other
In Playing with Fire, Harrison used a Steelix against Ash during the Silver Conference. It defeated Noctowl with a combination of Dig and Iron Tail, before being defeated by Snorlax's Hyper Beam.
In The Legend of Thunder!, Hun used a Steelix to attack Raikou, Jimmy, Marina, and Vincent. It had an exceptionally violent and brutal personality.
In All Torkoal, No Play, a Steelix was the ruler of the Valley of Steel. It bullied a wild Torkoal.
Morrison's Steelix first appeared in Saved by the Beldum. In Choose It or Lose It!, it battled Ash, defeating Pikachu and Torkoal before being defeated itself by Grovyle.
In Faced with Steelix Determination, Team Rocket accidentally stuck three shovels into the head of an underground Steelix while digging a pitfall trap. It went on to terrorize a village of Bidoof until the shovels were removed through the combined efforts of multiple Bidoof, Ash's Staravia, and his Pikachu.
In Dealing With Defensive Types!, Byron used a Steelix in his Gym battle against Ash. It put up a tough fight, defeating Buizel despite its type advantage, and then fought Chimchar. Despite its exhaustion from its earlier battle, Chimchar was able to defeat Steelix after a prolonged battle.
In Steeling Peace of Mind! and Saving the World From Ruins!, a Steelix was affected by Team Galactic's meddling on Iron Island.
In Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, a Steelix that can Mega Evolve was under the control of Levi's Mega Wave. Steelix was used to battle Ash's Noivern, Greninja, and Volcanion. It was later freed from Levi's control when Alva's Mega Wave Crystal was destroyed, and it escaped.
Minor appearances
In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, multiple Steelix were part of the feuding armies that were eventually placated by Sir Aaron in the past.
In All That Glitters is Not Golden!, a fantasy featured a Steelix evolving from an Onix.
In Dawn's Early Night!, a Coordinator's Steelix was used alongside a Smoochum for the Double Performance of the Hearthome Contest.
In Team Shocker!, a Coordinator's Steelix competed in the Performance Stage of the Solaceon Contest.
A Steelix appeared in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.
A Steelix appeared in a flashback in Shield with a Twist!.
In Last Call — First Round!, a Coordinator's Steelix performed alongside a Cleffa during the Sinnoh Grand Festival.
A Steelix that can Mega Evolve into Mega Steelix appeared in the ending segment of Mega Evolution Special II.
In Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, a Steelix challenged Hoopa but was easily defeated.
In Sword and Shield: "From Here to Eternatus!", one of the Macro Cosmos employees used a Steelix to confront Sonia, only for Raihan to appear and defeat it with his Duraludon in the next episode.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| EP224
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Steelix
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Ash's Pokédex
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Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon. Steelix is the evolved form of Onix. It has been compressed underground, making its body harder than diamonds.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| DP023
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Steelix
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Dawn's Pokédex
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Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon. Strengthened by the pressure and intense heat of living underground, its body is stronger than steel.
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| DP180
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Steelix
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Dawn's Pokédex
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Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon, and the evolved form of Onix. Steelix's body is much harder than any metal, as it is tempered underground under high pressure and heat.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| SM043
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Steelix
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Rotom Pokédex
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Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon. A Steel and Ground type. Heat from deep underground strengthens its hide, and the pressure gives its body a toughness harder than metal.
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Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer
Mega Steelix in the animated trailer
In the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer, a Mega Steelix battled a Mega Glalie.
Pokémon Generations
A soldier's Steelix appeared in The Redemption, during a fantasy of a story from the past. It was one of the many Pokémon fighting in the great war of Kalos 3,000 years previously.
GOTCHA!
A Steelix briefly appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of Jasmine.
In the manga
Ash & Pikachu
Similar to his anime counterpart, Morrison owns a Steelix. It appeared in A Clash Of Wills!! Eternal Rivals?!.
Pokémon Adventures
- Main article: Jasmine's Steelix
In Pokémon Adventures, Jasmine used a Steelix disguised as an Onix in the Gym Leader's Tournament of the opening ceremonies in the Pokémon League. Brock's Onix tightened its grip on the hidden steel Pokémon, but against the unusual hardiness of its evolution, it only hurt itself and was eventually defeated after Steelix's stone "hide" scraped off and it was exposed. Jasmine explains that because it was a newly discovered species only so far uncovered by Crystal's capture, she tried to hide its identity, so to ensure that it wouldn't get the audience scared.
A Steelix appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.
In Put Your Beast Foot Forward, Carr of the Team Rocket beast trio used a Steelix against Red's Poli as they clashed in the Sevii Islands. It was swung aside rather easily as it was interrupted in its rampage, and after a failed Iron Tail attack, it was beaten by a smart Mind Reader maneuver.
A Steelix appeared in Lucky Lucario I, where it was used by Riley for training on Iron Island.
A Steelix appeared in Double Trouble with Dialga and Palkia V.
A Trainer's Steelix appeared in the Sword & Shield arc.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
Byron has two Steelix, which appeared in Challenge! The Fortress Of Steel!!. They were used in the challenge in which they served as walls to prevent Hareta from getting to the top.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
- Main article: Jasmine's Steelix
Jasmine's Steelix appeared in A Spectacular Battle To Save Ampharos!!.
Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All
A Steelix appeared in GDZ64.
Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic
A wild Steelix appeared in Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic, where it was caught by Soul.
Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition ~ Ranse's Color Picture Scroll ~
Two Steelix appeared in The Yellow Scroll: Hanbei vs Kanbei.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
- Main article: Jasmine's Steelix
Jessie's Steelix appeared in Tyrogue's In Love?!.
In the TCGIn the TFG
One Steelix figure has been released.
Other appearances
Steelix only appears as a random trophy.
Trophy information
A combination of Steel- and Ground-types, Steelix are the longest Pokémon yet to be discovered, reaching over 30 feet in length. Since they live so deep under the surface of the earth, the intense pressure has made their bodies stronger than diamonds. Evolved from Onix, Steelix is every bit as intimidating as its relative.
Steelix makes a cameo appearance in the Kalos Pokémon League stage. When the stage transitions to the Ironworks Chamber, it can be seen in the background along with Scizor, Klinklang, and Honedge.
Trophy Information
NA: With a body harder than diamond, this Pokemon is well suited to digging, using its powerful jaws to tunnel around. Steelix lives deep underground - even deeper than its pre-evolution, Onix. Was it pride that made Steelix prove itself able to go farther? It's hard to say. We tried to dig around for clues, but we got tired after only 10 feet...
PAL: Being harder than diamond, Steelix can crush any rock with its jaw. It can also see in pitch darkness. Its territory lies deeper than its pre-evolution, Onix, a full 1000m below the surface. Does it consider its Onix brethren to be "below" it, even though they're higher up? It's hard to say. We may have to dig a little deeper into the matter.
Steelix appears as a Spirit.
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokémon Ranger
Steelix is a boss in Pokémon Ranger. After being enraged by the Go-Rock Squad, it rampages through Panula Cave until the player captures it with their Styler.
Pokédex entries
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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| Generation II
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Johto
#063
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| Gold
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Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond.
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| Silver
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It is said that if an Onix lives for over 100 years, its composition changes to become diamond-like.
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| Crystal
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The many small metal particles that cover this Pokémon's body reflect bright light well.
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| Stadium 2
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Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond.
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| Generation III
|
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Hoenn
#—
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Kanto
#—
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| Ruby
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Steelix lives even further underground than Onix. This Pokémon is known to dig towards the earth's core. There are records of this Pokémon reaching a depth of over six-tenths of a mile underground.
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| Sapphire
|
| Emerald
|
Steelix live even further underground than Onix. This Pokémon is known to dig toward the earth's core, reaching a depth of over six-tenths of a mile underground.
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| FireRed
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It is said that if an Onix lives for over 100 years, its composition changes to become diamond-like.
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| LeafGreen
|
Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond.
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| Generation IV
|
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Sinnoh
#035
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Johto
#063
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| Diamond
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Tempered underground under high pressure and heat, its body is harder than any metal.
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| Pearl
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It chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the dark underground.
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| Platinum
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It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.
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| HeartGold
|
Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond.
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| SoulSilver
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It is said that if an Onix lives for 100 years, its composition becomes diamondlike as it evolves into a Steelix.
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| Generation V
|
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Unova
B2W2: #072
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| Black
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It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.
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| White
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| Black 2
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The iron it ingested with the soil it swallowed transformed its body and made it harder than diamonds.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
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Kalos
Coastal #054
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Hoenn
#—
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| X
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Tempered underground under high pressure and heat, its body is harder than any metal.
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| Y
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It chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the darkness underground.
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| Omega Ruby
|
Steelix lives even further underground than Onix. This Pokémon is known to dig toward the earth's core. There are records of this Pokémon reaching a depth of over six-tenths of a mile underground.
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| Alpha Sapphire
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|
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| Generation VIII
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Galar
#179
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| Sword
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It is said that if an Onix lives for over 100 years, its composition changes to become diamond-like.
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| Shield
|
It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.
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Game locations
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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In side games
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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| Generation II
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| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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In events
In-game events
Held items
Stats
Base stats
Steelix
| Stat
|
Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
|
75
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135 - 182
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260 - 354
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85
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81 - 150
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157 - 295
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200
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184 - 277
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364 - 548
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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30
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31 - 90
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58 - 174
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Total: 510
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Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Mega Steelix
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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75
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135 - 182
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260 - 354
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125
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117 - 194
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229 - 383
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230
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211 - 310
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418 - 614
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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95
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90 - 161
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175 - 317
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30
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31 - 90
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58 - 174
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Total: 610
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Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Steelix
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Steelix
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Steelix in Generation VIII
- Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
- Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Steelix in that game.
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Steelix
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Steelix
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Steelix
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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By transfer from another generation
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- Transferred Pokémon only retain these moves in Pokémon Sword and Shield
- A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Steelix
- × indicates a move that cannot be used in Sword and Shield
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for other generations
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Side game data
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Pokémon Ranger
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
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Field move:
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None
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| Loops: 10
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Min. exp.: 0
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Max. exp.: 0
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Browser entry R-179
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| Just touching Steelix causes damage! It has a tendency to move in a loop.
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.63 seconds
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Base HP: 54
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| Base Attack: 79
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Base Defense: 64
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Base Speed: 60
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Evolution
Forms
Mega Evolution
Sprites
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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Trivia
- Mega Steelix is tied with Mega Aggron for the highest base Defense stat of all Steel-type Pokémon.
- Mega Steelix also has the highest base Defense stat of all Ground-type Pokémon, as well as the highest single base stat of all Mega Evolved Pokémon, tied with Mega
- Mega Steelix is also tied with Mega Aggron and Shuckle for the highest base defense of all Pokémon.
- Steelix is shown floating above the ground in all console games, rather than, like its pre-evolved form, resting on the ground.
- All Steelix in the anime have used the move Iron Tail, excluding cameos.
- Steelix is the only Pokémon in the Pokémon Ranger games that can hurt the Capture Styler simply by touching the line.
- Mega Steelix is the tallest Steel- and Ground-type Pokémon.
- Steelix can be seen as a parallel to Scizor. They both have pre-evolved forms from Generation I, and both evolve via trading with a Metal Coat in which both change a typing to the Steel type. They both also gained a Mega Evolved form in Generation VI.
Origin
Steelix, like Onix, is most likely based on a combination of a snake and earthworm. It may also be based on the wyrm, a type of dragon that has been presented as limbless and burrowing. Its shiny coloration is likely based on the fact that gold is a very rare metal. Mega Steelix's crystalline body may be a reference to graphite turning into diamonds from compression.
Name origin
Steelix is a combination of steel and Onix, which itself likely came from the onyx stone. It may also refer to helix (with regards to its serpentine body).
Haganeil may be a combination of 鋼 hagane (steel) and nail or tail.
In other languagesRelated articlesNotesExternal links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Metal Coat (5%)
Steelixite (100%)
For other sprites and images, please see Steelix images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
