Pokémon Legends Arceus: Best Steel-Type Pokémon

Introduced in Generation II along with Dark-type, Steel-type Pokémon are the best defensive type in the series, but they can also pack some good offense, too. However, most are generally slow. The same holds true for the Steel-types in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, though there aren’t too many available.

Below, you will find a list of of the best Steel-type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. There are a few important notes to keep in mind when viewing this list. Firstly, this list won’t include any Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, and there are only eight final evolutions that are Steel-type. Secondly, each Pokémon on this list has at least a Base Stats Total of 495. Thirdly, secondary type (if any) matters when considering any added Steel Pokémon weaknesses.

An observational note: there are no pure Steel-type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

1. Hisuian Goodra (Base Stats Total: 600)

Hisuian Goodra has very similar stats to its future Kalos descendant, but is more formidable and possibly the best non-Legendary or Mythical Pokémon in Arceus. It’s a reason why it was at the top of the best team and strongest list – and not just because it’s a pseudo-Legendary.

Hisuian Goodra is even more of a tank than the Kalos form. While it retains the same Special Defense of 150, its Defense jumps to 100 from 70 for the latter. It has great Special Attack (110) and Attack (100), but sacrifices a bit of HP (80) and Speed (60).

Hisuian Goodra learns a mix of moves. It learns Acid Spray, Water Pulse, Dragon Pulse, and Hydro Pump while also learning Iron Head. It can learn through move tutors Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Water Pulse, and Ice Beam. Hisuian Goodra’s tank status and a move set that covers its weaknesses make it the ideal choice to add to your team.

Hisuian Goodra only has two weaknesses thanks to its dual Dragon- and Steel-typing in Ground and Fighting. Steel reverts the damage from Ice, Dragon, and Fairy to normal. It has resistances to Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Water, Electric, and Psychic with a double resistance to Grass. As with all Steel-types, Goodra is immune to Poison. Offensively, Goodra’s typing is super effective against Dragon, Rock, Ice, and Fairy.

You can find Hisuian Goodra at Ancient Quarry. If you want to evolve one from a Goomy, Goomy can be found at Ancient Quarry and Holm of Trials. To evolve, Sliggoo (Goomy’s evolved form) into Goodra, it has to be at least level 50 and raining in the overworld to trigger.

2. Magnezone (Base Stats Total: 535)

The final evolution of Magnemite, the Electric- and Steel-type Magnezone is a great choice for anyone who wants to forgo adding Hisuian Goodra to their team. Electric-type Pokémon are also one of the rarer types in Arceus, making Magnezone a bit more appealing.

Magnezone has a Special Attack of 130, perfect for the many Electric-type special attacks like Thunderbolt. It also has tank qualities with a Defense of 115 and Special Defense of 90. However, its other three stats are middling with HP and Attack at 70 and Speed at 60.

Magnezone learns Flash Cannon, Tri Attack, and Thunderbolt. It can also learn Charge Beam, Hyper Beam, Steel Beam, and Wild Charge. Unlike Goodra, Magnezone cannot cover its weaknesses.

Magnezone is weak to Fighting and Fire, and holds a double weakness to Ground. It holds resistances to the other types except Ghost, Water, and Dark, which do normal damage. However, it holds a double resistance to Flying and Steel attacks. Again, it is immune to Poison as a Steel-type. Offensively, Magnezone’s typing is super effective against Flying, Water, Rock, Ice, and Fairy.

Magnezone can be found at Celestica Trail, Clamberclaw Cliffs, and Fabled Spring. If you want to evolve one from a Magnemite, those can be only be found in Space-Time Distortions, which will be marked on your map (fast travel to the nearest camp). After it evolves into Magneton, use a Thunder Stone to evolve into Magnezone.

3. Empoleon (Base Stats Total: 530)

The eventual Sinnoh starter makes a repeat appearance after placing in the best Water-type Pokémon in Arceus list. If you didn’t pick Oshawott, few Water-types will be better than Empoleon, strengthened by its secondary Steel-type.

Empoleon excels in the special department with Special Attack of 111 and Special Defense of 101. Defense (88), Attack (86), and HP (84) are well-balanced, but like Magenzone, it is slow with an identical Speed of 60. The high Special Defense is offset a bit knowing that two of Empoleon’s weaknesses mainly use physical attacks.

Empoleon learns moves like Aerial Ace, Water Pulse, Liquidation, and Wave Crash. It can also learn Shadow Claw, Flash Cannon, Steel Beam, Bulldoze, and Ice Beam, the latter two covering weaknesses. With its learned and move tutor offerings, Empoleon can cover its weaknesses.

Empoleon is weak to Fighting, Ground, and Electric. It holds resistances to the other types except Ghost, Fire, Grass, and Dark which do normal damage. However, it holds a double resistance to Steel and Ice. Offensively, Empoleon’s typing is super effective against Fire, Rock, Ground, Ice, Flying, and Fairy.

Empoleon can be found at Islespy Shore. If you want to evolve one from a Piplup, those can be found at Spring Path.

4. Lucario (Base Stats Total: 525)

Lucario placed second on the list of best Fighting-type Pokémon, and places well again for Steel-types in Arceus.

The Aura Pokémon is a fierce and fast attacker. Its Special Attack is 115, Attack 110, and Speed 90. The other three stats are all 70 (HP, Defense, Special Defense). Lucario was made for quick battles and not ones of attrition, making it an anomaly among Steel-type Pokémon.

It learns Bullet Punch, Bite and Crunch, Dragon Pulse, and its signature Aura Sphere. It can also learn Flash Cannon, Poison Jab, Shadow Ball, Water Pulse, Zen Headbutt, and Bulldoze, the latter three covering weaknesses.

The Fighting-and Steel-type is weak to Fire, Ground, and Fighting. It holds resistances against Normal, Steel, Grass, Ice, Dragon, and Dark, and it holds a double resistance to Rock and Bug. Offensively, Lucario’s typing is super effective against Rock, Ice, Steel, Normal, and Fairy.

Lucario can be found at Icebound Falls and Snowfall Hot Spring. If you want to evolve one from a Riolu, Riolu can be found at the same locations. Riolu can only be evolved with high friendship during the daytime.

5. Probopass (Base Stats Total: 525)

The mustached one carries a surprisingly high Base Stats Total, though it’s best for a team doing a challenge run.

Probopass is a tank through and through. It has Special Defense of 150 and Defense of 145. The Rock- and Steel-type carries little impact offensively with Special Attack of 75, Attack of 55, and HP of 60. Its Speed is a paltry 40, though that’s not even close to slowest on this list!

Probopass learns Spark, Rock Slide, Tri Attack, Flash Cannon, and Earth Power. It can learn Fire Punch, Iron Head, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and Thunderbolt, covering two of its weaknesses.

Probopass is weak to Water with a double weakness to Ground and Fighting. It resists attacks from Rock, Bug, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy, holding a double resistance to Normal and Flying. Offensively, Probopass’ typing is super effective against Fire, Ice, Flying, Rock, and Fairy.

You can find Probopass at Primeval Grotto. If you want to evolve one from a Nosepass, those can be found at Celestica Ruins and Primeval Grotto. Use a Thunder Stone to evolve.

6. Steelix (Base Stats Total: 510)

The Steel- and Ground-type Steelix makes an appearance after just missing the cut and earning an honorable mention for the best Ground-type Pokémon list.

Steelix pretty much forgoes all other stats to become your physical defense tank. It has a ridiculous 200 in Defense. Its Attack is good at 85 and HP at 75. However, its Special Defense (65), Special Attack (55), and especially Speed (30) leave a lot to be desired. The 30 in Speed is tied for the lowest on this list.

Steelix learns Bulldoze, Rock Slide, High Horsepower, and Iron Tail. It can also learn Fire Fang, Ice Fang, and Thunder Fang, among others. It can cover all but one of its weaknesses with its learned and teachable moves.

Steelix is weak to Fighting, Ground, Fire, and Water. It holds resistances to Normal, Flying, Bug, Steel, Psychic, Dragon, and Fairy. It holds a double resistance to Rock. In addition to its immunity from Poison, it also holds an immunity to Electric because of its Ground-type. Offensively, Steelix’s typing is super effective against Fire, Poison, Electric, Rock, Ice, and Fairy, though be careful against Fire-types.

Steelix can be found at Celestica Trail. If you want to evolve one from an Onix, those can be found at Bolderoll Slope, Celestica Trail, Lake Valor, and Scarlet Bog. To evolve, simply give Onix a Metal Coat.

7. Bronzong (Base Stats Total: 500)

The Steel- and Psychic-type placed in the same spot in the list of best Psychic-type Pokémon, so it holds as a good choice to add to your team if you’re looking for either type.

Bronzong is a slow tank, pretty much standard for Steel-types. Its Defense and Special Defense are both 116. Its Attack is good at 89, Special Attack a slight step back at 79, and HP is 67. Its Speed is a meager 33.

Bronzong learns Confusion, Hex, Flash Cannon, and Extrasensory. It can also learn Psychic, Shadow Ball, and Rock Smash, among others. It can cover two of its weaknesses.

Bronzong is weak to Ground, Ghost, Fire, and Dark. It holds resistances to Normal, Flying, Rock, Steel, Grass, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy, with a double resistance to Psychic. Offensively, Bronzong’s typing is super effective against Fighting, Poison, Ice, Rock, and Fairy.

Bronzong can be found at Ancient Quarry, Celestica Ruins, Clamberclaw Cliffs, Lake Acuity, and Stonetooth Rows. If you want to evolve one from a Bronzor, you can find them at the same locations.

8. Bastiodon (Base Stats Total: 495)

The Shield Pokémon appears on this list embodying its name as it is indeed a defensive bastion.

The Rock- and Steel-type Bastiodon’s Defense is 168 and Special Defense 138. Its Defense is second only to Steelix on this list. However, in order to be a shield, its other stats are low with HP at 60, Attack at 52, Special Attack at 47, and Speed at 30.

Bastiodon learns Ancient Power, Rock Slide, Iron Head, and Earth Power along with Iron Defense. It can also learn Flamethrower, Outrage, Steel Beam, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt, the last two covering weaknesses.

Bastion is the same as Probopass in terms of weaknesses: Water with a double weakness to Ground and Fighting. It resists attacks from Rock, Bug, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy, holding a double resistance to Normal and Flying. Offensively, Bastiodon’s typing is super effective against Fire, Ice, Flying, Rock, and Fairy.

Bastiodon can only be found in Space-Time Distortions. If you want to evolve one from a Shieldon, those can be found at the same location.

Legendary and Mythical Steel-type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Should you want to add a Legendary or Mythical Steel-type to your team, here are the ones available in Hisui.

• Heatran
• Dialga (Origin Forme)
• Palkia (Origin Forme)

Heatran can be found at Firespit Island. Dialga and Palkia can be found at the Temple of Sinnoh.

There you go, your list of Steel-types in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Which will you add to stabilize your team with excellent defense?