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#10071slowbro-mega
#10073pidgeot-mega
steelix-mega

On this page

  1. 01Biology & Appearance
  2. 02Behaviour & Habitat
  3. 03Evolution & Mega Evolution
  4. 04Name Origin & Design
  5. 05Breeding & Gender
  6. 06Competitive Guide
  7. 07Cultural Impact
  8. 08Where to Find Steelix-mega

steelix-mega #10072

Steel
Ground

Type Matchups

Weak to (2x damage):

Water
Fighting
Ground
Fire

Resistant to (½x damage):

Rock
Normal
Flying
Bug
Steel
Psychic
Dragon
Fairy

Immune to (0x damage):

Poison
Electric

steelix-mega

Generation II · #10072 — Iron Snake Pokémon

Mega Steelix is the Mega Evolved form of Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon introduced in Generation II. This transformation represents the ultimate expression of Steelix's metallic nature, achieved through Mega Evolution using the Steelixite stone. Standing at an imposing 10.5 meters tall and weighing a staggering 740 kilograms, Mega Steelix is substantially larger and heavier than its base form, embodying the culmination of millions of years of underground geological compression. As a Steel/Ground-type Pokémon, Mega Steelix maintains its dual typing while gaining access to the Sand Force ability, which amplifies the power of Rock, Ground, and Steel-type moves by 30% during sandstorm conditions while simultaneously protecting it from sandstorm damage. The transformation grants Mega Steelix a base stat total of 610, with particularly notable increases in Attack (from 85 to 125) and Defense (from 200 to 230), making it an extraordinarily durable and potent physical attacker.

Base Stats

HP75
Attack125
Defense230
Sp. Atk55
Sp. Def95
Speed30
Total610
Height

10.5m

Weight

740.0kg

Category

Iron Snake Pokémon

Gender

Male 50% / Female 50%

Color

gray

Shape

squiggle

Habitat

cave

Abilities
Sand Force

Strengthens rock, ground, and steel moves to 1.3× their power during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

Steelix-mega Biology & Physical Characteristics

Mega Steelix's body undergoes a dramatic crystalline transformation during Mega Evolution, becoming even more fortified than its already formidable base form. The segmented, metallic structure of standard Steelix becomes increasingly dense and compressed, with the Pokédex noting that Steelix's body composition becomes diamond-like after living for over 100 years—a quality that reaches its apex in the Mega Evolved state. Its massive, angular head with wide jaws remains the dominant physical feature, but the metallic segments along its serpentine body become more pronounced and reinforced, creating an appearance of an underground tunneling machine crafted from an indestructible alloy. The 230 Defense stat in Mega form reflects a defensive capability that is nearly unparalleled among Pokémon, allowing it to withstand tremendous physical punishment. Despite the increased bulk and weight, Mega Steelix retains the characteristic rock spikes protruding from multiple sections of its body, now appearing even more formidable and metallic than before.

Pokedex Numbers

national#208
original johto#63
original sinnoh#35
extended sinnoh#35
updated johto#63
updated unova#72
conquest gallery#176
kalos coastal#54
galar#179
hisui#119
lumiose city#198

Training

EV Yield2 Defense
Catch Rate25
Base Happiness70
Base Exp.214
Growth Ratemedium

Breeding

Egg Groupsmineral
GenderMale 50% / Female 50%
Egg Cycles25 (6630 steps)

Steelix-mega Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups

Mega Steelix maintains an equal gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female, consistent with its base form Steelix. Members of the Mineral egg group, both standard Steelix and Mega Steelix can breed with compatible partners from this category, allowing for the production of Onix offspring. The species exhibits no apparent sexual dimorphism in either form, meaning male and female specimens appear physically identical, with no observable differences in coloration, size, or structural features. Base friendship for Steelix and its Mega Evolution form stands at 70, suggesting moderate compatibility with trainers and receptiveness to care and bonding efforts. The egg cycle for breeding purposes requires 25 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 6,169 to 6,425 steps depending on the specific game mechanics. While Mega Steelix itself cannot breed while in its Mega Evolved state—as Mega Evolution is temporary—a standard Steelix can return to its base form to participate in breeding activities. The Mineral egg group classification indicates that Steelix shares ancestry and breeding compatibility with Pokémon such as Onix, Geodude, Magnemite, and other rock and metal-based creatures, reflecting its hybrid nature as both a rock-type and metal-type Pokémon.

Held Items

Metal Coat
omega ruby5%
Metal Coat
alpha sapphire5%
Metal Coat
sun5%
Metal Coat
moon5%
Metal Coat
ultra sun5%
Metal Coat
ultra moon5%

Sprites

steelix-mega Front
Front
steelix-mega Shiny Front
Shiny Front
steelix-mega Home
Home
steelix-mega Home Shiny
Home Shiny
steelix-mega Showdown
Showdown
steelix-mega Showdown Shiny
Showdown Shiny

Held Items

metal-coat

type-enhancement

Held: Steel-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.

Cost: 2000

metal-coat

type-enhancement

Held: Steel-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.

Cost: 2000

metal-coat

type-enhancement

Held: Steel-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.

Cost: 2000

metal-coat

type-enhancement

Held: Steel-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.

Cost: 2000

metal-coat

type-enhancement

Held: Steel-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.

Cost: 2000

metal-coat

type-enhancement

Held: Steel-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.

Cost: 2000

TMs & HMs

tm02

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm03

crystal

tm03

gold silver

tm05

ruby sapphire

tm05

emerald

tm05

gold silver

tm05

crystal

tm05

diamond pearl

tm05

black white

tm05

platinum

tm05

heartgold soulsilver

tm05

firered leafgreen

tm05

black 2 white 2

tm05

omega ruby alpha sapphire

tm05

x y

tm05

xd

tm05

colosseum

tm05

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm05

ultra sun ultra moon

tm05

sun moon

+649 more TMs/HMs

Gender Differences

This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.

steelix-mega's Evolution Chain

onix

onix

#0095

Rock
Ground
steelix

steelix

#0208

Steel
Ground
onix

onix

#0095

Rock
Ground
steelix

steelix

#0208

Steel
Ground

Steelix-mega Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms

Mega Steelix represents the Mega Evolved form of Steelix, accessible through Mega Evolution using the Steelixite stone, which was introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The evolution chain begins with Onix, a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon that evolves into Steelix when traded while holding a Metal Coat—a transformation that marks the point at which Onix's iron content crystallizes and transforms its body composition. The subsequent Mega Evolution into Mega Steelix represents not merely a temporary power boost, but a fundamental refinement of the metallic structure that defines the species. The stat distribution of Mega Steelix is heavily weighted toward physical bulk and offensive power, with Defense increasing by 30 points and Attack by 40 points compared to the base form, while Speed remains unchanged at 30. This statline perfectly reflects the biological lore surrounding Steelix—the longer a specimen lives and the deeper it burrows, the more its body compresses and crystallizes until it reaches a diamond-like hardness. Mega Steelix's Sand Force ability replaces the base form's possible Rock Head or Sturdy abilities, providing both offensive utility and defensive protection in sandstorm weather conditions, making it a formidable choice in sand-based competitive teams.

Where to Find

Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.

Steelix-mega Behaviour and Natural Habitat

Mega Steelix is an even more subterranean creature than its base form, known to burrow far deeper into the earth's crust in pursuit of its territory. Historical records document Steelix reaching depths exceeding six-tenths of a mile underground, with some specimens believed to be tunneling toward the earth's core itself. The transformation into Mega Steelix intensifies these burrowing instincts, as the Pokémon's enhanced physical power and compressed body allow it to navigate through rock and soil with greater efficiency. Its Sand Force ability indicates that Mega Steelix thrives in sandy, arid underground environments where sandstorms are common, deriving both protection and power amplification from these harsh conditions. The species is generally solitary, spending most of its existence in isolation far beneath the surface, which explains the rarity of human encounters. When Mega Steelix emerges to the surface, it typically does so only under specific circumstances, such as territorial conflicts or pursuit of prey, displaying the aggressive mining behavior that has made it legendary among spelunkers and geologists.

Pokedex Entries

Generation II

gold

Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond.

silver

It is said that if an ONIX lives for over 100 years, its composition changes to become diamond-like.

crystal

The many small metal particles that cover this POKéMON's body reflect bright light well.

Generation III

rubysapphire

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.

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.

firered

It is said that if an ONIX lives for over 100 years, its composition changes to become diamond-like.

leafgreen

Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than diamond.

Generation IV

diamond

Tempered underground under high pressure and heat, its body is harder than any metal.

pearl

It chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the darkness underground.

platinum

It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.

heartgold

Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond.

soulsilver

It’s said that if an ONIX lives for 100 years, its composition becomes diamondlike as it evolves into a STEELIX.

Generation V

blackwhite

It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.

black 2white 2

The iron it ingested with the soil it swallowed transformed its body and made it harder than diamonds.

Generation VI

x

Tempered underground under high pressure and heat, its body is harder than any metal.

y

It chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the darkness underground.

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.

alpha sapphire

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.

Generation VIII

sword

It is said that if an Onix lives for over 100 years, its composition changes to become diamond-like.

shield

It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil.

legends arceus

This Pokémon evolved through use of a strange item. Its body is coated with steel powder and notably hard—not even diamond can leave so much as a scratch.

Steelix-mega Name Origin & Design Inspiration

The name Steelix is a direct portmanteau of 'steel' and 'Onix,' reflecting its evolution from Onix into a steel-based variant. In Japanese, it is known as Haganeel, combining 'hagane' (steel) with the original Onix name, maintaining the linguistic connection between the two forms. The design philosophy behind Mega Steelix emphasizes reinforcement and crystallization—the Pokémon's segmented, block-like construction becomes even more angular and pronounced, with surfaces appearing more metallic and polished. The visual transformation suggests millions of years of underground pressure compressing the creature's molecular structure into an increasingly dense and resilient form. The characteristic square teeth in its massive jaw become more prominent, and the overall silhouette shifts toward a more geometric, engineered appearance, as though the Pokémon has transformed from a natural creature into a subterranean engine of earth-moving power. The spike protrusions along its body appear sharper and more metallic in Mega form, emphasizing the crystalline transformation that occurs. This design evolution effectively communicates the concept central to Steelix lore: that time, depth, and pressure fundamentally transform a creature's nature from rock-based to metal-based.

Learnable Moves

Steelix-mega can learn 68 moves:

Move
Type
Cat.
Power
Acc.
PP
aqua tailwater
Physical
909010
attractnormal
Status
—10015
autotomizesteel
Status
——15
bindnormal
Physical
158520
blocknormal
Status
——5
brutal swingdark
Physical
6010020
bulldozeground
Physical
6010020
confidenormal
Status
——20
crunchdark
Physical
8010015
curseghost
Status
——10
cutnormal
Physical
509530
dark pulsedark
Special
8010015
digground
Physical
8010010
double teamnormal
Status
——15
double edgenormal
Physical
12010015
dragon breathdragon
Special
6010020
dragon pulsedragon
Special
8510010
dragon taildragon
Physical
609010
earth powerground
Special
9010010
earthquakeground
Physical
10010010
explosionnormal
Physical
2501005
facadenormal
Physical
7010020
fire fangfire
Physical
659515
flash cannonsteel
Special
8010010
frustrationnormal
Physical
—10020
giga impactnormal
Physical
150905
gyro ballsteel
Physical
—1005
hardennormal
Status
——30
hidden powernormal
Special
6010015
hyper beamnormal
Special
150905
ice fangice
Physical
659515
iron headsteel
Physical
8010015
iron tailsteel
Physical
1007515
magnet riseelectric
Status
——10
mud sportground
Status
——15
nature powernormal
Status
——20
paybackdark
Physical
5010010
protectnormal
Status
——10
psych upnormal
Status
——10
ragenormal
Physical
2010020
restpsychic
Status
——5
returnnormal
Physical
—10020
roarnormal
Status
——20
rock polishrock
Status
——20
rock sliderock
Physical
759010
rock smashfighting
Physical
4010015
rock throwrock
Physical
509015
rock tombrock
Physical
609515
roundnormal
Special
6010015
sandstormrock
Status
——10
screechnormal
Status
—8540
secret powernormal
Physical
7010020
slamnormal
Physical
807520
sleep talknormal
Status
——10
smack downrock
Physical
5010015
snorenormal
Special
5010015
stealth rockrock
Status
——20
stomping tantrumground
Physical
7510010
stone edgerock
Physical
100805
strengthnormal
Physical
8010015
substitutenormal
Status
——10
sunny dayfire
Status
——5
swaggernormal
Status
—8515
tacklenormal
Physical
4010035
tauntdark
Status
—10020
thunder fangelectric
Physical
659515
tormentdark
Status
—10015
toxicpoison
Status
—9010

Steelix-mega Competitive Battle Guide

Mega Steelix is a formidable defensive pivot and physical tank in competitive Pokémon formats, distinguished by its exceptional Defense stat of 230 in Mega form—among the highest defensive values available to any Pokémon. Its Attack stat of 125 provides genuine offensive threat despite not being exceptional, allowing it to deal respectable damage with physical Steel and Ground-type moves while primarily functioning as a wall against physical attackers. The 40-point Attack increase upon Mega Evolution compared to the base form makes Mega Steelix substantially more threatening offensively than standard Steelix, transforming it from a pure defensive utility Pokémon into a legitimate physical threat. Sand Force ability is the primary draw for competitive usage, as it amplifies the power of Steel, Rock, and Ground-type moves by 30% during sandstorm weather, while simultaneously immunizing the user to sandstorm damage—a combination that makes Mega Steelix an ideal partner for sandstorm-based teams. Its Steel/Ground typing grants excellent resistances and immunities, including resistance to Rock, Normal, Flying, Bug, Grass, Dragon, and Steel-type moves, plus immunity to Electric-type attacks and poison effects. However, Mega Steelix's pitiful Speed stat of 30 represents a significant vulnerability, requiring careful team support through priority moves, paralysis-inducing teammates, or speed control strategies. Common moveset options include Iron Head and Earthquake for STAB coverage, Stone Edge or Rock Slide for additional coverage and sandstorm synergy, and utility moves such as Stealth Rock, Curse, or Toxic to provide team support.

Commonly Asked Questions About Steelix-mega

What type is Steelix-mega?

Steelix-mega is a steel and ground type Pokemon.

What does Steelix-mega evolve into?

Steelix-mega does not evolve into any other Pokemon. It is the final form in its evolution line.

What are Steelix-mega's weaknesses?

Steelix-mega is weak to water, fighting, ground and fire type moves.

Steelix-mega Cultural Impact & Franchise History

Steelix has maintained significant presence in Pokémon media since its introduction in Generation II, with Mega Steelix receiving particular attention following its debut in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Notable trainer Jasmine, the Steel-type Gym Leader of Johto, uses Steelix prominently in the anime and manga, establishing the species as iconic to the Steel-type archetype and steel-themed characters. Brock's Steelix has also appeared extensively throughout the anime series, often serving as his primary ground-based attacker and demonstrating the species' subterranean tunneling prowess. The competitive Pokémon community has embraced Mega Steelix as a viable sand-based wall, with its unique defensive profile and ability synergy making it a specialization choice for players building around sandstorm weather conditions. In Pokémon GO, Mega Steelix's introduction allowed players to experience the Mega Evolution mechanic with this defensive juggernaut, further popularizing the form among mobile gaming audiences. The species' design has inspired numerous fan artworks and discussions surrounding the concept of geological transformation and crystallization, with Mega Steelix serving as a visual representation of how extreme environmental pressure fundamentally alters a creature's composition. The lore surrounding Steelix's century-long transformation into diamond-like material has captured the imagination of the fan community, generating discussions about long-term evolution and time-based metamorphosis in Pokémon biology.

Where to Find Steelix-mega in Every Pokémon Game

Mega Steelix was officially introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire as an exclusive Mega Evolution form, requiring the Steelixite Mega Stone for activation. To obtain Mega Steelix, players must first obtain a standard Steelix by trading Onix while holding a Metal Coat, then acquire the Steelixite through post-game content or distribution events in ORAS. In subsequent generations, Mega Steelix's availability has varied: it appears in Pokémon Sword and Shield's base game and expansions, accessible through raid battles and trading from earlier generations. Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the upcoming Legends: Z-A have listed Steelix in their available Pokédex entries, suggesting continued inclusion in modern titles. Pokémon GO introduced Mega Steelix through its Mega Evolution system, allowing players to temporarily Mega Evolve caught Steelix specimens using Mega Energy earned through raids and research tasks. The Steelixite Mega Stone, necessary for Mega Evolution, has been distributed through in-game events, Mystery Gifts, and post-game quest completion across various titles. Players seeking to add Mega Steelix to their teams should prioritize obtaining a standard Steelix through traditional methods first, as Mega Evolution is temporary and the base form remains essential for team building. Competitive players pursuing Mega Steelix for sandstorm-based teams typically breed or catch Onix in sandstorm-associated locations, then evolve it through trading mechanics available across multiple generations.