How to defeat Mega Steelix in Pokémon Go
Mega Steelix is making its Pokémon Go debut!
Mega Evolution has finally arrived in Pokémon Go and with it, Mega Raids! A whole new class of Raids, Mega Raids let you and your friends challenge a Mega Evolved Pokémon. These are some of the most challenging Raids yet, but we here at iMore got your back! Mega Steelix is here and we have everything you need to know to take on its Mega Raid. And be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!
Who is Mega Steelix in Pokémon Go?
Originally encountered in Gen II’s Johto region, Steelix is the Steel and Ground type evolution of Gen I’s Onix. This massive rock snake takes on a Metal Coat when evolving, trading its Rock typing for Steel. Upon Mega Evolving, it retains that typing, nearly doubles in size, and gets a massive stat boost. It is said that the process of Mega Evolution leaves Mega Steelix’s body more durable and resilient than any mineral known to man.
In Pokémon Go, Mega Steelix is the first Mega Steel and the first Mega Ground type to make its debut. While there are other Mega Evolved Pokémon of both types that will eventually take Mega Steelix’s place, for now it’s an indispensible addition to any Pokémon Go player’s roster.
What are the best counters for Mega Steelix in Pokémon Go?
As a Steel and Ground type, Mega Steelix takes super effective damage from Fire, Water, Fighting, and Ground type moves. It can deal Steel, Ground, Electric, Dragon, and Dark type damage, leaving a lot of room for different counters. If you can safely coordinate with the rest of your raid party, you’ll want to focus on one of these types with a Mega Evolved Pokémon leading the team, but even if you cannot coordinate, there are multiple winning strategies.
Mega Charizard Y
Best of the best, even beating out Shadow Moltres, Mega Charizard Y should be your first choice in this fight. As a Fire and Flying type, it is weak to Mega Steelix’s Electric type fast move, Thunder Fang, but resists its Steel and Ground type moves. If possible to safely coordinate with the rest of your raid party, you’ll want everyone to bring Fire types to make the most of its Mega Boost. Fire Spin and Blast Burn are the ideal moves for any Charizard you would bring to this Mega Raid.
Mega Blastoise
For a Water focused counter, Mega Blastoise is the best choice to lead. As a pure Water type, it resists Mega Steelix’s Steel type moves, but is weak to Electric, so you’ll want to watch out for Thunder Fang. You’ll want to coordinate with the rest of your raid party if it is safe to do so, but even if you cannot, Mega Blastoise is still one of the best counters here. Water Gun and Hydro Cannon are the moveset you’ll want your Mega Blastoise to know.
Mega Charizard X
While Mega Charizard Y is the best choice, if you already have Mega Charizard X ready to go, it is still one of the best options to counter Mega Steelix. As a Fire and Dragon type, it resists Steel and Electric, but it takes super effective damage from Ground and Dragon type moves, so you’ll want to have lots of Potions and Revives on hand to keep it in the fight. Regardless which Charizard you’re bringing, Fire Spin and Blast Burn are the best moves for it.
Mega Gyarados
Although it doesn’t perform quite as well as Mega Blastoise, if you are lacking the Mega Energy, Mega Gyarados is a fine substitute to lead your Water based offensive. Its Water and Dark typing give it resistances to Steel and Dark type moves, while it remains weak to Electric. If you’re bringing Mega Gyarados to this fight, you’ll want it to know Waterfall and Hydro Pump.
Reshiram
The best non-Mega and non-Shadow counter for Mega Steelix is the mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram. As a Fire and Dragon type, it resists Steel and Electric type moves, but is weak to Ground and Dragon. Outside of Pokémon Go Fest 2021, Reshiram has only had two runs in raids, however, it is returning to raids alongside Mega Steelix’s debut, so you have a chance to add it to your roster right now. Fire Fang and Overheat are the best moves for your Reshiram to know in this fight.
Mega Houndoom
While it cannot keep pace with either Mega Charizard, Mega Houndoom is a solid substitute for leading a Fire based offensive. As a Dark and Fire type, it resists Dark and Steel type moves, while taking super effective damage from Ground type. Fire Fang and Flamethrower is the moveset you’ll want your Houndoom to know.
Lucario
Gen IV’s Lucario is a great option if you’re aiming for a Fighting based offensive. A Steel and Fighting type, Lucario takes increased damage from Ground type moves, but it also resists Steel, Dark, and Dragon type. Unfortunately, Lucario isn’t the most accessible of Pokémon in Go. It can only be evolved and its first stage is one of the rarer hatches from 10KM eggs, so many players don’t even have one, much less the Candy to power it up. If you do have Lucario, you’ll want it to know Counter and Aura Sphere for this raid.
Conkeldurr
Originally encountered in the Unova region of Gen V, Conkeldurr makes a great counter for Mega Steelix. It’s a pure Fighting type, so it has no weaknesses relevant to this fight and it will resist Mega Steelix’s Dark type move. Conkeldurr is also really easy to come by, with its first stage having been featured in events and raids, and benefiting from Trade Evolution, so most players have had the chance to add this Pokémon to their roster. Counter and Dynamic Punch are the moves your Conkeldurr should know for this fight.
Landorus (Therian forme)
Landorus, one of Gen V’s Forces of Nature, is another excellent choice for this Mega Raid, but you’re going to want its Therian forme. As a Ground and Flying type, he resists Ground and Electric type moves, while having no weaknesses Mega Steelix can exploit. While the Therian forme of Landorus has only had one full run in Raids, it shares the same Candy as its Incarnate forme, so many players have the resources to power him up. If you’re bringing Landorus to this fight, you’ll want him to know Mud Shot and Earthquake.
Moltres
One of the Legendary birds of Kanto, Moltres is an excellent addition to a Fire based raid party. As a Fire and Flying type, it will take increased damage from Mega Steelix’s Electric type move, but it resists Ground and Steel type damage. Plus, Moltres has been available so many times, in so many ways, that there’s just no good reason not to have a couple already powered up. Fire Spin and Overheat are the ideal moves for a Moltres in this Mega Raid.
Kyogre
The Legendary mascor of Pokémon Ruby, Kyogre performs very well against Mega Steelix. As a pure Water type, it shares Mega Blastoise’s resistance to Steel and weakness to Electric. Kyogre is also readily available, having been featured in Raids several times, as well as a Research Breakthrough reward encounter and a Pokémon Go Battle League reward encounter. Waterfall and Surf are the moves you’ll want your Kyogre to know.
Swampert
Swampert, the final evolution of Gen III’s Water Starter, is another excellent counter for Mega Steelix. Its Water and Ground typing give it resistances to Steel and Electric type damage, as well as no weaknesses relevant to this fight. Swampert is also ready available, having beend featured in many events, including a Community Day. If you’re bringing Swampert to this Mega Raid, you’ll want Water Gun for its fast move and Hydro Cannon for the charged.
Mega Lopunny
There are much better options for Mega Evolved Pokémon in this fight, but Mega Lopunny is the only option right now for a Fighting type Mega Boost. Mega Lopunny’s Normal and Fighting typing usually holds it back a lot, but here it means no weaknesses Mega Steelix can exploit and a resistance to Dark type damage. While that isn’t enough for the Rabbit Pokémon to keep up with Lucario or Conkeldurr, the Mega Boost is worth it. Low Kick and Focus Blast are the moves you’ll want your Mega Lopunny to know.
Machamp
Gen I’s Machamp comes in close behind Mega Lopunny in terms of performance here. As a pure Fighting type, it has the same weaknesses and resistances as Conkeldurr, and it’s even more obtainable. Machamp has been featured in events, including Community Day, and it also benefits from Trade Evolution, leaving tons of Candy for powering up. If you’re bringing Machamp to this Mega Raid, Counter and Dynamic Punch is the moveset you’re looking for.
Feraligatr
Last but not least, the final evolution of Johto’s Water starter, Feraligatr performs well against Mega Steelix. It’s a pure Water type so it resists Steel type moves, while taking super effective damage from Electric. Feraligatr has shown up in many events, including Community Day, so chances are, you already have at least one or two. Water Gun and Hydro Cannon are the ideal moves for Feraligatr in this fight.
Back ups?
Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you’re finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you’re dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:
Samurott with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon
Groudon with Mud Shot and Earthquake
Kingler with Bubble and Crabhammer
Entei with Fire Fang and Overheat
Breloom with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Clawitzer with Water Gun and Crabhammer
Darmanitan with Fire Fang and Overheat
Chandelure with Fire Spin and Overheat
Charizard with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
Blaziken with Counter and Blast Burn
Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
Empoleon with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon
Landorus (Incarnate forme) with Mud Shot and Earth Power
Haxorus with Counter and Surf
Hariyama with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Victini with Quick Attack and V Create
Salamence with Fire Fang and Hydro Pump
Gyarados with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
Heatran with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
Emboar with Low Kick and Blast Burn
Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
Shadow Pokémon?
The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it’s possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:
Shadow Moltres with Fire Spin and Overheat
Shadow Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Shadow Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
Shadow Charizard with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
Shadow Hariyama with Counter and Dynami Punch
Shadow Entei with Fire Fang and Overheat
Shadow Gyarados with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
Shadow Salamence with Fire Fang and Hydro Pump
Shadow Ho-Oh with Incinerate and Fire Blast
Shadow Magmortar with Fire Spin and Fire Punch
Shadow Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
Shadow Arcanine with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
Shadow Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
Note: This is the Mega Raid for Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Moltres, Shadow Machamp, Shadow Swampert, Shadow Charizard, Shadow Hariyama, and Shadow Entei outperform every non-Mega Pokémon in the best counters list. If it is possible to safely coordinate the use of any of the numerous Mega Evolved counters, it will provide a same type boost that will make these Shadow Pokémon perform even better.
How many players does it take to beat Mega Steelix in Pokémon Go?
This is a tough fight, plain and simple. The best trainers with the best counters will need four just to beat the clock, but as this is a Mega Raid, you’re going to want as large a raid party as possible to maximize your Mega Energy.
Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:
Sunny Weather will boost Mega Steelix’s Ground type moves, as well as your Ground and Fire type counters
Snow will boost its Steel type moves
Wind will boost its Dragon type move
Rain will boost its Electric type move, as well as your Water type counters
Fog will boost its Dark type move
Cloudy Weather will boost your Fighting type counters
Questions about taking on Mega Steelix in Pokémon Go?
Do you have any questions about taking on Mega Steelix in Pokémon Go? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, so you can be the very best like no one ever was!
