Ruling with an Iron Fist: Steel-types in OU

Art by Falgaia.

Introduction

Ever since the Steel type's introduction in Pokémon Gold and Silver to balance the grossly overpowered Psychic type, Steel has been a staple pick in competitive Pokémon. There has never been a time period where Steel has been considered an undesirable typing. Despite its glaring weaknesses to Fighting and, more importantly, Fire and Ground, Steel has many amazing qualities that make it very hard to pass up on a serious team. Steel's most distinct feature is its absurd amount of resistances, with 11 of them! Steel-types are even immune to Poison, making them even better defensive behemoths. Steel still maintains its top-tier spot in USM OU, with 13 viable Steel-types in the metagame and 10 of them in OU. Without further ado, here are the top Steel-types in OU!

Top Steel-types in OU

Heatran

Utility Offensive Defensive Choice Scarf

[Utility] Heatran @ Leftovers

Ability: Flash Fire

EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

- Magma Storm

- Earth Power

- Taunt

- Stealth Rock / Toxic

[Offensive] Heatran @ Firium Z / Groundium Z

Ability: Flash Fire

EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

- Magma Storm

- Earth Power

- Taunt

- Stealth Rock / Toxic

[Specially Defensive] Heatran @ Leftovers

Ability: Flash Fire

EVs: 248 HP / 220 SpD / 40 Spe

Calm Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

- Lava Plume

- Stealth Rock

- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp

- Taunt / Protect

[Choice Scarf] Heatran @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Flash Fire

EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

- Overheat

- Earth Power

- Lava Plume

- Flash Cannon

Heatran's phenomenal versatility and typing make it one of the best Pokémon in the OU metagame. Heatran can fill both offensive and defensive roles for a team. Defensively, Heatran's amazing typing allows it to check Tapu Lele, non-Hidden Power Ground Volcarona, and almost every other Steel-type in OU. It also has amazing utility with status moves such as Taunt and Toxic, allowing it to defeat would-be checks such as Chansey and Latios. It can even trap and defeat Toxapex with Magma Storm, Earth Power, and Taunt. Thanks to Heatran's great bulk and ability to force many switches, it also acts one of the premier Stealth Rock users in OU, second only to Landorus-T. Offensively, with Magma Storm, Taunt, and Toxic, Heatran is one of the most difficult Pokémon to safely switch into, even if it is not the offensive set; even Chansey isn’t safe from Taunt and Magma Storm. All of these factors make Heatran extremely difficult to deal with for stall teams; offensive sets with Firium Z are especially troublesome, as they can break Mega Sableye. Heatran can even run a Choice Scarf set that allows it surprise Pokémon that would normally outspeed it like Swords Dance Kartana and non-Choice Scarf Tapu Lele. Heatran's only true weaknesses come with its low Speed and the fact that it is easily revenge killed by a high number of offensive threats like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Ash-Greninja. Heatran is also easily worn down, as it has no reliable recovery. Additionally, Heatran can be broken through by the Pokémon it is meant to check; Magearna, Mega Mawile, and Volcarona can all break through Heatran with Fighting- and Ground-type coverage, respectively.

Kartana

Choice Band Swords Dance Choice Scarf

[Choice band] Kartana @ Choice Band

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

- Leaf Blade

- Sacred Sword

- Knock Off

- Smart Strike

[Swords Dance] Kartana @ Fightinium Z / Grassium Z

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

- Leaf Blade

- Swords Dance

- Sacred Sword

- Defog / Knock Off / Smart Strike

[Choice Scarf] Kartana @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

- Leaf Blade

- Sacred Sword

- Smart Strike / Defog

- Defog / Knock Off

Kartana is one of the strongest offensive Pokémon in the OU metagame. Its astronomical Attack stat means its Swords Dance set can even break Pokémon that resist its STAB attacks like Mega Scizor and Celesteela, which allows it to slice balance and stall in half. This is only bolstered by Kartana's Beast Boost ability, which gives it an Attack boost every time it gets a KO. Alternatively, Kartana can run a Choice Band set; its power gives it the ability to KO usual checks like Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur. Kartana can also run an effective Choice Scarf set that allows it to revenge kill normally faster offensive Pokémon such as Mega Lopunny, Tapu Koko, and Swift Swim-boosted Mega Swampert. Kartana takes perfect advantage of Beast Boost here, too, as Beast Boost allows it to snowball against offensive teams extremely quickly. One of Kartana's greatest strengths is its proficiency as an amazing offensive Defogger, as its nuclear attack power allows it to highly pressure entry hazard setters. This makes it extremely useful for offensive teams that do not have room to run passive, momentum-draining Defoggers. Fortunately for us humans, Kartana and the other Ultra Beasts will not be able to invade Earth, as even the strongest of them has its weaknesses. Kartana's Special Defense resembles that of a sandcastle; it will never take an unresisted and somewhat strong special attack. It is also outsped by common Pokémon on offense like Tapu Koko and Ash-Greninja, making it easy to revenge kill for these teams.

Magearna

Assault Vest Shift Gear Shift Gear + Calm Mind Trick Room

[Assault Vest] Magearna @ Assault Vest

Ability: Soul-Heart

EVs: 248 HP / 220 SpD / 36 Spe

Sassy Nature

- Fleur Cannon

- Iron Head

- Hidden Power Fire

- Volt Switch

[Shift Gear] Magearna @ Electrium Z / Fairium Z

Ability: Soul-Heart

EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

- Thunderbolt

- Shift Gear

- Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire

- Ice Beam / Fleur Cannon

[Shift Gear & Calm Mind] Magearna @ Electrium Z / Leftovers

Ability: Soul-Heart

EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

- Thunderbolt

- Ice Beam

- Shift Gear

- Calm Mind

[Trick Room] Magearna @ Fairium Z / Electrium Z

Ability: Soul-Heart

EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD

Quiet Nature

IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe

- Fleur Cannon

- Trick Room

- Thunderbolt / Flash Cannon

- Focus Blast

Magearna is one of the most effective defensive pivots in the OU metagame, being one of the most common defensive Pokémon on bulky offense. With the Assault Vest set, Magearna can defensively check both Greninja formes, Tapu Lele, most Tapu Koko sets, and Shift Gear Magearna as well as outspeed and counter Calm Mind Clefable. Magearna is also very good at keeping momentum in its team's favor thanks to its access to Volt Switch and its ability to deter most Ground-types from switching in. Magearna also can run sweeping sets very effectively; with the help of a Z-Crystal, Magearna can bypass would-be checks such as Heatran and Toxapex. Shift Gear Magearna is rather difficult to revenge kill, as every Choice Scarf user that outspeeds it with the exception of Blacephalon cannot OHKO it reliably; for Trick Room Magearna, Trick Room turns their Choice Scarves against them! Unfortunately, Nikola overlooked some errors when inventing Magearna. It is very slow, meaning without a boost on its side, it fails to outspeed much even with EV investment. Additionally, the offensive sets can face quite a few roadblocks depending on which Z-Crystal it uses and moves it chooses to forgo. Finally, and most importantly, Magearna has no reliable recovery, causing it to be worn down quite easily.

Ferrothorn

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers

Ability: Iron Barbs

EVs: 248 HP / 52 Def / 208 SpD

Sassy Nature

- Leech Seed

- Power Whip

- Spikes / Stealth Rock

- Knock Off / Protect / Gyro Ball

Because of its amazing typing, defensive stats, and utility in Spikes, Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, and Knock Off, Ferrothorn is one of the premier support Pokémon in OU. Its Grass / Steel typing allows it to check Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, Tapu Lele, and much more, making it a great choice as a bulky Steel-type for offensive and balanced teams alike. It is also a great entry hazard setter, with both Spikes and Stealth Rock at its disposal. Iron Barbs is a great ability, letting it punish physical attackers that directly attack Ferrothorn. Despite all of this, Ferrothorn does have its faults. Even though Ferrothorn has access to Leech Seed, it is still worn down extremely easily. Ferrothorn can also be a bit unreliable at walling certain threats; many Pokémon it is supposed to check such as Tapu Lele often carry Fire-type coverage to defeat Ferrothorn. Finally, Ferrothorn can also be forced out by many dangerous Pokémon such as Hawlucha, Kartana, and Mega Medicham.

Celesteela

Celesteela @ Leftovers

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 248 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD

Relaxed Nature

- Heavy Slam

- Flamethrower

- Leech Seed

- Protect

Celesteela is also an amazing defensive Pokémon in the metagame. Its amazing bulk and great Steel / Flying defensive typing let it reliably check Landorus-T, Tapu Lele, Choice Scarf Kartana, and Mega Scizor. Despite not having access to a reliable recovery move, its access to Leech Seed and Protect makes Celesteela very difficult to wear down, only bolstered by the fact that Celesteela floats above Spikes. Due to the aforementioned Leech Seed and decent offensive stats with powerful STAB moves, Celesteela is surprisingly difficult to switch into. This allows Celesteela to be a very solid pick as a bulky Steel-type for balanced and bulky offensive teams. Unfortunately, even the 2204-pound, 30-foot-tall, flying triplet Trump Towers from outer space aren't invincible; Celesteela has its weaknesses. Celesteela is huge bait for highly dangerous Pokémon such as Tapu Koko, Heatran if Celesteela is not running Earthquake, and Toxapex. Celesteela's main problem is that it faces huge competition from the other bulky Steel-types such as Magearna, Heatran, and Ferrothorn.

Mega Scizor

Bulky SD Bulky Defog

[Bulky Swords Dance] Scizor @ Scizorite

Ability: Light Metal

EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

Impish Nature

- Swords Dance

- Bullet Punch

- U-turn / Knock Off

- Roost

[Bulky Defog] Scizor @ Scizorite

Ability: Light Metal

EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

Impish Nature

- Defog

- U-turn

- Bullet Punch

- Roost

Mega Scizor is a great Mega Evolution in the USM metagame. Defensively, Mega Scizor is an excellent Defogger that can check Landorus-T, Tapu Bulu, Kartana, and even Zygarde sometimes. It can also keep momentum with U-turn. Offensively, Mega Scizor can sweep effectively with Swords Dance and priority Bullet Punch, most notably, allows Mega Scizor to destroy hyper offensive teams. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor's Swords Dance set can struggle a bit with more defensive teams due to the presence of Toxapex, Heatran, and Celesteela. Magnezone's popularity in the current metagame also hurts Mega Scizor, as it is easily trapped and OHKOed by it. Although Mega Scizor is a great defensive Pokémon, it can struggle a bit when Defogging due to the fact that it loses to some entry hazard setters such as Heatran. Being a Steel-type that cannot check Tapu Lele due to Psychic Terrain blocking Bullet Punch does not help Scizor fit onto a team any more easily either.

Magnezone

Choice Scarf Z-Move Trapper

[Choice Scarf] Magnezone @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Magnet Pull

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

- Thunderbolt

- Hidden Power Fire

- Flash Cannon

- Volt Switch

[Z-Move Trapper] Magnezone @ Electrium Z

Ability: Magnet Pull

EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Modest Nature

- Substitute

- Thunderbolt

- Flash Cannon

- Hidden Power Fire

Magnezone is one of the most unique Pokémon in the USM metagame. Its sole purpose in the metagame is to trap and destroy other Steel-types! Thanks to being the one of the only viable Pokémon in OU with access to Magnet Pull, Magnezone can trap most Steel-types in the tier, allowing offensive Pokémon such as Mega Pinsir, Kartana, and Mega Latios to wreak havoc once their checks and counters are gone. One of Magnezone's main draws is that its Choice Scarf set is one of the tier's most consistent offensive Kartana checks due to Magnet Pull. However, outside of trapping Steel-types and checking Tapu Koko, Mega Pinsir, and Tapu Lele, Magnezone does not offer too much defensive or offensive utility, and it cannot trap every Steel-type; Magearna, Jirachi, Excadrill, and Heatran can wall it, defeat it with super effective attacks, or, in the latter two's case, both.

Mega Mawile

Swords Dance All-out Attacker

[All-out Attacker] Mawile @ Mawilite

Ability: Hyper Cutter

EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe

Adamant Nature

- Play Rough

- Sucker Punch / Ice Punch

- Fire Fang / Focus Punch

- Thunder Punch

[Swords Dance] Mawile @ Mawilite

Ability: Hyper Cutter

EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe

Adamant Nature

- Play Rough

- Sucker Punch

- Swords Dance

- Knock Off / Thunder Punch

As the proud owner of the highest Attack stat in the game, Mega Mawile is an absolutely terrifying wallbreaker. Its great coverage and pure power allow it to crush balance teams. Mega Mawile is even harder to deal with for stall teams, as nothing common on stall can withstand its powerful attacks. Mega Mawile is no slouch against offensive teams either. With Sucker Punch and Swords Dance, it can also serve as a wonderful late-game sweeper. Although Mega Mawile certainly proves that two heads (or mouths?) are better than one, Mawile does face issues in the metagame. Although its number of checks is small, the presence of Heatran, Tapu Koko, Landorus-T, and Tapu Lele hurts Mega Mawile's viability.

Niche Steel-types

While these Steel-types did not quite make the cut for the top-tier section of this article, they are certainly viable options for a serious team.

Excadrill

Suicide Lead Sand Rush Sweeper Choice Scarf

[Suicide Lead] Excadrill @ Focus Sash

Ability: Mold Breaker

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

- Stealth Rock

- Rapid Spin

- Earthquake

- Toxic

[Sand Rush Sweeper] Excadrill @ Steelium Z / Life Orb

Ability: Sand Rush

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

- Earthquake

- Iron Head

- Rock Slide

- Rapid Spin / Swords Dance

[Choice Scarf] Excadrill @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Mold Breaker

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

- Earthquake

- Iron Head

- Rapid Spin

- Toxic / Rock Slide

Excadrill is a good suicide lead as well as a decent late-game cleaner. Excadrill can easily set up Stealth Rock as a suicide lead, as it has Toxic to pressure Defog users, and it bypasses Mega Sableye's and Mega Diancie's Magic Bounce thanks to Mold Breaker. Additionally, Excadrill can prevent the opposing team from setting up entry hazards thanks to its access to Rapid Spin. Excadrill can be used as a cleaner thanks to its good Attack and its high Speed when used in the sand or holding a Choice Scarf. Excadrill's main issues are that it is usually outclassed by Landorus-T as a suicide lead and the Sand Rush and Choice Scarf sets fail to break the defensive teams that are very common in OU.

Jirachi

Wish Stealth Rock

[Wish] Jirachi @ Leftovers

Ability: Serene Grace

EVs: 248 HP / 196 SpD / 64 Spe

Careful Nature

- Wish

- Protect

- Iron Head

- Body Slam / U-turn

[Stealth Rock] Jirachi @ Leftovers

Ability: Serene Grace

EVs: 248 HP / 108 SpD / 152 Spe

Careful Nature

- Iron Head

- U-turn

- Stealth Rock

- Healing Wish

Jirachi is an overall decent support Pokémon in the metagame. Its access to Stealth Rock, U-turn, and Healing Wish gives it a lot of utility on offensive teams. For more defensive teams, Jirachi uses a defensive Wish set that allows it to support teammates that have no recovery like Heatran and Tyranitar. Jirachi's defensive typing and good bulk allow it check Pokémon like Tapu Lele, Magearna, and Tapu Bulu. The Wishmaker's greatest weaknesses come from the fact that it invites Pokémon like Landorus-T, Zygarde, Heatran, and Volcarona in for free and that it is very passive. Its sets usually only fit on balance and stall teams

Bisharp

Bisharp @ Darkinium Z / Dread Plate

Ability: Defiant

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Adamant Nature

- Knock Off

- Iron Head

- Swords Dance

- Sucker Punch

Bisharp’s amazing Attack and great offensive typing make it a good wallbreaker in OU. Its Defiant ability lets it discourage Defoggers from coming in and removing entry hazards and other benefits for hyper offensive teams like Sticky Web and Aurora Veil. With access to Swords Dance and a nearly unresisted STAB combination, Bisharp is very difficult to deal with for defensive teams lacking Hippowdon or Zapdos. Its access to Sucker Punch and Swords Dance means it can serve as a late-game cleaner, too. Unfortunately, Aurora Veil, dual screens, and Sticky Web, the playstyles that Bisharp fits best on, are, with the exception of dual screens, all very niche in the current metagame, and Bisharp is very difficult to fit anywhere else. It also faces harsh competition from other wallbreakers such as Hoopa-U and Mega Mawile. Because of this, Bisharp's viability in the USM OU metagame is rather limited.

Stakataka

Stakataka @ Rockium Z

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD

Lonely Nature

IVs: 15 Def / 0 Spe

- Gyro Ball

- Stone Edge

- Trick Room

- Superpower

Stakataka is a surprisingly effective sweeper in the current metagame. Because of its extremely low Speed and access to Trick Room, Stakataka becomes lightning "fast" in just one turn of setup. Because of its extremely powerful STAB attacks and coverage as well as an Attack stat comparable to Tyranitar, Stakataka is surprisingly difficult to wall. Like with Kartana, Beast Boost is an excellent ability, as it allows Stakataka to snowball very quickly. Unfortunately, Stakataka does have major flaws in the current metagame. Stakataka's defensive typing makes it hard to find a setup opportunity, as many Pokémon carry Fighting- and Ground-type coverage. Stakataka also struggles to break common Pokémon like Landorus-T, Celesteela, and Toxapex to an extent. The wall also finds itself victim to being played around and stalled out of Trick Room turns. Stakataka also only adds to Trick Room's vulnerability to Water Shuriken from Ash-Greninja, a very common Pokémon in the metagame. Finally, Stakataka is very difficult to justify using over Trick Room Magearna, which can check Ash-Greninja and has a wider movepool.

Skarmory

Skarmory @ Shed Shell

Ability: Sturdy

EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

Bold Nature

- Roost

- Defog / Whirlwind

- Spikes / Toxic

- Counter / Brave Bird

Skarmory is a decently effective defensive Pokémon in the current metagame. Thanks to access to Spikes and Defog, Skarmory is excellent at controlling entry hazards and setting them alike. Thanks to its typing and bulk, Skarmory is a great check to Landorus-T, Kartana, and Mega Pinsir. Because of this and Skarmory's access to Counter, it is able to check and remove Pokémon that would otherwise tear huge holes into stall. However, Skarmory is by no means the top-tier threat it was in past generations. Skarmory's main issue is that it faces huge competition for a team slot. On balanced teams, Skarmory is made almost unviable by Celesteela, which is overall bulkier, is harder to switch into, and can check Tapu Lele. On stall teams, Zapdos usually outclasses Skarmory, as it checks most of the same Pokémon that Skarmory does and is much harder to switch into, and it can Defog hazards much more reliably.

Closing Thoughts

Steel-types are overall effective and very versatile. There is no shortage of offensive Steel-types, and bulky Steel-types aren't a rare sight either. It is very tough to imagine Steel falling from grace any time soon; there isn’t a bulky Steel-type on every team for no reason!