From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.

Steelix (Japanese: ハガネール Haganeil) is a dual-type Steel/Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation II.

It evolves from Onix when traded holding a Metal Coat.

Steelix can Mega Evolve into Mega Steelix using the Steelixite.

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

In the 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.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP224 Steelix Ash's Pokédex Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon. Steelix is the evolved form of Onix. It has been compressed underground, making its body harder than diamonds.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP023 Steelix Dawn's Pokédex Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon. Strengthened by the pressure and intense heat of living underground, its body is stronger than steel. DP180 Steelix Dawn's Pokédex 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.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry SM043 Steelix Rotom Pokédex 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.

In the 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.

In 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.



In the manga

In the Ash & Pikachu manga

Similar to his anime counterpart, Morrison owns a Steelix. It appeared in A Clash Of Wills!! Eternal Rivals?!.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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 in the hopes that it wouldn't be treated as simple eye candy for curious spectators.

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, 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.

In the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! manga

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.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Jasmine's Steelix appeared in A Spectacular Battle To Save Ampharos!!.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

A Steelix appeared in GDZ64.

In the Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic manga

A wild Steelix appeared in Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic, where it was caught by Soul.

In the Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition ~ Ranse's Color Picture Scroll ~ manga

Two Steelix appeared in The Yellow Scroll: Hanbei vs Kanbei.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Jessie's Steelix appeared in Tyrogue's In Love?!.

In the TCG

In 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. Generation II Johto

#063 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. Stadium 2 Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond. Generation III Hoenn

#— Kanto

#— Ruby 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. 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. 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 a diamond. Generation IV Sinnoh

#035 Johto

#063 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 dark 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 is said that if an Onix lives for 100 years, its composition becomes diamondlike as it evolves into a Steelix. Generation V Unova

B2 W2 : #072 Black It is thought its body transformed as a result of iron accumulating internally from swallowing soil. White Black 2 The iron it ingested with the soil it swallowed transformed its body and made it harder than diamonds. White 2 Generation VI Kalos

Coastal #054 Hoenn

#— 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 Generation VII Alola

#— Kanto

#— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII. Generation VIII Galar

#179 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.

Game locations

In side games

In events

In-game events

Games Event Region Location Level Distribution period OR AS Special Demo Version Steelix Japanese region hide 40 October 15, 2014 onwards

Held items

Stats

Base stats

Steelix

Mega Steelix

Pokéathlon stats

Type effectiveness

Learnset

By a prior evolution

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII Stage Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior evolutions. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Steelix

indicates a move that gets when used by Steelix Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Steelix

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

Side game data

Evolution

Forms

Mega Evolution

Default Steelix Steelix

Steel Ground

Steelixite





↔ Held Steelixite Mega Steelix Steelix

Steel Ground

Sprites

Trivia

Mega Steelix is tied with Mega Aggron for the highest 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 Aggron.

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 coal turning into diamonds from compression.

Name origin

Steelix is a combination of steel and onyx. 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 languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ハガネール Haganeil From 鋼 hagane , and nail or tail French Steelix Same as English name Spanish Steelix Same as English name German Stahlos From Stahl and possibly Koloss Italian Steelix Same as English name Korean 강철톤 Gangcheolton From 강철 (鋼鐵) gangcheol and stone Cantonese Chinese Mandarin Chinese 大鋼蛇 / 大钢蛇 Dàgāngshé Literally "Large steel snake" More languages Hindi स्टीलीक्स Steelix Transcription of English name Russian Стиликс Stiliks Transcription of English name Thai ฮากาเนล Haganeil Transcription of trademarked Japanese name





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