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Steelix emerges as a formidable Metal-type Stage 1 Pokémon that combines impressive bulk with devastating offensive capabilities.
With 180 HP and a punishing Iron Buster attack that deals 170 damage, this evolution of Onix demands attention in the competitive scene.
Its defensive typing and considerable offensive output make it a potential powerhouse that could shake up your tournament strategy.
Offensive rating: 7/10Steelix brings two distinct attacking options to the battlefield.
Body Slam requires three Colorless energy to deal 70 damage with a 50% chance to induce Paralysis—a status condition that can effectively buy you a turn by preventing the opponent from attacking.
The real showstopper, however, is Iron Buster, which delivers a massive 170 damage for four energy (only one specifically Metal).
This attack can eliminate many popular Pokémon in a single hit, though it comes with the significant drawback of rendering Steelix unable to attack during your next turn.
This recharge requirement reduces its damage efficiency across multiple turns, but the knockout potential remains impressive when timed correctly.
Survival rating: 8/10With 180 HP, Steelix stands as one of the bulkier Stage 1 Pokémon in the format.
Its Metal typing grants it valuable Grass resistance (-30 damage), providing a strategic advantage against popular Grass attackers.
However, its Fire weakness (×2) is a significant vulnerability in a meta where Fire-type attackers see consistent play.
The hefty four-energy retreat cost severely hampers Steelix's mobility, essentially trapping it in the active position unless you dedicate resources to switching cards.
While its natural bulk allows it to absorb multiple hits from average attackers, the lack of built-in healing or damage reduction abilities limits its longevity compared to premier tank Pokémon.
Versatility rating: 6/10Steelix offers moderate versatility through its dual attack options.
Body Slam provides utility through potential paralysis, creating disruption opportunities against setup-dependent opponents.
Iron Buster delivers raw power for crucial knockouts at the cost of a turn's delay.
Its Colorless energy requirements in both attacks enhance deck-building flexibility, requiring only a single Metal energy for maximum damage output.
However, Steelix struggles against established archetypes with Fire-type attackers or those that can easily maneuver around its self-imposed attack limitation.
It functions primarily as a mid-game attacker rather than a consistent win condition, limiting its overall versatility in competitive play.
Speed/Setup rating: 5/10As a Stage 1 Pokémon, Steelix requires finding and evolving from Onix, adding an inherent consistency challenge.
The real setup hurdle comes from its energy requirements—three energy for Body Slam and four for Iron Buster represents significant investment.
Without built-in acceleration mechanics, Steelix typically needs 2-3 turns to power up its attacks, making it vulnerable to disruption strategies.
Its reliance on energy attachments and evolution makes it considerably slower than many competitive attackers.
The inability to attack following Iron Buster further compounds its setup issues, as you're effectively committing to a two-turn cycle for your most powerful attack, reducing your overall game tempo.
Steelix benefits tremendously from energy acceleration partners to overcome its high attack costs.
Cards that provide Metal energy attachments or general energy acceleration can transform Steelix from a cumbersome attacker into a legitimate threat.
Switch cards or retreat-cost reducers are equally important to address its mobility issues and enable strategic positioning.
Finally, evolution consistency tools help ensure reliable access to Steelix when needed.
Variants with Metal-energy acceleration abilities provide crucial support by attaching multiple energies per turn, dramatically reducing Steelix's setup time and making Iron Buster available much earlier in the game.
Essential for overcoming Steelix's punishing four-energy retreat cost, Switch allows you to pivot Steelix to the bench after using Iron Buster, avoiding its attack limitation while preserving energy investments.
Bypasses the need to play Onix first, allowing direct evolution from Basic to Stage 1, accelerating Steelix's entry into play and reducing vulnerability to disruption during the evolution process.
Steelix presents a compelling mix of impressive HP and devastating single-hit potential through Iron Buster, but requires careful team construction to overcome significant limitations.
Its high energy requirements, cumbersome mobility, and self-imposed attack restriction after Iron Buster demand strategic planning.
When properly supported with energy acceleration and switching options, Steelix can function as a powerful mid-game attacker that threatens crucial knockouts on key targets.
The paralysis potential from Body Slam offers additional utility when you need a turn of disruption.
While not a top-tier threat in the current meta due to its setup requirements and Fire weakness, Steelix can certainly find success in specific builds designed to mitigate its weaknesses and capitalize on its substantial damage output.
Consider it a specialized weapon rather than a universal solution—powerful in the right circumstances but requiring dedicated support to reach its full potential.
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