Pokémon TCG: Top 10 Best Steelix of All Time

Today, we'll discuss the best Steelix in Pokémon TCG, since the Wizards of the Coast era until today.

10- Steelix (e-Cards Series: Skyridge)

This Pokémon stands out because of its ability (Poké-Body), Rare Metal, which turns all energies attached to Steelix into Metal energies. In the Wizards of the Coast era, Metal Energy EX 159 was considered a special energy, and prevented 10 damage from all enemy attacks. This effect also stacked, so, with four Metal Energy EX 159, you would prevent 40 damage from enemy attacks.

Its first attack, Squeeze is quite interesting as well: besides 20 base damage, it deals 10 extra damage and "Paralyzes" the opponent's Defending Pokémon if you hit "heads" on your coin toss.

As for its second attack, Metal Tail, it is a bit risky: if you can deal 40 damage, or try your luck with a coin toss and deal 80 damage if you get "heads". However, if you get "tails", this attack will do nothing.

9- Steelix GL -Gym Leader- (Diamond/Pearl: Rising Rivals)

The Diamond/Pearl era brought us Pokémon SP, which were specific Pokémon owned by specific Sinnoh characters. It also brought us Byron's Steelix - Byron, in particular, specializes in Metal Pokémon.

Its first attack, Mend, lets us recycle one Metal energy from the discard pile and attach it to Steelix. We'll also be able to remove one damage counter from it. Keep in mind that, in the Diamond/Pearl era, Metal Energy RR 100 also prevented 10 damage from enemy attacks!

Its second attack, Squeeze, besides dealing 30 base damage, also deals an extra 50 damage and "Paralyzes" the enemy Pokémon if you hit "heads" on your coin toss.

8- Steelix (Black/White: Plasma Freeze)

Its attack, Metal Defender, is excellent because it disables your Steelix's weakness to the Fire archetype on the next turn. This means you'll actually have an advantage over its natural weak spot, Fire Pokémon.

To get the energies you need to use its attacks, a good option is Magnezone UPR 83's ability, Magnetic Circuit (the Metal type's "Rain Dance").

7- Steelix (Sword/Shield: Pokémon GO)

Its attack, Body Slam, deals 70 damage and also "Paralyzes" the enemy Pokémon if you get "heads" on your coin toss.

Its other attack, Iron Buster, is powerful, as it deals 170 damage - but you won't be able to use it on the next turn. You can play around this by retreating and then promoting Steelix into the Active Spot again. This will "reset" this effect, and you'll be able to attack again.

As you'll need many energies to attack with Steelix, the best bet is Magnezone UPR 83's ability, Magnetic Circuit.

6- Steelix (Sword/Shield: Fusion Strike)

This Pokémon stands out because of its attack, Powerful Rage, which deals 20 damage for each damage counter on Steelix.

Considering its 190 HP, you can stack up to 180 damage on Steelix and deal up to 360 damage with it!

5- Steelix (Sun/Moon: Cosmic Eclipse)

Its attack, Thumping Fall, lets us discard up to 4 Pokémon with a retreat cost of 4 from our hand to deal exactly 200 damage! The best card to set up this combo is Heavy Ball BKT 140, as it gets these Pokémon for you.

As for its attack, Iron Tail, it relies on luck because it deals 100 damage each time you hit "heads" on your coin tosses. Cards like Glimwood Tangle DAA 162 and Trick Coin PHF 108 let you manipulate these coin tosses and thus make this strategy a bit less risky.

4- Steelix (Sword/Shield: Battle Styles)

Its brutal attack, Heavy Impact, deals 200 damage. To get the energies you need to use it, you need Magnezone UPR 83's ability, Magnetic Circuit. That's how you'll move Metal energies to Steelix BST 99.

3- Steelix "Prime" (Heart Gold/Soul Silver: Unleashed)

This card stands out because of its ability (Poké-Body), Perfect Metal, which makes it immune to any special conditions. This means it is an excellent attacker because you won't have to worry about "Paralysis", "Sleep", or "Confusion".

Its attack, Gaia Crush, is useful to remove unwanted enemy stadiums.

Keep in mind that you can only use this Pokémon in Legacy. It is unavailable in Expanded.

2- Steelix V (Sword/Shield: Vivid Voltage)

Its attack, Raging Hammer, works similarly to Steelix FST 139, from Sword/Shield: Fusion Strike. It deals more damage according to how many damage counters Steelix has.

As it has 250 HP, you can stack up to 240 damage on Steelix V and deal up to 270 damage!

1- Steelix-EX & Mega Steelix-EX (X/Y: Steam Siege)

To finish our list, we have Steelix-EX and its Mega form, which complement each other.

When you evolve it to M Steelix-EX STS 68, use Steelix Spirit Link STS 106 to not pass your turn immediately.

Its main attack, Canyon Axe, deals 160 damage to the Defending Pokémon plus 10 damage to each Pokémon on your opponent's bench. As it is a hybrid Pokémon (Metal and Fighting - which, in the TCG, includes the "Rock" and "Ground" types), it has an advantage over Electric Pokémon.

To use Wild Edge or Iron Tail, its base form attacks, you can use the following cards:

- Memory Capsule VIV 155, which lets you use attacks from previous "evolutions".

- Memory Energy LOT 194 does the same.

- Or, you can use Pokémon with abilities that do the same, like Relicanth TEF 84 or Shining Celebi PR-SM SM79.

What did you think of our list? What would your "Top 10 Best Steelix" list look like? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!