Mega Steelix Pokémon Champions Guide
A TierPhysical wall, sandstorm abuser
Mega Steelix has the highest Defense stat in the format at 230. Sand Force gives a 1.3x boost to Ground, Rock, and Steel moves under sandstorm, which means Earthquake and Stone Edge hit harder than a defensive Pokémon should be capable of.
Base Stats
hp75
atk125
def230
spa55
spd95
spe30
BST610Recommended Build
Nature
Brave
Item
Steelixite
Ability
Sand Force
SP: HP 32 / DEF 16 / SPD 16 / ATK 2
EarthquakeHeavy SlamStone EdgeProtect
Brave keeps Mega Steelix slow on purpose, which matters in Trick Room teams. Earthquake plus Sand Force plus STAB hits absurd numbers in sand. Heavy Slam covers Fairy-types, Stone Edge with Sand Force handles Flying-types, Protect lets your sand setter operate.
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Why it works
230 Defense is functionally invulnerable to physical attacks. Even unboosted Close Combat from a 145 Attack Mega Lucario does roughly 30% damage. Combined with Sand Force boosting Earthquake and Stone Edge by 1.3x in Tyranitar's sand, Mega Steelix is the cleanest wall-pivot in the A tier.
Common mistakes
- Hitting your own teammate with Earthquake. Pair Mega Steelix with a Levitate user, a Flying-type, or a Telepathy partner.
- Forgetting the 4x weakness to Fire and Ground. Mega Houndoom and opposing Earthquake spread damage threaten OHKOs.
- Running Mega Steelix without sand support. Sand Force is the entire reason to bring this Pokémon. Without sand, Mega Aggron is a strictly better wall.
Tips
- Lead Mega Steelix with Tyranitar. Sand Stream goes up turn one, and Earthquake plus Stone Edge fire under the boost from turn two onward.
- Trick Room teams love Mega Steelix's 30 Speed. Under Trick Room, it moves before almost everything in the format.
- Heavy Slam scales with weight difference. Against light Fairy-types like Whimsicott, it hits the 120 BP cap.
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