Can Steelix Mega Evolve?
Yes, Steelix can Mega Evolve into Mega Steelix. This powerful transformation significantly enhances its already impressive defensive capabilities and offensive presence. Mega Steelix is a Ground and Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and it remains a formidable force in battles.
The Power of Mega Evolution: Steelix’s Transformation
Mega Evolution is a temporary transformation that certain Pokémon can undergo during battle when holding a specific Mega Stone. For Steelix, this key item is the Steelixite. This transformation allows Steelix to unleash its full potential, resulting in a dramatic increase in its stats and often, a change in its Ability and appearance.
A Visual Spectacle
The transformation from Steelix to Mega Steelix is visually striking. Its body becomes more crystalline, with numerous diamond-like structures forming along its back and extending outward. These crystals are not merely cosmetic; they enhance its defensive prowess and reflect the intense pressure and heat it endures deep within the earth.
Enhanced Stats and Abilities
Mega Evolving Steelix provides significant boosts to its stats, making it an even greater threat. It primarily focuses on enhancing its already formidable Defense stat, but also sees considerable increases in its Attack and Special Defense. This makes Mega Steelix an incredibly sturdy wall that can also dish out impressive physical damage.
Its Ability also changes upon Mega Evolution, shifting from Rock Head, Sturdy, or Sheer Force to Sand Force. This ability bolsters the power of Ground, Rock, and Steel-type moves when the weather condition Sandstorm is active, synergizing perfectly with its typing and movepool.
How to Obtain Steelixite and Mega Evolve
Obtaining the Steelixite in the games where it is available is relatively straightforward, though it requires some exploration. Typically, it involves progressing through the main storyline and then revisiting certain areas to find the hidden Mega Stone.
Once you have the Steelixite, simply have your Steelix hold it during battle. When selecting a move, you’ll have the option to Mega Evolve your Steelix, triggering the transformation for the duration of that battle. Remember that you can only Mega Evolve one Pokémon per battle.
Strategic Advantages of Mega Steelix
Mega Steelix offers several strategic advantages in battles:
- Unmatched Defense: Its colossal Defense stat makes it exceptionally resistant to physical attacks.
- Sandstorm Synergy: With the Sand Force Ability, it becomes a powerful offensive threat in Sandstorm teams.
- Type Coverage: Its Steel/Ground typing grants it resistances to numerous common types, while also providing valuable offensive coverage.
- Intimidation Factor: The sheer size and appearance of Mega Steelix can intimidate opponents, potentially forcing switches or limiting their options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Mega Steelix’s stats?
Mega Steelix’s stats are as follows:
- HP: 75
- Attack: 125
- Defense: 230
- Special Attack: 55
- Special Defense: 95
- Speed: 30
- Total: 610
This stat distribution emphasizes its incredible physical defense and decent attack, but at the expense of speed.
2. What Ability does Mega Steelix have?
Mega Steelix has the Ability Sand Force. This ability increases the power of Ground, Rock, and Steel-type moves by 30% when a Sandstorm is active.
3. How do I get Steelixite in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire?
The Steelixite is located in Cave of Origin after defeating or capturing Groudon (in Omega Ruby) or Kyogre (in Alpha Sapphire). You’ll need to use Surf to access a hidden area where the Steelixite is located.
4. Can Steelix Mega Evolve in Pokémon Go?
No, Steelix cannot Mega Evolve in Pokémon Go. While Mega Evolution is a feature in Pokémon Go, Steelix and its Mega Evolution are not currently available.
5. What is the best nature for Steelix?
A good nature for Steelix depends on your strategy, but Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) or Impish (increases Defense, decreases Special Attack) are common choices to enhance its physical offense or defense, respectively. A Brave nature could also be good for a Trick Room team since it further lowers Speed while increasing Attack.
6. What are some good moves for Mega Steelix?
Some effective moves for Mega Steelix include:
- Earthquake: A powerful Ground-type move for STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) damage.
- Iron Tail: A Steel-type move for STAB damage and coverage.
- Stone Edge: A Rock-type move for coverage, especially against Flying-types.
- Curse: Boosts Attack and Defense, while lowering Speed (which can be beneficial for Trick Room teams).
- Gyro Ball: A Steel-type move that deals more damage based on how much slower Steelix is compared to the opponent.
7. Is Mega Steelix good in competitive battling?
Mega Steelix can be a valuable asset in competitive battling, particularly in formats where Sandstorm teams are viable. Its high Defense, decent Attack, and Sand Force Ability make it a formidable wall and offensive threat. However, its low Speed is a significant drawback.
8. What are Steelix’s weaknesses?
Steelix, being a Steel/Ground-type, is weak to Fighting, Ground, Water, and Fire type moves.
9. What are Steelix’s resistances and immunities?
Steelix has numerous resistances, including Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Psychic, Dragon, and Fairy type moves. It is also immune to Electric type moves due to its Ground typing.
10. What is the difference between Steelix and Mega Steelix?
The primary differences are in their stats, appearance, and Ability. Mega Steelix has significantly higher Defense, Attack, and Special Defense compared to regular Steelix, a different crystalline appearance, and the Sand Force Ability instead of Rock Head, Sturdy, or Sheer Force.
11. Can I use Mega Steelix in online battles?
Whether you can use Mega Steelix in online battles depends on the specific rules of the battle format. Some formats may restrict or ban Mega Evolutions, while others allow them. Always check the ruleset before participating.
12. How does Sand Force affect Mega Steelix’s moves?
Sand Force increases the power of Ground, Rock, and Steel-type moves by 30% when a Sandstorm is active. This means that moves like Earthquake and Iron Tail will deal significantly more damage under Sandstorm conditions, making Mega Steelix a potent offensive threat.
13. Is it worth using a Mega Evolution slot on Steelix?
Whether it’s worth using your Mega Evolution slot on Steelix depends on your team composition and strategy. If you need a strong defensive wall and a reliable Sandstorm attacker, Mega Steelix can be a valuable choice. However, if you have other Mega Evolutions that offer greater strategic advantages for your team, it might be better to use them instead.
14. Does Mega Steelix retain its previous Ability if Sandstorm is not active?
No, Mega Steelix always has the Sand Force Ability once it Mega Evolves, regardless of whether Sandstorm is active or not. The previous Ability is replaced upon Mega Evolution.
15. Can Steelix learn any other effective moves besides those mentioned?
Yes, Steelix can learn other effective moves, such as:
- Heavy Slam: A Steel-type move that deals more damage the heavier Steelix is compared to the opponent.
- Body Press: A Fighting-type move that uses Steelix’s defense stat to calculate damage.
- Toxic: A status move that badly poisons the target.
- Stealth Rock: Sets up a hazard that damages opponents upon switching in.
The best movepool will always depend on the specific role you want Steelix to fulfill on your team.