Can You Use Toxic on Steel Pokémon? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is a resounding no, with a significant caveat. Generally, Steel-type Pokémon are immune to the move Toxic, and any other move that would inflict the poisoned status condition. This immunity has been a cornerstone of Pokémon battling since Generation III. However, there’s always an exception to the rule in the diverse world of Pokémon. The Ability Corrosion, introduced in Generation VII, allows a Pokémon to poison even Steel-type and Poison-type Pokémon. So, while it’s overwhelmingly true that Toxic won’t work, always be mindful of potential Abilities that might change the game!
Steel Types and Status Conditions: A Detailed Look
The Steel-type was introduced in Generation II, and it quickly became known for its impressive defensive capabilities. Its resistance to a multitude of types, and eventually complete immunity to poison, solidified its place as a defensive powerhouse. This wasn’t a random decision by the game developers; it reflects a logical understanding of the properties of metal.
Poison, in the Pokémon world, typically affects organic matter. The idea of a corrosive acid is present, but it’s not the primary representation. Hence, Steel-types, being inorganic, are largely immune to being poisoned. This immunity extends not just to direct poison moves, but also to indirect methods of inducing the poison status.
Toxic: A Move Defined by its Limitation
Toxic is a Poison-type move that inflicts the badly poisoned status. Badly poisoned is worse than regular poison because the damage increases each turn. It is a fantastic move to stall opponents or wear them down over time. However, the move has limitations.
Exceptions to the Rule: Corrosion
As mentioned, the Ability Corrosion throws a wrench into this otherwise consistent mechanic. This Ability, possessed by only a handful of Pokémon, allows the holder to bypass the usual immunity. Pokémon like Salandit and Salazzle can, therefore, poison even the most stalwart Steel-type.
What About Toxic Orb?
The item Toxic Orb also fails to poison Steel-type Pokémon. Its mechanics mirror the Toxic move itself, recognizing the type immunity. Poison or Steel-types holding the Toxic Orb will not become badly poisoned.
Countering Steel-Types: Strategies and Considerations
While poisoning a Steel-type is difficult, there are numerous other ways to handle these resilient Pokémon. The primary weakness of Steel-types is Fighting, Fire, and Ground types. Strong moves of these types are the typical solution.
Fire-Type Offense
Fire-type Pokémon are a reliable option. Infernape, Blaziken, and Emboar, mentioned earlier, are potent attackers that can exploit the weakness of Steel-types. Moves like Flare Blitz, Overheat, and Fire Blast will deal significant damage.
Fighting-Type Power
Fighting-type moves can be devastating to Steel-types. The reasoning here is similar: martial artists and trained fighters can bend or break steel with focused strikes, according to Pokémon lore. Strong moves include Close Combat, Dynamic Punch, and Focus Blast.
Ground-Type Assault
Ground-type attacks leverage raw power. Earthquake is a staple move for any Ground-type, and it will deal significant damage to any Steel-type that isn’t immune due to an Ability like Levitate.
Toxic Spikes and Steel-types
Toxic Spikes is a move that lays down a poison trap. When an opponent switches into the field, they are poisoned (one layer of Toxic Spikes) or badly poisoned (two layers of Toxic Spikes). However, this move is completely ineffective against Flying-type, Poison-type, or Steel-type Pokémon, or Pokémon with the Ability Immunity, Levitate, Leaf Guard (during intense sunlight), or Magic Guard. In addition, Steel-types do not remove the Toxic Spikes when switching in. Only Poison-types remove the hazards.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Steel-Type Immunity
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the nuances of using Toxic and other poison-related strategies against Steel-type Pokémon:
1. Are any Abilities other than Corrosion effective against Steel-types in terms of poisoning?
No, Corrosion is currently the only Ability that allows a Pokémon to directly poison a Steel-type. No other Ability bypasses this immunity.
2. If a Steel-type holds a Toxic Orb and is also affected by G-Max Malodor, what happens?
Nothing happens. G-Max Malodor will poison the target Pokemon. However, Toxic Orb does not poison Steel-types.
3. Can a Steel/Poison-type Pokemon be poisoned by any method other than Corrosion?
No. Even the combination of types does not negate the immunity to poison afforded by the Steel-type. It requires Corrosion to bypass.
4. If a Steel-type is Traced with the Corrosion ability, can it poison other Steel-types?
Yes, if a Steel-type has the Corrosion ability via Trace, it can poison other Steel-types.
5. Can a move that has a chance of poisoning (like Poison Jab) poison a Steel-type?
No, moves with a chance of inflicting poison are still ineffective against Steel-types unless the attacking Pokémon has Corrosion. The percentage is irrelevant; the immunity blocks it outright.
6. Does the move “Venoshock” deal double damage against a Steel-type if the Steel-type has been affected by Corrosion?
Yes, once poisoned, even by a Corrosion Ability, the Steel-type is considered poisoned, and Venoshock will deal double damage accordingly.
7. If a Steel-type Pokémon is holding a Shell Bell and affected by Corrosion, does the attacker heal upon dealing damage with a poison move?
Yes, Shell Bell heals the user of the attack by 1/8 of the damage dealt.
8. Can a Steel-type Pokémon be poisoned by a Z-Move version of a Poison-type move?
No. Z-Moves do not bypass type immunities.
9. If a Steel-type Pokémon uses the move “Smelling Salts” on an ally that is Poisoned, will that Pokemon be healed?
Yes, Smelling Salts cures a Pokemon from Paralysis. The Pokemon does not need to have the status effect to use the move.
10. How does the ability Toxic Chain interact with Steel-types?
The Toxic Chain ability has a chance of badly poisoning an opponent when the user hits with a move. It still cannot poison Steel-types.
11. What is the best secondary type for a Steel-type Pokémon?
The best secondary typing for Steel-types often depends on the metagame and specific role the Pokémon is intended to fill. However, Dragon or Fairy are often considered excellent choices due to their synergistic defensive and offensive capabilities.
12. Why are Fire, Fighting, and Ground the weaknesses of Steel-types?
Fire can melt steel, Fighting represents physical force that can bend steel, and Ground can represent earthquakes and tremors that can weaken its structure.
13. Are there any dual-type Pokémon that are Steel/Poison?
Yes, Revavroom is a Steel/Poison-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IX.
14. Does Empoleon remain the only Water/Steel type?
Yes, as of the latest Pokémon games, Empoleon is still the only Water/Steel dual-type.
15. If a Pokémon uses the move “Skill Swap” on a Steel-type with the Ability Corrosion, can the user now poison Steel-types?
Yes, “Skill Swap” swaps the Abilities of the user and the target. If a Pokémon without Corrosion swaps Abilities with a Steel-type that has Corrosion, the former will be able to poison Steel-types, and the latter will lose that ability.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has clarified the often-misunderstood interaction between Toxic and Steel-type Pokémon. Remember to always stay informed about the latest Abilities and mechanics, as the Pokémon world is constantly evolving! Further explore the educational aspects of gaming through organizations like Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.