Is Metagross a Dragon Type? Unpacking the Steel/Psychic Colossus

No, Metagross is not a Dragon-type Pokémon. It is a Steel/Psychic type. This is a common point of confusion due to its powerful appearance and perceived dragon-like qualities, but its actual typing is definitively Steel and Psychic. Let’s delve into why Metagross is often mistaken for a Dragon-type and explore its true strengths and weaknesses.

The Allure of the Dragon: Why the Confusion?

Metagross, with its imposing stature, metallic sheen, and formidable presence, certainly looks like it could be a Dragon-type. Its evolutionary line, starting with Beldum, a floating, magnetically levitating being, culminates in Metagross, a pseudo-legendary Pokémon known for its incredible power. Pseudo-legendary Pokémon, like Dragonite, Tyranitar, and Garchomp, are known to be very strong but not quite Legendary. The combination of power, rarity, and a somewhat reptilian aesthetic contributes to the misconception. However, appearances can be deceiving.

Decoding the Steel/Psychic Typing

Metagross’s Steel/Psychic typing is actually quite strategic. Steel typing grants it incredible defense against many common types, including Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. Psychic typing gives it powerful offensive capabilities and resistance to Psychic attacks. This dual-typing also provides some significant weaknesses.

Strengths

• High Physical Attack: Metagross excels at physical attacks, making use of moves like Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt.
• Strong Defenses: Its Steel typing grants it numerous resistances, making it a difficult Pokémon to take down.
• Psychic Offense: Psychic attacks provide coverage against Fighting and Poison types.
• Pseudo-Legendary Status: As a pseudo-legendary, Metagross possesses high base stats, making it a formidable opponent.
• Mega Evolution: Mega Metagross has even more improved stats, and the ability Tough Claws.

Weaknesses

• Fire Weakness: A 4x weakness to Fire-type attacks is a major vulnerability.
• Ground Weakness: Ground-type attacks also deal significant damage.
• Dark Weakness: Dark-type attacks can be a problem, particularly those that exploit its lower Special Defense.
• Ghost Weakness: Ghost-type attacks are super effective against Metagross.

Understanding Metagross’s Role in Battle

Metagross is a versatile Pokémon that can fill various roles in a team. Its high Attack and Defense stats make it suitable as a physical attacker or a defensive wall. It can also act as a pivot, switching into attacks it resists and then launching powerful counterattacks. Its movepool includes a variety of attacks, allowing it to cover different types and adapt to various situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Metagross

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Metagross, offering additional insights into this powerful Pokémon:

1. What are Metagross’s base stats? Metagross has a base stat total of 600. Specifically, it has 80 HP, 135 Attack, 130 Defense, 95 Special Attack, 90 Special Defense, and 70 Speed. This is before mega evolution.
2. What are Mega Metagross’s base stats? Mega Metagross has a base stat total of 700. Specifically, it has 80 HP, 145 Attack, 150 Defense, 105 Special Attack, 110 Special Defense, and 110 Speed.
3. What is Metagross’s ability? Metagross has the ability Clear Body, which prevents its stats from being lowered by other Pokémon’s moves or abilities. Mega Metagross has the ability Tough Claws which increases the power of contact moves.
4. What are some good movesets for Metagross? A common moveset includes Meteor Mash (Steel), Zen Headbutt (Psychic), Earthquake (Ground), and Bullet Punch (Steel). Other options include Hammer Arm (Fighting) and Ice Punch (Ice).
5. How do you evolve Beldum into Metagross? Beldum evolves into Metang at level 20, and Metang evolves into Metagross at level 45.
6. Is Metagross a legendary Pokémon? No, Metagross is a pseudo-legendary Pokémon. It is very powerful and rare, but it is not classified as a legendary Pokémon.
7. What are Metagross’s resistances? Metagross resists Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks.
8. What is the best nature for Metagross? Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is a popular choice for maximizing its physical attack power. Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) is viable if you want to outspeed more opponents.
9. Is Metagross good in competitive battling? Yes, Metagross is a strong and versatile Pokémon that can be effective in competitive battles. Its high Attack and Defense stats, along with its useful resistances, make it a valuable asset to any team.
10. What are some good teammates for Metagross? Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses to Fire, Ground, Dark, and Ghost types make good teammates. For example, Water-type Pokémon can handle Fire and Ground types, while Dark and Ghost-type Pokémon can cover each other’s weaknesses.
11. Can Metagross learn any special attacks? While Metagross is primarily a physical attacker, it can learn some special attacks like Psychic and Flash Cannon. However, its Special Attack stat is lower than its Attack stat, so it’s generally better to focus on physical moves.
12. What generation was Metagross introduced in? Metagross was introduced in Generation III (Ruby and Sapphire).
13. Does Metagross have any alternate forms? Yes, Metagross can Mega Evolve into Mega Metagross.
14. What are the benefits of Mega Evolving Metagross? Mega Evolving Metagross significantly increases its Attack, Defense, Special Defense, and Speed stats, making it an even more formidable opponent. It also gains the Tough Claws ability, further boosting its physical attacks.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon and game design? If you’re interested in learning more about the world of Pokémon, game design, and the intersection of games and learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for valuable information and insights.

Conclusion: Appreciating Metagross for What It Is

While the allure of a Dragon-type Metagross is understandable, its true typing of Steel/Psychic makes it a unique and powerful Pokémon in its own right. Understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and strategic uses allows trainers to fully appreciate its potential and utilize it effectively in battle. Metagross is a testament to the fact that a Pokémon doesn’t need to be a Dragon to be a force to be reckoned with.