Steelix vs. Scizor: A Comprehensive Showdown
Is Steelix better than Scizor? The straightforward answer is: it depends on what you need. Neither Pokémon is definitively “better” overall; instead, they excel in different roles and situations. Scizor is a powerful offensive threat with priority moves and excellent utility, while Steelix is a bulky defensive wall capable of absorbing massive amounts of damage. The “better” choice hinges on your team’s strategy and the specific challenges you face.
Understanding Their Strengths
Scizor: The Offensive Powerhouse
Scizor boasts a unique Bug/Steel typing, granting it only one weakness to Fire, which is particularly advantageous in many early-game scenarios. This typing provides a plethora of resistances, making it a sturdy choice on many teams. Key to Scizor’s prowess is its high Attack stat of 130, complemented by the Technician ability which boosts moves with low base power, such as Bullet Punch. This gives it a potent priority attack, allowing it to strike first. Additionally, Scizor has access to moves such as U-Turn, Swords Dance, Knock Off, Roost, and Defog, providing both offensive pressure and strategic support.
Scizor’s value lies in its versatility. It can act as a swift attacker capable of dishing out heavy damage or as a utility Pokémon providing vital support moves. Although it has decent bulk, its strength lies in its offensive pressure, which can control battles. Its movepool also allows for plenty of strategic play. It’s a great option to lead with, or switch to when a fire type is not present.
Steelix: The Immovable Wall
Steelix is a Steel/Ground type, possessing incredibly high physical Defense at a base 200. This makes it extremely difficult to take down with physical attacks. Its base HP of 75 adds to its overall tankiness. Steelix can reliably withstand hits that would decimate other Pokémon, and it is also useful in defensive roles. Steelix is ideal for teams needing an incredible physical wall to help stall or set up another member.
However, Steelix is less offensively capable than Scizor. Its base Attack of 85 is only mediocre, and its base Speed is a very low 35. This makes it one of the slowest Pokémon in the game. While Steelix can learn a wide array of moves, its primary role is not to inflict damage but to absorb physical attacks and potentially use moves like Earthquake or Iron Head to retaliate, which is why it is often used as a wall. The best thing about steelix is that it can be useful even in disadvantageous matchups as a means of wasting an attackers time.
Making the Choice: When to Pick Each Pokémon
When choosing between Steelix and Scizor, consider these points:
- Offensive vs. Defensive Needs: If your team requires a hard-hitting attacker with priority, Scizor is the superior choice. If you need a Pokémon that can absorb physical damage and provide a defensive backbone, Steelix is your go-to option.
- Type Matchups: Scizor’s single Fire weakness is its Achilles’ heel. Steelix has multiple weaknesses including Fire, Fighting, Water and Ground. Consider how well their typing interacts with the types of Pokémon you commonly face.
- Speed: Scizor is much faster than Steelix. In a standard battle Scizor will almost always move first. Steelix is very slow and is meant more for setting up or dealing a big blow after taking a hit.
- Movepool: Scizor has great utility in its movepool. Steelix also has good movepool, but it is less diverse than Scizor’s. It’s primary use is for being a wall and setting up for an offensive Pokemon.
- Team Composition: If you already have a bulky defensive wall (like Umbreon), Scizor will be a better addition. Conversely, if your team lacks a solid physical tank, Steelix will be more valuable.
- Availability: In some games, Scyther might be more common than Onix. This can make Scizor easier to obtain and train. Onix is generally found in caves, making it a bit harder to find.
- Mega Evolution: Although both have mega evolutions, Mega Steelix is primarily known for its physical wall qualities and has fewer weaknesses. Mega Scizor is a powerhouse. Depending on the game and what mega evolutions are available, this can affect which pokemon is better.
In conclusion, there is no universally “better” Pokémon between Steelix and Scizor. The best choice is entirely based on how you intend to use the Pokémon and what your team is lacking. Both Scizor and Steelix bring unique strengths to the table, making them valuable assets in the right situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is stronger in a direct matchup, Steelix or Scizor?
In a head-to-head battle, Scizor generally has the upper hand due to its superior Attack stat, priority move (Bullet Punch), and potential for boosting its attack with Swords Dance. Steelix’s high defense is less relevant against Scizor’s Bug/Steel attacks. If it uses a fire attack, however, Scizor is done for.
2. Should I evolve my Onix into Steelix or a Scyther into Scizor?
The better choice depends on your team. If you have a bulky wall already and prefer offense, evolve Scyther. If you need a physical wall, evolve Onix. The Pokémon with the best Individual Values (IVs) and stats in your team should typically be your choice.
3. What are the best counters to Steelix?
The best counters to Steelix are Pokémon with strong Fire, Fighting, Water, and Ground-type moves. Example include Primal Kyogre, Mega Blaziken, Primal Groudon, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Swampert & Shadow Moltres.
4. Is Steelix a worthwhile addition to my team?
Yes, Steelix can be a valuable addition, particularly as a physical wall. It’s most useful in a tank role but can also use a strong Earthquake. Consider the rest of your team; if you already have another Ground type you might not need it.
5. Is Steelix stronger than Charizard?
In a direct matchup, Mega Charizard typically wins due to its Fire typing being super effective against Steelix. However, Steelix can hold its own for a turn or two. The only thing steelix can really do against it is use rock moves, which will do little against Charizards high HP.
6. Is Steelix better than Onix?
Yes, Steelix is significantly better than Onix. Onix has low stats and relies on Eviolite to survive. Steelix boasts superior stats and better overall effectiveness. Steelix is a great tank and can hold its own, where Onix usually has very little use.
7. Is Gyarados stronger than Steelix?
A level 30 Steelix can defeat a level 30 Gyarados. Steelix has a better defense and attack stat than Gyarados and is a very strong physical wall.
8. What tier is Steelix in?
Steelix is often considered a B-tier Pokémon. It’s a very strong physical tank, and although it is slow it can be useful in a variety of scenarios.
9. Is Scyther better than Scizor?
Generally, Scizor is better than Scyther. While Scyther has greater speed, Scizor has better overall stats and a more useful typing with its steel subtype. Scizor’s Unite move is also stronger than Scyther’s.
10. Is Scizor a good investment?
Scizor is a solid investment, especially as a powerful offensive threat. However, its Fire weakness can be a problem. Mega Scizor has great potential for future updates.
11. Why is Scizor so popular?
Scizor is popular due to its unique typing, high Attack stat, and access to priority moves. Its versatility makes it a great option for a wide array of situations. It is also obtained by evolving Scyther, which is a fan favorite from the very beginning of the Pokemon games.
12. What are the best counters to Scizor?
The best counters to Scizor have Fire-type moves such as Mega Blaziken, Mega Charizard Y, Shadow Chandelure, Reshiram, Shadow Ho-Oh & Shadow Blaziken.
13. What is Steelix’s super weakness?
Steelix has four weaknesses: Fire, Fighting, Water, and Ground type attacks. Fire is especially dangerous because of the 4x weakness.
14. Is Scizor better than Lucario?
Both are equally useful if used properly. Scizor offers great utility, and Lucario has a powerful mega evolution. It depends on what your team needs.
15. How powerful is Steelix?
Steelix is incredibly powerful defensively, with an insane 200 base Defense stat and acceptable HP. This allows it to wall against many physical attackers. Steelix is mostly a tank, however, its offense is not as great.