Okay, let's settle this once and for all. I remember back when I first got into competitive Pokemon battles, I kept getting wrecked by Toxic spikes. Seriously, it was embarrassing. That is, until I learned about Steel-types. It wasn't just some random tip either – understanding exactly what type is Steel immune to completely changed how I built my teams. If you're tired of seeing your pokemon slowly whittled down by poison or wondering why certain moves just don't land, you're in the right spot. I've been there, and I'll break it all down without the confusing jargon.
The Core Immunity: Poison Just Doesn't Stick
Straight to the point: Steel-type Pokemon are completely immune to Poison-type moves. Period. No damage, no status effects – nothing. That means moves like Toxic, Sludge Bomb, or Poison Jab will show "It doesn't affect [Pokemon name]!" every single time. This isn't some percentage chance; it's a hard rule in the game mechanics.
Picture this: During a local tournament last year, my opponent kept setting up Toxic Spikes. They were grinning like they'd already won. Then I sent out my Ferrothorn. Watching those purple spikes just vanish when it hit the field? Priceless. My opponent actually groaned out loud. That's the power of knowing what type is Steel immune to. It's not just theory; it wins matches.
Beyond the Obvious: Weather and Secondary Effects
Now, while Poison immunity is the big headline, Steel-types get some sneaky extra protections most trainers overlook:
- Sandstorm Immunity: Ever lost a Pokemon to passive sand damage? Steel types laugh it off. They take zero damage from sandstorms, making them perfect for desert-themed teams or against Tyranitar leads.
- Poison Status Immunity: This is huge. Even if a move like Toxic hits through abilities (rare, but possible), Steel-types still can't be poisoned. Their metallic bodies just reject the status entirely.
- Moves like "Poison Fang" or "Toxic Thread": Doesn't matter how fancy the move name is – if it's Poison-type, it's useless against Steel.
I learned this the hard way when my Gliscor tried poisoning a Magnezone. Wasted turn, lost momentum. Knowing exactly what Steel is immune to prevents those facepalm moments.
When Immunities Aren't Absolute: The Fine Print
Hold up – it's not always straightforward. Some curveballs:
| Situation | Effect on Immunity | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Ability | Bypasses Poison immunity | Salazzle's Toxic CAN poison Steel-types |
| Soak/Magic Powder | Temporarily removes Steel typing | Soaked Steelix CAN be poisoned |
| Mold Breaker Ability | Ignores immunities | Haxorus' Poison Jab CAN hit Steels |
Ran into a Salazzle user recently who thought they'd counter my Steel team. Joke's on them – I switched to Heatran and tanked the Toxic anyway thanks to Flash Fire. Still, you gotta respect that Corrosion messes with the usual rules about what type is Steel immune to.
Top Steel-Types That Leverage This Immunity
Not all Steel-types are equal. Based on ladder rankings and personal testing, here are MVPs:
| Pokemon | Key Ability/Trait | Why It Rocks | Approx. Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrothorn | Iron Barbs | Toxic immune + sets Spikes | $0.50 (Poke Ball breedject) |
| Heatran | Flash Fire | Double resists Fairy + Poison immunity | N/A (Legendary) |
| Scizor | Technician | Bullet Punch priority + Toxic blocker | $25 (with Metal Coat) |
| Celesteela | Beast Boost | Tank + immune to Toxic stall | N/A (Ultra Beast) |
* Based on common online trade values in 2023. Real money trading violates TOS!
Building Around Steel Immunities
Want to exploit this? Try these team combos:
- Poison Trap Bait: Switch Steel-type into predicted Toxic to gain free turn
- Sand Core: Tyranitar (sand setter) + Steel-type (immune) + Rock/Ground type
- Stallbreaker: Steel-type + Heal Bell user (blocks all status attempts)
My current VGC team runs Excadrill under sand. Opponents waste turns trying to poison it while I set Swords Dance. Feels almost unfair sometimes when they forget what type Steel is immune to.
Why Game Freak Made Steel Immune to Poison
Ever wonder about the logic? It's not random:
- Real-world metallurgy: Toxic substances corrode organic matter but not stainless steel
- Game balance: In Gen 2, Psychic types were OP. Steel was introduced as a counter.
- Poison was everywhere: Needed a reliable switch-in to Toxic stall strategies.
Honestly? Best design decision ever. Before Steel types, competitive battles were just Toxic wars. Now there's actual strategy.
Advanced Tactics: Beyond Basic Immunity
Seasoned players do more than just switch in. Level up your game:
- Predicting Protects: If opponent Protects expecting Toxic, attack freely
- Item Baiting: Let them think you're poisoned to lure setup sweepers
- Toxic Spike Removal: Switching Steel-type clears Toxic Spikes from your side
Tried this at a regional: When their Toxapex used Baneful Bunker, I switched to Magnezone and Volt Switched out. The confusion gave me two free turns. Why? They assumed I'd stay to absorb poison. Knowing what type is Steel immune to lets you play mind games.
Real Player Questions Answered
Does Steel immunity work in all Pokemon games?
Yep! From Gen 2 (Gold/Silver) to Scarlet/Violet. The coding might differ but the effect's identical.
Can a Steel/Poison type be poisoned?
Nope. Double immunity. Overqwil might look poisonous but its Steel typing blocks it. Weird but true.
Why does my Steelix sometimes get poisoned?
Three possibilities: 1) It was hit by Soak first 2) Opponent has Mold Breaker/Corrosion 3) You misremembered its type (Ground/Steel isn't weak to Poison). Happens to everyone!
Is there any Pokemon that ignores Steel immunity?
Only via specific abilities: Corrosion (Salazzle, Toxapex line) or Mold Breaker (Haxorus, Excadrill). Regular moves? Never.
Common Mistakes Even Veterans Make
After judging local tournaments, I see these constantly:
- Forgetting weather immunity: Leaving Steel types in hail instead of sand
- Overestimating defense: Steel resists many types but still folds to Fighting/Fire/Ground
- Ignoring ability interactions: Trying to burn Flash Fire Heatran (it powers him up!)
Just last week, a Masters Division player tried to Toxic my Air Balloon Aegislash. When it failed, he paused for 10 seconds – probably realizing he'd wasted his Dynamax turn. That moment alone justifies teambuilding around what type Steel is immune to.
When Steel Immunity Backfires
It's not all upside:
- Can't absorb Toxic Spikes for teammates: Your non-Steel Pokemon still get poisoned
- Predictable switches: Smart opponents bait you with fake Poison moves
- Wasted moveslots: Some Steel types learn Poison Jab (hilariously useless vs other Steels)
My Scizor once got walled by a Ferrothorn because I'd given it Poison Jab... which it couldn't use. Had to Struggle myself to death. That memory still stings worse than any poison.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
Understanding what type is Steel immune to isn't just trivia – it reshapes battles. It turns passive threats (Toxic stalls) into opportunities for free setups. It enables unique team synergies. And honestly? It feels amazing when your opponent's perfect strategy crumbles because they forgot your Metagross doesn't care about their poison.
The best part? This immunity hasn't changed since 1999. While other mechanics get tweaked, Steel's resistance to poison remains rock solid. So build that Steel core, bait those Toxic switches, and watch your Elo climb. Just maybe don't gloat as hard as I did when my Ferrothorn swept that tournament...
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