Top 10 Steel-Type Pokemon to Counter Garchomp in Pokemon GO
1. Metagross
- Why it's great: Metagross boasts high attack and defense, making it a resilient and powerful attacker. Its Steel/Psychic typing gives it a crucial resistance to Garchomp's Dragon-type moves.
- Best Moveset: Meteor Mash (Steel) is its Community Day exclusive move and an absolute must-have. Bullet Punch (Steel) is generally preferred over Zen Headbutt (Psychic) as the fast move due to its faster energy generation.
2. Dialga
- Why it's great: Dialga is a legendary Pokemon with amazing stats across the board. Its Steel/Dragon typing gives it a double resistance to Steel-type attacks, as well as resistances to Electric, Grass, Normal, Poison, Psychic, and Rock. Its Dragon-type fast moves also provide shield pressure if the Garchomp does not have Outrage.
- Best Moveset: Metal Claw (Steel) and Iron Head (Steel) offer a STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moveset that deals significant damage to Garchomp.
3. Excadrill
- Why it's great: Excadrill's Ground/Steel typing provides resistance to Rock moves, while its high Attack stat makes it a formidable attacker. This Pokemon does have a weakness to Ground attacks, however.
- Best Moveset: Metal Claw (Steel) and Iron Head (Steel) are optimal, offering reliable damage output. Mud Slap (Ground) can also be used, but is not preferred.
4. Magnezone
- Why it's great: Magnezone’s Electric/Steel typing gives it several key resistances and a powerful STAB combination. It also has high attack power.
- Best Moveset: Spark (Electric) paired with Wild Charge (Electric) is a potent combination, but Lock-On (Normal) and Mirror Shot (Steel) are also viable options.
5. Ferrothorn
- Why it's great: Ferrothorn is a defensive wall with good attack stats. The Grass/Steel typing resists Electric, Fairy, Grass, Normal, Poison, Psychic, Rock, Steel, and Water. Its dual typing provides good coverage and tankiness to withstand Garchomp's attacks.
- Best Moveset: Metal Claw (Steel) and Power Whip (Grass) can quickly whittle Garchomp's HP down with STAB.
6. Scizor
- Why it's great: Scizor's Bug/Steel typing makes it a decent Garchomp counter, resisting Dragon, Normal, Steel, Poison, Psychic and Ice. With strong bug moves, it has some unique coverage.
- Best Moveset: Bullet Punch (Steel) and Iron Head (Steel) provide solid STAB damage.
7. Empoleon
- Why it's great: Empoleon’s Water/Steel typing is an interesting one, giving it lots of resistances. It provides decent coverage with both Water and Steel attacks.
- Best Moveset: Metal Claw (Steel) and Hydro Cannon (Water) are its best moveset, though Hydro Cannon requires an Elite TM.
8. Bronzong
- Why it's great: Bronzong is an incredibly bulky Pokemon. The Steel/Psychic typing offers good resistances. Unfortunately, it can fall short on dealing high amounts of damage.
- Best Moveset: Metal Claw (Steel) and Heavy Slam (Steel) are the optimal Steel moveset, offering reliable damage.
9. Melmetal
- Why it's great: Melmetal is one of the few Mythical Pokemon that can be placed in gyms and has great stats. Its Steel typing gives it good resistances.
- Best Moveset: Thunder Shock (Electric) and Rock Slide (Rock) provide good coverage but can require an Elite TM.
10. Registeel
- Why it's great: Registeel is a legendary Pokemon with extremely high defense. Its Steel typing grants it many resistances and makes it very tough to take down.
- Best Moveset: Metal Claw (Steel) and Focus Blast (Fighting) can do okay damage with STAB. Lock-On (Normal) and Flash Cannon (Steel) are a budget option.
Remember to power up your Pokemon to the highest possible CP and level to maximize their effectiveness against Garchomp. Consider using appropriate weather boosts (Snowy weather boosts Steel-type attacks) to further enhance their damage output.
What are your favorite strategies for beating Garchomp in Pokemon GO?
