Steel Type Lost Dark and Ghost Resistances in Generation 6
The Steel type's defensive profile was significantly altered in Generation 6 when it lost its resistances to both Dark and Ghost types.
IfPost-Generation 6
Meta Read
Essential logic for your next team pivot.
Always account for Steel's changed defensive profile post-Gen 6. When teambuilding or making in-battle decisions, recognize that Steel-types no longer resist Dark and Ghost attacks, demanding different switch-ins or defensive pivots.
Understanding a type's historical changes is crucial for competitive play. Since Generation 6, the Steel type's once-sturdy defensive profile now has significant new vulnerabilities you must factor in.
Connecting defensive shifts to current battle logic.
In Generation 6, the Steel type's defensive strengths were notably altered when it lost its resistances to both Dark and Ghost types. This game mechanic change effectively gave Steel two new effective weaknesses where none existed before, fundamentally impacting its viability and matchups. For competitive players, this means that common threats utilizing Dark and Ghost-type moves, previously walled by Steel, now pose a significant offensive threat. This shift demands careful consideration for Steel-types like Metagross, which now face different calculations against these move types.
Distilled data for rapid tactical recall.
Steel types lost their resistance to Dark-type attacks in Generation 6.
Steel types lost their resistance to Ghost-type attacks in Generation 6.
This change fundamentally altered Steel's defensive utility and viability in the meta.
Modern Steel-types effectively gained two new weaknesses against prevalent offensive types.
Backing claims
The Steel type's defensive profile was significantly altered in Generation 6 when it lost its resistances to both Dark and Ghost types.
IfPost-Generation 6
Analyze core defensive mechanics and historical meta shifts to refine your current competitive teambuilding strategies.
Deepen your understanding of type-chart evolution by reviewing related structural changes and defensive adjustments. These insights provide context on how shifting resistances impact modern viability, allowing you to compare Steel-type performance against other meta-altering modifications. Use these comparisons to sharpen your awareness of historical defensive pivots.
Don't assume a super-effective move guarantees an easy knockout, especially against physically defensive tanks. Garchomp's fire coverage faces significant hurdles when dealing with Skarmory.
Taunt
Status Condition
Don't underestimate Skarmory's offensive potential just because it's a defensive wall. Its naturally high Defense stat can unexpectedly turn it into a potent attacker with Body Press.

Skarmory
Pokemon
Tired of redirection moves ruining your knockout attempts? Mega Skarmory's Stalwart ability offers a unique solution, ensuring your crucial attacks always hit their intended target in Doubles.
Stalwart
Ability
In the Bring 6 Pick 3 format, opponents often under-select for specific threats. This creates an opportunity to use Mega Chesnaught as a dominant late-game sweep, especially against physically oriented teams that overlook its potential.
Mega Chesnaught
Pokemon
Beyond its damage, Knock Off provides crucial utility by stripping opponents of their held items, significantly impacting their longevity and setup potential.
Knock Off
Move
Transform Mega Chesnaught into a nearly unkillable force. Maximize its physical bulk and watch it turn defense into overwhelming offense, even against disadvantageous matchups.
Mega Chesnaught
Pokemon
Continue investigating historical mechanic changes and defensive adjustments by browsing further strategic notes. Understanding these foundational shifts will sharpen decision-making during high-stakes team building and in-battle pivoting situations.