Mega Steelix is the defensive anchor of Sand teams. Its physical Defense reaches 230 base — one of the highest of any Pokémon in the game. Physical moves simply don’t break through Mega Steelix without super-effective hits. Sand Force in sandstorm makes Earthquake even more powerful, pairing naturally with Tyranitar’s Sand StreamSand StreamabilityAn ability that summons permanent sandstorm on entry, dealing 1/16 HP chip to non-Rock/Ground/Steel types each turn.Click to read more →.
Steel/Ground is a strong defensive type combination. Steel resists 10 types, and Ground adds an Electric immunity. The combination’s weaknesses are Fire (2×), Water (2×), and Fighting (2×).
Earthquake as the main weapon
Earthquake is Mega Steelix’s primary move: 100 base power, Ground STABSTABmechanicSame-Type Attack Bonus: a move deals ×1.5 damage when its type matches one of the user's types.Click to read more → (×1.5), and Sand Force in sand (×1.3). This comes to 195 effective base power in sandstorm — massive. The downside: Earthquake hits allies too in doubles. Teams need to position carefully or use Pokémon that are immune to Ground (Flying types or Levitate users) as partners.
Physical wall role
Beyond attacking, Mega Steelix walls physical attackers. Its 230 Defense absorbs hits from virtually any physical move that doesn’t hit for super-effective damage, buying time for the rest of the team.
What stops it
- Water-type moves — Water hits Ground/Steel for 2×. Urshifu’s Water moves and Rotom-Wash threaten it hard.
- Fire-type moves — Fire hits Steel for 2×. Charizard and Volcarona are common threats.
- Low Special Defense — At 95 base Special Defense, special attackers can break through even though physical moves can’t.