Steel-type Pokémon are one of the lesser-known types, but they still pack a punch, with Steel 'mons proving to be some of the most offensively capable Pokémon available. Steel Pokémon usually have Physical moves, but they may also be Special in more recent generations as the type has seen more development and expansion. There are barely any animals that don't have Pokémon based on them, but as the franchise continues this is likely to change.
Players like to add a secondary type to their 'mons for added versatility, more available moves, and narrowly organizing and structuring a Pokémon team. There are many types that can work with Steel, with some obviously proving to be better than others. Whenever adding a secondary type, players should consider the benefits and drawbacks before applying the change.
8 Ghost
Ghost is a useful secondary-type for players who are using Steel-type Pokémon defensively. Ghost makes otherwise super-effective Fighting-type moves ineffectual, which is very handy for ensuring that fighting-type Pokémon don't wipe out the Steel-type.
The pairing of Ghost and Steel works the other way, with Steel being a great secondary typing for Ghost Pokemon. Steel is a great type due to its vast list of resistances, but players wanting to further improve the defensive capabilities of Steel-type Pokémon should look to add Ghost as a secondary typing.
7 Psychic
Psychic is a great secondary type to add for Steel-type Pokémon because Fighting is no longer super-effective against Steel. However, players now add the weaknesses of Dark and Ghost-types. Where Bug would usually be super-effective on Psychic, Steel balances this out because it resists it.
Psychic is more of a special attacking type whereas Steel is physical, so players will need to ensure they have a balance while accepting that they won't have particularly strong stats in either Attack or Defense as a result of this type of pairing. The best Psychic-type Pokemon from each generation have given players plenty of memorable 'mons to choose from for their parties, and this type is not to be ignored.
6 Flying
Flying is great for adding defense to Ground-type moves, which usually can affect Steel-type Pokémon. It will also make otherwise super-effective fighting moves do normal damage, which can make all the difference when fighting in a tough match that is very close. The best flying-type moves pack a punch and can be a great addition to a player's arsenal.
Adding Flying as a secondary typing to Steel-type also has the bonus of having super-effective Same-Type-Attack-Bonus flying moves against Fighting types. Great examples are Skarmory and Corviknight. It's worth mentioning that Flying as a secondary typing will add a weakness to Electric that Steel previously didn't have.
5 Fairy
Fairy is an often overlooked Pokémon type, but it can be a useful secondary typing for Steel-types. When adding Fairy as a secondary typing, these Pokémon will be unaffected by Poison and Dragon-type moves, making for a decent defense if a player's opponent typically uses Dragon and Poison Pokémon. The cutest Fairy Pokémon have helped elevate the franchise's success over the years, but they're also pretty useful in battle.
While this isn't the most useful advantage, adding Fairy moves to a Steel-type means that Steel moves from opponents won't be super effective, as Steel resists against itself. By adding Fairy as a secondary typing, players don't have to worry about opponents' Steel moves being super effective, simply gaining extra attacking options with no defensive drawbacks.
4 Ground
Ground is a great pairing for Steel-type Pokémon as between the two of them, players will have nice type coverage. It is worth mentioning that adding Ground will add an extra weakness to Water. However, Ground attacks counter Fire types which tend to be a popular choice amongst Pokémon battlers.
3
A good example of this is Excadrill, an impressive Pokémon that is useful in battles. Having extra Ground moves to use for Steel-type Pokémon works offensively even if it's not the most defensive pairing players can make.
2 Water
Water is a great offensive choice to add as a secondary typing to Steel-types. By adding Water, players will lose the weakness Steel has to Fire-types and Water will lose the weakness it has to Grass types. Weaknesses added are Electric, Ground, and Fighting but players gain moves famous from the best Water Pokémon available.
The true benefit of this type of pairing is that Water and Steel also have good type coverage meaning if players come across a Ground-type, they will have a super-effective Water move to counter it. A great example Pokémon of this is Empoleon.
1 Dragon
The best secondary typing for Steel-types, adding Dragon makes otherwise super-effective Fire moves do normal damage. It also works both ways as Ice, Fairy, and Dragon which would normally do super-effective damage against Dragon-types only do normal damage because of the primary Steel-type. Great examples of this are Dialga and Duraludon who have some of the best Dragon-type Pokémon moves available.
Steel has a vast list of resistances, such as Normal, Water, Grass, Electric, Flying, Psychic, Bug, and Rock and Poison has no effect. Adding in Dragon improves this list of resistances meaning Pokémon types like this have unmatched defensive capabilities that can give players the edge in a battle.
