Steel's Electric Strength: Why It's Not Weak

why is steel not weak to electric

In the Pokémon universe, Steel-type Pokémon are not weak to Electric-type moves, which has sparked debate among fans. Some players argue that since water is weak to electricity due to its conductivity, steel, which is a better conductor, should be weak to electricity as well. Others suggest that steel-type Pokémon may function as Faraday cages, where electricity is conducted through their outer metal shell, protecting their organic insides. While steel-type Pokémon are not weak to electric-type moves, they do have weaknesses to fighting-, fire-, and ground-type attacks.

Characteristics Values
Steel is a good conductor of electricity 6.99 million σ
Metal can act as an insulator for certain electrical charges Depends on impurities in the substance
Steel-type Pokémon function as a Faraday cage Electricity is conducted through their outer metal shell
Number of Steel-type Pokémon 77 or 7.51% of all Pokémon
Steel-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting-, Fire-, and Ground-type moves
Steel-type Pokémon are immune to Poison-type moves

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Steel-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting, Fire- and Ground-type moves

Steel-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type moves. This is because the Steel type is one of the best conductors of electricity, and while Steel-type Pokémon's bodies may function as a Faraday cage, conducting electricity through their outer metal shell and preventing it from reaching their organic insides, they are still susceptible to these types of attacks.

Steel-type Pokémon are known for their defensive capabilities, with resistances to 10 out of the 18 types. However, their weakness to Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type moves makes them vulnerable to certain attacks. For example, Alolan Sandslash, Aggron, Bastiodon, Probopass, Stakataka, and Kingambit are quad weak to Fighting-type moves. Additionally, Steel-type Pokémon that are immune to Ground-type moves due to Levitate or the Flying type are still vulnerable to Fighting and Fire-type attacks.

Fire-type moves are particularly effective against Steel-type Pokémon, as they tend to lack Special Defense, and many good special attackers can carry Fire Blast without being Fire types themselves. However, certain Steel-type Pokémon, such as Heatran, are immune to fire unless attacked by something with Mold Breaker or Turboblaze. In these cases, Ground or Fighting-type moves may be more effective.

While Steel-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type moves, they are strong against other types, such as Water and Fairy. They also have the most resistances of any type and the highest average base Defense of all types as of Generation IX.

It is worth noting that some players have argued that Steel-type Pokémon should be weak to Electric-type moves due to steel being an excellent conductor of electricity. However, this is not currently a weakness of Steel-type Pokémon in the games.

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Metal can act as an insulator for certain electrical charges

Steel is a type of metal that is known for its strength and high conductivity. It is one of the best conductors of electricity, with a conductivity of about 6.99 million σ. Despite this, steel is not weak to electric types in the Pokémon universe. This has prompted discussions among players about steel-type Pokémon's relationship with electric-type moves.

One explanation for this discrepancy is that the bodies of steel-type Pokémon function as a Faraday cage. In this case, electricity is conducted through the outer metal shell, protecting the organic innards from the electric charge. This is especially effective for grounded steel types, as the electricity would pass through their metal skin into the ground.

However, it is important to note that the properties of metal, including steel, in the real world may differ from their depictions in the Pokémon universe. The conductivity and interactions of steel with electric charges in Pokémon may be influenced by game mechanics and balance considerations, as well as the desire to create varied strategies and competitive gameplay.

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Steel-type Pokémon's bodies function as a Faraday cage

Faraday discovered that a charge on a conductor only resided on the outer surface, and any change in electrical charge outside the conductor did not affect the inside. This phenomenon is the basis of how a Faraday cage works: it creates a continuously conducting outer layer that prevents any electric fields or changes from affecting the inside of the conductor.

In the case of Steel-type Pokémon, their bodies act as a Faraday cage by conducting electricity through their outer metal shell, protecting their organic innards from the electric charge. This is especially effective for grounded Steel types, as the electricity would pass over their metal skin and into the ground.

While this explanation has been offered as a potential reason for why Steel-type Pokémon are not weak to Electric-type moves, it is not without its flaws. Additionally, some have argued that since steel is an excellent conductor of electricity, Steel-type Pokémon should be weak to Electric-type moves, similar to how Water-type Pokémon are weak to them due to water's conductivity.

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Steel has the most resistances of any type

Steel-type Pokémon have the most resistances of any type. They are weak to Fighting-, Fire-, and Ground-type moves but are super effective against Fairy-, Ice-, and Rock-type Pokémon. In addition, Steel-type Pokémon are immune to Poison-type moves and damage from the sandstorm weather condition.

Steel is one of the best conductors of electricity, and water is a conductor as well. However, the reasoning behind why Steel-type Pokémon are not weak to Electric-type moves is because their bodies function as a Faraday cage. This means that electricity is conducted through their outer metal shell, preventing it from reaching their organic innards. This works especially well for grounded Steel types, as the electricity would pass over their metal skin and into the ground.

Despite this, Electric-type moves are considered good against Steel-type Pokémon. This is because Electric types are super effective against Flying and Water types, which are common physical offensive types. In addition, Fighting-type moves are super effective against Steel types and hit everything that Steel types do, plus some more.

As of Generation IX, there are 77 Steel-type Pokémon, making up 7.51% of all Pokémon. This makes Steel types the 6th rarest type, tied with Rock and Ground.

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Steel-type Pokémon are immune to Poison-type moves

Steel-type Pokémon are the strongest type defensively, with 10 types that are not very effective against them. The Poison type has no effect on Steel-type Pokémon. However, the Corrosion ability allows a Pokémon to bypass that immunity.

While Steel-type Pokémon are generally immune to Poison-type moves, there are certain exceptions. For example, in Generation II, Twineedle was able to poison Steel-type Pokémon. Additionally, Steel-type Pokémon can now be poisoned through non-Poison moves.

The Steel type was introduced in the second generation of Pokémon games, and it is the only type that resists Dragon-type moves. Every generation since the Steel type debuted has introduced at least one Steel-type specialist. The Steel type has been paired with every other type except for Normal and Poison.

Frequently asked questions

Steel-type Pokémon aren't weak to Electric-type moves because their bodies function as a Faraday cage, with electricity conducted through their outer metal shell, protecting their organic innards.

Yes, steel is a good conductor, but its conductivity is due to impurities in the substance. Metal, on its own, can even act as an insulator for certain electrical charges.

Water conducts electricity due to the presence of salt and minerals. Pure water does not conduct electricity.

Steel-type Pokémon already have a lot of resistances—they're resistant to 10 out of 18 types. Making them weak to electric could be a balance issue.

No, as of Generation IX, none of the 77 Steel-type Pokémon are weak to electric-type moves.

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