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For conventional raids, Crowned Sword Zacian, Crowned Shield Zamazenta, and Dusk Mane Necrozma are among the strongest Steel-type attackers in current ranking tools. A useful starting moveset for each is Metal Claw with its signature Steel charged move: Behemoth Blade, Behemoth Bash, or Sunsteel Strike, respectively. The order changes with the simulator and scoring method, and Max Battles need a separate ranking.
Which Steel attackers should you use in raids?
These picks lead two reviewed raid lists, but they are not a universal, fixed ranking. Dittobase ranks by effective DPS (eDPS), while Pokémon GO Hub uses a different score and configurable assumptions. Pokebattler’s matchup and estimator ranking puts Zamazenta ahead of Zacian. Use the table as a shortlist, then check the specific boss matchup and the moves your Pokémon can learn.
| Use | Recommended Pokémon | Steel moves | What the ranking supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top raid options | Crowned Sword Zacian | Metal Claw + Behemoth Blade | Ranks first in Dittobase’s and Pokémon GO Hub’s displayed lists; second in Pokebattler’s displayed Steel-move table. |
| Top raid options | Crowned Shield Zamazenta | Metal Claw + Behemoth Bash | Ranks second in Dittobase’s and Pokémon GO Hub’s displayed lists; first in Pokebattler’s displayed table. |
| Top raid options | Dusk Mane Necrozma | Metal Claw + Sunsteel Strike | Ranks third in Dittobase’s and Pokémon GO Hub’s displayed lists. |
| Shadow attacker | Shadow Metagross | Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash | A strong alternative in the reviewed raid lists. |
| Mega attacker | Mega Metagross | Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash | A strong alternative in the reviewed raid lists. |
| Non-Legendary, non-Ultra Beast | Metagross | Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash | Dittobase’s best pick in this category under its default settings. |
Pokebattler’s displayed table also places Dawn Wings Necrozma using Metal Claw and Moongeist Beam third. That example is a reminder that a Pokémon ranked for attacking a boss weak to Steel need not use a Steel charged move. Check the matchup-specific result rather than assuming every high-ranked attacker must have two Steel-type moves.
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A leaderboard reflects its score, settings, and eligible Pokémon—not a single official ranking. Dittobase defines eDPS as: “The default ranking value. eDPS blends DPS and TDO with the cost of relobbying after a faint, so a glassy nuker and a tanky bruiser are scored on equal footing.” DPS represents sustained damage rate; TDO is total damage before fainting; eDPS incorporates the time cost of relobbying.
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Dittobase’s displayed raid order is Crowned Sword Zacian, Crowned Shield Zamazenta, Dusk Mane Necrozma, Shadow Metagross, then Mega Metagross. Its default calculation uses level 40, 15/15/15 IVs, and no weather, friendship, Party Power, or teammate Mega boost. It includes Megas, Shadows, and Pokémon that can use Steel moves even if they are not Steel-type, unless the user applies filters. Pokémon GO Hub’s displayed order begins with the same three, then lists Mega Lucario, Shadow Metagross, and Mega Metagross; its table also allows configuration of Shadows, Megas, legacy moves, and other settings.
The tools’ scores are not directly interchangeable: they use different metrics and assumptions. Pokebattler’s displayed matchup, estimator, and points place Zamazenta first and Zacian second. For a particular raid, compare the boss-specific ranking under settings that match your roster and conditions rather than treating one site’s order as definitive.
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Best Steel attacker for Max Battles
Max Battles are not ordinary raids. They take place at Power Spots, where eligible Pokémon Dynamax or Gigantamax and use Max Moves; the mode has its own mechanics and ranking inputs. Dittobase’s Steel Max Battle table, updated October 6, 2026, ranks Crowned Sword Zacian first, Metagross second, and Excadrill third. It lists Behemoth Blade as Zacian’s Max Move. Do not compare that Max Battle score directly with raid eDPS.
How to apply the rankings to your team
- For a general raid shortlist: Start with the three Crowned or Dusk Mane choices and their listed Steel movesets. Treat them as leading options, not a guaranteed order for every boss.
- If you have Metagross: Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash make it a strong Shadow or Mega option; regular Metagross is Dittobase’s leading non-Legendary, non-Ultra Beast choice under its defaults.
- Check move eligibility: Signature and legacy moves may depend on game availability or move requirements. Confirm the current in-game move options before spending resources.
- Match the ranking conditions: Level, IVs, weather, friendship, Party Power, Mega boosts, Shadow inclusion, and score type can change results. Configure the ranking tool to resemble your intended battle.
- Use the right mode: Consult raid rankings for raids and the separate Max Battle rankings for Power Spot battles.
The cited leaderboards are third-party tools and databases, not official Niantic rankings; their results can change with balance updates, new content, and settings. The recommendations here reflect the displayed lists as of October 2026.
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Sources
- Dittobase Steel raid attackers and methodology
- Pokémon GO Hub Steel attackers
- Pokebattler Steel-move attacker rankings
- Dittobase Steel Max Battle attackers
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