0208 Steelix

Dragon Tail is preferred for its neutral coverage and slightly above average energy gains. Thunder Fang is more of a niche option due to its worse energy generation, but provides a different coverage option. 

Breaking Swipe is one of the best Charged Attacks in DPE thanks to its low cost, decent DPE, and Attack debuff chance. It synergizes extremely well with Steelix's incredible bulk. Psychic Fangs is also similarly spammy and comes with a Defense debuff instead, and it can also hit some Fighting-type Pokemon super effectively. However, Breaking Swipe's Attack debuff is generally preferable. Crunch costs a moderate amount of energy and generally provides good neutral damage. Earthquake is very valuable for its wide coverage, and also gets STAB. Heavy Slam gets STAB but Steel-typing isn't very valuable offensively. 

Steelix is a very bulky Pokemon with 10 resistances, and is considered as one of the Steel Tanks in the meta. Through sheer bulk and resistances, Steelix acts as a wall to many Pokemon, and is often used to counter Flying-type Pokemon in this league like Altaria and Noctowl. Weaknesses to common Water and Fighting-types are major issues for Steelix, which requires it to be complimented with Pokemon that can cover its vulnerabilities. As more Pokemon are introduced into the game and moves are rebalanced over time, Steelix has fallen more out of favor compared to more popular picks like Galarian Stunfisk and Registeel due to the notable differences in energy generation and coverage. However, the addition of Breaking Swipe can set Steelix apart from its competitors; Steelix can outlast them and deal more consistent damage.

Steelix benefits from the level 50 update, with XL candy giving it more IV options to increase its bulk by opting for less ATK IVs. Though it often competes with other Steel-type Pokemon such as Galarian Stunfisk and Registeel, Steelix's access to Breaking Swipe sets itself apart by outlasting them in extended matchups. For example, Steelix can actually go toe to toe with Swampert in an extended matchup due to the power of Breaking Swipe's constant debuffs. Having positive matchups vs Giratina and Zygarde-Complete helps define Steelix's niche in Ultra League.

Steelix lacks sufficient stats to compete well in Master League. Its typing and moveset enables wins against Dialga and Raikou without too much trouble, but Groudon is a stronger pick for its role.