Hello! I am looking for help to be able to finalize my team to be a steel gym leader on a team I am on. The rules for gym leaders are to have 5 pokes that share the same type and one completely free. Additionally, we can have a mandatory rule to oppose challengers (for example "no use of fire-type pokes"). Another important fact is that I cannot have legendary pokes on my team and the pokes are up to gen5 and fairy type pokes do not exist yet.
Considering this, I understand that the steel type is at a great disadvantage since its weaknesses are the fire, ground and fighting type, which are very common in both pokes and abilities. That's why I think my mandatory rule could be to prohibit pokes of any of those 3 types or prohibit the use of attacks from one of those types.
The first idea I had was to prohibit the use of fire type pokes and I thought of this team:
Empoleon @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 232 SpA / 252 HP / 24 SpD
Modest Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Roar
Despite banning fire-type pokes, moves will not be. Empoleon would be the main tank against them in addition to having good damage as a special attacker. Scald and Ice Beam for good damage coverage. Stealth Rock and Roar as a combo to prevent boosts and so that they receive damage to make it easier to eliminate them. The EVs were designed so that it can last long enough and do a lot of special damage.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 150 Def / 108 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Power Whip
Good starter and tank especially against ground and water. Place Stealth Rocks for damage and Leach Seeds to restore life for him and the rest of the team. Protect to make time and recover life with Leftovers and/or leach seed. Power Whip against difficult pokes like Swampert. EVs to Wall.
Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 6 SpD
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Whirlwind
- Roost
- Brave Bird
Main physical tank and efficient against ground and fighting. Good combo with Spikes and Whirlwind to prevent boosts and damage opponents as much as possible. Roost to stay healthy and Brave Bird mainly against fighting types. EVs to Wall.
Metagross @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Hone Claws
- Bullet Punch
- Zen Headbutt
- Thunder Punch
Main physical attacker as well as a decent tank. EVs to hold on and be able to counterattack strongly. Base movements and Bullet Punch to finish them. Thunder Punch for water and flying types that can be difficult to handle, such as Mantyne. Hone claws to increase damage and precision. Can be the win condition if boosted enough.
Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Tri Attack
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Main special attacker. Tri Attack for Normal damage and additional status condition. Base movements for excellent damage and Hidden Power [Fire] in case there are opponents with steel type. EVs and Choice Scarf to attack first and finish them off.
Starmie @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Surf
- Psyshock
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
I chose Starmie as the free one because he is very fast and easily eliminates weaknesses with his movements. Surf and Psyshock against ground, fire and fighting types. Ice Beam against dragon types or if they resist its base moves. Thunderbolt against water and flying.
The only one I'm sure I want on the team is Metagross, since he's my favorite. For the rest I'm not sure whether to go like this or maybe focus on going full offensive with pokes like Lucario, Scizor, etc. I'm not very convinced about Starmie either or the prohibition I choose. As you will see, I have more doubts than certainties. I hope you can help me with this :)
