How to evolve Onix in 'Pokémon Go' Gen 2: Use the metal coat to get yourself a Steelix

The Pokémon Go Gen 2 update is officially upon us, which means you have more than 80 new Pokémon to try catching. Some of these Pokémon are entirely new — like Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile — but others are simply different evolutions of Pokémon that already existed in Pokémon Go's original version.

One example of the latter is Steelix, a new Gen 2 evolution for Onix. In order to complete the evolution, you'll need a metal coat — one of the many new evolution items the update introduced — but once you have it, Steelix looks to be one of the most powerful gym defenders you can get your hands on.

Onix evolution in Pokémon Go: Steelix has an incredibly beefy defense stat

According to Silph Road, which crowdsources and crunches all sorts of Pokémon Go data, Steelix has a nearly maxed-out defense stat of 333. The only other Pokémon with a higher defense stat is Shuckle, whose other stats are laughably low.

Of course, Steelix's other stats still leave a lot to be desired — especially when compared to a more well-rounded powerhouse like Blissey — but if you have an Onix and happen to luck your way into a metal coat, don't hesitate to level that baby up.

More Pokémon Go news and updates

If you're booting up the game for the first time in a while to get ready for Gen 2, be sure to check out Mic's guides on Gen 2 evolutions, how to get stardust, how to determine how long it will take you to reach level 40, the kind of Pokémon you get from 10-kilometer eggs, how to create new PokéStops, how to maximize your chances of catching Pokémon and how PokéStops distribute Pokémon eggs. Also check out how to catch Gen 2 baby Pokémon, our analysis of post-balance update Chansey and Rhydon and everything you need to know about finding the long-awaited Pokémon Ditto.