You can get a Steelix in Pokémon HeartGold without trading with another player: speak to Rusty in Olivine Gym and exchange any Pokémon for his Steelix. That does not evolve your Onix. To evolve your own Onix, you must trade it while it is holding a Metal Coat.
Choose the route that matches what you mean by “without trading”
| Route | What you do | Trade with another player? | Does your Onix evolve? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard evolution | Trade Onix while it holds a Metal Coat. | Yes, unless you arrange a trade using another copy of the game and device. | Yes. |
| Olivine Gym trade | Exchange any Pokémon with Rusty for his Steelix. | No. | No. You receive a separate Steelix. |
How to get Rusty’s Steelix
- Go to Olivine Gym.
- Speak with Rusty and offer a Pokémon for the in-game trade.
- Receive Rusty’s Steelix, which holds a Soothe Bell.
This is the practical option if you only need a Steelix and do not want a player-to-player trade. You must still give up a Pokémon in the NPC exchange.
![Pokemon Heart Gold [Japan Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51c+nkqV8NL._SL160_.jpg)
How to evolve your own Onix
Onix evolves into Steelix when it is traded while holding a Metal Coat. Leveling up or simply holding the item is not enough; the evolution references specify the trade-plus-item condition and give no level requirement. See Bulbapedia’s Onix entry and Serebii’s evolution reference.
If you want to keep your particular Onix and have it become Steelix, the Olivine Gym trade is not a substitute: it gives you Rusty’s Steelix instead. You need to trade your Onix while it holds a Metal Coat.
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- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
Does the Violet City trade help?
No. The separate Violet City trade lets you give Bellsprout to receive an Onix; it does not change how Onix evolves. The HeartGold/SoulSilver trade table lists both that exchange and Rusty’s Olivine Gym Steelix trade: HeartGold and SoulSilver in-game trades.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Games in 2D. Some areas also playable in 3D. For Nintendo 3DS systems, use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Suitable_for_all_users
Rank #2
![Pokemon HeartGold Version - Limited Edition - Nintendo DS [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612BHs15YsL._SL160_.jpg)
- Pokewalker, a special pedometer is included.
- Use the Poke Radar to catch wild Pokemon!
- Find items by using the Pokewalker Dowsing Machine.
- Connect your Pokewalker with a friends and receive a special gift.
- Enhanced graphics and sound
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