What it does
Iron Defense is a Steel-type status move that raises the user's Defense by two stages in one use. Two stages (one Iron Defense use) multiplies Defense by 2x; three total stages by 2.5x; four by 3.0x.
Alone, it just makes you tankier. That won't win games — surviving more hits is fine, but you need to be dealing damage too. The move's real value locks into Body Press: Body Press calculates damage from Defense, not Attack. Every Iron Defense stage is simultaneously a Defense boost and a damage boost. One use in and Body Press output is already doubled compared to baseline. Two uses in and most teams can't cleanly handle it.
In doubles, the setup takes turns, which is why these users need partners who can buy time — at least one safe Iron Defense is usually enough to make Body Press a serious threat.
Who runs it
Bastiodon at 71% has a Defense stat that's already among the game's highest. One Iron Defense makes its physical wall role nearly impenetrable while simultaneously lifting Body Press damage to threatening levels.
Orthworm at 63% combines this with Earth Eater — Ground-type moves heal it instead of dealing damage, removing one of the most common ways to break a Steel-type wall. Iron Defense plus Body Press is its primary win condition.
Skarmory at 61% is Flying/Steel, immune to Ground. No Ground-type coverage can touch it, so opponents need dedicated answers. Iron Defense makes those answers need to work even harder.
Aggron at 38% — its Mega Evolution form becomes pure Steel and the Defense climbs significantly, making both Iron Defense and Body Press stronger.
Corviknight at 24% uses Iron Defense defensively alongside Mirror Armor, which reflects Defense-lowering moves back at opponents trying to cut the setup short.
How to use it
In doubles, aim for one Iron Defense and then start clicking Body Press. Waiting for three or four stages before attacking hands the opponent time to rearrange. One stage is often enough.
The partner's role during the setup turn is to threaten the other opposing Pokémon enough that they can't freely attack your Iron Defense user. Fake Out, high-damage priority, or a strong offensive presence all work for this.
Protect after the first Iron Defense is a common follow-up — you absorb a hit safely and get one more action cycle before attacking.
Tips & strategy
Ghost-types are immune to Fighting moves — Body Press does nothing to them. Any Iron Defense + Body Press strategy collapses against a Ghost switch-in. Make sure the team has a Ghost answer.
Haze and Clear Smog erase all stat boosts instantly. Against teams running these, prioritize removing them before setting up, or find a way to win without relying on accumulated Defense stages.