Axew sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Haxorus as fast as possible. Built to hit on the physical side. Introduced in Gen 5.
Attack and Defense carry most of Axew's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Moderately hard to find and yields 1 Attack EV. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
This Pokémon lives in nests that are made in the ground. People in ancient times used its tusks as cooking knives.
If you see peculiar teeth marks on boulders or trees, it means an Axew is likely living nearby.
Axew Weakness
AvgType-wise, Axew takes extra damage from Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Standard number of weaknesses for the Dragon typing.
Three stages ahead. Axew grows into Fraxure, then pushes on to Haxorus. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, takes forever to hatch with plenty of partners via two egg groups. Evolving adds up to 220 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Axew easily with 72 breeding partners from the Dragon and Monster egg groups.
One boost from Dragon Dance and Axew gets dangerous fast. The Adamant nature targets a spread EV build, and Mold Breaker backs the whole approach. Outrage and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Axew Moveset
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Iron Head
- Stomping Tantrum
Recommended Teammates
Hard to wall, honestly. Axew threatens 12 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Dark standing out. Pair that with Draco Meteor and Outrage and switchins need to think twice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The egg pool carries weight here. Counter and Endeavor aren't available any other way for Axew, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Outrage and Dragon Pulse for solid options.
Hard to wall, honestly. Axew threatens 12 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Dark standing out. Pair that with Draco Meteor and Outrage and switchins need to think twice.
Hard to wall, honestly. Axew threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Dark standing out. Pair that with Draco Meteor and Outrage and switchins need to think twice.
Easy grab on Axew with high spawn rates across 8 locations in mid-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Before you go hunting for Axew, check which of the 8 spots belong to your version. Scarlet and Violet each have different walking encounters at Lv. 16-42.
11 encounter spots for Axew at moderate rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations
You can catch Axew through 11 walking encounters from Lv. 29-40, but availability differs between Sword and Shield. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
moderate rates for Axew across 2 locations in mid-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Best Locations
moderate rates across 2 locations for Axew in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Best Locations
Axew is meant to evolve into Fraxure. At 320 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Axew evolves into Fraxure at level 38. Axew is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Mold Breaker is what you want on Axew. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Rivalry, Unnerve) work on paper but Mold Breaker is what makes Axew worth using.
At base 57 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Axew is a physical attacker with base 87 Attack. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Axew appears in 8 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Axew joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 8 titles so far. With 5 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBWDebut
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A