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.
These Pokémon nest in the ground and use their tusks to crush hard berries. Crushing berries is also how they test each other’s strength.
They play with each other by knocking their large tusks together. Their tusks break sometimes, but they grow back so quickly that it isn’t a concern.
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 60 breeding partners from the Dragon and Monster egg groups. Pass egg moves like Counter, Endeavor, First Impression and 2 more to offspring.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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.
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