If Azelf goes down before it attacks, it contributed nothing. If it doesn't, something on the other side is going down. Levitate gives it a Ground immunity, which helps. It comfortably outruns most offensive threats. Only weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark.
Everything pushes toward mixed damage here. Azelf's Attack does the work, Defense pays the price. But you're still getting 3 Attack and Sp. Atk EVs per KO. Near-impossible to catch, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
When Azelf flew, people gained the determination to do things. It was the birth of willpower.
Azelf Weakness
VulnerableType-wise, Azelf takes extra damage from Bug, Ghost, and Dark. Levitate grants an additional Ground immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Azelf leans offensive (base 125 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
No breeding, no evolution. Azelf is a Psychic legendary with 580 base stat total that you obtain once and build around.
How to Evolve
The Sash lets Azelf ignore defensive shortcomings for one turn. Use that turn to get Stealth Rock up, and Levitate squeezes extra value from the position. Flexible EVs EVs push damage output.
Best Build
Best Azelf Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Explosion
- Taunt
- Flamethrower
Recommended Teammates
Hard to wall, honestly. Azelf threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Flying standing out. Pair that with Future Sight and Dream Eater and switchins need to think twice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Azelf can't be caught in Black & White. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Azelf is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Black & White.
Also found in:
Azelf is a Legendary Pokemon rated B-Tier on our tier list. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a sweeper. That 125 base Attack does the heavy lifting.
Azelf doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Psychic type with 580 BST.
Azelf gets Levitate. But Levitate is the one that matters — it's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that. With base 115 Speed, Levitate gives Azelf an edge before opponents can react.
Azelf is a mixed attacker — base 125 Attack and 125 Sp. Atk. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 115 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the sweeper role.
Azelf appears in 13 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Since Diamond & Pearl, Azelf has appeared in 13 games. Legendary Pokemon like Azelf are usually found through story events or special post-game areas rather than random encounters.
- 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 IVDPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
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