axew
Generation V · #0610 — Tusk Pokémon
Axew is a Dragon-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V, holding the National Pokédex number #610. Known as the Tusk Pokémon, Axew is a small, bipedal creature that measures just 0.6 meters in height and weighs 18.0 kilograms, making it one of the more diminutive dragon-types in existence. Despite its modest size, Axew possesses impressive physical capabilities, particularly in its Attack stat of 87, which is notably high for a first-stage evolution Pokémon. The species is defined by its distinctive tusks, which serve as both tools and weapons, and its slow growth rate makes leveling and evolution a patient endeavor for trainers. With a base happiness of 35 and a catch rate of 75, Axew is moderately difficult to befriend initially but represents a worthwhile investment for those committed to its evolutionary line.
Base Stats
Height
0.6m
Weight
18.0kg
Category
Tusk Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
upright
Abilities
Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.
Bypasses targets' abilities if they could hinder or prevent a move.
Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.
Axew Biology & Physical Characteristics
Axew is a grayish-green Pokémon with a distinctive physiological feature: a pair of pale, straight tusks that protrude prominently from either side of its mouth. These tusks are not static features but rather continuously regenerating structures that become progressively stronger and sharper with each cycle of breakage and regrowth. The back of Axew's head is characterized by a darker shade of grayish-green coloration and features a tall, slightly curved horn. Large, dark ovals encircle its red eyes, giving the creature an expressive appearance, while its short, rounded snout houses large nostrils suited for its carnivorous diet. A distinctive forest green collar marking encircles its neck, separating its head from its compact body. Axew's limbs are proportionally short, with its forelimbs possessing three digits and its feet bearing two digits, while its tail is similarly compact. The creature's small, muscular frame belies its surprising physical strength, particularly concentrated in its jaws and tusks.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Axew Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Axew exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio, with 50% of individuals being male and 50% female, making it equally likely to encounter either gender in the wild or breeding scenarios. The species belongs to both the Monster and Dragon egg groups, providing diverse breeding compatibility options for trainers seeking to produce Axew offspring or utilize it in breeding chains. The gender mechanics become strategically relevant when considering Axew's Rivalry ability, which increases damage output to 1.25 times normal against Pokémon of the same gender while decreasing it to 0.75 times against the opposite gender, creating dynamic competitive considerations. The relatively low base happiness of 35 indicates that freshly caught or hatched Axew require more effort to bond with their trainers compared to other species, though this represents a minor inconvenience given the species' overall viability. With an egg cycle counter of 40, requiring approximately 10,024 to 10,280 steps to hatch, Axew eggs demand moderate patience from breeders seeking to obtain perfect individual values or specific natures for competitive play.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm02
emerald
tm02
firered leafgreen
tm02
ruby sapphire
tm02
black white
tm02
heartgold soulsilver
tm02
platinum
tm02
colosseum
tm02
diamond pearl
tm02
black 2 white 2
tm02
sun moon
tm02
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm02
x y
tm02
xd
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
+680 more TMs/HMs
axew's Evolution Chain
Axew Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Axew represents the first stage of a three-stage evolutionary line exclusive to the Dragon type. At level 38, Axew evolves into Fraxure, a more robust and battle-hardened form that increases significantly in size and physical prowess. Fraxure then undergoes its final evolution into Haxorus at level 48, transforming into a formidable dragon-type capable of competing at higher competitive tiers. The evolutionary progression represents a consistent increase in base stats, with particular emphasis on Attack and Defense, transforming Axew's modest 320 base stat total into Haxorus's commanding 540. The evolution line maintains its pure Dragon typing throughout all three forms, with no type diversification occurring. This linear evolutionary pathway underscores Axew's role as a foundational dragon-type for trainers seeking to build a competitive team, as the investment in training yields substantial returns by the final evolution stage.
Where to Find
guidance chamber
unova
+13 more
mistralton cave
unova
+13 more
connecting cave
kalos
+3 more
mount hokulani
alola
+1 more
Axew Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Axew lives in nests constructed underground, from which it emerges to forage and establish territory. The species uses its powerful tusks to mark territorial boundaries by leaving distinctive gashes in trees and boulders, creating identifiable landmarks throughout its habitat. According to Pokédex entries, if one observes peculiar teeth marks on natural structures, an Axew is likely residing nearby. The species demonstrates remarkable climbing abilities, as evidenced in the Pokémon anime series, skillfully ascending walls and trees despite its short limbs. Axew exhibits playful social behavior with other members of its species, engaging in ritualistic tusk-knocking contests that appear to serve both as social bonding and strength assessment. These competitions frequently result in broken tusks, but the rapid regenerative properties of these structures mean such incidents cause little concern. The species feeds primarily on hard berries, which it crushes using its tusks, a behavior that simultaneously serves as a method for young Axew to test and develop their physical capabilities.
Pokedex Entries
They use their tusks to crush the berries they eat. Repeated regrowth makes their tusks strong and sharp.
Its large tusks have a tendency to break, but each time they grow back, they grow in harder and sturdier.
They mark their territory by leaving gashes in trees with their tusks. If a tusk breaks, a new one grows in quickly.
They use their tusks to crush the berries they eat. Repeated regrowth makes their tusks strong and sharp.
They mark their territory by leaving gashes in trees with their tusks. If a tusk breaks, a new one grows in quickly.
They use their tusks to crush the berries they eat. Repeated regrowth makes their tusks strong and sharp.
They mark their territory by leaving gashes in trees with their tusks. If a tusk breaks, a new one grows in quickly.
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Axew's name derives from combining "axe," referencing its sharp tusks and their axe-like cutting capabilities, with "newt," reflecting its small, reptilian appearance and quadrupedal leaning form. The Japanese name Kibago combines "ki" (tusk) and "ago" (child or small), directly emphasizing its status as a youthful tusked creature. Visually, Axew appears inspired by prehistoric creatures such as early mammoths or wild boars, with its tusks serving as the defining characteristic rather than physical size. The design philosophy emphasizes the tusks as both weapon and tool, reflecting the Pokédex entries that describe their multifaceted utility in crushing food, establishing territory, and social interaction. The forest green coloration suggests a creature native to woodland environments, while the pale tusks create striking visual contrast that immediately communicates the species' primary anatomical feature to viewers.
Learnable Moves
Axew can learn 80 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| breaking swipe | dragon | Physical | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| draco meteor | dragon | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| dragon cheer | dragon | Status | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| dragon claw | dragon | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| dragon rage | dragon | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| dragon tail | dragon | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| dual chop | dragon | Physical | 40 | 90 | 15 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| first impression | bug | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| guillotine | normal | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scale shot | dragon | Physical | 25 | 90 | 20 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| x scissor | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
Axew Competitive Battle Guide
Axew's competitive viability is limited by its position as a first-stage evolutionary form with modest base stats totaling 320, making it unsuitable for serious competitive battling without evolution. The species' Attack stat of 87 is respectable for its tier, but Special Attack at merely 30 makes special moves entirely unviable, forcing reliance on physical attacks exclusively. Axew's ability options provide useful competitive tools through either Rivalry, which creates gender-dependent damage modifiers, or Mold Breaker, which penetrates defensive abilities like Filter or Thick Fat that would otherwise reduce damage. The hidden ability Unnerve, preventing opponents from consuming held berries, sees niche competitive application in specific formats. Defensively, Axew's 46 HP and 60 Defense stats render it extremely fragile, capable of being defeated in a single hit by moderately powered attacks. However, Axew serves important strategic functions in lower-tier competitive formats such as Little Cup, where its evolutionary potential and decent Attack stat make it a viable choice. Trainers seeking serious competitive advantage should prioritize evolving Axew to Fraxure and ultimately Haxorus, where its base stats become genuinely threatening.
Commonly Asked Questions About Axew
What type is Axew?
Axew is a dragon type Pokemon.
What does Axew evolve into?
Axew evolves into fraxure, then into haxorus.
What are Axew's weaknesses?
Axew is weak to ice, dragon and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Axew?
Axew can be found in guidance chamber (unova), mistralton cave (unova) and connecting cave (kalos) and 1 other locations.
Axew Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Axew gained significant cultural prominence through its major appearance in the Pokémon anime series as the companion Pokémon of Iris, who would later become a Gym Leader and Champion. The character's bond with her Axew resonated with audiences, and the species became strongly associated with dragon-type training and the journey toward mastering powerful creatures. In the anime, Iris's Axew demonstrated the species' climbing abilities and playful personality, humanizing the small dragon and making it endearing to viewers beyond its base game mechanics. The species appears in various Pokémon trading card game releases, with artwork emphasizing its distinctive tusks and forest green coloration. Axew has been featured in promotional materials and merchandise throughout the franchise, though it remains less iconic than other legendary or more commonly encountered dragon-types like Dragonite or Salamence. The species represents the dragon-type trainer's starting point, symbolizing the beginning of a long journey toward mastering one of the franchise's most powerful creature classes.
Where to Find Axew in Every Pokémon Game
Axew's availability has fluctuated significantly across Pokémon game generations since its introduction in Generation V. In Pokémon Black and White, Axew was available as a relatively early-game encounter, holding National Pokédex number #116 locally. The species reappeared in Black 2 and White 2 with local number #183, maintaining its accessibility to Unova players. In Generation VI, Axew appeared in the Kalos region with local number #148 (Central Kalos), expanding its availability geographically. Later generations including Sword and Shield (local #324), Scarlet and Violet (local #155 in main game, #140 in The Indigo Disk DLC), and Legends: Z-A have continued featuring Axew in their respective regional Pokédexes. The species has also appeared in various Pokémon GO events and side games, though its encounter rate varies seasonally and regionally. Trainers seeking Axew in modern games should check current regional availability, as breeding from evolved forms or trading remain reliable alternatives when wild encounters prove elusive. The species' consistent inclusion across multiple generations reflects its established place in the franchise's dragon-type ecology.