onix
Generation I · #0095 — Rock Snake Pokémon
Onix, known as the Rock Snake Pokémon, is a dual-type Rock/Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation I that has captivated trainers since the earliest days of Pokémon. With the National Pokédex number #095, this massive serpentine creature stands at an impressive 8.8 meters (28'10") tall and weighs 210 kilograms (463 lbs), making it one of the most physically imposing Rock-type Pokémon ever discovered. Despite its intimidating size and rocky composition, Onix possesses a base stat total of 385, with an extraordinary base Defense stat of 160 that makes it exceptionally durable against physical attacks. Its design as a chain of progressively smaller boulders creates a distinctive silhouette that has made it instantly recognizable across the franchise, appearing prominently in the anime and becoming a staple of competitive teams and casual playthroughs alike.
Base Stats
Height
8.8m
Weight
210.0kg
Category
Rock Snake Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
gray
Shape
squiggle
Habitat
cave
Abilities
Protects against recoil damage.
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Raises Speed and lowers Defense by one stage each upon being hit by a physical move.
Onix Biology & Physical Characteristics
Onix's body is composed of a segmented chain of gray boulders that gradually decrease in size toward its tail, with black eyes and a rounded snout that give it a somewhat serpentine appearance despite its rocky construction. Within its brain resides a powerful magnet that serves as an internal compass, allowing Onix to navigate underground without becoming disoriented—a crucial adaptation for a creature that spends most of its life burrowing through solid earth. As Onix ages, its stone body undergoes a remarkable transformation, becoming increasingly rounded and smooth while the rocky segments harden to a blackish hue resembling black diamonds, indicating the maturation process of this remarkable Pokémon. The absorption of hard minerals and precious stones as it digs through the ground contributes to the densification of its body, making mature specimens even more formidable defensive walls than their younger counterparts.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Onix Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Onix exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing trainers equal opportunity to obtain either gender for breeding purposes. As a member of the Mineral egg group, Onix can breed with other Mineral-type Pokémon and certain compatible species, producing Onix eggs that require 25 cycles to hatch (approximately 6,169 to 6,425 steps). This moderate hatch time places Onix in a reasonable range for breeding projects, neither requiring extensive commitment nor hatching so quickly as to trivialize the breeding process. Offspring from Onix breeding will inherit its abilities randomly, with Rock Head or Sturdy being the standard outcomes, while the hidden ability Weak Armor remains exclusive to Onix obtained through special distributions or captured in certain games. The base friendship of 70 indicates that bred Onix start with moderate bonding potential, allowing new trainers to quickly develop strong relationships with their newly hatched specimens.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
hard-stone
type-enhancement
Held: Rock-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm04
gold silver
tm04
crystal
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
tm05
platinum
tm05
heartgold soulsilver
tm05
firered leafgreen
tm05
black 2 white 2
tm05
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm05
x y
+585 more TMs/HMs
onix's Evolution Chain
Onix Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Onix's evolutionary path culminates in Steelix, a dramatic transformation that occurs when an Onix is traded while holding a Metal Coat. This evolution fundamentally alters Onix's composition, converting its rocky body into a steel-reinforced structure that dramatically improves both its offensive and defensive capabilities. Steelix retains the segmented body structure of its predecessor while gaining a metallic sheen and increased bulk, evolving from a pure rock-based creature into a Steel/Ground-type powerhouse. The evolutionary process represents Onix's maturation and the hardening of its mineral composition into an even more durable form, reflecting the Pokédex entries describing how Onix's body becomes increasingly diamond-like as it ages. The requirement of a Metal Coat for this evolution suggests a symbolic infusion of metallic properties into Onix's inherent rocky structure, creating a Pokémon that is both geologically and metallurgically formidable.
Where to Find
kanto victory road 2
kanto
+50 more
rock tunnel
kanto
+39 more
kanto victory road 1
kanto
+48 more
union cave
johto
+34 more
mt silver
johto
+15 more
sevault canyon
kanto
oreburgh mine
sinnoh
+9 more
iron island
sinnoh
+32 more
sinnoh victory road
sinnoh
+14 more
stark mountain
sinnoh
+1 more
snowpoint temple
sinnoh
+15 more
wayward cave
sinnoh
+11 more
johto route 47
johto
johto safari zone
johto
+11 more
relic castle
unova
+1 more
unova victory road 2
unova
+21 more
relic passage
unova
+15 more
glacier room
unova
+3 more
twist mountain
unova
+3 more
iron room
unova
+3 more
+7 more locations in other games
Onix Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Onix is primarily an underground dweller that spends the majority of its life tunneling through the earth at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour, creating a thunderous roar as it carves through solid rock. This excavation behavior serves multiple purposes: Onix searches for food while boring through the ground, and the extensive tunnel systems it creates become valuable secondary homes for other Pokémon species like Diglett, establishing Onix as an important architect of the underground ecosystem. The tremors and noise generated by its high-speed tunneling are so significant that they echo across considerable distances, making the presence of an active Onix immediately apparent to nearby creatures. Despite its solitary nature as a burrower, Onix demonstrates a moderate base happiness stat of 70, suggesting that while naturally inclined toward underground isolation, it can form meaningful bonds with trainers who understand and respect its subterranean lifestyle.
Pokedex Entries
As it grows, the stone portions of its body harden to become similar to a diamond, but colored black.
Burrows at high speed in search of food. The tunnels it leaves are used as homes by DIGLETTs.
It twists and squirms through the ground. The thunderous roar of its tunneling echoes a long way.
It rapidly bores through the ground at 50 mph by squirming and twisting its mas sive, rugged body.
As it digs through the ground, it absorbs many hard objects. This is what makes its body so solid.
ONIX has a magnet in its brain. It acts as a compass so that this POKéMON does not lose direction while it is tunneling. As it grows older, its body becomes increasingly rounder and smoother.
There is a magnet in its brain that prevents an ONIX from losing direction while tunneling. As it grows older, its body becomes steadily rounder and smoother.
It usually lives underground. It searches for food while boring its way through the ground at 50 miles per hour.
As it grows, the stone portions of its body harden to become similar to black-colored diamonds.
When it travels underground, it causes rumbling and tremors. It can move at 50 mph.
It squirms through the ground using its long and rugged body. It always eats while burrowing.
It burrows through the ground at a speed of 50 mph while feeding on large boulders.
It twists and squirms through the ground. The thunderous roar of its tunneling echoes a long way.
It rapidly bores through the ground at 50 mph by squirming and twisting its massive, rugged body.
It burrows through the ground at a speed of 50 mph while feeding on large boulders.
Opening its large mouth, it ingests massive amounts of soil and creates long tunnels.
Burrows at high speed in search of food. The tunnels it leaves are used as homes by Diglett.
It usually lives underground. It searches for food while boring its way through the ground at 50 miles per hour.
Onix has a magnet in its brain. It acts as a compass so that this Pokémon does not lose direction while it is tunneling. As it grows older, its body becomes increasingly rounder and smoother.
Onix has a magnet in its brain. It acts as a compass so that this Pokémon does not lose direction while it is tunneling. As it grows older, its body becomes increasingly rounder and smoother.
Burrows at high speed in search of food. The tunnels it leaves are used as homes by Diglett.
As it digs through the ground, it absorbs many hard objects. This is what makes its body so solid.
It rapidly bores through the ground at 50 mph by squirming and twisting its massive, rugged body.
This chain of immense stones resembles a giant serpent. Tremors shake the earth above as it burrows deep beneath the ground, feeding on boulders as it goes.
Onix Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Onix is derived from the combination of 'onyx,' the black gemstone, and 'mix,' referencing the mixed composition of its boulder-chain body structure. In Japanese, Onix is called Iwark (イワーク), combining the words for rock (iwa) and ark, likely referencing its ark-like or foundation-like role in the underground ecosystem. The design philosophy behind Onix represents an early example of the franchise's tendency to create Pokémon through straightforward conceptualization—simply imagining a serpent-like creature made entirely of stone segments connected in sequence. This minimalist yet effective design has proven timeless, with Onix's silhouette remaining instantly recognizable across generations. The visual progression from a rough, angular young Onix to a smooth, rounded mature specimen reflects real geological processes of erosion and crystallization, grounding the species in subtle scientific plausibility despite its fantastical nature.
Learnable Moves
Onix can learn 70 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| explosion | normal | Physical | 250 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud sport | ground | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock polish | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock throw | rock | Physical | 50 | 90 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| slam | normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
Onix Competitive Battle Guide
Onix's competitive viability is fundamentally built upon its exceptional Defense stat of 160, which provides unparalleled physical bulk among early-generation Pokémon and allows it to wall physical attackers with remarkable efficiency. Its ability selection further supports defensive play: Rock Head prevents recoil damage from moves like Double-Edge, Sturdy guarantees survival of one-hit KO moves and leaves it with 1 HP when struck by a lethal blow at full health, while the hidden ability Weak Armor sacrifices Defense for Speed increases upon taking physical hits. However, Onix's severe Special Attack and Special Defense stats of 30 and 45 respectively render it vulnerable to special attacks, making it dependent on defensive walls paired with teammates that can handle special threats. In competitive formats, Onix typically functions as a specialized physical wall rather than a primary attacker, with its Attack stat of 45 limiting offensive contributions, though it can learn utility moves like Stealth Rock and Toxic that provide valuable team support. Most competitive players evolve Onix into Steelix when possible, as the evolution significantly improves both special defenses and offensive capabilities while maintaining its defensive prowess.
Commonly Asked Questions About Onix
What type is Onix?
Onix is a rock and ground type Pokemon.
What does Onix evolve into?
Onix evolves into steelix.
What are Onix's weaknesses?
Onix is weak to fighting, ground, steel, water, grass and ice type moves.
Where can I find Onix?
Onix can be found in kanto victory road 2 (kanto), rock tunnel (kanto) and kanto victory road 1 (kanto) and 24 other locations.
Onix Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Onix holds a uniquely prominent position in Pokémon culture as one of the franchise's most memorable and iconic creatures, largely due to its unforgettable appearance in the anime series. Brock's Onix became one of the most beloved Pokémon in the television show, serving as a loyal companion and memorable battler throughout multiple seasons, creating an emotional connection with audiences that extended the character's popularity far beyond typical early-game rock Pokémon. The appearance of the Crystal Onix episode introduced a shimmering variant that captivated viewers and demonstrated Onix's versatility as a design that could support creative reinterpretations. Bruno, the Elite Four member from the games, also famously utilizes Onix in his team, lending prestige to the species and establishing it as a legitimate competitive choice rather than merely an expendable early-game encounter. The combination of anime prominence and competitive viability has ensured Onix remains a staple of the franchise, with consistent inclusions across generations and a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique aesthetic and practical gameplay contributions.
Where to Find Onix in Every Pokémon Game
Onix's availability has varied significantly across game generations, though it has consistently maintained presence in most mainline Pokémon titles since Generation I. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, Onix could be found in various caves and rocky terrain, while subsequent generations placed it in different locations to reflect regional geology—appearing in Mt. Moon and Dark Cave in Gold/Silver/Crystal, in mines and caves throughout Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, and in various cave systems across subsequent generations. Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee featured Onix prominently as a Kanto region Pokémon, while recent games like Sword/Shield and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl continue to include it in their Pokédex. The Pokédex number varies by game version depending on regional ordering, ranging from #0095 in Kanto to #0062 in Johto and #0034 in Sinnoh, reflecting how different regions classify Pokémon species. Additionally, Onix appears in numerous spin-off titles including Pokémon GO, Mystery Dungeon series, Pokémon Stadium, and various other games, ensuring that trainers across virtually all platforms have had opportunities to capture and train this beloved Rock Snake Pokémon.