Introduced in generation five, Haxorus is a monotype dragon that can be found in Pokemon Black and White. Haxorus has quite an intimidating appearance, but the Pokedex states that it can be quite kind. Known to be a territorial Pokemon, it made a couple of appearances in the anime as well. Haxorus was the eighth gym leader’s ace in Pokemon White and later the champion’s ace in Black and White 2. This guide will showcase Haxorus’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Haxorus.
About Haxorus
First introduced in generation five with Pokemon Black and White, Haxorus made a few appearances in the anime through the inclusion of Iris. Iris’s Haxorus first made an appearance when Iris’s Axew dreamed about becoming a Haxorus in the episode Dreams By the Yard Full!. In line with the games, Iris chooses Haxorus as her ace as the eighth gym leader, and also as the champion in the Black and White remakes. Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew and evolves from Fraxure.
| First appearance in anime | Pokémon the Series: Black & White Episode 006: Dreams by the Yard Full! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Black and White |
| Region | Unova |
| Evolution | Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew and evolves from Fraxure. |
| 1st Evo level | 38 |
| 2nd Evo level | 48 |
| Pokedex Entry | They are kind but can be relentless when defending territory. They challenge foes with tusks that can cut steel. |
Haxorus Base Stats
| HP | 76 |
| ATTACK | 147 |
| DEFENCE | 90 |
| SP. ATTACK | 60 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 70 |
| SPEED | 97 |
| TOTAL | 540 |
Appearance of Haxorus
Haxorus is a bipedal dragon covered in yellow scales. Its tusks protrude from its jaw and curve around its face. These tusks are likely how Haxorus’s name came to be as the tusks appear to be axed. Its claws and tusks are tipped with red, and its face, chest, legs, and tail-tip are black. Its eyes are red with a black sclera. Haxorus stands at 5’11” and weighs 232 lbs, towering over young trainers.
Behavior of Haxorus
Haxorus is described as a kind Pokemon. However, it is fiercely protective of its territory. Haxorus uses its sharp tusks to challenge foes--they are sharp enough to cut through steel. In addition to its normal diet, Haxorus licks up dirt to take in the minerals it needs to keep its tusks sturdy and sharp.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Haxorus has one of the highest non-Legendary, non-Mega Attack stats. With STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Outrage and both Sword and Dragon Dance, Haxorus has little trouble cutting down its foes. Haxorus also has access to powerful coverage moves like Poison Jab and Earthquake for any pesky Fairy or Steel types that could otherwise give it trouble. However, due to its middling speed, Haxorus struggles against faster dragons and fairies. Haxorus also lacks the bulk to properly set up, as it can be easily revenge killed on the switch-in. Despite this, Haxorus is a reliable wall-breaker and physical sweeper.
Shiny Haxorus
Shiny Haxorus changes its yellow scales for black ones in its Shiny form. The skin on Shiny Haxrorus’s face, chest, and legs remain dark, and its claws and scythes stay red as well. Like all shiny Pokemon, Shiny Haxorus has a starry entrance animation upon entering battle. In Black and White 2, after receiving the Permit from Professor Juniper for completing the National Pokedex, the player can take a plane ride with Skyla to the Nature Preserve. Hidden within the preserve’s forest is a Shiny Haxorus as a reward for completing the Pokedex.
Mega Haxorus
Unfortunately, Mega Haxorus does not exist in any Pokemon game. As Gamefreak has moved away from Mega Evolution for the time being, it does not seem like Mega Haxorus will be released in the foreseeable future. With Haxorus’s already immense attack stat, Mega Haxorus would likely be a contender for the highest attack stat of any Pokemon.
Best Moveset
Haxorus’s attack stat makes it a great physical sweeper. STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Outrage can easily break through stall teams, and Earthquake and Poison Jab will make short work of any Steel or Fairy types that try to switch into Haxorus. With access to both Sword and Dragon Dance, Haxorus can set up while your opponent tries to bring in their answer. Additionally, Haxorus’s ability Mold Breaker allows it to check Unaware users like Quagsire that would otherwise ignore your set-up moves. Haxorus will struggle against faster threats like Infernape and Latias, so make sure they are taken care of before you set up your sweep with Haxorus.
| Sword Dance/Dragon Dance | Outrage |
| Earthquake | Poison Jab |
How to Catch Haxorus in Pokemon Go
While you may get lucky and spot a wild Haxorus in Pokemon Go during windy weather, it can be more reliably obtained by hatching Axew from 10km eggs. Axew can be evolved into Fraxure for 25 Axew Candies, then Fraxure can be evolved into Haxorus for an additional 100 Axew Candies. Axew has yet to be featured in a Community Day celebration, but as a fan favorite, it is sure to appear in the future.
Video Guide
Trivia
- Haxorus was designed by Mana Ibe. In fact, Haxorus was the first Pokemon designed for Pokemon Black and White, even before Platinum finished development.
- Iris’s Haxorus in the Pokemon Black & White anime was the first Dragon-type Pokemon to be owned by a main character other than Ash. Ash’s Gible was the first Dragon-type owned by a main character.
FAQs
Q. Is Haxorus a Good Pokemon?
Yes, Haxorus is a strong, reliable Pokemon that can cut down almost any foe. If you are using a Haxorus in any casual capacity you will likely be pleased with the results. Its stat values are weighted towards physical attack, so try using physical attacking moves along with your Haxorus for the best effect.
Q. Is Haxorus a Legendary?
No, Haxorus is not a Legendary Pokemon. Haxorus is also not a Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon, as it does not have a base stat total of 600. There is nothing about Haxorus that puts it into the classification of legendary. Haxorus is part of a three evolution line, it can be bred, and its base stat totals are not high enough.
Q. Is Haxorus rare?
Axew, Haxorus’s base evolution, is a rare encounter in the games it appears in.
Similar to the Shiny Gyarados of Lake of Rage, the guaranteed Shiny Haxorus of Black and White 2’s Nature preserve actually makes Shiny Haxorus less rare than a Shiny Axew or Fraxure.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this monotype dragon Pokemon. Haxorus is a powerful physical attacker in battle, and in competitive Pokemon brackets, it seems to have found its place right in the middle of the tiers. While it is rather outclassed in speed, many trainers who have used Haxorus can attest to its capabilities in battle. Haxorus is a powerful choice for any team since its inclusion in Pokemon Black and White.
