Orphic
perhaps
QC Checks: Goddess Briyella / macle / Corkscrew
GP Checks: / /
Overview
########
With the introduction of Fairy Type in Generation 6, LC dragon types have received a large dent in viability. Axew has a fantastic movepool and ability which allow it to deal with many popular threats. Axew has access to Dragon Dance to boost its already impressive 87 base Atk and respectable Speed into formidable heights.
Unfortunately, Axew is held back slightly by it's mediocre defensive stats even with an Eviolite. Despite it's great movepool, Axew is lacking in a move or two to give it the coverage it really wants, unlike it's older brother Haxorus, it has no access to Earthquake to deal with the likes of Bronzor.
Dragon Dance
########
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Dragon Claw / Superpower
ability: Mold Breaker
item: Eviolite
EVs: 68 HP / 220 Atk / 220 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Dragon Dance is the name of the set, and features as the first move, an amazing way for Axew to boost it's already high Atk and Speed and sweep late game or even entire teams early game. Paired with Outrage, Axew can do serious damage to anything that doesn't check it. Superpower provides coverage for Axew against steel types such as Magnemite, it can even OHKO with Mold Breaker. Outrage can be risky, locking Axew early game against fairies or steel types, alternatively, you can use Dragon Claw to prevent this from happening. Poison Jab provides perfect coverage for the very popular Spritzee that absorbs Outrages and resists Superpower from Axew.
Set Details
========
Due to Axew's mediocre defenses, Eviolite is pretty much a necessity to give it some bulk and pull off a sweep. The EV spread speaks for itself here, with Dragon Dance max speed and max attack make the most out of Axew's nice offensive stats and movepool. A jolly nature allows Axew to hit 24 speed at +1 which means it can outspeed scarfed Chinchou, scarfed Mienfoo and also scarfed Magnemite and OHKO through sturdy with Mold Breaker. Alternatively, an adamant nature means it still hits 22 speed at +1 and hits with this power:
+1 220+ Atk Mold Breaker Axew Poison Jab vs. 212 HP / 196+ Def Spritzee: 22-26 (81.4 - 96.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 220+ Atk Mold Breaker Axew Superpower vs. 236 HP / 196 Def Eviolite Porygon: 22-26 (84.6 - 100%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
(22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 26)
Usage Tips
========
Axew's primary role is late game sweeping once any checks or counters have been removed such as Spritzee, Bronzor or Pawniard. Be aware that using Superpower too early can cripple your chances to sweep with the Atk and Def drops. You should refrain from being greedy with setting up as this could cause you to lose a winning position. Don't lock yourself into outrage if there's a steel type on the opposing team that could take advantage of you being stuck, however, you are safe to spam Outrage if a fairy still exists on the opposing team, since Axew can then select another move after the immunity.
Team Options
========
Choice
########
name: Choice
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Poison Jab
ability: Mold Breaker
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
EVs: 68 HP / 220 Atk / 220 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Dragon Claw is more of a necessity on this set over Outrage as a choice set hates being locked into outrage even more than the Dragon Dance set because even if your Outrage ends, you still have to switch instead of being able to select another move. Superpower and Poison Jab are present again for good coverage of fairies and steel types. Superpower can be a liability however, because it can often ruin the rest of the sweep by lowering Axew's attack.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf is very handy to outspeed and revenge kill a lot of threats in lc to Axew: Snover and Amaura come to mind, as they both often run scarf sets, beware Ice Shard though, particularly from Snover. Same EV spread as before. Jolly nature to outspeed other scarfed pokemon, Axew also outspeeds Tirtouga and OHKOs through sturdy at +1.
Usage Tips
========
As before with the Dragon Dance set, don't get locked into Outrage too early, Dragon Claw can be utilized for this. Scarf Axew is good for revenge killing a lot of pokemon it wouldn't normally outspeed. Most importantly, late game sweep with Outrage!
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can clear Axew's checks and counters are handy such as Drilbur for steel types and Pawiard fairy types. This is even more useful with the choice set as Axew doesn't like to be locked into a move against a check or a counter like Spritzee. Toxic Spikes and other hazards are very useful for Axew to sweep up, Tentacool can help with this. Knock Off support helps a lot with Axew when trying to sweep as well.
Other Options
########
Choice Band can be used instead of Choice Scarf if you aren't looking for a revenge killer or fast pokemon, in exchange for more power. Night Slash can be usde for coverage of Misdreavus with lack of Knock Off, although this risky as is will not be an OHKO and Missy can Will-O-Wisp or Dazzling Gleam. Life Orb if you want to sacrifice bulk for more power, if you're greedy! Adamant nature can be used for more power, but be careful of jolly or timid set up sweepers or other Axews. Substitute is an option to block Will-O-Wisp, Spore, Sucker Punch, that would normally hinder sweeping capabilities. Iron Tail is an option instead of Poison Jab but it doesn't really cover anything that Superpower already does for Axew in terms of rock types such as Lileep. Dual Chop + Scarf can be used for sash Abra and sub Murkrow.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fairy types**: Spritzee and Snubbull are both immune to Axew's stab and are bulky enough to receive little damage from coverage moves unboosted. Snubbull especially because of intimidate. Even at +1, Axew only has a 50% chance to OHKO Spritzee after SR and if Eviolite has been knocked off:
+1 220+ Atk Mold Breaker Axew Poison Jab vs. 212 HP / 196+ Def Spritzee: 22-26 (81.4 - 96.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
and Spritzee can easily OHKO back with a Moonblast.
**Steel types**: Magnemite, Ferroseed and Pawniard all resist Axew's stab and can deal significant damage to Axew or paralyze it in the case of Ferrothorn which hinders its ability to sweep.
**Ice move users**: Particularly protean Froakie which gets STAB ice beam. Also, anything that carries Ice Shard such as Snover and Shellder can be threatening if Axew's HP is low. Scarf Amaura also poses a threat.
**Faster Scarfers**: Misdreavus can pose a threat with a scarf, also Meditite.
**Priority**: Pawniard and Murkrow can easily take out a weakened Axew with Sucker Punch or Murkrow can cripple it with a Prankster Thunder Wave.
GP Checks: / /
Overview
########
With the introduction of Fairy Type in Generation 6, LC dragon types have received a large dent in viability. Axew has a fantastic movepool and ability which allow it to deal with many popular threats. Axew has access to Dragon Dance to boost its already impressive 87 base Atk and respectable Speed into formidable heights.
Unfortunately, Axew is held back slightly by it's mediocre defensive stats even with an Eviolite. Despite it's great movepool, Axew is lacking in a move or two to give it the coverage it really wants, unlike it's older brother Haxorus, it has no access to Earthquake to deal with the likes of Bronzor.
Dragon Dance
########
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Dragon Claw / Superpower
ability: Mold Breaker
item: Eviolite
EVs: 68 HP / 220 Atk / 220 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Dragon Dance is the name of the set, and features as the first move, an amazing way for Axew to boost it's already high Atk and Speed and sweep late game or even entire teams early game. Paired with Outrage, Axew can do serious damage to anything that doesn't check it. Superpower provides coverage for Axew against steel types such as Magnemite, it can even OHKO with Mold Breaker. Outrage can be risky, locking Axew early game against fairies or steel types, alternatively, you can use Dragon Claw to prevent this from happening. Poison Jab provides perfect coverage for the very popular Spritzee that absorbs Outrages and resists Superpower from Axew.
Set Details
========
Due to Axew's mediocre defenses, Eviolite is pretty much a necessity to give it some bulk and pull off a sweep. The EV spread speaks for itself here, with Dragon Dance max speed and max attack make the most out of Axew's nice offensive stats and movepool. A jolly nature allows Axew to hit 24 speed at +1 which means it can outspeed scarfed Chinchou, scarfed Mienfoo and also scarfed Magnemite and OHKO through sturdy with Mold Breaker. Alternatively, an adamant nature means it still hits 22 speed at +1 and hits with this power:
+1 220+ Atk Mold Breaker Axew Poison Jab vs. 212 HP / 196+ Def Spritzee: 22-26 (81.4 - 96.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 220+ Atk Mold Breaker Axew Superpower vs. 236 HP / 196 Def Eviolite Porygon: 22-26 (84.6 - 100%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
(22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 26)
Usage Tips
========
Axew's primary role is late game sweeping once any checks or counters have been removed such as Spritzee, Bronzor or Pawniard. Be aware that using Superpower too early can cripple your chances to sweep with the Atk and Def drops. You should refrain from being greedy with setting up as this could cause you to lose a winning position. Don't lock yourself into outrage if there's a steel type on the opposing team that could take advantage of you being stuck, however, you are safe to spam Outrage if a fairy still exists on the opposing team, since Axew can then select another move after the immunity.
Team Options
========
- Given Axew's lack of bulk, good teammates would be able to take hits for Axew like Magnemite or Trubbish which resist Axew's weaknesses.
- Mons that can clear Axew's checks and counters are handy such as Drilbur for steel and fairy types.
- Knock off support helps Axew a lot, dealing with Spritzee and Vullaby:
- Because Axew has an inability to get around Fairy types easily, it's usage is often based around a late game sweeper role. This means the Axew appreciates entry hazard support from the likes of Dwebble and Trubbish.
Choice
########
name: Choice
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Poison Jab
ability: Mold Breaker
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
EVs: 68 HP / 220 Atk / 220 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Dragon Claw is more of a necessity on this set over Outrage as a choice set hates being locked into outrage even more than the Dragon Dance set because even if your Outrage ends, you still have to switch instead of being able to select another move. Superpower and Poison Jab are present again for good coverage of fairies and steel types. Superpower can be a liability however, because it can often ruin the rest of the sweep by lowering Axew's attack.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf is very handy to outspeed and revenge kill a lot of threats in lc to Axew: Snover and Amaura come to mind, as they both often run scarf sets, beware Ice Shard though, particularly from Snover. Same EV spread as before. Jolly nature to outspeed other scarfed pokemon, Axew also outspeeds Tirtouga and OHKOs through sturdy at +1.
Usage Tips
========
As before with the Dragon Dance set, don't get locked into Outrage too early, Dragon Claw can be utilized for this. Scarf Axew is good for revenge killing a lot of pokemon it wouldn't normally outspeed. Most importantly, late game sweep with Outrage!
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can clear Axew's checks and counters are handy such as Drilbur for steel types and Pawiard fairy types. This is even more useful with the choice set as Axew doesn't like to be locked into a move against a check or a counter like Spritzee. Toxic Spikes and other hazards are very useful for Axew to sweep up, Tentacool can help with this. Knock Off support helps a lot with Axew when trying to sweep as well.
Other Options
########
Choice Band can be used instead of Choice Scarf if you aren't looking for a revenge killer or fast pokemon, in exchange for more power. Night Slash can be usde for coverage of Misdreavus with lack of Knock Off, although this risky as is will not be an OHKO and Missy can Will-O-Wisp or Dazzling Gleam. Life Orb if you want to sacrifice bulk for more power, if you're greedy! Adamant nature can be used for more power, but be careful of jolly or timid set up sweepers or other Axews. Substitute is an option to block Will-O-Wisp, Spore, Sucker Punch, that would normally hinder sweeping capabilities. Iron Tail is an option instead of Poison Jab but it doesn't really cover anything that Superpower already does for Axew in terms of rock types such as Lileep. Dual Chop + Scarf can be used for sash Abra and sub Murkrow.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fairy types**: Spritzee and Snubbull are both immune to Axew's stab and are bulky enough to receive little damage from coverage moves unboosted. Snubbull especially because of intimidate. Even at +1, Axew only has a 50% chance to OHKO Spritzee after SR and if Eviolite has been knocked off:
+1 220+ Atk Mold Breaker Axew Poison Jab vs. 212 HP / 196+ Def Spritzee: 22-26 (81.4 - 96.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
and Spritzee can easily OHKO back with a Moonblast.
**Steel types**: Magnemite, Ferroseed and Pawniard all resist Axew's stab and can deal significant damage to Axew or paralyze it in the case of Ferrothorn which hinders its ability to sweep.
**Ice move users**: Particularly protean Froakie which gets STAB ice beam. Also, anything that carries Ice Shard such as Snover and Shellder can be threatening if Axew's HP is low. Scarf Amaura also poses a threat.
**Faster Scarfers**: Misdreavus can pose a threat with a scarf, also Meditite.
**Priority**: Pawniard and Murkrow can easily take out a weakened Axew with Sucker Punch or Murkrow can cripple it with a Prankster Thunder Wave.
Last edited: