#0610 Shadow

Shadow Axew

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Max CP 1,547 Iron Tail + Dragon Claw Windy
Shadow Axew Pokemon GO sprite Shadow

Among Dragon-type Pokémon, Shadow Axew sits in the supporting cast rather than the front rank. Its 154/101/130 base stats give it an offensive, glass-cannon build — high Attack, thin bulk.

Stats

Max CP
1,547
Lv.40: 1,368 Lv.50: 1,547
Attack 154
Defense 101
Stamina 130
Total 385
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 5 · Unova 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Steel
14
DPS
14.0 PWR 6 EN 1.0s DUR 6 EPS Snow
Normal
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 4 EN 0.5s DUR 8 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Water
25
DPS
50.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Dragon
30
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Dragon
25.7
DPS
90.0 PWR 50 EN 3.5s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Iron Tail (14 DPS), while Scratch generates energy the fastest (8 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Shadow Axew as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Shadow Axew is not currently available as a raid boss. When Shadow Axew returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Shadow Axew from raids would have 782 CP at level 20, or 977 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

How to Get Shadow Axew

Shadow Axew can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Shadow Axew is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Shadow Axew knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 5,000 Stardust and 5 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Shadow Axew as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km.

Shadow Axew Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Shadow Axew in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
32 – 1,183 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
32 – 1,280 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
747 – 801 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
930 – 997 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
747 – 801 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
565 – 606 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
747 – 801 CP

A 100% IV Shadow Axew from raids or eggs will show 782 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Shadow Axew is a Dragon-type Pokemon with a stat total of 385. With its high Attack stat (154), Shadow Axew is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Dragon, Fairy, Ice-type moves when using Shadow Axew. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Shadow Axew's performance.

Shadow Axew's moves get a damage boost in Windy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Shadow Axew much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Shadow Axew?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Shadow Axew is a Dragon-type Pokemon with base stats of 154/101/130 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 1,547. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Shadow Axew may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Shadow Axew in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Axew has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Shadow Axew for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Shadow Axew's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Axew is weak to Dragon, Fairy, Ice-type moves. On the other hand, Shadow Axew resists Electric, Fire, Grass, Water-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Shadow Axew effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Shadow Axew's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Axew's maximum CP is 1,547 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,368 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Shadow Axew's CP is calculated from its base stats: 154 Attack, 101 Defense, and 130 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Shadow Axew caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 782 CP, or 977 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Shadow Axew?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Shadow Axew has the following CP at key levels: 586 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 782 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 977 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 1,547 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Shadow Axew, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Shadow Axew ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
How to get Shadow Axew in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Axew can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events.
Can Shadow Axew be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Shadow Axew's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Shadow Axew availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

Max CP per Level

L1 19 CP
L5 184 CP
L10 391 CP
L15 586 CP
L20 782 CP
L25 977 CP
L30 1,173 CP
L35 1,271 CP
L40 1,368 CP
L50 1,547 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #610
Generation Gen 5
Region Unova
Height 0.60 m
Weight 18.00 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable No
2nd Charged Move 75,000 Dust / 75 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 5,000 Dust / 5 Candy