Onix
As it grows, the stone portions of its body harden to become similar to a diamond, but colored black.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Rock Slide serves as Onix's main Rock-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Onix's Attack of 45, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Rock.
Earthquake serves as Onix's main Ground-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Onix's Attack of 45, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Ground.
Stone Edge is Onix's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Rock-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Onix's Attack stat of 45, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Rock Throw is Onix's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Rock-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Onix's Attack stat of 45, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Strengths
- ▸Having Rock/Ground typing allows Onix to run Rock Slide and Earthquake with a 1.5x damage multiplier, creating consistent offensive pressure
- ▸The Rock/Ground typing grants resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal, meaning Onix can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸The ability to completely avoid Electric damage gives Onix a unique defensive edge in battles
- ▸An impressive 160 defense stat lets Onix absorb heavy hits
Weaknesses
- ▸A devastating 4x weakness to Grass means Onix can be knocked out instantly by well-timed Grass attacks
- ▸With only 30 spAtk, Onix struggles to deal damage
- ▸The 385 BST means Onix needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Build Onix as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Onix sustain through extended battles. Predict Fighting moves and double-switch to preserve Onix for later. Pair Onix with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Onix's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. With a 385 base stat total led by its defense of 160, Onix relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Rock/Ground typing creates vulnerabilities to Fighting, Grass, Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Onix depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Onix features 385 total base stats with defense (160) as its defining attribute and spAtk (30) as its weakest point. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Rock Slide, Earthquake, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, Ground mean Onix must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Onix a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Onix is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Onix with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Onix is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Onix in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Rock Slide and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fire-type opponents: Onix has the advantage here. Its Rock typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Onix to tank hits and retaliate with Rock Slide. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Onix is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Onix in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Against Water-type opponents: Onix has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Rock moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Onix when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Onix excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Onix to apply pressure with Rock Slide and Earthquake, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Fighting types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Onix's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Onix for crucial late-game moments.
As the battle progresses, Onix should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Rock/Ground typing means Onix has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Fighting types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Rock, stay in and attack.
Rock Slide should be your primary attack, with Earthquake for coverage when needed.
In the final stages of battle, Onix can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Onix to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Fire, Flying to tank a hit, then strike with Rock Slide before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Poison-type teammate covers Onix's Fighting weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Onix's Rock/Ground typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
- ▸Pair Onix with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Fighting-type Pokemon with STAB Fighting moves to exploit Onix's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 80 will outspeed and KO Onix before it can respond
- ▸Special attackers target Onix's weak Special Defense (45) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Onix's low HP (35) means even neutral hits can KO it—apply constant offensive pressure
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Onix with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Onix's primary weakness while Onix handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Onix alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Onix's defensive typing. Switch Onix in to absorb hits with its Fire, Flying resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Onix's Speed of 70 makes it a candidate for Speed control support. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Onix good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Onix is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 385 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Onix can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Onix?
A:Onix benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Onix has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Onix?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Onix, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Onix to outspeed specific threats. Since Onix's Attack (45) exceeds its Special Attack (30), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Onix?
A:Onix's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Onix before it acts, especially given its 70 Speed. To beat Onix, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.