---
title: "Onix (#0095): Stats, Weaknesses, Moves & Lore | pokee.si"
url: "https://pokee.si/pokemon/onix"
description: "Onix (#0095): Rock/Ground-type Rock Snake Pokémon from Kanto. Base stat total 385. Stats, matchups, evolutions, moves, every Pokédex entry and lore on pokee.si."
last_updated: "2026-10-21"
publisher: "pokee.si: a Pokédex for families (unofficial fan site)"
last_checked: "2026-10-19"
---

#0095 · Kanto · Generation 1

# Onix

Rock Snake Pokémon · Rock/Ground-type

![Onix official artwork](https://pokee.si/img/art/95.webp)

Onix is a [Rock](https://pokee.si/types/rock)/[Ground](https://pokee.si/types/ground)-type Pokémon, the Rock Snake Pokémon, number 95 (#0095) in the National Pokédex. It was introduced in Generation 1 and comes from the [Kanto](https://pokee.si/guide/regions/kanto) region. It is 8.8 m tall and weighs 210 kg.

Onix is the Rock Snake Pokémon, a towering chain of boulders with a magnet in its brain that works as a compass, so it never gets lost while tunnelling. In Generation I it is the tallest Pokémon of all.

## How to pronounce Onix

Onix is pronounced **ON-iks**. The capital letters show the stressed syllable.

Listen to Onix said out loud:

[Listen](https://pokee.si/audio/names/95.mp3)

In Japanese it is イワーク (Iwark).

Hear every other name on the [Pokémon pronunciation guide](https://pokee.si/pronounce).

## Lore

### Biology

Onix is a long chain of grey boulders that shrink towards the tail, with a rocky spine on its head. It is 8.8 m long and weighs 210 kg. The Pokédex says its stone hardens with age until it resembles black diamond, and older Onix grow rounder and smoother.

### Behaviour

Onix is a restless digger. The Pokédex says it bores through the ground at 80 km/h (50 mph) with a roar that carries far, and that Diglett move into the tunnels it leaves.

### Habitat

The Pokédex places it underground. It is not available in Scarlet and Violet. In Legends: Z-A it lives in Wild Zone 14 in Magenta District, and it appears in the Mega Dimension DLC's Hyperspace Lumiose.

### Diet

The Pokédex says it feeds on boulders and swallows soil as it tunnels, and that the hard objects it absorbs make it solid.

### Powers

Rock Head spares it recoil from moves like Head Smash, Sturdy lets it survive a hit from full health, and the hidden Weak Armor swaps Defense for Speed when a physical move lands. It uses Rock Slide, Iron Head and Stealth Rock. With 160 base Defense but only 35 HP and 30 Special Attack, it is a tough wall that hits softly.

### Name origin

Onix may come from onyx, the mineral. Its Japanese name is Iwark (イワーク), which may blend iwa ('rock') with 'bulwark' or 'snake'.

### Design inspiration

Bulbapedia offers a few readings: a pun on 'rock python', an earthworm (its soil-eating underground life suits the worm best), and a limbless dragon like the lindworm, since it learns Dragon Breath. These are fan readings.

### Evolution notes

Onix becomes Steelix when traded holding a Metal Coat, or, in Legends: Arceus, when a Metal Coat is used on it.

### In the games

Onix is the ace of Brock, the first Gym Leader in Red and Blue, and Bruno of the Elite Four fields two in the same games. In Legends: Arceus, wild Onix turn up in space-time distortions and massive mass outbreaks.

### In the anime

Onix appears in the very first episode, 'Pokémon - I Choose You!'. Brock's Onix, introduced in 'Showdown in Pewter City', is his partner in Kanto and Johto before he gives it to his brother Forrest. 'The Crystal Onix' follows a glass sculptor's search for a crystal Onix.

### Fun facts

- Bulbapedia says Onix has the highest base Defense of any Pokémon that can still evolve.
- Bulbapedia says Onix's is the only multi-stage line fully obtainable by in-game trades, and only in HeartGold and SoulSilver: Bellsprout for Onix in Violet City, then any Pokémon at all for Steelix in Olivine City.
- In the Pokémon Stadium games, Onix can twist its head or any other part of its body a full turn.

Sources: [Bulbapedia: Onix (Pokémon)](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Onix_(Pok%C3%A9mon)) · [Serebii: Onix (Scarlet/Violet Pokédex)](https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/onix/)

## Base stats

- HP: **35**
- Attack: **45**
- Defense: **160**
- Sp. Atk: **30**
- Sp. Def: **45**
- Speed: **70**

Onix’s base stat total is **385**. Its highest stat is Defense.

## Type matchups

### What is Onix weak to?

Onix takes extra damage from [Water](https://pokee.si/types/water) (4×), [Grass](https://pokee.si/types/grass) (4×), [Ice](https://pokee.si/types/ice) (2×), [Fighting](https://pokee.si/types/fighting) (2×), [Ground](https://pokee.si/types/ground) (2×), [Steel](https://pokee.si/types/steel) (2×) moves.

It resists [Poison](https://pokee.si/types/poison) (¼×), [Normal](https://pokee.si/types/normal) (½×), [Fire](https://pokee.si/types/fire) (½×), [Flying](https://pokee.si/types/flying) (½×), [Rock](https://pokee.si/types/rock) (½×).

It is immune to [Electric](https://pokee.si/types/electric) moves.

## Evolution

### How does Onix evolve?

Onix evolves into [Steelix](https://pokee.si/pokemon/steelix) (Trade holding Metal Coat).

The whole family: **Onix**, [Steelix](https://pokee.si/pokemon/steelix).

## Abilities

- [Rock Head](https://pokee.si/abilities/rock-head): Protects against recoil damage.
- [Sturdy](https://pokee.si/abilities/sturdy): Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
- [Weak Armor](https://pokee.si/abilities/weak-armor) (hidden ability): Raises Speed and lowers Defense by one stage each upon being hit by a physical move.

## Moves

### Moves Onix learns by level up in Sword / Shield

| Level | Move | Type | Category | Power |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Tackle](https://pokee.si/moves/tackle) | Normal | Physical | 40 |
| 1 | [Harden](https://pokee.si/moves/harden) | Normal | Status | — |
| 1 | [Bind](https://pokee.si/moves/bind) | Normal | Physical | 15 |
| 1 | [Rock Throw](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-throw) | Rock | Physical | 50 |
| 4 | [Smack Down](https://pokee.si/moves/smack-down) | Rock | Physical | 50 |
| 8 | [Rock Polish](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-polish) | Rock | Status | — |
| 12 | [Dragon Breath](https://pokee.si/moves/dragon-breath) | Dragon | Special | 60 |
| 16 | [Curse](https://pokee.si/moves/curse) | Ghost | Status | — |
| 20 | [Rock Slide](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-slide) | Rock | Physical | 75 |
| 24 | [Screech](https://pokee.si/moves/screech) | Normal | Status | — |
| 28 | [Sand Tomb](https://pokee.si/moves/sand-tomb) | Ground | Physical | 35 |
| 32 | [Stealth Rock](https://pokee.si/moves/stealth-rock) | Rock | Status | — |
| 36 | [Slam](https://pokee.si/moves/slam) | Normal | Physical | 80 |
| 40 | [Sandstorm](https://pokee.si/moves/sandstorm) | Rock | Status | — |
| 44 | [Dig](https://pokee.si/moves/dig) | Ground | Physical | 80 |
| 48 | [Iron Tail](https://pokee.si/moves/iron-tail) | Steel | Physical | 100 |
| 52 | [Stone Edge](https://pokee.si/moves/stone-edge) | Rock | Physical | 100 |
| 56 | [Double-Edge](https://pokee.si/moves/double-edge) | Normal | Physical | 120 |

### TM moves (40)

Onix can learn 40 moves from TMs in Sword / Shield: [Dig](https://pokee.si/moves/dig), [Screech](https://pokee.si/moves/screech), [Self-Destruct](https://pokee.si/moves/self-destruct), [Rest](https://pokee.si/moves/rest), [Rock Slide](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-slide), [Snore](https://pokee.si/moves/snore), [Protect](https://pokee.si/moves/protect), [Scary Face](https://pokee.si/moves/scary-face), [Attract](https://pokee.si/moves/attract), [Sandstorm](https://pokee.si/moves/sandstorm), [Sunny Day](https://pokee.si/moves/sunny-day), [Facade](https://pokee.si/moves/facade), [Rock Tomb](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-tomb), [Sand Tomb](https://pokee.si/moves/sand-tomb), [Rock Blast](https://pokee.si/moves/rock-blast), [Payback](https://pokee.si/moves/payback), [Round](https://pokee.si/moves/round), [Bulldoze](https://pokee.si/moves/bulldoze), [Brutal Swing](https://pokee.si/moves/brutal-swing), [Stomping Tantrum](https://pokee.si/moves/stomping-tantrum), [Breaking Swipe](https://pokee.si/moves/breaking-swipe), [Body Slam](https://pokee.si/moves/body-slam), [Earthquake](https://pokee.si/moves/earthquake), [Substitute](https://pokee.si/moves/substitute), [Endure](https://pokee.si/moves/endure), [Sleep Talk](https://pokee.si/moves/sleep-talk), [Iron Tail](https://pokee.si/moves/iron-tail), [Taunt](https://pokee.si/moves/taunt), [Dragon Dance](https://pokee.si/moves/dragon-dance), [Gyro Ball](https://pokee.si/moves/gyro-ball), [Dragon Pulse](https://pokee.si/moves/dragon-pulse), [Earth Power](https://pokee.si/moves/earth-power), [Flash Cannon](https://pokee.si/moves/flash-cannon), [Iron Head](https://pokee.si/moves/iron-head), [Stone Edge](https://pokee.si/moves/stone-edge), [Stealth Rock](https://pokee.si/moves/stealth-rock), [Heavy Slam](https://pokee.si/moves/heavy-slam), [Drill Run](https://pokee.si/moves/drill-run), [High Horsepower](https://pokee.si/moves/high-horsepower), [Body Press](https://pokee.si/moves/body-press).

Egg moves (7):[Block](https://pokee.si/moves/block), [Defense Curl](https://pokee.si/moves/defense-curl), [Dragon Tail](https://pokee.si/moves/dragon-tail), [Flail](https://pokee.si/moves/flail), [Head Smash](https://pokee.si/moves/head-smash), [Rollout](https://pokee.si/moves/rollout), [Wide Guard](https://pokee.si/moves/wide-guard).

Move tutor moves (2): [Meteor Beam](https://pokee.si/moves/meteor-beam), [Scorching Sands](https://pokee.si/moves/scorching-sands).

## Breeding & training

- Gender: 50% male, 50% female.
- Egg groups: Mineral.
- Egg cycles: 25 (steps to hatch, Scarlet/Violet: 3,200).
- Catch rate: 45 out of 255.
- Base friendship (Gen 8 onward): 50.
- Growth rate: Medium (1,000,000 experience points to reach level 100).
- Defeating it gives 1 Defense effort value.
- Base experience yield: 77.

## Pokédex entries

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. *(Legends: Arceus)*

It rapidly bores through the ground at 50 mph by squirming and twisting its massive, rugged body. *(Silver, SoulSilver, Shield)*

As it digs through the ground, it absorbs many hard objects. This is what makes its body so solid. *(Crystal, Sword)*

Burrows at high speed in search of food. The tunnels it leaves are used as homes by Diglett. *(X, Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Let’s Go, Eevee!)*

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. *(Ruby, Sapphire, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire)*

It usually lives underground. It searches for food while boring its way through the ground at 50 miles per hour. *(FireRed, Y)*

## Names around the world

- **Japanese**: イワーク
- **Romaji**: Iwark
- **French**: Onix
- **German**: Onix
- **Spanish**: Onix
- **Italian**: Onix
- **Korean**: 롱스톤
- **Chinese (Simplified)**: 大岩蛇
- **Chinese (Traditional)**: 大岩蛇

## Trivia

- Tallest Rock type: 8.8 m.
- Tallest Pokémon in Gen 1: 8.8 m.
- Tallest Ground type in Gen 1: 8.8 m.
- Highest Defense among Ground types in Gen 1: 160.
- Tallest Rock type in Gen 1: 8.8 m.
- Highest Defense among Rock types in Gen 1: 160.
- Taller than 99% of all Pokémon (8.8 m).
- Heavier than 92% of all Pokémon (210 kg).
- Base stat total 385, ranked #653 of 1,025.
- Its best stat is Defense, ranked #9 of 1,025.
- One of 9 Pokémon that are both Rock and Ground.
- One of 107 gray Pokémon.
- Number 95 of 151 Pokémon introduced in Generation 1 (Kanto).
- Part of an evolution family of 2 Pokémon.
- Can learn 59 different moves in Sword / Shield.
- Catch rate 45: about 5.9% per Poké Ball at full health.
- Appears in 15 distinct Pokédex entries.

## Sources and fact-checking

- Stats, types, abilities, moves, evolutions, forms and Pokédex entries: [PokéAPI](https://pokeapi.co) open game data.
- Lore: written by pokee.si in our own words, researched from [Bulbapedia: Onix (Pokémon)](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Onix_(Pok%C3%A9mon)), [Serebii: Onix (Scarlet/Violet Pokédex)](https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/onix/).
- Pronunciation (ON-iks): it follows how the English anime, games or official videos say it.

**Last checked:** 19 October 2026. Every sentence of the lore was checked against Bulbapedia, Serebii and the game data.

## Explore

[Rock-type Pokémon](https://pokee.si/types/rock) · [Ground-type Pokémon](https://pokee.si/types/ground) · [Rock/Ground weaknesses and matchups](https://pokee.si/types/ground-rock) · [Kanto region guide](https://pokee.si/guide/regions/kanto) · [Rock Head ability](https://pokee.si/abilities/rock-head) · [Sturdy ability](https://pokee.si/abilities/sturdy) · [Weak Armor ability](https://pokee.si/abilities/weak-armor) · [Compare Onix](https://pokee.si/compare?ids=95) · [Full Pokédex](https://pokee.si/pokedex) · [Type chart](https://pokee.si/types) · [All moves](https://pokee.si/moves)

## Browse similar Pokémon

[Gen 1 Rock-type Pokémon](https://pokee.si/types/rock/gen-1) · [Gen 1 Ground-type Pokémon](https://pokee.si/types/ground/gen-1) · [Gen 1 Pokémon list](https://pokee.si/pokedex/gen-1) · [Gray Pokémon list](https://pokee.si/colours/gray) · [Mineral egg group](https://pokee.si/egg-groups/mineral) · [Pokémon that start with O](https://pokee.si/pokemon-names/o) · [Snake Pokémon](https://pokee.si/animals/snake)

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---

Source: https://pokee.si/pokemon/onix (HTML page). pokee.si is an unofficial fan site and is not affiliated with Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK or The Pokémon Company. Pokémon and all related names and images are © their respective owners.