The effect of different Mo/W ratios of three single crystal nickel base superalloys on the oxidation behavior was investigated at 1100 degrees C. Both isothermal and cyclic oxidation tests showed that increasing Mo/W ratio corresponds to lower weight change and improved resistance. The microscopic observation uncovers that the harmful effect of Mo is limited by the dense Al2O3 scale. In contrast, excessive W leads to fast growth of interlayer and its premature spallation. This research proposes and verifies a new way to improve oxidation resistance of alloy, namely, balancing the harmful effect of refractory elements.