Nidoking: Stats, Moves, Weakness & Evolution

Base stats

HP81156–188272–366

Atk102109–169188–333

Def7787–141143–278

SpA8594–150157–295

SpD7585–139139–273

Spe8594–150157–295

Total505Higher than 73% of Pokémon

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 3 Atk.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Calculate damage →

Type matchups

PoisonGroundshow which type causes itweaknessresistance

Weak to

2×

GroundIcePsychicWater

Resists

½×

BugFairyFightingRock

¼×

Poison

Immune to

0×

Electric

Takes normal damage from 8 types

NormalFlyingGhostSteelFireGrassDragonDark

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 85); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+150Max137No SP105Min94Scarf225Tailwind300

At max Speed, Nidoking outspeeds 15 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, and ties 1.

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

30% chance a Pokémon making contact with this Pokémon will be poisoned.
Everything about Poison Point →
Other Pokémon with Poison Point 18
Nidoran♀Nidorina Nidoqueen Nidoran♂Nidorino Seadra Paldean Wooper Qwilfish Roselia Budew Roserade Venipede Whirlipede Scolipede Skrelp Dragalge Overqwil Clodsire
This Pokémon's attacks do 1.25× on same gender targets; 0.75× on opposite gender.
Everything about Rivalry →
Other Pokémon with Rivalry 17
Nidoran♀Nidorina Nidoqueen Nidoran♂Nidorino Beautifly Shinx Luxio Luxray Pidove Tranquill Unfezant Axew Fraxure Haxorus Litleo Pyroar
This Pokémon's attacks with secondary effects have 1.3× power; nullifies the effects.
Everything about Sheer Force →
Other Pokémon with Sheer Force 31
Nidoqueen Krabby Kingler Tauros Totodile Croconaw Feraligatr Steelix Makuhita Hariyama Mawile Mega Camerupt Trapinch Bagon Cranidos Rampardos Timburr Gurdurr Conkeldurr Darmanitan Druddigon Rufflet Braviary Landorus Toucannon Cufant Copperajah Kleavor Yellow Plumage Squawkabilly Cetoddle Cetitan

Competitive

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026

Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera

National DexRU

0.98% of teams · rank #104 · Singles, all Pokémon · 1630+ rating · 426,601 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item: Life Orb
Ability
Nature: Timid
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Earth Power
Ice Beam
Sludge Wave
Flamethrower

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

All players1.42%
Rated 1500+1.06%
Rated 1630+0.98%
Rated 1760+0.37%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.98%

Moves

Items

Abilities

99.2%
0.7%
0.2%

EV spreads

Timid 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe30%
Modest 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe23.6%
Modest 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe19.4%
Modest 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe8.5%
Modest 192 HP / 252 SpA / 64 Spe4.6%

Common teammates

Checks & counters

Evolution

#0032Nidoran♂Poison
1. Level 16
  #0033NidorinoPoison
  1. Use Moon Stone
    #0034NidokingPoisonGround

Moves

Game Sort Type

Level up 16

EvoMegahornNo additional effect.BugPhys12085%10

1Double KickHits 2 times in one turn.FightingPhys30100%30

1Earth Power10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.GroundSpec90100%10

1FlatterRaises the target's Sp. Atk by 1 and confuses it.DarkStatus—100%15

1Focus EnergyRaises the user's critical hit ratio by 2.NormalStatus——30

1Fury AttackHits 2-5 times in one turn.NormalPhys1585%20

1Helping HandOne adjacent ally's move power is 1.5× this turn.NormalStatus——20

1Horn AttackNo additional effect.NormalPhys65100%25

1LeerLowers the foe(s) Defense by 1.NormalStatus—100%30

1MegahornNo additional effect.BugPhys12085%10

1PeckNo additional effect.FlyingPhys35100%35

1Poison Jab30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20

1Poison Sting30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys15100%35

1Sludge Wave10% chance to poison adjacent Pokémon.PoisonSpec95100%10

1ToxicBadly poisons the target. Poison types can't miss.PoisonStatus—90%10

1Toxic SpikesPoisons grounded foes on switch-in. Max 2 layers.PoisonStatus——20

TM / HM / TR 50

TM83Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.GroundPhys60100%20

HM01CutNo additional effect.NormalPhys5095%30

HM03SurfHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dive.WaterSpec90100%15

HM04StrengthNo additional effect.NormalPhys80100%15

HM06Rock Smash50% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.FightingPhys40100%15

HM08Rock Climb20% chance to confuse the target.NormalPhys9085%20

TMRoarForces the target to switch to a random ally.NormalStatus——20

TMFlamethrower10% chance to burn the target.FireSpec90100%15

TMIce Beam10% chance to freeze the target.IceSpec90100%10

TMBlizzard10% chance to freeze foe(s). Can't miss in Snow.IceSpec11070%5

TMHyper BeamUser cannot move next turn.NormalSpec15090%5

TMThunderbolt10% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec90100%15

TMThunder30% chance to paralyze. Can't miss in rain.ElectricSpec11070%10

TMEarthquakeHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dig.GroundPhys100100%10

TMDigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.GroundPhys80100%10

TMToxicBadly poisons the target. Poison types can't miss.PoisonStatus—90%10

TMDouble TeamRaises the user's evasiveness by 1.NormalStatus——15

TMFire Blast10% chance to burn the target.FireSpec11085%5

TMRestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.PsychicStatus——5

TMRock Slide30% chance to make the foe(s) flinch.RockPhys7590%10

TMSubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.NormalStatus——10

TMThiefIf the user has no item, it steals the target's.DarkPhys60100%25

TMProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10

TMSludge Bomb30% chance to poison the target.PoisonSpec90100%10

TMSandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.RockStatus——10

TMEndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.NormalStatus——10

TMSwaggerRaises the target's Attack by 2 and confuses it.NormalStatus—85%15

TMAttractA target of the opposite gender gets infatuated.NormalStatus—100%15

TMSleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.NormalStatus——10

TMIron Tail30% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.SteelPhys10075%15

TMRain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.WaterStatus——5

TMSunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.FireStatus——5

TMShadow Ball20% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.GhostSpec80100%15

TMTormentTarget can't select the same move twice in a row.DarkStatus—100%15

TMFacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.NormalPhys70100%20

TMFocus PunchFails if the user takes damage before it hits.FightingPhys150100%20

TMTauntTarget can't use status moves its next 3 turns.DarkStatus—100%20

TMBrick BreakDestroys screens, unless the target is immune.FightingPhys75100%15

TMRock Tomb100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.RockPhys6095%15

TMShock WaveThis move does not check accuracy.ElectricSpec60—20

TMWater Pulse20% chance to confuse the target.WaterSpec60100%20

TMFlingFlings the user's item at the target. Power varies.DarkPhys—100%10

TMPoison Jab30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20

TMDragon PulseNo additional effect.DragonSpec85100%10

TMFocus Blast10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.FightingSpec12070%5

TMGiga ImpactUser cannot move next turn.NormalPhys15090%5

TMAvalanchePower doubles if user is damaged by the target.IcePhys60100%10

TMShadow ClawHigh critical hit ratio.GhostPhys70100%15

TMStone EdgeHigh critical hit ratio.RockPhys10080%5

TMStealth RockHurts foes on switch-in. Factors Rock weakness.RockStatus——20

Biology

Its tail can topple transmission towers and crush its opponents' bones, its horn can crush diamonds, and its hide is as hard as steel. If it begins to rampage, only a Nidoqueen it has lived with for a long time can calm it down.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation I Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Pokédex entries

: Drill Pokémon
: Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color: Purple

: Grassland
Pal Park area: Field

Kanto#034Original Johto#100Updated Johto#100Coastal Kalos#109Let’s Go Kanto#034Crown Tundra#070

Nidoking prides itself on its strength. It’s forceful and spirited in battle, making use of its thick tail and diamond-crushing horn.
Shield
When it goes on a rampage, it’s impossible to control. But in the presence of a Nidoqueen it’s lived with for a long time, Nidoking calms down.
Sword
Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can render the victim helpless quite easily.
SoulSilver
One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2 · Y
It is recognized by its rock-hard hide and its extended horn. Be careful with the horn as it contains venom.
FireRed · X
A NIDOKING’s thick tail packs enormously destructive power capable of toppling a metal transmission tower. Once it goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
Emerald
NIDOKING’s thick tail packs enormously destructive power. With one swing, it can topple a metal transmission tower. Once this Pokémon goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
Ruby · Sapphire · Omega Ruby · Alpha Sapphire
It uses its thick arms, legs and tail to attack forcefully. Melee combat is its specialty.
Crystal
Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily.
Silver
It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
Gold · HeartGold
Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond.
Yellow · Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!
It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones.
Red · Blue · LeafGreen

Names around the world

English: Nidoking
Japanese: ニドキング
Japanese (romaji): Nidoking
Korean: 니드킹
Chinese (Traditional): 尼多王
Chinese (Simplified): 尼多王
French: Nidoking
German: Nidoking
Spanish: Nidoking
Italian: Nidoking

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Gen VIII · Gen VII · Gen VI · Gen V

Generation IV

Generation III

Generation II

Generation I

Training

: 3 Atk
: 45 ≈5.9% with a Poké Ball at full HP
: 70
: 227
: Medium Slow

Breeding

: MonsterField
: ♂ 100%♀ 0%
: 20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Evolves from Nidorino: Use Moon Stone.

Shield: The Crown Tundra 7 areas

Ballimere Lake (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Ballimere Lake (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Frigid Sea (Max Den G)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Giant's BedSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 65
Giant's Bed (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Giant's Bed (Max Den K)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65

Sword: The Crown Tundra 7 areas

Ballimere Lake (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Ballimere Lake (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Frigid Sea (Max Den G)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Giant's BedSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 65
Giant's Bed (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Giant's Bed (Max Den K)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65

Let’s Go, Eevee! 1 area

Road 23Walking in the overworld · Lv 41–46

Let’s Go, Pikachu! 1 area

Road 23Walking in the overworld · Lv 41–46

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.