Nidoking (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
033MS.png #033: Nidorino
Pokémon
#035: Clefairy 035MS.png
Nidoking
Drill Pokémon
ニドキング
Nidoking
#034
Nidoking



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Poison Ground
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Poison Point or Rivalry Cacophony
Cacophony
Sheer Force
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
100% male
Catch rate
45 (11.9%)
Breeding
Egg Groups
Monster and Field
Hatch time
20 cycles
Height
4'07" 1.4 m
Nidoking
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
136.7 lbs. 62.0 kg
Nidoking
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
195
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
227
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Slow
EV yield
Total: 3
Nidoking
0
HP
3
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body06.png
Footprint
F034.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Purple
Base friendship
70
External Links

Nidoking (Japanese: ニドキング Nidoking) is a dual-type Poison/Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Nidorino when exposed to a Moon Stone. It is the final form of Nidoran♂.

It is related to Nidoran♀ and, starting in Generation V, can produce Eggs that contain either Nidoran♂ or Nidoran♀ when bred with Ditto.

Biology

Nidoking is a large, bipedal, purple Pokémon with distinct reptilian features. It has narrow eyes, large, spiny ears, fur-like tufts on its cheeks, and a short snout filled with pointed teeth. There is a long, venomous horn on its forehead and a ridge of spines down its back. Gray plates cover its chest and belly, and there is a gray, rounded spine on each elbow. Each hand was three claws, while each foot has only a single hoof-like nail. It has a long, powerful tail. This is a male only species; the female counterpart is Nidoqueen.

It is said that Nidoking's tail is capable of toppling a metal transmission tower. Nidoking uses this tail to smash, constrict, or break the bones of its prey and enemies. The tail can also be swung to create distance between it and its foes before Nidoking charges. Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful, rampaging charges. Nidoking lives in grasslands.

In the anime

 
Nidoking in the anime

Major appearances

A Nidoking appeared in The Battle of the Badge, under the ownership of Gary. He called on him to battle Giovanni's Golem during their Gym battle. Nidoking was shown to have tremendous power as he managed to Tackle Golem head on, launching it across the battlefield, and defeating it in one hit. However, when Giovanni used Mewtwo to battle, Nidoking was no match, and was defeated handily. Nidoking was briefly seen again in The Fourth Round Rumble, battling Melissa's Golem. Much unlike his battle with Giovanni's Golem, he was defeated easily.

A pink Nidoking appeared in In the Pink as a resident of Pinkan Island. He attacked Jessie and James as they were attempting to capture a pink Nidoran couple. He was eventually subdued by Officer Jenny.

A Nidoking appeared in Showdown at the Oak Corral, where he was trying to mate with Cassidy, who was in a Nidoqueen costume at the time.

A Nidoking appeared in The Bicker the Better, under the ownership of Oscar. His girlfriend Andi had a Nidoqueen. They had a Double Battle with Ash and May, and due to Oscar and Andi's communication with each other, they were able to defeat Ash and May with relative ease.

A Nidoking appeared in A Pyramiding Rage!, under the ownership of Paul. He was used to battle against Brandon's Registeel. Although he was shown to be powerful and versatile, Registeel was still able to hold its own and brought down Nidoking.

Two Nidoking appeared in Arceus and the Jewel of Life, under the ownership of Damos. In the original timeline set up by the movie, they were used by Damos, who was under Hypnosis, to attack Arceus with Shock Wave. When Ash and his friends traveled to the past to prevent this, Marcus, the one responsible for hypnotizing Damos, managed to use the Nidoking again to attack Arceus.

A Nidoking appeared in Mystery on a Deserted Island! as a resident of the Deserted Island. He was first seen chasing a trio of Eevee before being intimidated into leaving by Pikachu's Iron Tail. He later attacked Team Rocket but was defeated by them.

Minor appearances

Nidoking debuted in A Chansey Operation as a sick Pokémon.

A Nidoking appeared in Meowth Rules!, under the ownership of the Golden Island villagers.

A Nidoking appeared in The Power of One.

A Nidoking appeared in a fantasy in The Rivalry Revival.

A Nidoking appeared in Wired for Battle! as one of the Pokémon seen in Muramasa's dojo.

A Nidoking appeared in Ring Masters as one of the Pokémon competing in Rikishii Town's Sumo Conference.

Multiple Nidoking appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.

A Nidoking appeared in a flashback in Throwing in the Noctowl as one of the Pokémon defeated by Wings Alexander's then-Hoothoot.

A Trainer's Nidoking appeared in a flashback in As Cold as Pryce. Pryce remembered him as one of the Pokémon that fought against his Piloswine.

A Nidoking appeared in A Claim to Flame!, under the ownership of a female Trainer participating in a qualifying match for the Silver Conference.

A Trainer's Nidoking appeared in Saved by the Beldum, where he was among the Pokémon seen during the Ever Grande Conference. He reappeared in a flashback in Shocks and Bonds.

Multiple Nidoking appeared in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew as part of the feuding armies.

A Nidoking appeared in Odd Pokémon Out! as a resident of Camomile Island.

A Coordinator's Nidoking appeared in Settling a Not-So-Old Score!.

A Nidoking appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 2), under the ownership of J's client's henchmen. He was used to attack Dawn, Brock, Officer Jenny, and Solana.

A Nidoking appeared in Historical Mystery Tour! with a Nidoqueen. They were among the Pokémon Ash encountered in Xatu's Forest.

A Nidoking appeared in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

A Nidoking appeared in Cilan's demonstration in Mystery on a Deserted Island!, where he evolved from a Nidoran♂.

A soldier's Nidoking appeared during a flashback in The Legend of X, Y, and Z!.

A Nidoking appeared in Loading the Dex! as a silhouette that Rotom brought up.

A Nidoking appeared in I Choose You!, where he was among the Pokémon that were under the control of Marshadow.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
AG072 Nidoking Ash's Pokédex Nidoking, the Drill Pokémon. Nidoking swings its large tail about to create distance, then charges in with the full force of its body behind it.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
DP128 Nidoking Dawn's Pokédex Nidoking, the Drill Pokémon. One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were nothing but a matchstick.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Two Nidoking appeared in Long Live the Nidoking!, where they were fighting for a Nidoqueen.

Red caught several rampaging Nidoking in the Safari Zone in A Hollow Victreebel.

Giovanni used his Nidoking to destroy his former Gym with a powerful Earthquake in Long Live the Nidoqueen!?. He was later seen again in the Sevii Islands, where his Rock Tomb tripped a biker that Deoxys had attacked.

A Nidoking appeared in a flashback along with a Nidoqueen while the Day-Care Couple was reminiscing about the times they had raising Pokémon in Gligar Glide.

A Nidoking was seen in a Poké Ball at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Cherrygrove City in Off Course with Corsola.

A Nidoking appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Nidoking appeared in Out-Odding Oddish, under the ownership of a Pokéathlon participant.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

In Pokémon Zensho, Giovanni became bitter and turned to crime after losing his Nidoking when he was young.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Giovanni's Nidoking was used in the Gym battle against Red.

In the TCG

Main article: Nidoking (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto
#034
Red(ENG) It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones.
Blue
Yellow Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond.
Stadium Has a rock-hard hide that is worn like armor. The long horn on its head is sharp and highly venomous.
Generation II Johto
#100
Gold It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
Silver Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily.
Crystal It uses its thick arms, legs and tail to attack forcefully. Melee combat is its specialty.
Stadium 2 It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
Generation III Kanto
#034
Ruby 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.
Sapphire
Emerald 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.
FireRed It is recognized by its rock-hard hide and its extended horn. Be careful with the horn as it contains venom.
LeafGreen It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones.
Generation IV Johto
#100
Diamond One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
SoulSilver Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily.
Generation V
Black One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
White
Black 2 One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Coastal #109
X It is recognized by its rock-hard hide and its extended horn. Be careful with the horn, as it contains venom.
Y One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
Omega Ruby 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.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Kanto
#034
Let's Go Pikachu Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond.
Let's Go Eevee


Game locations

Generation I
Red Blue
Evolve Nidorino
Blue (Japan)
Evolve Nidorino
Yellow
Evolve Nidorino
Generation II
Gold Silver
Evolve Nidorino
Crystal
Evolve Nidorino
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Evolve Nidorino
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Evolve Nidorino
Platinum
Evolve Nidorino
HeartGold SoulSilver
Evolve Nidorino
Pal Park
Field
Generation V
Black
Trade
White
Evolve Nidorino
Black 2 White 2
Evolve Nidorino
Generation VI
X Y
Evolve Nidorino
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Pokémon Bank
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Pokémon Bank
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Route 23


In side games

Generation I
Pinball
Evolve Nidorino
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Trozei!
Endless Level 2, Forever Level 51, Pair Trozei, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Evolve Nidorino
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Shimmer Desert (1F-9F)
MD Sky
Shimmer Desert (1F-9F)
Rumble
Eternal Tower (Normal Mode A & S)
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Cave: Shimmering Lake
Rumble U
Adventure Area: Unexpected Land, Variety Battle: It's Drill Time!
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Safari Jungle: Stage 2Fr
Shuffle
Jungle Verde: Stage 141
Rumble World
Dark Land: Forgotten Forest (All Areas)


In events

Games Event Region Location Level Distribution period
USUM Team Rainbow Rocket's Ambition Giovanni's Nidoking All Japan 68 January 20 to March 11, 2018

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Red* Blue* Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Generation I-V
Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
81
141 - 188 272 - 366
92
87 - 158 170 - 311
77
73 - 141 143 - 278
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
75
72 - 139 139 - 273
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
Total:
495
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 75.
Generation VI onward
Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
81
141 - 188 272 - 366
102
96 - 169 188 - 333
77
73 - 141 143 - 278
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
75
72 - 139 139 - 273
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
Total:
505
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/3 ★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
3/3 ★★★
Stamina
3/4 ★★★
Jump
2/2 ★★
Total
15/17 ★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison ¼×
Ground
Rock ½×
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy ½×
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison ¼×
Ground
Rock ½×
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy ½×
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison ¼×
Ground
Rock ½×
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy ½×
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison ¼×
Ground
Rock ½×
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy ½×
None
Notes:

Learnset

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

By leveling up
Generation VII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Thrash Normal Physical 120120 100100% 10
011 Supersonic Normal Status 0000 05555% 20
011 Counter Fighting Physical 0000 100100% 20
011 Leer Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35
011 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000 —% 30
011 Poison Sting Poison Physical 01515 100100% 35
Evo.Evo. Thrash Normal Physical 120120 100100% 10
5555 Megahorn Bug Physical 120120 08585% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
By TM/HM
Generation VII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM01  TM01 Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15
TM02  TM02 Taunt Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 20
TM03  TM03 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM05  TM05 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM07  TM07 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM08  TM08 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM09  TM09 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM10  TM10 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM12  TM12 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM13  TM13 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM15  TM15 Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
TM17  TM17 Dragon Tail Dragon Physical 06060 090}}90% 10
TM19  TM19 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 15
TM22  TM22 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10
TM23  TM23 Thunder Punch Electric Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM26  TM26 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20
TM27  TM27 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
TM31  TM31 Fire Punch Fire Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM34  TM34 Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 08585 100}}100% 10
TM35  TM35 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM36  TM36 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM37  TM37 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM38  TM38 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10
TM39  TM39 Outrage Dragon Physical 120120 100}}100% 10
TM41  TM41 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10
TM43  TM43 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM46  TM46 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5
TM47  TM47 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM48  TM48 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
TM49  TM49 Superpower Fighting Physical 120120 100}}100% 5
TM51  TM51 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
TM52  TM52 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM55  TM55 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM56  TM56 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM57  TM57 Pay Day Normal Physical 04040 100}}100% 20
TM58  TM58 Drill Run Ground Physical 08080 095}}95% 10
TM60  TM60 Megahorn Bug Physical 120120 085}}85% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
By a prior evolution
Generation VII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
 Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
   Double Kick Fighting Physical 30 100% 30
   Horn Attack Normal Physical 65 100% 25
   Fury Attack Normal Physical 15 85% 20
   Horn Drill Normal Physical —% 5
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

By leveling up
Generation VII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Megahorn Bug Physical 120120 08585% 10
011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35
011 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000 —% 30
011 Double Kick Fighting Physical 03030 100100% 30
011 Poison Sting Poison Physical 01515 100100% 35
2323 Chip Away Normal Physical 07070 100100% 20
3535 Thrash Normal Physical 120120 100100% 10
4343 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10
5858 Megahorn Bug Physical 120120 08585% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
By TM/HM
Generation VII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM05  TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM06  TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
TM09  TM09 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10
TM10  TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
TM11  TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM12  TM12 Taunt Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 20
TM13  TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM14  TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
TM15  TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
TM17  TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM18  TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM21  TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
TM23  TM23 Smack Down Rock Physical 05050 100}}100% 15
TM24  TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM25  TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10
TM26  TM26 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10
TM27  TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
TM30  TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM31  TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM32  TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
TM34  TM34 Sludge Wave Poison Special 09595 100}}100% 10
TM35  TM35 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM36  TM36 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM37  TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM38  TM38 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5
TM39  TM39 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15
TM41  TM41 Torment Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 15
TM42  TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM44  TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM45  TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 15
TM46  TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
TM48  TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
TM49  TM49 Echoed Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15
TM52  TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5
TM56  TM56 Fling Dark Physical 0000 100}}100% 10
TM60  TM60 Quash Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 15
TM65  TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15
TM67  TM67 Smart Strike Steel Physical 07070 —}}—% 10
TM68  TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
TM71  TM71 Stone Edge Rock Physical 100100 080}}80% 5
TM78  TM78 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
TM80  TM80 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10
TM82  TM82 Dragon Tail Dragon Physical 06060 090}}90% 10
TM84  TM84 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20
TM87  TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 085}}85% 15
TM88  TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM90  TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM94  TM94 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
XTM100  TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
By breeding
Generation VII
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Amnesia Psychic Status —% 20
Beat Up Dark Physical 100% 10
Chip Away Normal Physical 70 100% 20
Confusion Psychic Special 50 100% 25
Counter Fighting Physical 100% 20
Disable Normal Status 100% 20
Endure Normal Status —% 10
Head Smash Rock Physical 150 80% 5
Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15
Poison Tail Poison Physical 50 100% 25
Sucker Punch Dark Physical 70 100% 5
Supersonic Normal Status 55% 20
Take Down Normal Physical 90 85% 20
Venom Drench Poison Status 100% 20
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Nidoking in Generation VII
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Nidoking in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
By tutoring
Generation VII
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
S M US UM Aqua Tail Water Physical 90 90% 10
S M US UM Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 85 100% 10
S M US UM Drill Run Ground Physical 80 95% 10
S M US UM Earth Power Ground Special 90 100% 10
S M US UM Fire Punch Fire Physical 75 100% 15
S M US UM Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150 100% 20
S M US UM Helping Hand Normal Status —% 20
S M US UM Ice Punch Ice Physical 75 100% 15
S M US UM Icy Wind Ice Special 55 95% 15
S M US UM Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15
S M US UM Outrage Dragon Physical 120 100% 10
S M US UM Shock Wave Electric Special 60 —% 20
S M US UM Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15
S M US UM Stealth Rock Rock Status —% 20
S M US UM Stomping Tantrum Ground Physical 75 100% 10
S M US UM Super Fang Normal Physical 90% 10
S M US UM Superpower Fighting Physical 120 100% 5
S M US UM Throat Chop Dark Physical 80 100% 15
S M US UM Thunder Punch Electric Physical 75 100% 15
S M US UM Uproar Normal Special 90 100% 10
S M US UM Water Pulse Water Special 60 100% 20
  • A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Nidoking can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Nidoking cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations
By a prior evolution
Generation VII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX
 Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
   Leer Normal Status 100% 30
   Fury Attack Normal Physical 15 85% 20
   Horn Attack Normal Physical 65 100% 25
   Helping HandSM Normal Status —% 20
   Toxic Spikes Poison Status —% 20
   Flatter Dark Status 100% 15
   Captivate Normal Status 100% 20
   Horn Drill Normal Physical —% 5
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoking
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoking
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
 
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: Evolve
Friend Area: Safari
Phrases
51%-100% HP I'm the male among males!
26%-50% HP I'm down to half HP now. Better watch out.
1%-25% HP I can't take much more... I can't muster any strength...
Level up I leveled! The poison in my horn's turning vile!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 1
Recruit rate: -12%
IQ group: C
Pokémon Rumble
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Poison
Attack Power: ★★★★★

 

Brute Force
Deals normal damage even to types resistant to its type.
Pokémon Shuffle
 
Poison
  Attack Power: 70 - 110   5

#053
 

Power of 5
Increases damage when you make a match of five.


Pokémon GO
  Base HP: 162 Base Attack: 204 Base Defense: 154
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A
Fast Attacks: Poison Jab, Fury Cutter*, Iron Tail*
Charged Attacks: Earthquake, Sludge Wave, Megahorn

Evolution

 
Unevolved
Nidoran♂
 Poison 
 
Level 16
 
First evolution
Nidorino
 Poison 
 
Moon Stone
 
Second evolution
Nidoking
 Poison  Ground 


Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
       
       
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Front Back Front Back
  For other sprites and images, please see Nidoking images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

  • Nidoking and its female counterpart Nidoqueen share their category name with Rhydon and Rhyperior. They are all known as the Drill Pokémon. Additionally, all four are partly Ground types.
  • Although its female counterpart Nidoqueen cannot be bred, Nidoking can.
  • Nidoqueen and Nidoking are the only Pokémon with a Poison/Ground type combination.
  • Nidoking is a popular choice with anime rivals as both of Ash's main rivals (Gary and Paul) have one as well as Jimmy's main rival.

Origin

Nidoking shares traits of rhinoceroses, gorillas, mice, rabbits, and porcupines.

Name origin

Nidoking may be a combination of needle and king (reflective of its gender and being the final evolution). Nido may also be based on cnidocyte, a type of venomous cell responsible for the stings delivered by stinging animals, most notably by jellyfish. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 ni (two) or 二度 nido (two times/two degrees), referring to there being two distinct evolutionary lines using the name with similar names and traits.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese ニドキング Nidoking Possibly from "needle", plus "king"
  French Nidoking Same as Japanese name
  Spanish Nidoking Same as Japanese name
  German Nidoking Same as Japanese name
  Italian Nidoking Same as Japanese name
  Korean 니드킹 Nidoking Transliteration of Japanese name
  Mandarin Chinese 尼多王 Níduōwáng A portmanteau of 尼多, the common prefix of the names of this Pokémon's evolutionary line, and wáng
  Cantonese Chinese 尼多王 Nèihdōwòhng A portmanteau of 尼多, the common prefix of the names of this Pokémon's evolutionary line, and wòhng


External links

  #033: Nidorino
Pokémon
#035: Clefairy  


  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.