Nidoking (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0033: Nidorino	Pokémon	#0035: Clefairy →

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

Nidoking Drill Pokémon ニドキング Nidoking #0034 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Poison Ground Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Poison Point or RivalryGen IV+ 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}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form5}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form6}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form7}}}	Weight 136.7 lbs. 62.0 kg Nidoking 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form5}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form6}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form7}}}
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	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Purple	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

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

Nidoking is related to the Nidoran♀ line, serving as Nidoqueen's male counterpart. Starting in Generation V, it can produce eggs that contain either Nidoran♂ or Nidoran♀ when bred with Ditto.

Biology

Nidoking is a large, bipedal, purple mammalian 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. A long, venomous horn is on its forehead and a ridge of spines down its back. Gray plates cover its chest and belly, with a gray, rounded spine on each elbow. Each hand has three claws, while each foot has only a single hoof-like nail. It has a long, powerful tail. Nidoking is a male-only species.

It is said that Nidoking's tail can topple 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's horn is powerful enough to crush diamonds. Nidoking is known to be very proud of its own strength. When Nidoking goes on a rampage, it becomes impossible to control. Only a Nidoqueen that it has lived with for a long time can calm it down from its rampages. As shown in the 21st chapter of Pokémon Adventures, Nidoking has strong acid within its claws. Being the result of Evolution via an Evolution stone, Nidoking is rarely found in the wild. However, they can be found in savannas and plains.

Evolution

Nidoking evolves from Nidorino and is the final form of Nidoran♂.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Unevolved Nidoran♂  Poison

→

First Evolution Nidorino  Poison

→

Second Evolution Nidoking  Poison  Ground

Game data

NPC appearances

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky: Nidoking is an explorer who appears in Igglybuff the Prodigy. He was in pursuit of the criminal Armaldo.

	Spoilers end here.

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto #034 Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.) Green 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. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)

Generation III Hoenn #— 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 Sinnoh #— 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 render the victim helpless quite easily.

Generation V Unova #— 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 Central Kalos #— Coastal Kalos #109 Mountain Kalos #— Hoenn #— 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 Alola #— Kanto #034 This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. 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

Generation VIII Galar #— Isle of Armor #— Crown Tundra #070 Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus. Sword 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. Shield Nidoking prides itself on its strength. It's forceful and spirited in battle, making use of its thick tail and diamond-crushing horn. Brilliant Diamond One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick. Shining Pearl

Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #— Blueberry #— Lumiose #— Hyperspace #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.

Spin-off games Pokopia #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Pokopia.

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

Generation VIII Sword Shield TradeVersion 1.3.0+ Expansion Pass Giant's Bed (Wanderer) Giant's Bed, Frigid Sea, Ballimere Lake (Max Raid Battle) Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Evolve Nidorino Legends: Arceus Unobtainable

Generation IX Scarlet Violet Unobtainable Legends: Z-A Unobtainable

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 Rumble World Dark Land: Forgotten Forest (All Areas)

Generation VII Rumble Rush Dragonite Sea, Garchomp Sea, Butterfree Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Garchomp SeaFinal

Generation VIII MD DX Magma Cavern (2F-5F), Wish Cave (77F-79F), Southern Cavern (9F-19F), Purity Forest (77F-79F) Mystery House: Silver Trench

Cross-Generation Shuffle Jungle Verde: Stage 141 Masters EX Poké Fair sync pair scout: Sygna Suit Giovanni & Nidoking Evolution: Scottie/Bettie & NidorinoEgg

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

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Games		Held items
Red	Blue	Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow

Stats

Base stats

Generations I-V

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 81		141 - 188	272 - 366
Attack: 92		87 - 158	170 - 311
Defense: 77		73 - 141	143 - 278
Sp. Atk: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Def: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Speed: 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
HP: 81		141 - 188	272 - 366
Attack: 102		96 - 169	188 - 333
Defense: 77		73 - 141	143 - 278
Sp. Atk: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Def: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Speed: 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 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy ½× None

Notes: If this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Electric-type  moves is 1×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Bug-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

Nidoking is available in Sword and Shield Version 1.3.0+ and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

By leveling up

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Megahorn Bug Physical 120120 08585% 10 011 Sludge WaveBDSP Poison Special 09595 100100% 10 011 Fury Attack Normal Physical 01515 08585% 20 011 Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000— 00——% 20 011 Double Kick Fighting Physical 03030 100100% 30 011 Horn Attack Normal Physical 06565 100100% 25 011 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00——% 20 011 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 09090% 10 011 Flatter Dark Status 0000— 100100% 15 011 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100100% 20 011 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10 011 Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 011 Poison Sting Poison Physical 01515 100100% 35 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— 00——% 30 Evo.Evo. 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/TR

SwSh

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM00 TM00 Mega Punch Normal Physical 08080 085}}85% 20 TM01 TM01 Mega Kick Normal Physical 120120 075}}75% 5 TM02 TM02 Pay Day Normal Physical 04040 100}}100% 20 TM03 TM03 Fire Punch Fire Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM04 TM04 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM05 TM05 Thunder Punch Electric Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM08 TM08 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM09 TM09 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM15 TM15 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TM21 TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM22 TM22 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10 TM23 TM23 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM24 TM24 Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM27 TM27 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM31 TM31 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM32 TM32 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM33 TM33 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM34 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM36 TM36 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 085}}85% 15 TM37 TM37 Beat Up Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM39 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM41 TM41 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM43 TM43 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM48 TM48 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15 TM49 TM49 Sand Tomb Ground Physical 03535 085}}85% 15 TM53 TM53 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM54 TM54 Rock Blast Rock Physical 02525 090}}90% 10 TM59 TM59 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM64 TM64 Avalanche Ice Physical 06060 100}}100% 10 TM65 TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM74 TM74 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM76 TM76 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM77 TM77 Hex Ghost Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM81 TM81 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TM96 TM96 Smart Strike Steel Physical 07070 00—}}—% 10 TM98 TM98 Stomping Tantrum Ground Physical 07575 100}}100% 10 TR01 TR01 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TR02 TR02 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TR04 TR04 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TR05 TR05 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR06 TR06 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 TR08 TR08 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TR09 TR09 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TR10 TR10 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10 TR13 TR13 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TR15 TR15 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5 TR17 TR17 Amnesia Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR20 TR20 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR22 TR22 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR24 TR24 Outrage Dragon Physical 120120 100}}100% 10 TR26 TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR27 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR28 TR28 Megahorn Bug Physical 120120 085}}85% 10 TR31 TR31 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 15 TR33 TR33 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TR35 TR35 Uproar Normal Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR37 TR37 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TR39 TR39 Superpower Fighting Physical 120120 100}}100% 5 TR54 TR54 Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR57 TR57 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TR62 TR62 Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 08585 100}}100% 10 TR64 TR64 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5 TR67 TR67 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR75 TR75 Stone Edge Rock Physical 100100 080}}80% 5 TR76 TR76 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR78 TR78 Sludge Wave Poison Special 09595 100}}100% 10 TR87 TR87 Drill Run Ground Physical 08080 095}}95% 10 TR91 TR91 Venom Drench Poison Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TR94 TR94 High Horsepower Ground Physical 09595 095}}95% 10 TR95 TR95 Throat Chop Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TR99 TR99 Body Press Fighting Physical 08080 100}}100% 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

BDSP

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM01 TM01 Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150150 100}}100% 20 TM03 TM03 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20 TM05 TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 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 TM23 TM23 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 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 TM28 TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 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 Shock Wave Electric Special 06060 —}}—% 20 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 TM52 TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5 TM56 TM56 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM58 TM58 Endure Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM59 TM59 Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 08585 100}}100% 10 TM65 TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM71 TM71 Stone Edge Rock Physical 100100 080}}80% 5 TM72 TM72 Avalanche Ice Physical 06060 100}}100% 10 TM76 TM76 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000— —}}—% 20 TM80 TM80 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10 TM82 TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM83 TM83 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TM84 TM84 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM93 TM93 Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30 TM95 TM95 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM96 TM96 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM98 TM98 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 XTM100 TM100 Rock Climb Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 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

SwSh

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Confusion Psychic Special 50 100% 25 Counter Fighting Physical — 100% 20 Disable Normal Status — 100% 20 Head Smash Rock Physical 150 80% 5 Horn Drill Normal Physical — 30% 5 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 Thrash Normal Physical 120 100% 10

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Nidoking in Generation VIII 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

BDSP

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Amnesia Psychic Status — —% 20 Beat Up Dark Physical — 100% 10 Confusion Psychic Special 50 100% 25 Counter Fighting Physical — 100% 20 Disable Normal Status — 100% 20 Head Smash Rock Physical 150 80% 5 Horn Drill Normal Physical — 30% 5 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 Thrash Normal Physical 120 100% 10 Venom Drench Poison Status — 100% 20

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Nidoking in Generation VIII 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 VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Sw Sh EP BD SP Scorching Sands Ground Special 70 100% 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior Evolution

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.

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

By transfer from another generation

Generation VIII Other generations: I - II - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Gen.   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  I II III IV V VI VII Aqua Tail Water Physical 09090 090}}90% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Bide × Normal Physical 0000— 00—}}—% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Captivate × Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Chip Away × Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Confide Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Curse Ghost Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30 I II III IV V VI VII Defense Curl Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 40 I II III IV V VI VII Detect Fighting Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 I II III IV V VI VII Double Team Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Dragon Tail Dragon Physical 06060 090}}90% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Dynamic Punch Fighting Physical 100100 050}}50% 5 I II III IV V VI VII Echoed Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Fissure Ground Physical 0000— 030}}30% 5 I II III IV V VI VII Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150150 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Frustration × Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Fury Cutter Bug Physical 04040 095}}95% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Hidden Power × Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Hone Claws Dark Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Incinerate Fire Special 06060 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Mimic Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Natural Gift × Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Power-Up Punch Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Quash Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Rage × Normal Physical 02020 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Return × Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Roar Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Secret Power × Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Shock Wave Electric Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Skull Bash Normal Physical 130130 100}}100% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Smack Down Rock Physical 05050 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Submission Fighting Physical 08080 080}}80% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Super Fang Normal Physical 0000— 090}}90% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100}}100% 35 I II III IV V VI VII Torment Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Water Gun Water Special 04040 100}}100% 25 I II III IV V VI VII Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20

Transferred Pokémon only retain these moves in Pokémon Sword and Shield A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move 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 × indicates a move that cannot be used in Sword and Shield Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for 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 61%-100% HP I'm the male among males! 26%-60% 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 Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Battle Nidoran♂ Connected to: Nidoqueen, Nidoran♂, Nidorino Connection Orb Set: 3 Phrases Normal Fool me once, shame on Sandslash! Fool me twice, shame on Nidoking! Low HP (< 50%) I won't fall! I'm not joking!
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.5 seconds Base HP: 56 Base Attack: 79 Base Defense: 54 Base Speed: 60
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: 191 Base Attack: 204 Base Defense: 156 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Poison Jab, Iron Tail*, Fury Cutter†, Double Kick*, Poison Sting* Charged Attacks: Earthquake, Sludge Wave, Megahorn, Earth Power*, Sand Tomb*, Frustration, Return

Costumes in Pokémon GO
Crown

Evolution data

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 Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Generation VIII Sword Shield
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation HOME

For other sprites and images, please see Nidoking images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In animation

Main series

Nidoking in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Major appearances

In The Battle of the Badge, Gary used a Nidoking during his Gym battle with Giovanni. He easily defeated Giovanni's Golem before getting overwhelmed by Mewtwo. This battle was shown again from Mewtwo's perspective in Mewtwo Strikes Back and its remake, Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution. In The Fourth Round Rumble, Nidoking battled Melissa's Golem at the Indigo Plateau Conference and lost.

In In the Pink, a pink Nidoking was 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.

In Showdown at the Oak Corral, a Nidoking tried to mate with Cassidy, who was in a Nidoqueen costume at the time.

In The Bicker the Better, Oscar has a Nidoking, while 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.

In A Pyramiding Rage!, Paul used a Nidoking to battle Brandon's Registeel. Although Nidoking was powerful and versatile, Registeel was still able to hold its own and eventually brought down Nidoking.

In the original timeline of Arceus and the Jewel of Life, two Nidoking 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.

In Mystery on a Deserted Island!, a Nidoking was 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.

In a flashback in Enter Pikachu!, a young Goh and Chloe saw a Nidoking battling a Mew that was copying its moves. He reappeared in flashbacks in Mind-Boggling Dynamax! and Time After Time!.

Minor appearances

Nidoking debuted in A Chansey Operation, where one was amongst the Pokémon injured in a car crash.

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

In The Power of One, a Nidoking sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

A Nidoking appeared in a fantasy in The Rivalry Revival.

In Wired for Battle!, a Nidoking was in Muramasa's dojo.

In Ring Masters, a Nidoking competed in Rikishii Town's Sumo Conference.

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

In a flashback in Throwing in the Noctowl, a Nidoking was defeated by Wings Alexander's then-Hoothoot.

In As Cold as Pryce, Pryce remembered a Trainer's Nidoking as one of the Pokémon that fought his Piloswine.

In A Claim to Flame!, a female Trainer's Nidoking participated in a qualifying match for the Silver Conference.

In Saved by the Beldum, a Trainer's Nidoking was seen during the Ever Grande Conference.

In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, multiple Nidoking were part of the feuding armies that were eventually placated by Sir Aaron in the past.

In Odd Pokémon Out!, a Nidoking was a resident of Camomile Island.

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

In Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 2), J's client's henchmen used a Nidoking to attack Dawn, Brock, Officer Jenny, and Solana.

In Historical Mystery Tour!, Ash encountered a Nidoking 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 in a flashback in The Legend of X, Y, and Z!.

In I Choose You!, a Nidoking was under the control of Marshadow.

A Nidoking appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

A Nidoking appeared in Where the Land Meets the Sky.

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.

Pokémon Origins

In File 1: Red, a Nidoking was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

POKÉTOON

A Nidoking appeared in Blossom's Dream alongside a Nidoqueen. They followed Blossom back to her village and fought some townspeople because they thought the girl had taken their son, a Nidoran♂. After the misunderstanding was cleared up, they allowed their son to stay with Blossom.

In the manga

Nidoking in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

Gary owns a Nidoking, which appeared in One Half Of A Poké Ball.

Pokémon Adventures

In Long Live the Nidoking!, two Nidoking 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.

A Nidoking appeared in Rumble!! The Darkest Day Returns, being one of many Pokémon to suddenly Dynamax due to the Darkest Day.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Giovanni has a Nidoking, which was used in his Gym battle against Red in Get The Last Badge!!.

Professor Oak owns a Nidoking, which debuted in Save the Pokémon Zoo!!.

Pokémon Zensho

In PZ09, Giovanni was revealed to have become bitter and turned to crime after losing his Nidoking when he was young. At the end of the chapter, Satoshi gave Giovanni his deceased Nidoking's horn, given to him by Mr. Fuji.

In the TCG

Main article: Nidoking (TCG)

Trivia

• Nidoking and its female counterpart Nidoqueen share their category with Rhydon and Rhyperior. They are all known as the Drill Pokémon. Additionally, all four are partly Ground-type.
• Although its female counterpart Nidoqueen cannot be bred, Nidoking can.
• Nidoking is commonly used by rivals in Pokémon the Series, with two of Ash's main rivals (Gary and Paul) having one, as well as Jimmy's main rival.
• Nidoking was designed by Ken Sugimori and was one of the first Pokémon ever created.
• Nidoking was included in a segment for commonly mispronounced Pokémon names in 2023 Pokémon World Championships livestreams, where the pronunciation of its name was given as "NEE-do-king".

Origin

Nidoking was created with a kaiju monster motif. Physically, it appears to have traits of rhinoceroses, gorillas, rabbits, and porcupines.

Name origin

Nidoking may be a combination of needle and king. It may also involve 二度 nido (twice).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ニドキング Nidoking From needle, king, and possibly 二度 nido French Nidoking Same as English/Japanese name Spanish Nidoking Same as English/Japanese name German Nidoking Same as English/Japanese name Italian Nidoking Same as English/Japanese name Korean 니드킹 Nidoking Transcription of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 尼多王 Níduōwáng From the partial transcription of the Japanese name and 王 wáng Cantonese Chinese 尼多王 Nèihdōwòhng From the partial transcription of the Japanese name and 王 wòhng Brazilian Portuguese Nidoking Same as English/Japanese name

More languages Hindi नीडोकिंग Nidoking Transcription of Japanese name Lithuanian Nidokingas From the English name Russian Нидокинг Nidoking Transcription of Japanese name Thai นิโดคิง Nidokhing Transcription of Japanese name

External links

← #0033: Nidorino

Pokémon

#0035: Clefairy →

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