Nidoqueen Best Moveset
Rose from C-tier thanks to hidden AbilitySheer Force removing secondary effects from moves for a 30% power boost across the moveset. Poison/Ground TermStab at 92 Attack with that multiplier, plus 90/87/85 bulk across HP, Defense, and Sp. Def. B-tier because the hidden ability turned a decent bulky attacker into a legitimate threat.
Poison/Ground typing was interesting but Nidoking did the same thing with higher Attack in Gen I (Red & Blue). Nidoqueen offered a bit more bulk but less punch.
Utility Moveset
- Earthquake
- Thunderbolt
- Blizzard
- Body Slam
Recommended Teammates
Movepool was the selling point. Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Earthquake, and Toxic gave Nidoqueen coverage that most Pokemon could only dream of.
Best Moves
Best Build
Support Moveset
- Earthquake
- Moonlight
- Toxic
- Flamethrower
Recommended Teammates
Same massive movepool kept it relevant in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Poison Point was its only ability, but the sheer versatility of its coverage justified the team slot.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Superpower
- Sludge Bomb
- Shadow Ball
Recommended Teammates
Outclassed by Nidoking's higher offensive stats in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Both had the same movepool, but teams wanted damage more than Nidoqueen's slight bulk advantage.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Earthquake
- Protect
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Sheer Force changed the equation in Gen V (Black & White). Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Earth Power all hit 30% harder with no drawback thanks to the ability's secondary effect removal.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock
Recommended Teammates
Sheer Force plus Life Orb with no recoil on boosted moves. Click any coverage option and it hit hard. A true pick-your-poison attacker.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Beam
- Sludge Wave
Recommended Teammates
Still solid but power creep caught up in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Fairy-types resisted some key hits, and faster offensive threats could pressure it before it fired back.
Special Tank Moveset
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
Recommended Teammates
Remained a flexible attacker in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield) but the format had moved on. Newer Pokemon did the coverage spam role without needing Sheer Force just to hit hard enough.
Special Tank Moveset
- Sludge Wave
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
Recommended Teammates
Nidoqueen Weakness
Nidoqueen's Poison/Ground typing leaves it vulnerable to Water, Ice, Ground, and Psychic. It shrugs off Electric-type attacks completely. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Water, Ice, Ground, Psychic |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fighting, Bug, Rock, Fairy |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Poison |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric |
What is Nidoqueen Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Nidoqueen
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Nidoqueen View Alomomola builds →Flip Turn 2x19-22% Scald 2x21-24% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Nidoqueen View Corviknight builds →U Turn6-7% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityElectric Surge ItemTerrain Extender NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Nidoqueen View Tapu Koko builds →Dazzling Gleam12-15% U Turn7-8% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemLeftovers NatureCalm Moves View Toxapex builds →
| ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureSassy Moves View Slowking-Galar builds →
| ||
Evolution
The Poison/Ground-type Nidoqueen caps Nidoran♀ (female)'s chain at 505 stats. No daycare options for this one. Attack grew the most through evolution (+45 over Nidoran F), and Nidoqueen peaks at 505 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
How to Get Nidoqueen
Nidoqueen doesn't appear wild. Catch Nidoran♀ (female) instead, it shows up at decent rates. Evolve it through a special method to get Nidoqueen. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Nidoqueen in BDSP
To get Nidoqueen, start by catching Nidoran♀ (female) through walking and special encounters at Lv. 2-63. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♀ (female)Route 201Lv.3Using PokeRadarBrilliant DiamondRate 20%Route 201Lv.2Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 2%Bogsunk CavernLv.58-63GrassPost-gameDazzling CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-game
Step 2Catch or Evolve NidorinaValor LakefrontLv.21-22Using PokeRadarBrilliant DiamondRate 20%Route 221Lv.29Using PokeRadarBrilliant DiamondRate 20%Valor LakefrontLv.22Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 2%Route 221Lv.30Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 2%Bogsunk CavernLv.58-63GrassPost-gameDazzling CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-gameor evolve from Nidoran♀ (female) (Step 1)
Step 3Nidoqueen ✓
No wild encounters for Nidoqueen. The 3-stage chain runs through Nidoran♀ (female), which you can catch at solid rates from the locations below. Evolve through a special method once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Nidoqueen in SwSh
Nidoran♀ (female) is your first catch on the way to Nidoqueen. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 60-65 across 64 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♀ (female)Old CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 35%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%RainingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%ThunderstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%OvercastOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 25%RainingOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 25%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 24%SnowstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 24%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 22%Heavy FogOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 22%Heavy FogGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%RainingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%ThunderstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%OvercastGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%SnowstormGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Heavy FogGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%OvercastGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%RainingOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%SnowingOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%ThunderstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%SnowstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%OvercastGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 19%SnowstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 19%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 17%Heavy FogOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 17%Heavy FogGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 16%ThunderstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%SnowstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Heavy FogOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Intense SunOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%OvercastOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%SnowingOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%RainingOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 14%Thunderstorm
Step 2Evolve into Nidorina
Step 3Nidoqueen ✓
Nidoqueen sits at low spawn rates across 2 spots in late-game routes. Pick one from the sorted list and commit to it. Jumping between areas wastes more time than waiting in the right location.
Where To Catch Nidoqueen in LGPE
To get Nidoqueen, start by catching Nidoran♀ (female) through walking encounters at Lv. 3-46. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♀ (female)Route 22Lv.3-4GrassRate 20%Route 9Lv.17-22GrassRate 15%Route 10Lv.18-23GrassRate 15%Route 23Lv.41-46GrassRate 10%
Step 2Catch or Evolve NidorinaRoute 9Lv.17-22GrassRate 5%Route 10Lv.18-23GrassRate 5%Route 23Lv.41-46GrassRate 19%or evolve from Nidoran♀ (female) (Step 1)
Step 3Nidoqueen ✓Route 23Lv.41-46GrassRate 1%or evolve from Nidorina (Step 2)
Nidoqueen can't be caught in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Transfer Nidoran♀ (female) from Red & Blue, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee and evolve through the 3-stage chain to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
How to Obtain Nidoqueen in USUM
Step 1Obtain Nidoran♀ (female)CARTRIDGE TRADEAvailableCatch in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee via Walking · Route 22, then trade to the current game via link cable.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Red & BlueNot TradeableAppears in Red & Blue via Walking · Route 22. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom YellowNot TradeableAppears in Yellow via Walking · Route 9. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Gold & SilverNot TradeableAppears in Gold & Silver via Walking · Route 36. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom CrystalNot TradeableAppears in Crystal via Walking · National Park. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom FireRed & LeafGreenNot TradeableAppears in FireRed & LeafGreen via Walking · Safari Zone. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Diamond & PearlNot TradeableAppears in Diamond & Pearl via Pokeradar · Route 201. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
Step 2Evolve into Nidorina- Step 3Nidoqueen ✓
Base Stats
An unusually even spread gives Nidoqueen flexibility. Attack barely edges ahead. But Sp. Atk isn't far off. Tough to catch and follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve. Yields 3 HP EVs.
Nidoqueen is better at defense than offense. With scales like armor, this Pokémon will shield its children from any kind of attack.
Nidoqueen Guide
Sheer Force changes the entire equation for Nidoqueen. The 505 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier.
Sheer Force is what you want on Nidoqueen. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Poison Point, Rivalry) work on paper but Sheer Force is what makes Nidoqueen worth using.
Base 76 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Nidoqueen is a special attacker with base 75 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Run Earthpower, Sludgewave, Flamethrower, and Stealth Rock on Nidoqueen. Earthpower is the most common pick at 0% usage. This set covers the balanced role with a mix of damage and utility.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Nidoqueen has appeared in 19 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves