Physical
Balanced
50Speed · Slow

Is Nidoran♂ (male) Good in FireRed & LeafGreen Playthrough?

Route 3 alongside Nidoran-F. AbilityPoison Point works the same way: contact triggers a poison chance. Nidoking at Moon Stone is one of the best Pokemon in FRLG. The male line hits harder on offense where the female line is tougher to take down.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEEEGGESGGGEEGBrockGym 1Nidoran MCatchableNidorinoEvolveMistyGym 2SurgeGym 3NidokingEvolveErikaGym 4KogaGym 5SabrinaGym 6BlaineGym 7GiovanniGym 8LoreleiE4BrunoE4AgathaE4LanceE4TerryChamp*
Brock
Gym 1
Even

Nidoran♂ (male) trades roughly evenly with Brock's team.

You Win
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense Curl
Even
Onix
Lv 14
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleBindRock Tomb
Misty
Gym 2
Even

Nidorino trades roughly evenly with Misty's team.

Even
Staryu
Lv 18
Water
Illuminate
TackleHardenRecoverWater Pulse
Risky
Starmie
Lv 21
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
SwiftRecoverRapid SpinWater Pulse
Lt. Surge
Gym 3
Even

Nidorino trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Voltorb
Lv 21
Electric
Soundproof
Sonic BoomTackleScreechShock Wave
You Win
Pikachu
Lv 18
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Even
Raichu
Lv 24
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Erika
Gym 4
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Erika's team.

You Win
Victreebel
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidPoison PowderGiga Drain
You Win
Tangela
Lv 24
Grass
Chlorophyll
Poison PowderConstrictIngrainGiga Drain
You Win
Vileplume
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sleep PowderAcidStun SporeGiga Drain
Koga
Gym 5
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Koga's team.

Even
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Easy KO
Muk
Lv 39
Poison
Stench
MinimizeSludgeAcid ArmorToxic
Even
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Even
Weezing
Lv 43
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
TackleSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Sabrina
Gym 6
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

Even
Kadabra
Lv 38
Psychic
Synchronize
PsybeamReflectFuture SightCalm Mind
Even
Mr Mime
Lv 37
PsychicFairy
Soundproof
BarrierPsybeamBaton PassCalm Mind
Even
Venomoth
Lv 38
BugPoison
Shield Dust
PsybeamGustLeech LifeSupersonic
Even
Alakazam
Lv 43
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicRecoverFuture SightCalm Mind
Blaine
Gym 7
Strong

Nidoking resists most of Blaine's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Growlithe
Lv 42
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Easy KO
Ponyta
Lv 40
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
Easy KO
Rapidash
Lv 42
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 47
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Giovanni
Gym 8
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Giovanni's team.

Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 45
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Even
Dugtrio
Lv 42
Ground
Sand Veil
SlashSand TombMud SlapEarthquake
You Win
Nidoqueen
Lv 44
PoisonGround
Poison Point
Body SlamDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
Even
Nidoking
Lv 45
PoisonGround
Poison Point
ThrashDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
You Win
Rhyhorn
Lv 50
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Lorelei
Elite Four
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Lorelei's team.

Even
Dewgong
Lv 52
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Ice BeamSurfHailSafeguard
You Win
Cloyster
Lv 51
WaterIce
Shell Armor
SpikesProtectHailDive
Even
Slowbro
Lv 52
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
Ice BeamSurfAmnesiaYawn
Even
Jynx
Lv 54
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Ice PunchDouble SlapLovely KissAttract
Even
Lapras
Lv 54
WaterIce
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
Confuse RayIce BeamSurfBody Slam
Bruno
Elite Four
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Bruno's team.

Easy KO
Onix
Lv 51
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeRock TombIron TailRoar
You Win
Hitmonchan
Lv 53
Fighting
Keen Eye
Sky UppercutMach PunchRock TombCounter
You Win
Hitmonlee
Lv 53
Fighting
Limber
Mega KickForesightBrick BreakFacade
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Rock Head
Double EdgeEarthquakeIron TailSand Tomb
You Win
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
Guts
Cross ChopBulk UpScary FaceRock Tomb
Agatha
Elite Four
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Agatha's team.

Even
Gengar
Lv 54
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow PunchConfuse RayToxicDouble Team
Even
Golbat
Lv 54
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Confuse RayPoison FangAir CutterBite
Risky
Haunter
Lv 53
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseMean Look
You Win
Arbok
Lv 56
Poison
Intimidate
Sludge BombScreechIron TailBite
Risky
Gengar
Lv 58
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallSludge BombHypnosisNightmare
Lance
Elite Four
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 56
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Hyper BeamDragon RageTwisterBite
You Win
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardDragon RageOutrage
You Win
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardThunder WaveOutrage
Risky
Aerodactyl
Lv 58
RockFlying
Rock Head
Hyper BeamAncient PowerWing AttackScary Face
Even
Dragonite
Lv 60
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Hyper BeamSafeguardOutrageWing Attack
Terry
Champion
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Terry's team.

Even
Heracross
Lv 72
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornEarthquakeCounterRock Tomb
Even
Alakazam
Lv 73
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallCalm MindReflect
You Win
Tyranitar
Lv 72
RockDark
Sand Stream
CrunchEarthquakeThunderboltAerial Ace
Even
Gyarados
Lv 73
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Hydro PumpDragon DanceEarthquakeHyper Beam
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 73
Fire
Intimidate
Extreme SpeedOverheatAerial AceIron Tail
Even
Venusaur
Lv 75
GrassPoison
Overgrow
Solar BeamSludge BombEarthquakeSunny Day
Catchable
Available after Badge 1
Type
Poison
Tier
E

Catch Nidoran M on Route 3 (walking, Lv 6-7, uncommon).

View Nidoran M locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Lt. Surge
    • TM28GroundDig80100%10
  • After Erika
    • TM36PoisonSludge Bomb135100%10
    • TM14IceBlizzard11070%5
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
    • TM24ElectricThunderbolt90100%15
    • HM04NormalStrength80100%15
  • After Giovanni
    • TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
  • Post-Game
    • TUTORNormalBody Slam85100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20
Evolve Nidoran♂ (male) to Nidorino
Level 16
Type
Poison
Tier
E

Your Nidoran♂ (male) should hit Level 16 before you reach Misty, at typical leveling pace.

View Nidorino locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Lt. Surge
    • TM28GroundDig80100%10
  • After Erika
    • TM36PoisonSludge Bomb135100%10
    • TM14IceBlizzard11070%5
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
    • TM24ElectricThunderbolt90100%15
    • HM04NormalStrength80100%15
  • After Giovanni
    • TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
  • Post-Game
    • TUTORNormalBody Slam85100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20
Evolve Nidorino to Nidoking
Use Moon Stone
Type
PoisonGround
Tier
A

You can pick up the Moon Stone in Mt. Moon. 3 other locations are also available.

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 24)
    • LV 24NormalThrash120100%10
  • After Lt. Surge
    • TM28GroundDig120100%10
  • After Erika
    • TM36PoisonSludge Bomb135100%10
    • TM15NormalHyper Beam15090%5
    • LV 43BugMegahorn12085%10
  • After Koga
    • TM01FightingFocus Punch150100%20
  • After Giovanni
    • TM26GroundEarthquake150100%10
    • TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
  • Post-Game
    • TUTORNormalBody Slam85100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20

How to Get Nidoran♂ (male) in FireRed & LeafGreen

Both versions offer Nidoran♂ through 10 encounters via grass and an NPC trade. Early-game wild catches or swap a Nidoran♀ at the Underground Path.

4 locations to catch Nidoran♂ (male)

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 1
Badge 2
Badge 3
Badge 4
Badge 5

Where To Catch Nidoran♂ (male) in FRLG

To get Nidoran♂ (male), start by catching Nidoran♂ (male) through walking and trade encounters at Lv. 6-33. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

  1. Nidoking
    Step 3Evolve into Nidoking
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Four Island Pokemon Day Care to receive a Nidoking egg. Requires the Rainbow Pass to access Four Island.

Nidoran♂ (male) Weakness

Nidoran♂ (male) is weak to Ground and Psychic. The Poison typing picks up 4 resistances to work with. Nidoran♂ (male)'s Poison typing only leaves 2 gaps to cover.

Nidoran♂ (male) Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Ground, Psychic
0.5x (Resist)Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug
Gen III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

What is Nidoran♂ (male) Weak Against

Avg
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Nidoran♂ (male) Strong Against

1Strong
4Resisted
1Immune
Score-4
2xStrong
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Nidoran♂ (male)

Nidoran♂ (male) Evolutions

The three-stage chain from Nidoran♂ (male) through Nidorino ends here at Nidoran♂ (male). Want more? Breed for Nidoran♂ (male) eggs. A massive partner pool available via two egg groups. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Nidorino
Poison
Nidoking
PoisonGround
HP
46
61+15
81+20
ATK
57
72+15
102+30
DEF
40
57+17
77+20
SP.ATK
40
55+15
85+30
SP.DEF
40
55+15
75+20
SPE
50
65+15
85+20
BST
273D-Tier
365D-Tier+92
505C-Tier+140
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Attacker
TYPE
Utility
Physical
Mixed

Breeding

Moderate

Breed with Nidoran♂ (male) to get Nidoran M eggs using 102 partners from the Ground and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, Beat Up, Confusion and 4 more.

Egg Groups
Gender
100.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosvenusaurcharizardblastoisemeganiumferaligatrsceptileswampert

FRLG Nidoran♂ (male) Best Moveset

Poison heading toward Nidoking with AbilityPoison Point for contact poison. Two evolutions from one of the format's most versatile coverage movesets.

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.

Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.

Moves List

The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 10 types means almost nothing walls Nidoran♂ (male) cleanly, with Sludge Bomb and Poison Sting anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Leer
D10030Normal
Lv 1
Peck
D3510035Flying
Lv 8
Focus Energy
D30Normal
Lv 12
Double Kick
3010030Fighting
Lv 17
Poison Sting
S2210035Poison
Lv 20
Horn Attack
6510025Normal
Lv 23
Helping Hand+5
20Normal
Lv 30
Fury Attack
158520Normal
Lv 38
Flatter
D10015Dark
Lv 47
Horn Drill
305Normal

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
D120705Ice
HM01
Cut
D509530Normal
TM28
Dig
S6010010Ground
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
D9510010Ice
TM23
Iron Tail
D1007515Steel
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
C5Water
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
HM06
Rock Smash
D2010015Fighting
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
TM34
Shock Wave
D6020Electric
TM36
Sludge Bomb
S13510010Poison
HM04
Strength
8010015Normal
TM11
Sunny Day
C5Fire
TM46
Thief
D6010025Dark
TM25
Thunder
D1207010Electric
TM24
Thunderbolt
D9510015Electric
TM06
Toxic
C8510Poison
TM03
Water Pulse
D6010020Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Amnesia
D20Psychic
Egg
Beat Up
D10010Dark
Egg
Confusion
5010025Psychic
Egg
Counter-5
D10020Fighting
Egg
Disable
D5520Normal
Egg
Supersonic
5520Normal
Egg
Take Down
D908520Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Body Slam
D8510015Normal
Tutor
Counter-5
D10020Fighting
Tutor
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Tutor
Mimic
D10Normal
Tutor
Substitute
C10Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP46
D
Attack57
D
Defense40
D
Sp. Atk40
D
Sp. Def40
D
Speed50
D
Total273
Details
Catch Rate
Easy235 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height0.5 m
Weight9.0 kg
Base XP55
Abilities
Poison Point
Has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact.
Rivalry
Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.
EV Yield
HPAtk+1DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training source
Pokedex Entry

Its large ears are flapped like wings when it is listening to distant sounds. It extends toxic barbs when angered.

It stiffens its ears to sense danger. The larger its horns, the more powerful its secreted venom.

Nidoran♂ (male) FireRed & LeafGreen Guide

  • How do I catch Nidoran♂ (male) in the FireRed & LeafGreen Safari Zone?

    See the Locations section above for where to find Nidoran♂ (male) in FireRed & LeafGreen.

    Safari rules: You can only use Safari Balls. No battling. Two tactical items shift the catch/flee trade-off:

    ActionCatch chance per ballFlee rate per turn
    Default45%15%
    Bait22%5%
    Rock50%30%

    Effects last 2-6 random turns; throwing one cancels the other. Catch chance assumes full HP and a Safari Ball (the only ball allowed).

  • Trade a Nidoran-F at the Route 5 Underground Path entrance south of Cerulean City. This is an NPC trade, so the Nidoran♂ (male) you receive is yours immediately, no transfer cable needed.

Game Availability

Present since Red & Blue, Nidoran%e2%99%82 Male appears in 19 games spanning 10 generations. Gen 1 originals like Nidoran%e2%99%82 Male have the longest track record of availability in the series.

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