Nidorina Best Moveset
Middle evolution at 62/67/55/55 with the same hidden AbilityHustle that doesn't help competitively. The moveset has some Poison presence but nothing to justify a slot. One evolution from Nidoqueen's B-tier AbilitySheer Force offense.
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow). This was Nidorina's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 55.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Blizzard
- Body Slam
- Poison Sting
- Ice Beam
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation.
Support Moveset
- Toxic
- Moonlight
- Ice Beam
- Attract
Recommended Teammates
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran poison point with Sitrus Berry, favoring a Relaxed nature.
Wall Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Double Edge
- Poison Sting
- Toxic
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran poison point with Chestoberry, favoring a Jolly nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest
- Poison Jab
- Poison Fang
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Poison Point with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Super Fang
- Sludge Bomb
- Counter
Recommended Teammates
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran poison point with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Poison Jab
- Venoshock
- Poison Fang
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Poison Point with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Wall Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Super Fang
- Toxic
- Rest
Recommended Teammates
Nidorina saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Nidorina maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran poison point with Eviolite, favoring a Modest nature.
Special Tank Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Toxic Spikes
- Poison Jab
- Disable
Nidorina Weakness
Type-wise, Nidorina takes extra damage from Ground and Psychic. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground, Psychic |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Fairy |
What is Nidorina Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Nidorina
Garchomp can KO Nidorina with Earthquake (162-191%). Alakazam threatens a KO with Psychic (175-206%).
 Garchomp DragonGround | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityRough Skin ItemRocky Helmet NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Nidorina View Garchomp builds →Earthquake 2x162-191%KO | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Nidorina View Alakazam builds →Psychic 2x175-206%KO Shadow Ball52-61% Dazzling Gleam26-30% | ||
Evolution
This Poison-type links Nidoran♀ (female) to Nidoqueen. Nidorina has 365 stats but sits in the Undiscovered egg group. HP has grown the most so far (+15), but there's still another 140 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
How to Get Nidorina
Nidorina appears at decent spawn rates across 20 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Nidorina in BDSP
Nidoran♀ (female) is your first catch on the way to Nidorina. You'll find walking and special encounters from Lv. 2-63 across 38 total spots in the chain.
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 2Nidorina ✓Valor 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 3Evolve into Nidoqueen
No wild encounters for Nidorina. 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 Nidorina in SwSh
To get Nidorina, start by catching Nidoran♀ (female) through walking encounters at Lv. 60-65. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
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 2Nidorina ✓
Step 3Evolve into Nidoqueen
Nidorina appears at decent spawn rates across 6 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Nidorina in LGPE
Nidoran♀ (female) is your first catch on the way to Nidorina. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-46 across 16 total spots in the chain.
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 2Nidorina ✓Route 9Lv.17-22GrassRate 5%Route 10Lv.18-23GrassRate 5%Route 23Lv.41-46GrassRate 19%or evolve from Nidoran♀ (female) (Step 1)
Nidorina 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 Nidorina 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 2Nidorina ✓
Step 3Evolve into Nidoqueen
Base Stats
Nidorina's stats barely vary. None sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 HP EVs, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.
The horn on its head has atrophied. It’s thought that this happens so Nidorina’s children won’t get poked while their mother is feeding them.
Nidorina Guide
Nidorina isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Nidoqueen to unlock its full potential. At 365 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Poison Point is the go-to ability for Nidorina. It has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact. Its hidden ability Hustle can work in specific setups. Rivalry is the other option. Pick based on what your team needs.
Nidorina fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 62 Attack). At base 56 Speed, it won't be moving first often.
Nidorina does the job early-game if you need a Poison type on your team. Evolve it into Nidoqueen before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Nidorina has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 19 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
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