Nidorina sits in the middle of its evolution line — stronger than Nidoran F but not yet at full power. Most trainers push through to Nidoqueen as fast as possible. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Been around since Gen 1.
Nidorina's stats barely vary. 0 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.
When resting deep in its burrow, its barbs always retract. This is proof that it is relaxed.
Nidorina Weakness
GoodType-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.
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.
How to Evolve
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Nidorina develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Blizzard and Ice Beam show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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 Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
Nidoran♀ (female) is your first catch on the way to Nidorina. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-46 across 14 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♀ (female)EASYRoute 22Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-420%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 22Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-420%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 9Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.17-2215%MidRouteEASYRoute 9Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.17-2215%MidRouteEASYRoute 10Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.18-2315%MidRouteEASYRoute 10Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.18-2315%MidRouteMODERATERoute 23Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.41-4610%LateRouteMODERATERoute 23Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.41-4610%LateRoute
Step 2Nidorina ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 9Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.17-225%MidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 9Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.17-225%MidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 10Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.18-235%MidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 10Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.18-235%MidRouteEASYRoute 23Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.41-4619%LateRouteEASYRoute 23Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.41-4619%LateRouteor evolve from Nidoran♀ (female) (Step 1)
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 appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Nidorina has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 19 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW

Black & White - Gen VB2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY

X & Y - Gen VIORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM

Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A