In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Nidorino isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Nidoking to unlock its full potential. At 365 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.

What is Nidorino weak to?

In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, watch for Rhydon (Ground) and Alakazam (Psychic) when using Nidorino. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

How do you evolve Nidorino?

In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Nidoran M evolves into Nidorino at level 16. Nidorino evolves into Nidoking using a Moon Stone. Nidorino is a middle-stage evolution in the Nidoran M line.

What is the best ability for Nidorino?

Poison Point has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact. That's the one you want on Nidorino. Hustle is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Rivalry works too if your team needs something different.

What role does Nidorino play in battle?

In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Nidorino fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 72 Attack. At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often.

Nidorino - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Physical

Balanced

DTier

65Speed · Below Avg

Stats & Training

Nidorino's stats barely vary. None sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 Attack EVs, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.

Base Stats

Avg

HP61

Attack72

Defense57

Sp. Atk55

Sp. Def55

Speed65

Total365

Details

Catch Rate

Moderate120 / 255

Growth Rate

Medium Slow1.06M XP

Height0.9 m

Weight19.5 kg

Base XP128

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.

HustleHA

Strengthens physical moves to inflict 1.5× damage, but decreases their accuracy to 0.8×.

EV Yield

HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe

Attack training target

Pokedex Entries

It has a violent disposition and stabs foes with its horn, which oozes venom upon impact.

Nidorino Weakness

Ground and Psychic moves hit Nidorino for super-effective damage. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.

Nidorino Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
2x (Weak)	Ground, Psychic
0.5x (Resist)	Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Fairy

Type ChartGood

2Weak

5Resist

0Immune

Score+1

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Ground Psychic

½xResist

Grass Fighting Poison Bug Fairy

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

None

STAB (2)

Grass Fairy

How to Beat Nidorino in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (Best Counters)

Gastrodon WaterGround	B
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Earth PowerLv. 39 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 109-129%KO Earth Power 2x 109-129%KO Dig 2x 88-103%KO Bulldoze 2x 66-78% View Gastrodon builds →
Steelix SteelGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Sand TombLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 112-132%KO Dig 2x 90-106%KO Bulldoze 2x 68-80% Sand Tomb 2x 41-49% View Steelix builds →
Bronzong SteelPsychic	C
Available Moves Moves Dream EaterTM85 EarthquakeTM26 PsychicTM29 ExtrasensoryLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Dream Eater 2x 107-127%KO Earthquake 2x 76-90% Psychic 2x 97-114%KO Extrasensory 2x 85-101%KO View Bronzong builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Mud ShotLv. 1 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 112-132%KO Dig 2x 90-106%KO Bulldoze 2x 68-80% Mud Shot 2x 53-62% View Quagsire builds →
Graveler RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 121-142%KO Dig 2x 97-114%KO Bulldoze 2x 74-88% View Graveler builds →

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Evolution

Nidorino is partway through a three-stage line between Nidoran♂ (male) and Nidoking. The chain involves an evolution item, so it's not a straightforward grind. So far, Defense got the biggest boost (+17 from Nidoran M). The final form adds another 140 stats on top. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms

#032Nidoran♂ (male)

Level 16

#033Nidorino

Moon Stone

#034Nidoking

Stat Comparison 3 Stages

Nidoran♂ (male)

Poison

Nidorino

Poison

Nidoking

PoisonGround

61+15

81+20

ATK

72+15

102+30

DEF

57+17

77+20

SP.ATK

55+15

85+30

SP.DEF

55+15

75+20

SPE

65+15

85+20

BST

273D-Tier

365D-Tier+92

505C-Tier+140

ROLE

Balanced

Attacker

TYPE

Utility

Physical

Mixed

Breeding

Moderate

Breed with Nidorino to get Nidoran M eggs using 131 partners from the Ground and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, Beat Up, Confusion and 10 more.

Egg Groups

GroundMonster

Gender

♂100.0%

Hatch Time

20 cycles·5,140 steps

Quick~5 min with Flame Body

Egg Moves

13moves

Breed With (best first)

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Nidorino Best Moveset

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.

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

Moves

Coverage runs deep. Nidorino can hit 12 types beyond STAB, including Flying and Normal. The offense anchors on Sludge Bomb and Poison Jab while TMs handle everything else.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Focus Energy

C——30Normal

Lv 1

Leer

D—10030Normal

Lv 1

Peck

—3510035Flying

Lv 1

Poison Sting

—1510035Poison

Lv 15

Fury Attack

—158520Normal

Lv 22

Toxic Spikes

C——20Poison

Lv 29

Double Kick

D3010030Fighting

Lv 36

Horn Attack

—6510025Normal

Lv 43

Helping Hand+5

C——20Normal

Lv 50

Toxic

C—9010Poison

Lv 57

Flatter

D—10015Dark

Lv 64

Poison Jab

C8010020Poison

Lv 71

Earth Power

D9010010Ground

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

C—10015Normal

TM14

Blizzard

D110705Ice

TM93

Cut

—509530Normal

TM28

Dig

D8010010Ground

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM58

Endure+4

C——10Normal

TM42

Facade

D7010020Normal

TM13

Ice Beam

D9010010Ice

TM23

Iron Tail

D1007515Steel

TM84

Poison Jab

C8010020Poison

TM17

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM18

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM98

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM65

Shadow Claw

D7010015Ghost

TM34

Shock Wave

D60—20Electric

TM82

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM36

Sludge Bomb

C9010010Poison

TM96

Strength

—8010015Normal

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

TM11

Sunny Day

C——5Fire

TM87

Swagger

D—8515Normal

TM46

Thief

D6010025Dark

TM25

Thunder

D1107010Electric

TM24

Thunderbolt

D9010015Electric

TM06

Toxic

C—9010Poison

TM03

Water Pulse

D6010020Water

Egg Moves

Egg

Amnesia

C——20Psychic

Egg

Beat Up

D—10010Dark

Egg

Confusion

—5010025Psychic

Egg

Counter-5

D—10020Fighting

Egg

Disable

C—10020Normal

Egg

Head Smash

C150805Rock

Egg

Horn Drill

——305Normal

Egg

Poison Tail

—5010025Poison

Egg

Sucker Punch+1

D701005Dark

Egg

Supersonic

D—5520Normal

Egg

Take Down

D908520Normal

Egg

Thrash

C12010010Normal

Egg

Venom Drench

——10020Poison

Tutor Moves

Nidorino can't learn any Tutor moves

How to Get Nidorino in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Nidorino 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 Nidorino in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Nidoran♂ (male) is your first catch on the way to Nidorino. You'll find walking and special encounters from Lv. 2-63 across 38 total spots in the chain.

Step 1Catch Nidoran♂ (male)
Route 201
Shining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.3 Route
20%Early
Route 201
Brilliant DiamondUsing PokeRadar Lv.2 Route
2%Early
Bogsunk Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Bogsunk Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Dazzling Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Dazzling Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Stargleam Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Stargleam Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Swampy Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Swampy Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Train until Level 16
Step 2Nidorino ✓
Valor Lakefront
Shining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.21-22 Water
20%Mid
Route 221
Shining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.29 Route
20%Mid
Valor Lakefront
Brilliant DiamondUsing PokeRadar Lv.22 Water
2%Mid
Route 221
Brilliant DiamondUsing PokeRadar Lv.30 Route
2%Mid
Bogsunk Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Bogsunk Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Dazzling Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Dazzling Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Stargleam Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Stargleam Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Swampy Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
Swampy Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Swamp
Post
Post-game
or evolve from Nidoran♂ (male) (Step 1)

Nidorino Guide

In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Nidorino isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Nidoking to unlock its full potential. At 365 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, watch for Rhydon (Ground) and Alakazam (Psychic) when using Nidorino. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Nidoran M evolves into Nidorino at level 16. Nidorino evolves into Nidoking using a Moon Stone. Nidorino is a middle-stage evolution in the Nidoran M line.
Poison Point has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact. That's the one you want on Nidorino. Hustle is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Rivalry works too if your team needs something different.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Nidorino fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 72 Attack. At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often.

Game Availability

Nidorino 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

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Onix RockGround	C
TM Move Moves EarthquakeTM26 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 86-103%KO View Onix builds →
Geodude RockGround	C
TM Move Moves EarthquakeTM26 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 123-146%KO View Geodude builds →
Abra Psychic	C
TM Move Moves Dream EaterTM85 Damage vs Nidorino Dream Eater 2x 146-171%KO View Abra builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
TM Move Moves EarthquakeTM26 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 100-120%KO View Phanpy builds →
Cubone Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 94-111%KO Mud-Slap 2x 29-34% View Cubone builds →

Onix RockGround	C
TM Move Moves EarthquakeTM26 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 75-90% View Onix builds →
Geodude RockGround	C
TM Move Moves EarthquakeTM26 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 100-120%KO View Geodude builds →
Abra Psychic	C
TM Move Moves Dream EaterTM85 Damage vs Nidorino Dream Eater 2x 128-150%KO View Abra builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
TM Move Moves EarthquakeTM26 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 88-105%KO View Phanpy builds →
Cubone Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 75-90% Mud-Slap 2x 25-30% View Cubone builds →

Bronzong SteelPsychic	C
Available Moves Moves Dream EaterTM85 EarthquakeTM26 PsychicTM29 ExtrasensoryLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Dream Eater 2x 113-134%KO Earthquake 2x 81-96% Psychic 2x 101-120%KO Extrasensory 2x 93-109%KO View Bronzong builds →
Graveler RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 128-152%KO Bulldoze 2x 78-92% View Graveler builds →
Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 BulldozeTM83 Sand TombLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 74-88% Bulldoze 2x 47-56% Sand Tomb 2x 29-35% View Onix builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 93-109%KO Bulldoze 2x 56-67% View Phanpy builds →
Cubone Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Stomping TantrumLv. 24 BulldozeTM83 Bone RushLv. 29 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 80-95% Stomping Tantrum 2x 62-74% Bulldoze 2x 51-60% Bone Rush 2x 24-28% View Cubone builds →

Bronzong SteelPsychic	C
Available Moves Moves Dream EaterTM85 EarthquakeTM26 PsychicTM29 ExtrasensoryLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Dream Eater 2x 113-134%KO Earthquake 2x 81-96% Psychic 2x 101-120%KO Extrasensory 2x 93-109%KO View Bronzong builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Mud ShotLv. 1 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 116-138%KO Dig 2x 95-113%KO Bulldoze 2x 72-85% Mud Shot 2x 56-67% View Quagsire builds →
Graveler RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 128-152%KO Dig 2x 105-124%KO Bulldoze 2x 78-92% View Graveler builds →
Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Sand TombLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 74-88% Dig 2x 62-74% Bulldoze 2x 47-56% Sand Tomb 2x 29-35% View Onix builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 93-109%KO Bulldoze 2x 56-67% View Phanpy builds →

Bronzong SteelPsychic	C
Available Moves Moves Dream EaterTM85 EarthquakeTM26 PsychicTM29 ExtrasensoryLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Dream Eater 2x 111-131%KO Earthquake 2x 77-91% Psychic 2x 101-119%KO Extrasensory 2x 88-104%KO View Bronzong builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Mud ShotLv. 1 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 113-134%KO Dig 2x 90-107%KO Bulldoze 2x 67-80% Mud Shot 2x 52-62% View Quagsire builds →
Graveler RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 123-146%KO Dig 2x 98-116%KO Bulldoze 2x 75-89% View Graveler builds →
Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 BulldozeTM83 Sand TombLv. 28 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 70-83% Dig 2x 57-68% Bulldoze 2x 45-53% Sand Tomb 2x 28-33% View Onix builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 BulldozeTM83 Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 88-104%KO Bulldoze 2x 52-62% View Phanpy builds →

Garchomp DragonGround	A
Recommended Build AbilityRough Skin ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves EarthquakeSTAB Swords Dance Scale Shot Stealth Rock Damage vs Nidorino Earthquake 2x 197-232%KO View Garchomp builds →
Alakazam Psychic	B
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureModest Moves Dazzling Gleam PsyshockSTAB Expanding Force Focus Blast Damage vs Nidorino Dazzling Gleam 30-36% Psyshock 2x 182-214%KO Focus Blast 45-53% View Alakazam builds →