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.
Its horn is harder than a diamond. If it senses a hostile presence, all the barbs on its back bristle up at once, and it challenges the foe with all its might.
Nidorino Weakness
Ground and Psychic moves hit Nidorino for super-effective damage. It resists 4 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 |
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
In Emerald, Flygon can KO Nidorino with Earthquake (130-153%). Alakazam threatens a KO with Psychic (187-220%).
 Flygon GroundDragon | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Nidorino View Flygon builds →Earthquake 2x130-153%KO Rock Slide32-38% | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySynchronize ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Nidorino View Alakazam builds →Psychic 2x187-220%KO | ||
 Medicham FightingPsychic | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityPure Power ItemSalacberry NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Nidorino View Medicham builds →Shadow Ball32-38% Rock Slide30-35% | ||
Emerald 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
Breeding
Breed with Nidorino 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.
Emerald Nidorino Best Moveset
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Moves
Coverage runs deep. Nidorino can hit 10 types beyond STAB, including Flying and Fighting. The offense anchors on Sludge Bomb and Poison Sting while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Nidorino in Emerald
Nidorino isn't available in the wild in Emerald. Start by transferring Nidoran♂ (male) from Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu. The evolution path from Nidoran♂ (male) to Nidorino is covered in the steps below.
How to Obtain Nidorino in Emerald
Step 1Obtain Nidoran♂ (male)
Step 2Nidorino ✓
Nidorino Guide
In Emerald, 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.
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 Emerald, 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
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves