Mid-stage Pokemon like Nidorino rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Nidoking, which is where the real potential kicks in. Only weak to Ground and Psychic. Known as the Poison Pin Pokemon.
Nidorino's stats barely vary. 0 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.
It raises its big ears to check its surroundings. If it senses anything, it attacks immediately.
Quick to anger, it stabs enemies with its horn to inject a powerful poison when it becomes agitated.
Nidorino Weakness
AvgGround and Psychic-type 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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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.
How to Evolve
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 6 more.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 4.
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Coverage runs deep. Nidorino can hit 12 types beyond STAB, including Flying and Fighting. The offense anchors on Sludge Bomb and Poison Jab while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Nidorino starts showing up in mid-game routes at high spawn rates across 6 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Nidorino in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Nidoran♂ (male) is your first catch on the way to Nidorino. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 12-23 across 11 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♂ (male)EFFORTLESSRoute 35HeartGoldGrassLv.12CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 35SoulSilverGrassLv.12CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 36HeartGoldGrassLv.12CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 36SoulSilverGrassLv.12-13CommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEFFORTLESSRoute 36SoulSilverGrassLv.12CommonEarlyRoute
Step 2Nidorino ✓EFFORTLESSRoute 13HeartGoldGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 13SoulSilverGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 14HeartGoldGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 14SoulSilverGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 15SoulSilverGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 15HeartGoldGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteor evolve from Nidoran♂ (male) (Step 1)
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.
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 appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Nidorino 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