Nidorino bridges to A-Tier Nidoking in Platinum. Rivalry adds damage against same-gender foes, and the Moon Stone evolution opens up Platinum's expanded tutor movepool.
Ability 1Poison PointAbility 1Has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact.Ability 2RivalryAbility 2Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.
365HP61Attack72Defense57Speed65Sp.Def55Sp.Atk55
Nidoran♂ (male)
Nidorino
Nidoking
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
65Speed · Below Avg

Is Nidorino Good in Platinum Playthrough?

PokeRadar on Valor Lakefront or Route 221. Evolves from Nidoran-M at level 16 and reaches Nidoking with a Moon Stone. Still postgame timing.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGEGEGGGGEGEGGGENidoran♂ (male)CatchRoarkGym 1NidorinoEvolveGardeniaGym 2NidokingEvolveFantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Even

Nidoran♂ (male) trades roughly evenly with Roark's team.

Even
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Even
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Even
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Nidorino has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

You Win
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Even
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Risky
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
You Win
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
You Win
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Even
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Even
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.

Easy KO
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Even
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
You Win
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
Even
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
You Win
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Even
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Volkner's team.

Easy KO
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt AbsorbImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
Easy KO
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
You Win
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
You Win
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor DriveImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

You Win
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
You Win
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Easy KO
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
You Win
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Bertha's team.

Even
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Even
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Even
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
You Win
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
You Win
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.

Easy KO
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
You Win
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Easy KO
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
You Win
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
You Win
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.

Even
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
Even
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
Even
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Jupiter's team.

You Win
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Easy KO
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Good

Nidoking has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

Even
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Easy KO
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Nidoking trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Even
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Even
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
You Win
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Even
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Even
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catch Nidoran♂ (male)

Available before Badge 1
Type
Poison
Tier
E

Catch Nidoran M on Route 201 (Poké Radar, Lv 2-3, uncommon).

View Nidoran M locations

Evolve Nidoran♂ (male) to Nidorino

Level 16
Type
Poison
Tier
E

Nidoran♂ (male) evolves into Nidorino at Level 16. Your Nidoran♂ (male) should hit Level 16 before you reach Gardenia, at typical leveling pace.

View Nidorino locations

Recommended Moves

Evolve Nidorino to Nidoking

Use Moon Stone
Type
PoisonGround
Tier
A

Nidorino evolves into Nidoking with a Moon Stone. You can find the Moon Stone hidden in Eterna City. 1 other location is also available.

Recommended Moves

How to Get Nidorino in Platinum

Two mid-game spots hold Nidorino through Poke Radar chaining, uncommon at levels 27 to 31. Most players skip the radar entirely and just raise a Nidoran-M to 16.

2 locations to catch Nidorino

Badge 5
Badge 6

Where To Catch Nidorino in Pt

Available earlier: catch Nidoran♂ (male) at the very start and evolve it at Lv 16. Wild Nidorino first appears at Valor Lakefront (after Badge 4).

  1. Nidoking
    Step 3Evolve into Nidoking
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Nidoran♂ (male) egg.

To plan your throws, open the Platinum catch rate calculator with Nidorino preloaded.

How to Get Shiny Nidorino in Platinum

Nidorino roams Route 221 and the Valor Lakefront, so chain it to 40 for a shiny, or evolve a chained Nidoran♂. Compare Shiny Nidorino odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Nidorino in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Nidorino in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftPurpletoBlue
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Nidorino Evolution

3 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Nidorino Calculator

3 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is PokeRadar Chain at full boosts, about 1 in 200 on each try. Tune it below.

Step 1 · Encounter Method3 in Platinum

PokeRadar Chain: Chain shaking-grass patches without breaking the combo. The rate peaks at a chain of 40.

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

Step 2 · Boost Your Oddstap to add
00

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 200PokeRadar Chain
Chance By Now50.2%at 139 encountersAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few22----
25%one in four58----
50%coin flip139----
90%very likely460----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

For time estimates and charm math, open the Platinum shiny odds calculator with Nidorino already selected.

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.

Nidorino Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Ground, Psychic
0.5x (Resist)Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Nidorino Weak Against

Avg
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Nidorino Strong Against

1Strong
4Resisted
1Immune
Score-4
2xStrong
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Nidorino

Marowak
Marowak
Ground
C
Bronzong
Bronzong
SteelPsychic
B
Gardevoir
Gardevoir
Psychic
B
Exeggutor
Exeggutor
GrassPsychic
C
Torterra
Torterra
GrassGround
C

Nidorino Evolutions

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
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Nidorino
Poison
Nidoking
PoisonGround
HP
46
61+15
81+20
ATK
57
72+15
102+30
DEF
40
57+17
77+20
SP.ATK
40
55+15
85+30
SP.DEF
40
55+15
75+20
SPE
50
65+15
85+20
BST
273E-Tier
365E-Tier+92
505A-Tier+140
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Attacker
TYPE
Utility
Physical
Mixed

Breeding

Moderate

Breed with Nidorino to get Nidoran M eggs using 131 partners from the Field and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, Beat Up, Confusion and 5 more.

Egg Groups
FieldMonster
Gender
♂100.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
8moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosvenusaurcharizardblastoisemeganiumferaligatrsceptileswampert

Pt Nidorino Best Moveset

A preview of Nidoking's power with 72 Attack and 65 Speed, but the moveset lacks the bulk to take hits while it works. Nidoking is where the coverage dominates.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Sweeper
Ability
Poison Point
Item
Chesto BerryRECOVERY
Best Nature for Nidorino
Jolly+SPE

Nidorino best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Sweeper Moveset

  • Poison JabSTAB
  • RestRecovery
  • Sucker Punch
  • Head Smash

Moves List

Coverage runs deep. Nidorino can hit 11 types beyond STAB, including Flying and Fighting. The offense anchors on Sludge Bomb and Poison Jab while TMs handle everything else.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Leer
——10030Normal
Lv 1
Peck
D3510035Flying
Lv 7
Focus Energy
———30Normal
Lv 9
Double Kick
—3010030Fighting
Lv 13
Poison Sting
D2210035Poison
Lv 20
Fury Attack
D158520Normal
Lv 23
Horn Attack
—6510025Normal
Lv 28
Helping Hand+5
———20Normal
Lv 35
Toxic Spikes
C——20Poison
Lv 38
Flatter
——10015Dark
Lv 43
Poison Jab
S12010020Poison
Lv 50
Captivate
——10020Normal
Lv 58
Horn Drill
——305Normal

TM Moves

32 of 33 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14
BlizzardLake Acuitybadge 3
D120705Ice
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
A8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
D7010020Normal
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamRoute 216badge 3
D9510010Ice
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
A1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM84
Poison JabRoute 212badge 5
S12010020Poison
TM17C——10Normal
TM44B——10Psychic
TM27A—10020Normal
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM65
Shadow ClawPrize for defeating Fantinabadge 3
D7010015Ghost
TM34
Shock WaveRoute 215badge 3
D60—20Electric
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM36C13510010Poison
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
D8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
D6010025Dark
TM25
ThunderLake Valorbadge 3
D1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9510015Electric
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison
TM03
Water PulseRavaged Pathbadge 5
D6010020Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Amnesia
D——20Psychic
Egg
Beat Up
——10010Dark
Egg
Confusion
D5010025Psychic
Egg
Counter-5
D—10020Fighting
Egg
Disable
D—8020Normal
Egg
Sucker Punch+1
B801005Dark
Egg
Supersonic
——5520Normal
Egg
Take Down
D908520Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Helping Hand+5
———20Normal
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Sucker Punch+1
B801005Dark

Base Stats

Base Stats
Avg
HP61
C
Attack72
C
Defense57
D
Sp. Atk55
D
Sp. Def55
D
Speed65
C
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.
EV Yield
HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

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

Pokemon Platinum

Nidorino Platinum Guide

  • In Platinum, Nidorino does the job early-game if you need a Poison type on your team. Evolve it into Nidoking before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.

  • In Platinum, use Nidorino as a balanced. Physical side carries the damage. Not the fastest,

  • For Platinum, run Jolly on Nidorino. +Speed is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the balanced role.

  • For Platinum, build your team around Loudred, Staravia, and Ivysaur. These have the highest co-usage rates with Nidorino in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

Game Availability

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.

Explore

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