That 4x Ground weakness is something every Nihilego user needs to plan around. At least it resists 6 types to make up for it. Known as the Parasite Pokemon. The stat spread leans into special offense.
Sp. Def leads and Defense gets almost nothing. That's Nihilego's stat line in a nutshell. 4 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Tough to catch and yields 3 Sp. Def EVs.
A life-form from another world, it was dubbed a UB and is thought to produce a strong neurotoxin.
It appeared in this world from an Ultra Wormhole. Nihilego appears to be a parasite that lives by feeding on people and Pokémon.
Nihilego Weakness
VulnerableGround, Water, Psychic, and Steel-type moves hit Nihilego for super-effective damage. Ground hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Nihilego's special bulk (base 131 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
At 570 base stat total, Nihilego hits hard for a Rock/Poison type. No evolution chain and no egg group, just a straight pickup.
How to Evolve
The recommended build leans into Nihilego's strengths as a special attacker. Power Herb provides instant two-turn move execution, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs back that up. Beastboost rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Nihilego Moveset
- Sludge Wave
- Meteor Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Grass Knot
Recommended Teammates
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Nihilego. TMs unlock coverage across 8 types and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Head Smash and Gunk Shot into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Nihilego picks up Head Smash and Psychic along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add coverage across 7 types, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Nihilego picks up Head Smash and Psychic along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Normal and Psychic coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
No wild encounters for Nihilego in Sword & Shield. It's available in Sun or Ultra Sun and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
You'll find Nihilego at Ultra Space as a set encounter. It's always there at that location, so come prepared for the battle. The location details below cover exact positioning.
Best Locations
moderate rates across 4 locations for Nihilego in endgame routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Best Locations
walking encounters for Nihilego across 4 spots at Lv. 55+. The catch is that Moon and Sun don't share every location, so compare what's available in your version.
We rate Nihilego B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. At 570 BST, it fits the sweeper role. Base 131 Sp. Def stands out.
Nihilego doesn't evolve and has no evolutionary line. It's a Rock/Poison-type Pokemon with strong stats at 570 BST — no evolution needed.
Beast Boost raises this Pokémon's highest stat by one stage when it faints another Pokémon — that's the one you want on Nihilego. It's the only ability Nihilego has.
Base 103 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Nihilego is a special attacker with base 127 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a sweeper.
Nihilego can be found in Sword & Shield, Sun & Moon, and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Nihilego joined the series in Sun & Moon and has been available in 3 titles so far. With 3 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VIISMDebut
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