Thievul's Dark typing gives it an immunity to Psychic. Only 3 weaknesses on top of that — it has plenty of safe switch-in opportunities. Known as the Fox Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Thievul's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Attack trails, 3 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 2 Sp. Def EVs, on a fast 800K XP curve.
It secretly marks potential targets with a scent. By following the scent, it stalks its targets and steals from them when they least expect it.
With a lithe body and sharp claws, it goes around stealing food and eggs. Boltund is its natural enemy.
Thievul Weakness
AvgThievul is weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Psychic-type moves entirely. Thievul's special bulk (base 92 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
Thievul is the evolved form of Nickit. Breeding produces Nickit eggs, and they're quick to hatch. Evolving from Nickit gave Thievul the biggest boost in Sp.Atk (+40), bringing the total to 455 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Thievul to get Nickit eggs easily using 278 partners from the Ground egg group.
The game plan is straightforward: click Nasty Plot, then sweep. Sitrus Berry and Unburden support the setup turn. EVs go into max Sp. Atk and Speed so Thievul hits hard once it's boosted.
Best Build
Best Thievul Moveset
- Dark Pulse
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Burning Jealousy
First Impression and Giga Impact bring the raw damage. But Thievul also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Foul Play and Giga Impact bring the raw damage. But Thievul also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Thievul isn't available in the wild in Legends: Z-A. Start by transferring Nickit from Sword. The evolution path from Nickit to Thievul is covered in the steps below.
high spawn rates across 18 locations for Thievul in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Thievul in Sword & Shield
The path to Thievul starts with Nickit at Lv. 3-47 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch NickitEASYRoute 2ShieldOverworldLv.5-715%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 2SwordOverworldLv.5-715%EarlyRouteAll WeatherMODERATERoute 1ShieldOverworldLv.3-65%EarlyRouteAll WeatherMODERATERoute 1SwordOverworldLv.3-65%EarlyRouteAll WeatherMODERATEStony WildernessShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidHeavy FogMODERATEStony WildernessSwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidHeavy FogMODERATEStony Wilderness - 2ShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidHeavy FogMODERATEStony Wilderness - 2SwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidHeavy FogMODERATEStony Wilderness - 3ShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidHeavy FogMODERATEStony Wilderness - 3SwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidHeavy FogCHALLENGINGGiant's MirrorSwordOverworldLv.28-304%MidNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGGiant's MirrorShieldOverworldLv.28-304%MidNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSDusty BowlShieldOverworldLv.42-4750%LateNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSDusty BowlSwordOverworldLv.42-4750%LateNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSDusty BowlShieldOverworldLv.42-4735%LateThunderstormEFFORTLESSDusty BowlSwordOverworldLv.42-4735%LateThunderstormEFFORTLESSDusty BowlShieldOverworldLv.42-4735%LateOvercastEFFORTLESSDusty BowlSwordOverworldLv.42-4735%LateOvercastEASYRoute 2 - High LevelShieldOverworldLv.40-4315%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 2 - High LevelSwordOverworldLv.40-4315%LateRouteAll WeatherMODERATEDusty BowlShieldOverworldLv.42-4710%LateRainingMODERATEDusty BowlSwordOverworldLv.42-4710%LateRainingMODERATEDusty BowlShieldOverworldLv.42-475%LateIntense SunMODERATEDusty BowlSwordOverworldLv.42-475%LateIntense Sun
Step 2Thievul ✓EFFORTLESSStony WildernessShieldGrassLv.26-2840%MidHeavy FogEFFORTLESSStony WildernessSwordGrassLv.26-2840%MidHeavy FogEASYBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-2828%MidNormal WeatherEASYBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-2828%MidNormal WeatherEASYBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-2825%MidSnowingEASYBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-2825%MidSnowingEASYBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-2823%MidOvercastEASYBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-2823%MidOvercastEASYBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-2820%MidIntense SunEASYBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-2820%MidIntense SunEASYHammerlocke HillsShieldGrassLv.28-3015%MidOvercastEASYHammerlocke HillsSwordGrassLv.28-3015%MidOvercastCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidHeavy FogCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidHeavy FogEFFORTLESSRoute 9 - in Outer SpikemuthShieldGrassLv.40-4430%LateRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSRoute 9 - in Outer SpikemuthSwordGrassLv.40-4430%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 7ShieldOverworldLv.37-4120%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 7SwordOverworldLv.37-4120%LateRouteAll Weatheror evolve from Nickit (Step 1)
Thievul has a 455 base stat total and ranks as C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. It works best as a balanced.
Nickit evolves into Thievul at level 18. Thievul is the fully evolved form. It sits at 455 BST in its evolved form.
Run Away is the go-to ability for Thievul. It ensures success fleeing from wild battles. Its hidden ability Stakeout can work in specific setups. Unburden is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Thievul fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 87 Sp. Atk. Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Thievul can be found in Legends: Z-A and Sword & Shield.
Introduced in Sword & Shield, Thievul has appeared in 2 games across 2 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
- 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 VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShDebut
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A