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 is weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy. 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.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fighting, Bug, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Ghost, Dark |
| 0x (Immune) | Psychic |
Volcarona's Heat Wave hits Thievul for 57-67%. Annihilape threatens a KO with Drain Punch (108-127%). Whimsicott deals 63-75% with Moonblast.
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemGrassyseed NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Volcarona builds →Heat Wave57-67% | ||
 Annihilape FightingGhost | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityDefiant ItemSitrus Berry NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Annihilape builds →Drain Punch 2x108-127%KO | ||
 Whimsicott GrassFairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPrankster ItemCovert Cloak NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Whimsicott builds →Moonblast 2x63-75% | ||
 Scizor BugSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Scizor builds →Bullet Punch60-70% U Turn 2x209-246%KO Knock Off32-38% Close Combat 2x238-280%KO | ||
 Machamp Fighting | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityNoguard ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Machamp builds →Stone Edge66-78% Bullet Punch27-32% Knock Off21-25% | ||
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
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
Thievul best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Dark Pulse
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Burning Jealousy
Special Stallbreaker Moveset
- Snarl
- Parting Shot
- Taunt
- Psychic
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Snarl
- Dark Pulse
- Grass Knot
- Burning Jealousy
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Snarl
- Burning Jealousy
- Grass Knot
- Psychic
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Stallbreaker Moveset
- Dark Pulse
- Fake Tears
- Taunt
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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 NickitRoute 2ShieldOverworld Lv.5-7 Route15%EarlyAll WeatherRoute 2SwordOverworld Lv.5-7 Route15%EarlyAll WeatherRoute 1ShieldOverworld Lv.3-6 Route5%EarlyAll WeatherRoute 1SwordOverworld Lv.3-6 Route5%EarlyAll WeatherStony WildernessShieldOverworld Lv.28-305%MidHeavy FogStony WildernessSwordOverworld Lv.28-305%MidHeavy FogStony Wilderness - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.28-305%MidHeavy FogStony Wilderness - 2SwordOverworld Lv.28-305%MidHeavy FogStony Wilderness - 3ShieldOverworld Lv.28-305%MidHeavy FogStony Wilderness - 3SwordOverworld Lv.28-305%MidHeavy FogGiant's MirrorSwordOverworld Lv.28-304%MidNormal WeatherGiant's MirrorShieldOverworld Lv.28-304%MidNormal WeatherDusty BowlShieldOverworld Lv.42-4750%LateNormal WeatherDusty BowlSwordOverworld Lv.42-4750%LateNormal WeatherDusty BowlShieldOverworld Lv.42-4735%LateThunderstormDusty BowlSwordOverworld Lv.42-4735%LateThunderstormDusty BowlShieldOverworld Lv.42-4735%LateOvercastDusty BowlSwordOverworld Lv.42-4735%LateOvercastRoute 2 - High LevelShieldOverworld Lv.40-43 Route15%LateAll WeatherRoute 2 - High LevelSwordOverworld Lv.40-43 Route15%LateAll WeatherDusty BowlShieldOverworld Lv.42-4710%LateRainingDusty BowlSwordOverworld Lv.42-4710%LateRainingDusty BowlShieldOverworld Lv.42-475%LateIntense SunDusty BowlSwordOverworld Lv.42-475%LateIntense Sun
Step 2Thievul ✓Stony WildernessShieldGrass Lv.26-2840%MidHeavy FogStony WildernessSwordGrass Lv.26-2840%MidHeavy FogBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-2828%MidNormal WeatherBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-2828%MidNormal WeatherBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-2825%MidSnowingBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-2825%MidSnowingBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-2823%MidOvercastBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-2823%MidOvercastBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-2820%MidIntense SunBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-2820%MidIntense SunHammerlocke HillsShieldGrass Lv.28-3015%MidOvercastHammerlocke HillsSwordGrass Lv.28-3015%MidOvercastBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-285%MidHeavy FogBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-285%MidHeavy FogRoute 9 - in Outer SpikemuthShieldGrass Lv.40-44 Route30%LateAll WeatherRoute 9 - in Outer SpikemuthSwordGrass Lv.40-44 Route30%LateAll WeatherRoute 7ShieldOverworld Lv.37-41 Route20%LateAll WeatherRoute 7SwordOverworld Lv.37-41 Route20%LateAll 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.
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.
The core moveset is Dark Pulse, Nasty Plot, Psychic, and Burningjealousy. Dark Pulse leads at 22% usage. This set covers the balanced role with a mix of damage and utility.
Introduced in Sword & Shield, Thievul has appeared in 2 games across 3 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
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 8SwShDebut
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