Thievul Best Moveset
Consistent Dark TermStab at 87 Sp. Atk on 90 Speed cooldowns. 92 Sp. Def absorbs special hits while 58 Defense doesn't hold physical pressure. The moveset is a fast special attacker that leans into one defensive side. No Mega access, no further evolution.
Thievul saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). This was Thievul's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Unburden with Throat Spray, favoring a Timid nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Thievul best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Snarl
- Burning Jealousy
- Grass Knot
- Psychic
Recommended Teammates
Thievul Weakness
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 |
What is Thievul Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Thievul
Scizor can KO Thievul with Close Combat (238-280%). Machamp threatens a KO with Close Combat (238-281%). Clefable deals 75-89% with Moonblast.
 Scizor BugSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Scizor builds →Bullet Punch60-70% Knock Off32-38% U Turn 2x209-246%KO Close Combat 2x238-280%KO | ||
 Machamp Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNoguard ItemFlame Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Machamp builds →Bullet Punch27-32% Close Combat 2x238-281%KO Stone Edge66-78% | ||
 Clefable Fairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Clefable builds →Moonblast 2x75-89% | ||
Evolution
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.
How to Get Thievul
Thievul isn't available in the wild in Legends: Z-A. Start by transferring Nickit from Sword & Shield. The evolution path from Nickit to Thievul is covered in the steps below.
How to Obtain Thievul in LZA
Step 1Obtain NickitLATER APPEARANCEfrom Sword & ShieldNot TradeableAppears in Sword & Shield via Overworld · Dusty Bowl · Normal Weather. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.- Step 2Thievul ✓
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 SwSh
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 2Lv.5-7OverworldRate 15%All WeatherRoute 1Lv.3-6OverworldRate 5%All WeatherStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Heavy FogStony Wilderness - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Heavy FogStony Wilderness - 3Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Heavy FogGiant's MirrorLv.28-30OverworldRate 4%Normal WeatherDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldRate 50%Normal WeatherDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldRate 35%OvercastDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldRate 35%ThunderstormRoute 2 - High LevelLv.40-43OverworldRate 15%All WeatherDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldRate 10%RainingDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldRate 5%Intense Sun
- Step 2Thievul ✓Stony WildernessLv.26-28GrassRate 40%Heavy FogBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 28%Normal WeatherBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 25%SnowingBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 23%OvercastBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 20%Intense SunHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 15%OvercastBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 5%Heavy FogRoute 9 - in Outer SpikemuthLv.40-44GrassRate 30%All WeatherRoute 7Lv.37-41OverworldRate 20%All Weatheror evolve from Nickit (Step 1)
Base Stats
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.
Thievul Guide
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 mixed attacker with base 58 Attack and 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, Burningjealousy, Nasty Plot, and Psychic. Dark Pulse leads at 0% usage. This set covers the balanced role with a mix of damage and utility.
Game Availability
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 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShDebut
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves