nidoking #34
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
nidoking
Generation I · #0034 — Drill Pokémon
Nidoking is a dual-type Poison/Ground Pokémon that represents the final evolutionary stage of the Nidoran♂ line, introduced in Generation I. Known as the Drill Pokémon, Nidoking stands at 1.4 meters tall and weighs 62 kilograms, making it a formidable physical presence in battle. With a base stat total of 505, Nidoking specializes in physical attack with a base Attack stat of 102, supported by solid Special Attack and Speed stats of 85 each. This distribution makes Nidoking a versatile offensive threat capable of adapting to various battle strategies. As the male counterpart to Nidoqueen, Nidoking is exclusively male and serves as one of the most recognizable Pokémon from the original Kanto region, remaining competitively viable across multiple generations.
Base Stats
Height
1.4m
Weight
62.0kg
Category
Drill Pokémon
Gender
100% Male
Color
purple
Shape
upright
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact.
Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.
Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
Nidoking Biology & Physical Characteristics
Nidoking is a large, bipedal Pokémon with a striking purple coloration and distinctly reptilian features combined with mammalian characteristics. Its body is characterized by narrow, intense eyes, prominent spiky ears, and fur-like tufts on its cheeks, with a short snout filled with sharp, pointed teeth. The most distinctive feature is the long venomous horn protruding from its forehead, which according to Pokédex entries is hard enough to pierce diamonds. A ridge of spines runs down its back, while gray plates armor its chest and belly, with additional gray spines located on each elbow. Each hand possesses three sharp claws, while its feet feature single hoof-like nails for traction. Nidoking's most fearsome attribute is its exceptionally thick, powerful tail, which packs destructive force capable of toppling metal transmission towers with a single swing.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Nidoking Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Nidoking is exclusively male, with a 100% male to 0% female gender ratio, making it impossible to obtain female Nidoking through standard gameplay methods. This male-only status reflects the design philosophy where Nidoking serves as the male counterpart to the female-dominated Nidoqueen line. When breeding Nidoking with Ditto, the offspring can be either a male Nidoran♂ or female Nidoran♀, a unique mechanic that was introduced in Generation V. Nidoking belongs to the Monster and Ground egg groups, providing breeding compatibility with numerous other Pokémon across these categories. The breeding mechanic allows players to obtain both Nidoran variants and continue either evolutionary line, making Nidoking valuable for breeding purposes despite its gender restriction. With a hatch counter of 20 cycles and moderate base happiness of 70, Nidoking requires reasonable effort to breed but rewards players with access to both genders of its pre-evolution.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
sword shield
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
+839 more TMs/HMs
nidoking's Evolution Chain
Nidoking Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Nidoking evolves from Nidorino when exposed to a Moon Stone, completing the three-stage evolution line that begins with Nidoran♂. Nidoran♂ first evolves into Nidorino at level 16, gaining some physical development but maintaining its predominantly Poison typing. The final evolution into Nidoking via Moon Stone is transformative, adding the Ground type and significantly boosting stats, particularly Attack, which increases by 10 points from Nidorino's base of 92. This evolution also marks the point where Nidoking gains access to its distinctive physical features, including the enhanced horn and the powerful tail that define its species. The Moon Stone evolution mechanic ties Nidoking thematically to lunar symbolism, fitting its regal and powerful demeanor. Unlike many other Pokémon, Nidoking has no Mega Evolution form, but its base stats and typing remain competitively relevant even in modern generations.
Where to Find
kanto route 23
kanto
Nidoking Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Nidoking is renowned for its aggressive and prideful nature, particularly proud of its own considerable strength. The Pokédex indicates that when Nidoking enters a rampage, it becomes nearly impossible to control, with only a Nidoqueen it has lived with for an extended period capable of calming its destructive fury. In combat, Nidoking employs its powerful tail as a primary weapon, using it to smash, constrict, and break the bones of prey and enemies with devastating efficiency. Its steel-like hide contributes to its powerful charging attacks, allowing it to barrel through obstacles with tremendous force. The species favors melee combat above all else, combining its thick arms, legs, and muscular build for forceful physical confrontation. Nidoking inhabits various terrains and has been observed in multiple regional Pokédexes, suggesting it thrives in diverse environments across the Pokémon world.
Pokedex Entries
Generation I
It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones.
Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond.
Generation II
It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily.
It uses its thick arms, legs and tail to attack forcefully. Melee combat is its specialty.
Generation III
NIDOKING’s thick tail packs enormously destructive power. With one swing, it can topple a metal transmission tower. Once this POKéMON goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
A NIDOKING’s thick tail packs enormously destructive power capable of toppling a metal transmission tower. Once it goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
It is recognized by its rock-hard hide and its extended horn. Be careful with the horn as it contains venom.
It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey’s bones.
Generation IV
One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can render the victim helpless quite easily.
Generation V
One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
Generation VI
It is recognized by its rock-hard hide and its extended horn. Be careful with the horn, as it contains venom.
One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick.
Nidoking’s thick tail packs enormously destructive power. With one swing, it can topple a metal transmission tower. Once this Pokémon goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
Nidoking’s thick tail packs enormously destructive power. With one swing, it can topple a metal transmission tower. Once this Pokémon goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
Generation VII
Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond.
Generation VIII
When it goes on a rampage, it’s impossible to control. But in the presence of a Nidoqueen it’s lived with for a long time, Nidoking calms down.
Nidoking prides itself on its strength. It’s forceful and spirited in battle, making use of its thick tail and diamond-crushing horn.
Nidoking Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Nidoking derives from 'Nidoran,' which itself originates from a combination of 'needle' or 'nit' (reflecting the spiky protrusions) and 'ran' or 'rani,' with 'king' added to denote its position as the final, most powerful form in the male line. The Japanese name ニドキング (Nidokingu) mirrors this construction, maintaining the regal implication. Nidoking's design is influenced by various spiky creatures and dinosaurs, combining elements of rhinoceroses (the horn), wild boars (the aggressive nature), and reptilian creatures (the scales and coloration). The purple coloration sets it apart visually from many other Pokémon of its generation, while the numerous spines and protrusions emphasize its dangerous, aggressive nature. Its designation as the 'Drill Pokémon' references both its horn and the concept of drilling or boring through obstacles with sheer force and determination, aligning with its behavioral characteristics and combat style.
Learnable Moves
Nidoking can learn 90 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double kick | fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| horn drill | normal | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| megahorn | bug | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| pay day | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| poison sting | poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| submission | fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| super fang | normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
Nidoking Competitive Battle Guide
Nidoking's competitive viability stems from its exceptional Attack stat of 102 and solid Special Attack of 85, allowing it to function as a mixed attacker in various formats. Its Poison/Ground typing grants important resistances and immunities, resisting Poison-type moves while being immune to Electric-type attacks through its Ground typing, making it effective against common threats. Nidoking's movepool is remarkably diverse, accessing physical moves like Earthquake, Megahorn, and Close Combat, alongside special moves including Thunderbolt and Fire Blast, enabling flexible set construction across different metagames. The hidden ability Sheer Force amplifies move power by 1.3 times while removing secondary effects, synergizing excellently with moves possessing additional damage effects. Poison Point and Rivalry abilities provide alternative strategic options, with Poison Point offering passive damage through contact and Rivalry adding flexibility for gender-based strategic approaches. In competitive play, Nidoking has appeared in various tournaments and remains viable in formats where its coverage options and typing provide meaningful advantages against the prevailing metagame.
Commonly Asked Questions About Nidoking
What type is Nidoking?
Nidoking is a poison and ground type Pokemon.
What does Nidoking evolve from?
Nidoking evolved from nidorino that evolved from nidoran-m.
What are Nidoking's weaknesses?
Nidoking is weak to ground, psychic, water and ice type moves.
Where can I find Nidoking?
Nidoking can be found in kanto route 23 (kanto).
Nidoking Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Nidoking occupies a significant position in Pokémon culture as one of the original 151 Pokémon and a recognizable member of the legendary Generation I roster. Its powerful design and impressive stats have made it a fan favorite among competitive players and casual trainers alike, appearing frequently in official media, fan art, and community discussions. The Nidoran lines, with Nidoking as their male apex, represent one of the most iconic gender-distinct evolution lines in Pokémon, influencing how later generations approached gender-based Pokémon design. Nidoking has appeared in various Pokémon anime episodes and remains a staple in trading card game collections, with multiple card iterations throughout different TCG eras. Its influence extends to Pokémon merchandise, where Nidoking appears on toys, plushies, and collectibles, cementing its place in the franchise's visual identity. The species has maintained relevance across decades of Pokémon games, continuing to appear in regional Pokédexes and remaining competitively viable, demonstrating the enduring quality of its original design.
Where to Find Nidoking in Every Pokémon Game
Nidoking is available across nearly every mainline Pokémon game, appearing in multiple regional Pokédexes including Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and others. In the earliest games (Red, Blue, and Yellow), players could encounter Nidoran♂ in the wild and evolve it through the standard leveling and Moon Stone methods to obtain Nidoking. FireRed and LeafGreen remakes maintained accessibility, allowing players to obtain Nidoran♂ and complete the evolution line relatively early in their journey. Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions featured Nidoking in their regional Pokédex, and subsequent generations including Diamond and Pearl, Black and White, X and Y, and Sun and Moon have included the species in various availability windows. In Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, Nidoking remains obtainable through standard evolution methods, while Sword and Shield included it in the Crown Tundra DLC. The species can be obtained through breeding Nidoking with Ditto to produce Nidoran♂, which can then be trained and evolved, providing multiple pathways to acquiring Nidoking across different game iterations and ensuring its continued accessibility to new generations of players.