nihilego #793
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
nihilego
Generation VII · #0793 — Parasite Pokémon
Nihilego, known as the Parasite Pokémon and designated UB-01 Symbiont by the International Police, is one of the most enigmatic Ultra Beasts introduced in Generation VII. This Rock/Poison-type creature originates from Ultra Deep Sea, a dimension accessible through Ultra Wormholes that occasionally breach Alola's reality. Nihilego holds the distinction of being among the first Ultra Beasts discovered by Professor Mohn during the Aether Foundation's groundbreaking research into these otherworldly entities. With a National Pokédex number of 793, Nihilego represents a fascinating intersection of parasitic behavior and alien biology that continues to perplex researchers and trainers alike. Its genderless nature and inability to breed further emphasize its otherworldly origin and fundamental difference from conventional Pokémon.
Base Stats
Height
1.2m
Weight
55.5kg
Category
Parasite Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
white
Shape
tentacles
Abilities
Raises this Pokémon's highest stat by one stage when it faints another Pokémon.
Nihilego Biology & Physical Characteristics
Nihilego's anatomy defies conventional biological classification, resembling a jellyfish composed of various types of glass according to its conceptual design. Its semi-translucent bell is encircled by several white, star-shaped markings and features a bright blue wavy rim that flares dramatically outward. The creature's gelatinous tentacles create a distinctly humanoid silhouette, with several longer appendages meshing together to form the appearance of a cape or long hair, while shorter tentacles resemble arms. Two particularly long tentacles serve as legs, giving Nihilego an uncanny capacity to mimic human form despite its alien origins. Standing at just 1.2 meters tall and weighing 55.5 kilograms, Nihilego is relatively compact among Ultra Beasts, yet its glass-like composition grants it remarkable durability. The creature's most distinctive biological feature, however, is its parasitic capability—when Nihilego attaches itself to a host's cranium, it initiates a profound and disturbing transformation in its victim's behavior and mental state.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Nihilego Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Nihilego occupies the 'Undiscovered' egg group, classifying it alongside legendary Pokémon and other creatures incapable of reproduction through conventional breeding mechanics. The creature is genderless, lacking the sexual dimorphism that characterizes most Pokémon species and emphasizing its fundamentally alien biology. This genderless status extends beyond mere physical appearance, suggesting that Nihilego's reproductive processes—if any exist—operate on principles entirely foreign to Earth-based biology. Its inability to produce eggs means trainers cannot propagate Nihilego through breeding, making each individual a singular entity brought to Alola through Ultra Wormholes rather than through generational succession. The base friendship value of zero further isolates Nihilego from conventional Pokémon relationships, indicating that this creature operates on a fundamentally different emotional and social substrate than domesticated species. With a hatch counter of 120 cycles theoretically applying to obtained specimens, Nihilego represents the absolute outer limit of non-traditional Pokémon reproduction, existing perpetually outside the natural breeding cycle that sustains most Pokémon populations.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
tm03
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
+549 more TMs/HMs
Nihilego Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Nihilego does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon species, representing a complete and unchanging form despite its designation as an Ultra Beast. This static evolutionary status distinguishes Nihilego from the vast majority of Pokémon, underscoring its alien nature and fundamental incompatibility with conventional evolution mechanics. The creature cannot undergo Mega Evolution, further emphasizing that its adult form represents the apex of its biological development. Interestingly, Nihilego's inability to breed or produce offspring means no evolutionary chains can extend from it, making it a true biological dead-end in generational terms. This lack of evolutionary potential actually enhances Nihilego's status as an entirely foreign organism, one that exists outside the natural progression systems that govern traditional Pokémon development. The creature's permanence in its current form suggests that in Ultra Deep Sea, whatever processes govern its existence have already reached their conclusion.
Where to Find
digletts tunnel
alola
+1 more
wela volcano park
alola
+1 more
ultra space
alola
+1 more
Nihilego Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Nihilego exhibits behavioral patterns that remain largely mysterious to modern science, though observations suggest it operates primarily on self-preservation instinct with little to no detectable emotion or conscious will. Despite these apparent limitations, the creature sometimes displays startlingly human-like behavior, occasionally acting in ways reminiscent of a young girl—a phenomenon that has sparked considerable debate among researchers regarding its true level of sentience. Inhabitants of Alola have reported observing individuals infested by Nihilego suddenly becoming violent and unpredictable, suggesting the creature's parasitic influence extends to behavioral manipulation of its host. When not attached to a host, Nihilego inhabits Ultra Deep Sea, an alternate dimension with properties vastly different from the Alola region. Its arrival in conventional reality through Ultra Wormholes marks these creatures as temporary visitors to our world, though the triggers for their dimensional crossings remain poorly understood. The creature's lack of basic emotional expression combined with its capacity for sophisticated parasitic behavior creates a deeply unsettling paradox that continues to unsettle both scientists and the general population.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VII
One of several mysterious Ultra Beasts. People on the street report observing those infested by it suddenly becoming violent.
A life-form from another world, it was dubbed a UB and is thought to produce a strong neurotoxin.
One of the Ultra Beasts. It’s unclear whether or not this Pokémon is sentient, but sometimes it can be observed behaving like a young girl.
It appeared in this world from an Ultra Wormhole. Nihilego appears to be a parasite that lives by feeding on people and Pokémon.
Nihilego Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Nihilego derives from the Latin word 'nihil,' meaning 'nothing,' combined with 'ego,' the Latin term for 'I'—a fitting appellation for a creature that appears to lack consciousness or will while simultaneously maintaining a persistent sense of self. The Japanese name Uturoid similarly reflects its glass-like composition and jellyfish morphology, incorporating phonetic elements that suggest its artificial or crystalline nature. Visually, Nihilego's design draws clear inspiration from moon jellyfish and glass sculptures, blending biological organisms with inorganic materials in a way that creates profound cognitive dissonance. The star-shaped markings adorning its bell suggest an almost decorative quality, while its humanoid silhouette allows it to uncannily mimic human form—a deliberate design choice that emphasizes the 'symbiont' aspect of its official designation. The bright blue rim and translucent central bell create a haunting aesthetic that appears both beautiful and deeply wrong, perfectly capturing the unsettling nature of an extradimensional parasite. Every aspect of Nihilego's appearance communicates alienness while maintaining a superficial elegance that makes the creature simultaneously attractive and repulsive.
Learnable Moves
Nihilego can learn 72 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| acid spray | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| charge beam | electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| clear smog | poison | Special | 50 | — | 15 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| constrict | normal | Physical | 10 | 100 | 35 |
| corrosive gas | poison | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| cross poison | poison | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| guard split | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| head smash | rock | Physical | 150 | 80 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| meteor beam | rock | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| mirror coat | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| power gem | rock | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| power split | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| psywave | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| tickle | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| venom drench | poison | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| wonder room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| worry seed | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Nihilego Competitive Battle Guide
Nihilego's competitive viability stems from its exceptional Special Attack and Special Defense stats, which reach 127 and 131 respectively out of its 570 base stat total, making it formidable as a special-based combatant. The signature ability Beast Boost activates whenever Nihilego defeats an opponent, increasing its highest stat by one stage—a mechanic that can create devastating sweep conditions if properly facilitated. With a solid 103 Speed stat, Nihilego outpaces many conventional threats, allowing it to often strike first in critical matchups. Its Rock/Poison typing grants it useful coverage with moves like Power Gem and Toxic Spikes, though this dual-typing also introduces notable weaknesses to Water, Ground, Psychic, and Steel-type attacks. The move pool includes significant coverage options such as Head Smash, Mirror Coat, Stealth Rock, and various Poison-type attacks including Venoshock and Venom Drench, allowing trainers considerable flexibility in set construction. However, Nihilego's relatively low Attack stat of 53 and mediocre Defense of 47 mean physical threats and priority moves pose serious threats, requiring careful team support and proper threat management to maximize its potential in competitive environments.
Commonly Asked Questions About Nihilego
What type is Nihilego?
Nihilego is a rock and poison type Pokemon.
What does Nihilego evolve from?
Nihilego does not evolve.
What are Nihilego's weaknesses?
Nihilego is weak to ground, steel, water and psychic type moves.
Where can I find Nihilego?
Nihilego can be found in digletts tunnel (alola), wela volcano park (alola) and ultra space (alola).
Nihilego Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Nihilego's introduction as an Ultra Beast fundamentally expanded the Pokémon universe's scope by introducing creatures from alternate dimensions, with Nihilego serving as the archetypal representative of this new category. The creature's parasitic nature and capacity to induce violent behavioral changes in hosts created immediate cultural resonance, inspiring widespread discussion about the implications of extradimensional invasion and biological contamination within the Alola region's narrative. Its ambiguous sentience—simultaneously seeming both empty and capable of complex mimicry—made Nihilego a subject of fascination for fans exploring philosophical questions about consciousness and identity. The anime's portrayal of Nihilego, including major appearances and interactions with human characters, further cemented its status as a culturally significant Pokémon that transcends typical monster-of-the-week storytelling. In competitive communities, Nihilego's unique mechanics and powerful stat distribution elevated it to consistent relevance across multiple generation formats. The creature's unsettling design and mysterious nature have made it a favorite subject for fan art, creative writing, and theoretical discussions about what Ultra Beasts represent within the broader Pokémon mythology.
Where to Find Nihilego in Every Pokémon Game
Nihilego appears exclusively in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, where it can be encountered as an Ultra Beast emergent through Ultra Wormholes within the Alola region. In the standard Sun and Moon releases, Nihilego is available through story progression involving Ultra Wormhole encounters, though its capture rate of 45 makes securing this creature moderately challenging compared to common wild Pokémon. The Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon versions feature Nihilego encounters with modified stats and movesets, providing players with updated versions of this fearsome creature. Its subsequent availability in Pokémon Sword and Shield, as well as continued presence in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, ensures modern trainers can experience Nihilego's parasitic menace. The creature's slow growth rate of 120 cycles means training Nihilego requires substantial time investment, though its competitive viability often justifies this commitment. Home connectivity and various event distributions have made Nihilego increasingly accessible to players across different game entries, though its original status as a dimensional invader remains best experienced within the original Alola games where its narrative significance proves most profound.