thievul #828
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
thievul
Generation VIII · #0828 — Fox Pokémon
Thievul is a Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII, representing the evolved form of Nickit. As the number 828 in the National Pokédex, Thievul embodies cunning and stealth with its distinctive vulpine appearance and thieving nature. This Fox Pokémon stands at 1.2 meters tall and weighs 19.9 kilograms, making it a moderately-sized creature perfectly adapted for its mischievous lifestyle. With a base stat total of 455, Thievul specializes in Special Defense (92) and Speed (90), supported by respectable Special Attack (87), making it a nimble and resilient combatant capable of striking decisively before opponents can react.
Base Stats
Height
1.2m
Weight
19.9kg
Category
Fox Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
brown
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Ensures success fleeing from wild battles.
Doubles Speed upon using or losing a held item.
This Pokémon's moves have double power against Pokémon that switched in this turn.
Thievul Biology & Physical Characteristics
Thievul is a quadrupedal, orange-maroon vulpine Pokémon displaying a sophisticated appearance that befits its clever nature. Its most striking features include white chest fur that puffs outward in a cravat-like formation, alongside black facial markings that resemble a domino mask, complete with white eyebrow-like markings above its eyes. Two long black ears crown its head, while its muzzle bears black whiskers styled distinctly as a pointed mustache, giving it an air of distinguished roguishness. The Pokémon retains the flared tail-tip characteristic of its pre-evolution Nickit, with its paws, back, and tail-tip all colored black. Thievul possesses a lithe, slender body build that facilitates its stealthy movements, and its sharp claws provide the perfect tools for its larcenous pursuits. Internally, Thievul's physiology is uniquely adapted for its thieving lifestyle, allowing it to move with incredible grace and precision despite its quadrupedal frame.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Thievul Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Thievul exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, ensuring equal reproductive distribution across wild populations and trainer collections. The species belongs to the Field egg group, a diverse group that includes many quadrupedal mammals and allows for flexible breeding combinations. With a base friendship value of 50, Thievul is considered neutral in temperament, requiring moderate effort to develop stronger bonds with trainers but responding well to consistent care and battle experience. The hatching process requires 15 egg cycles to complete, translating to approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps, making Thievul eggs relatively quick to hatch compared to other Dark-type Pokémon. Thievul's fast growth rate means that both male and female specimens develop quickly once hatched, reaching their evolution point at level 18 without requiring unusual items, held conditions, or other complications.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
sword shield
tm09
sword shield
tr11
sword shield
tm35
scarlet violet
tr37
sword shield
tm78
brilliant diamond shining pearl
tm10
scarlet violet
tm61
scarlet violet
tm81
scarlet violet
tm87
scarlet violet
tm114
scarlet violet
tm120
scarlet violet
+350 more TMs/HMs
Thievul Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Thievul evolves from Nickit when the latter reaches level 18, marking a significant transition from the juvenile Nickit to the more formidable adult form. This evolution represents a natural progression in the Pokémon's development, unlocking enhanced stats across the board and granting access to more powerful moves and abilities. The evolution is straightforward and requires no special conditions beyond reaching the appropriate level, making Thievul accessible to trainers who invest time in their Nickit's development. Upon evolution, Thievul gains increased Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed stats, allowing it to function more effectively as a special-based attacker and sweeper. The evolutionary line from Nickit to Thievul is complete, with no further evolutions or alternate forms available, though some regional variants or future generations may expand upon this line.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Thievul Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Thievul exhibits remarkably calculated and methodical behavior in its approach to theft. According to Pokédex records, when Thievul identifies a potential target, it will secretly mark them with a unique scent marker. The Pokémon then uses this olfactory signature to stalk and track its chosen target over extended periods, waiting for the optimal moment to strike when they least expect it. This patient, predatory approach demonstrates intelligence far beyond simple pilfering—Thievul is a strategic planner that specializes in stealing food and eggs from unsuspecting victims. Naturally, this behavior has made Thievul an enemy of Boltund, who actively opposes it, and it frequently competes with Liepard for territorial dominance. Thievul typically inhabits areas where it can effectively stalk prey and establish hunting grounds, preferring environments that provide cover and easy access to food sources and nesting sites.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VIII
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Thievul's name derives directly from the English word 'thief' combined with the fox-like appearance suggested by 'vulpine,' creating a name that immediately conveys its thieving nature and species identity. The Japanese name 'Foxly' (フォクスライ) similarly emphasizes its fox heritage while suggesting sophistication and cunning. The design itself draws heavily from real-world foxes, particularly the red fox, with stylized markings that evoke a highwayman or gentleman burglar—complete with the domino mask, distinguished mustache, and elegant white cravat-like chest fur. This aesthetic creates an intentional parallel to classic fictional thieves and rogues who operate with style and intelligence rather than brute force. The flared tail-tip inherited from Nickit remains a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other fox-themed Pokémon, while the black coloring on paws, back, and tail-tip contributes to its shadowy, nocturnal appearance.
Learnable Moves
Thievul can learn 46 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| beat up | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fire fang | fire | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice fang | ice | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| parting shot | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| play rough | fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tail slap | normal | Physical | 25 | 85 | 10 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
Thievul Competitive Battle Guide
Thievul's competitive viability centers on its excellent Speed stat of 90 and respectable Special Attack of 87, positioning it as a fast special sweeper rather than a bulky wall. Its dual abilities in Run Away and Unburden provide different strategic applications, with Unburden being particularly valuable as it doubles Speed immediately upon using or losing a held item, enabling outspeeding of traditionally faster threats. The hidden ability Stakeout doubles the power of Thievul's moves against Pokémon that switched in during the current turn, providing excellent coverage against predictable switches and momentum-based playstyles. With access to a diverse movepool including Dark-type staples like Dark Pulse, Night Slash, Nasty Plot, and Knock Off, Thievul can function as both a special attacker and utility player. Its Special Defense stat of 92 provides reasonable durability against special attacks, though its lower Attack (58) and Defense (58) stats leave it vulnerable to physical threats. Competitive usage typically involves leveraging Thievul's speed advantage to set up with Nasty Plot before launching attacks, or utilizing Knock Off as both damage and utility against held items.
Commonly Asked Questions About Thievul
What type is Thievul?
Thievul is a dark type Pokemon.
What does Thievul evolve from?
Thievul evolved from nickit.
What are Thievul's weaknesses?
Thievul is weak to fighting, bug and fairy type moves.
Thievul Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Thievul has established itself as a memorable Pokémon within the Generation VIII competitive and casual communities, gaining particular attention for its unique aesthetic that combines sophisticated rogueish charm with genuine predatory danger. The Pokémon appears prominently in animation with notable appearances including a trio of Thievul characters, demonstrating the species' personality diversity and appeal to animators and audiences alike. Its thief-like nature has resonated with players who appreciate Pokémon with morally ambiguous or villainous characteristics, creating fan communities dedicated to the species' lore and design. Thievul has appeared in various media adaptations and merchandise, contributing to Generation VIII's diverse roster of memorable creatures. The species has inspired fan theories and discussions regarding Pokémon morality and survival instincts, with trainers debating the ethical implications of training a literal thief Pokémon.
Where to Find Thievul in Every Pokémon Game
Thievul was introduced in Generation VIII and is available in Pokémon Sword and Shield as Pokédex entry #030 in the Galar regional dex. Players can obtain Nickit in the early game areas and evolve it into Thievul at level 18, making it accessible throughout the main campaign. The species has limited availability in subsequent generations, being notably absent from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl despite the Sinnoh regional expansion, as well as from Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The Pokémon does not appear in the Paldea region of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, nor in the Kitakami or Blueberry Academy areas of the DLC content, making Sword and Shield the primary source for obtaining Thievul in current games. Transfer via Pokémon Home remains the primary method for moving Thievul between compatible games, and its availability in the original Generation VIII games ensures that dedicated trainers can still acquire this species despite its absence from more recent mainline entries.