Nidorino
An aggressive POKéMON that is quick to attack. The horn on its head secretes a powerful venom.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Nidorino's trusted Poison STAB option, Sludge Bomb benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Poison types.
Poison Jab is the STAB anchor of this set. The Poison-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Nidorino's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Poison weaknesses.
Acid is the STAB anchor of this set. The Poison-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Nidorino's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Poison weaknesses.
The Normal-type Smog serves as coverage for matchups Nidorino would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Poison attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Thanks to its Poison typing, Nidorino can leverage STAB-boosted Sludge Bomb and Poison Jab to punch through opponents weak to Poison attacks
- ▸Nidorino's Poison typing naturally reduces incoming Bug, Fairy, Fighting damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸The combination of typing and stats gives Nidorino a unique niche in team composition
Weaknesses
- ▸Opponents with Ground, Psychic coverage moves can punish Nidorino heavily if it stays in
- ▸An average spAtk (55) means Nidorino is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸Nidorino's low speed of 65 means it needs Trick Room or priority support to function offensively
- ▸A base stat total of 365 puts Nidorino at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon
Pro Tips
Build Nidorino as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. A Choice item can patch Nidorino's stats, but locks it into one move. Use Nidorino's resistances to Bug, Fairy to find safe entry points. Pair Nidorino with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Nidorino fills the balanced utility Pokemon role within the competitive landscape. With a 365 base stat total led by its attack of 72, Nidorino relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Poison typing creates vulnerabilities to Ground, Psychic types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fighting provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Nidorino is a niche choice that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 365 BST, Nidorino sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Sludge Bomb, Poison Jab) with coverage moves (Smog), giving Nidorino answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground, Psychic mean Nidorino must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fighting provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Nidorino is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Nidorino with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Nidorino is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Nidorino in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Sludge Bomb and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Nidorino has the advantage here. Its Poison typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Nidorino to tank hits and retaliate with Sludge Bomb. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Nidorino's 65 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Ground-type opponents: Nidorino has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Poison moves deal super-effective damage to Ground types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Nidorino when you expect Ground types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Nidorino, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 365 total base stats, Nidorino should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Ground coverage, save Nidorino for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Sludge Bomb and Poison Jab while assessing the opponent's team composition.
Mid-game is where Nidorino needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Poison Jab and Acid, Nidorino can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Ground type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Nidorino's attack of 72 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
In the final stages of battle, Nidorino can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Nidorino to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Bug, Fairy to tank a hit, then strike with Sludge Bomb before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Grass typing to your team to switch in when Nidorino faces Ground-type threats
- ▸Pair Nidorino with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Nidorino with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Ground-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Nidorino due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Nidorino before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Nidorino's low Defense (57) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Nidorino's weak Special Defense (55) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Nidorino with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Nidorino's primary weakness while Nidorino handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Nidorino alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Nidorino's defensive typing. Switch Nidorino in to absorb hits with its Bug, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Stall Core: Nidorino can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Bug, Fairy to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Nidorino good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Nidorino is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 365 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Nidorino can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Nidorino?
A:Nidorino benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Nidorino has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Nidorino?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Nidorino, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Nidorino to outspeed specific threats. Since Nidorino's Attack (72) exceeds its Special Attack (55), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Nidorino?
A:Nidorino's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Nidorino before it acts, especially given its 65 Speed. To beat Nidorino, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.