Nidoking (Pokémon)

← #033: Nidorino

Pokémon

#035: Clefairy →

Nidoking ニドキング Nidoking #034
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Poison Ground Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Drill Pokémon
Abilities Poison Point or Rivalry Rivalry Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #034 Johto #100 Hoenn #232 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 4'07" Imperial 1.4 m Metric 4'07"/1.4 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 136.7 lbs. Imperial 62.0 kg Metric 136.7 lbs./62.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Purple	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 100% male
Breeding Monster and Ground groups 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 3 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 195 Battle Exp.: 1951*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Nidoking (Japanese: ニドキング Nidoking) is a dual-type Poison/Ground Pokémon.

It evolves from Nidorino via Moon Stone. It is the final form of Nidoran♂.

Biology

Physiology

Much larger than their previous evolutions, Nidoking now have the ability to stand on their hind legs. Unlike his pre-evolutions, Nidoking is purple instead of fuchsia, and he does not possess spots. Nidoking’s most prominent feature is its large, pointed, venomous horn which it uses extensively for battling purposes. Nidoking’s ears have small pointed extensions on the tips, and its round ears have green-colored, chambered insides. Nidoking have five teeth on each side of their lower jaw, the fifth protruding out of the jaw and thus visible when its mouth is closed. Nidoking’s eyes are shaped like scalene triangles, and there is fur growing off the bottom of his jaw. The spines growing down Nidoking’s back are extremely large, as is its tail, which is decorated with several thin stripes. Its chest and abdomen, gray in coloration, seem to be quite muscular. Nidoking has white-colored ridges on its three-clawed arms and a single, large, hoof-like toe.

Gender differences

Nidoking is the male of the species. For the female equivalent, see Nidoqueen.

Special abilities

Nidoking have powerful physical attacks with their strong tails, large horn and their ability to poison the foe on contact. They also have excellent potential when owned by a Trainer. They can also cause large tremors by slamming the ground.

Behavior

Nidoking are angered easily, and can be very violent when provoked. They can use their powerful tail to thrash and crush the bones of their prey. Nidoking will often go on rampages for little or no apparent reason.

Habitat

File:Grassland.gif

Grassland Pokémon

Nidoking tend to live in grasslands, rough terrain and forests. Despite their ability to live in various habitats, Nidoking are rare Pokémon, especially in the wild. It is most likely to be found within the same range that Nidoran♂ and Nidorino are found.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Nidoking uses its powerful tail to smash, constrict, then break its prey's bones.

In the anime

Nidoking in the anime

Major appearances

Gary Oak has a Nidoking that first appeared in The Battle of the Badge.

A Nidoking appeared under the ownership of Oscar in The Bicker the Better. His girlfriend Andi had a Nidoqueen.

A Nidoking appeared in A Pyramiding Rage! under the ownership of Paul. He was used to battle against Brandon's Registeel. Although he used powerful attacks against it, Registeel was still able to hold its own and brought down Nidoking.

Minor appearances

Jessie and James are attacked by a pink Nidoking in In the Pink.

A Nidoking appeared in the episode Showdown at the Oak Corral, trying to mate with Cassidy (who was in a Nidoqueen costume at the time).

A Nidoking appears in the The Legend of Thunder! opening, A New Oath, as Silver's Pokémon.

A Nidoking was among the Pokémon used to attack Dawn, Brock, Officer Jenny, and Solana in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Part Two.

A Nidoking also appeared in Historical Mystery Tour! with a Nidoqueen.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG072 Nidoking Ash's Pokédex Nidoking, the Drill Pokémon. Nidoking swings its large tail about to create distance, then charges in with the full force of its body behind it.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP128 Nidoking Dawn's Pokédex Nidoking, the Drill Pokémon. One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were nothing but a matchstick.

In the manga

Red caught several rampaging Nidoking in the Safari Zone in Pokémon Adventures. Giovanni also has a Nidoking.

In Pokémon Zensho, Giovanni losing his Nidoking when he was young was what caused him to become bitter and turn to crime.

In the TCG

Main article: Nidoking (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky: Nidoking is an explorer who appears in Igglybuff the Prodigy. He was in pursuit of the criminal Armaldo.

	Spoilers end here.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones. Blue Yellow Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond. Stadium Has a rock-hard hide that is worn like armor. The long horn on its head is sharp and highly venomous.
Generation II Gold It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body. Silver Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily. Crystal It uses its thick arms, legs and tail to attack forcefully. Melee combat is its specialty. Stadium 2 It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body.
Generation III Ruby 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. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald 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. FireRed It is recognized by its rock-hard hide and its extended horn. Be careful with the horn as it contains venom. LeafGreen It uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict, then break the prey's bones.
Generation IV Diamond One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were a matchstick. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold It swings its big tail around during battle. If its foe flinches, it will charge with its sturdy body. SoulSilver Its tail is thick and powerful. If it binds an enemy, it can snap the victim's spine quite easily.
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue None Evolve Nidorino Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Evolve Nidorino
Generation II Gold Silver None Evolve Nidorino Crystal None Evolve Nidorino
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Evolve Nidorino Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Evolve Nidorino Platinum None Evolve Nidorino HeartGold SoulSilver None Evolve Nidorino Pal Park Field Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 2 Forever Level 51 Pair Trozei Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve from Nidorino
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Shimmer Desert (1F-9F)
Pokémon Rumble	Eternal Tower

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 81		141 - 188	272 - 366
Attack: 92		87 - 158	170 - 311
Defense: 77		73 - 141	143 - 278
Sp. Atk: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Def: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Speed: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Total: 495	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 75.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/3 ★★☆	Power 5/5 ★★★★★
Skill 3/3 ★★★	Stamina 3/4 ★★★☆
Jump 2/2 ★★	Total 15/17 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Notes: In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Bug-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | poison | style="background:#915121" |  ground 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Nidoking | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By tutoring

|- style="background:#B884DD" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 034.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Safari Phrases 51%-100% HP I'm the male among males! 26%-50% HP I'm down to half HP now. Better watch out. 1%-25% HP I can't take much more... I can't muster any strength... Level up I leveled! The poison in my horn's turning vile! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled! The poison in my horn's turning vile!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -12% IQ group: C
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Nidoran♂  Poison

Level 16 →

First Evolution Nidorino  Poison

Moon Stone →

Second Evolution Nidoking  Poison  Ground

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Nidoking images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• The Glitch Pokémon LM4 will evolve into a Nidoking at level 18; first it evolves into Clefairy, which then immediately evolves into Nidoking.
• Nidoking and its female counterpart Nidoqueen share the same species name with Rhydon and Rhyperior. They are all known as Drill Pokémon.
  • Coincidentally, all four are also Template:Type2s.
• Nidoqueen and Nidoking are the only Pokémon with a Poison/Ground type combination.
• Both of Ash's main rivals Gary and Paul have a Nidoking.
• Although many of its Pokédex entries refer to it constricting its foes using its tail, it cannot use the move Constrict.

Origin

Nidoking is likely based on a Baragon (バラゴン), a horned dinosaur-like Kaiju with large ears.

Name origin

Nidoking's name may be based on the word needle. It may also be based on cnidocyte, a type of venomous cell responsible for the stings delivered by stinging animals, most notably, by jellyfish. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 ni, two, or 二度 nido, two times/two degrees, referring to there being two distinct evolutionary lines using the name with similar names and traits. The second part of its name is simply king, referring to its male gender.

In other languages

• German: Nidoking
• French: Nidoking
• Korean: 니드킹 Nideuking
• Chinese (Taiwan and Hong Kong): 尼多王 Ní Duō Wáng - A portmanteau of 尼多, the common prefix of the names of this Pokémon evolutionary line, and 王 (king).

External links

• Aqua Bunny, a fan shrine for Nidoking

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Pokémon

#035: Clefairy →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.