Nidoking Pokemon GO sprite
#0034

Nidoking

Max CP
2,902
Best
Iron Tail
Megahorn
Sunny Cloudy

Nidoking is a Poison/Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#34, Generation 1). With a max CP of 2,902 and base stats of 204/156/191 (Atk/Def/Sta), Nidoking has a total stat product of 551.

Nidoking is weak to Ground, Ice, Psychic, Water-type moves. It resists Electric, Poison, Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Rock-type attacks. Nidoking is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,902
Lv.40: 2,567 Lv.50: 2,902
Attack 204
Defense 156
Stamina 191
Total 551
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 50,000 Dust · 50 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Fighting
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 13 EN 1.0s DUR 13 EPS Cloudy
Steel
14
DPS
14.0 PWR 6 EN 1.0s DUR 6 EPS Snow
Poison
Poison Jab STAB
13
DPS
13.0 PWR 9 EN 1.0s DUR 9 EPS Cloudy
Poison
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Cloudy
Bug
Fury Cutter Elite
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 8 EN 0.5s DUR 16 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Ground
Earth Power STAB Buff
28.6
DPS
100.0 PWR 50 EN 3.5s DUR
Ground
Earthquake STAB
40
DPS
140.0 PWR 100 EN 3.5s DUR
Bug
52.5
DPS
105.0 PWR 100 EN 2.0s DUR
Ground
Sand Tomb STAB Buff
15
DPS
60.0 PWR 33 EN 4.0s DUR
Poison
35
DPS
105.0 PWR 100 EN 3.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Iron Tail (14 DPS), while Fury Cutter generates energy the fastest (16 EPS).

Raid Guide

Nidoking as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Nidoking is not currently available as a raid boss. When Nidoking returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Nidoking from raids would have 1466 CP at level 20, or 1833 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Nidoking

Nidoking is weak to Ground, Ice, Psychic, Water-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Nidoking

Nidoking evolves from Nidorino using 100 Candy.

A Shadow version of Nidoking is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Nidoking knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 3,000 Stardust and 3 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Nidoking as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Nidoking Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Nidoking in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
64 – 2,218 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
64 – 2,402 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,429 – 1,503 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,778 – 1,870 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,429 – 1,503 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,081 – 1,136 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,429 – 1,503 CP

A 100% IV Nidoking from raids or eggs will show 1,466 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Nidoking is a Poison/Ground-type Pokemon with a stat total of 551. With its high Attack stat (204), Nidoking is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Ground, Ice, Psychic, Water-type moves when using Nidoking. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Nidoking's performance.

Nidoking's moves get a damage boost in Sunny and Cloudy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 50,000 Stardust and 50 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Nidoking much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Nidoking?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Nidoking is a Poison/Ground-type Pokemon with base stats of 204/156/191 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,902. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Nidoking may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Nidoking deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Nidoking in Pokemon GO?
Nidoking has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Nidoking's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Nidoking is weak to Ground, Ice, Psychic, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Nidoking resists Electric, Poison, Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Rock-type attacks.
What is Nidoking's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Nidoking's maximum CP is 2,902 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,567 at level 40. A 100% IV Nidoking caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,466 CP, or 1,833 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Nidoking?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Nidoking has the following CP at key levels: 1,100 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,466 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,833 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,902 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Nidoking better than regular?
Shadow Nidoking deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Nidoking is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Nidoking comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Nidoking in Pokemon GO?
Nidoking is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Nidorino with 100 Candy). Nidoking can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 36 CP
L5 346 CP
L10 733 CP
L15 1,100 CP
L20 1,466 CP
L25 1,833 CP
L30 2,200 CP
L35 2,383 CP
L40 2,567 CP
L50 2,902 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #34
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.40 m
Weight 62.00 kg
Buddy Distance 3.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 50,000 Dust / 50 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy