Nincada Pokemon GO sprite
#0290

Nincada

Max CP
868
Best
Scratch
Bug Buzz
Sunny Rainy

Nincada is a Bug/Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Hoenn region (#290, Generation 3). With a max CP of 868 and base stats of 80/126/104 (Atk/Def/Sta), Nincada has a total stat product of 310.

Nincada is weak to Fire, Flying, Ice, Water-type moves. It resists Electric, Fighting, Ground, Poison-type attacks. Nincada is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
868
Lv.40: 768 Lv.50: 868
Attack 80
Defense 126
Stamina 104
Total 310
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 3 · Hoenn 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Bug
Bug Bite STAB
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Normal
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 4 EN 0.5s DUR 8 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Flying
22
DPS
55.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR
Bug
Bug Buzz STAB Buff
27.1
DPS
95.0 PWR 50 EN 3.5s DUR
Dark
22.5
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Scratch (12 DPS), while Bug Bite generates energy the fastest (12 EPS).

Evolution

Forms & Variants

Raid Guide

Nincada as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Nincada is not currently available as a raid boss. When Nincada returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Nincada from raids would have 439 CP at level 20, or 549 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Nincada

Nincada is weak to Fire, Flying, Ice, Water-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Nincada

Nincada can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

Walking Nincada as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km.

Nincada Catch CP

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

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
16 – 664 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
16 – 719 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
409 – 450 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
509 – 559 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
409 – 450 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
309 – 340 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
409 – 450 CP

A 100% IV Nincada from raids or eggs will show 439 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Nincada is a Bug/Ground-type Pokemon with a stat total of 310. With its bulk spread of 126 Defense and 104 Stamina, Nincada has solid survivability in battles.

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

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

Unlocking a second charged move costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Nincada much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Nincada?

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
Nincada is a Bug/Ground-type Pokemon with base stats of 80/126/104 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 868. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Nincada 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Nincada in Pokemon GO?
Nincada has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Nincada's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Nincada is weak to Fire, Flying, Ice, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Nincada resists Electric, Fighting, Ground, Poison-type attacks.
What is Nincada's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Nincada's maximum CP is 868 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 768 at level 40. A 100% IV Nincada caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 439 CP, or 549 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Nincada?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Nincada has the following CP at key levels: 329 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 439 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 549 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 868 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
How to get Nincada in Pokemon GO?
Nincada can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Nincada can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 10 CP
L5 103 CP
L10 219 CP
L15 329 CP
L20 439 CP
L25 549 CP
L30 658 CP
L35 713 CP
L40 768 CP
L50 868 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #290
Generation Gen 3
Region Hoenn
Height 0.51 m
Weight 5.50 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 75,000 Dust / 75 Candy