Nidoking

🎯 Best Counters Against Nidoking

Top Pokémon to use when battling Nidoking in raids and gyms, sorted by Attack.

#	Pokémon	Type	ATK	DEF	STA	Max CP
1	Deoxys	Psychic	345	115	137	3,615
2	Mewtwo	Psychic	300	182	214	4,780
3	Palkia	Water Dragon	280	215	189	4,565
4	Alakazam	Psychic	271	167	146	3,498
5	Kyogre	Water	270	228	205	4,708
6	Groudon	Ground	270	228	205	4,708
7	Azelf	Psychic	270	151	181	3,673
8	Latios	Dragon Psychic	268	212	190	4,362
9	Inteleon	Water	262	142	172	3,391
10	Espeon	Psychic	261	175	163	3,626

📖 Complete Nidoking Pokémon GO Guide 2026

Nidoking (#034) is a Poison/Ground-type Pokémon from the Kanto region (Generation 1) in Pokémon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,936 at Level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs, Nidoking can be effective with the right strategy. This complete guide covers the best moveset, PvP analysis, raid counters, evolution, and shiny availability for Nidoking in 2026.

📊 Nidoking Stats Analysis

Nidoking's Attack stat is 204 (Excellent). This is a competitive Attack stat that makes Nidoking a strong damage dealer.

With 156 Defense (Good) and 191 Stamina (Excellent), the total stat product is 551. This gives Nidoking reasonable durability in battle. Compared to other Poison-type Pokémon, Nidoking's stat distribution leans toward offense.

⚔️ Best Nidoking Moveset in Pokémon GO

The best moveset for Nidoking depends on whether you use it for raids, gyms, or PvP. For raids, use Poison Jab (Fast) with Earthquake (Charged) for maximum DPS. This takes advantage of STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) which provides a 20% damage boost for matching-type moves.

For PvP (GO Battle League), energy generation and coverage matter more than raw DPS. Nidoking has 5 Fast Attacks and 5 Charged Attacks to choose from. Note that Nidoking has Elite TM moves that may outperform standard options in certain formats.

🏆 Nidoking PvP Guide — GO Battle League 2026

Great League (1500 CP)

In Great League, Nidoking can be a viable pick. For Great League, lower Attack IVs (like 0/15/15) are preferred to maximize stat product under 1500 CP. The Poison/Ground typing provides useful matchups against Poison, Electric, Fighting-type threats while being weak to Ground, Psychic, Water types.

Ultra League (2500 CP)

In Ultra League, Nidoking reaches 2,567 CP at Level 40. Pair it with Pokémon that cover its weaknesses.

Master League

In Master League, Nidoking faces tough competition from Pokémon with higher CP caps. It is better suited for capped leagues.

💪 Nidoking Raid Guide & Counters

As a raid attacker, Nidoking's effectiveness depends on its typing and 204 Attack stat. It can deal solid damage as a Poison-type attacker. Best counters against Nidoking use Ground, Psychic-type moves.

🎯 How to Get Nidoking in Pokémon GO

Nidoking can be found in the wild, hatched from Eggs, obtained through Research tasks, and during events. In Cloudy weather, it receives a spawn boost. The buddy distance is 3km per candy — use Pinap Berries for double candy when catching.

🔄 Nidoking Evolution Guide

Nidoking is part of a 3-stage evolution family:

• Nidoran♂ (#032)
• Nidorino (#033) — 25 Candy
• Nidoking (#034) ← current — 100 Candy

Tip: For PvP, check IV spreads before evolving (low Attack, high Defense/Stamina). For raids, aim for 15/15/15 perfect IVs.

😈 Shadow Nidoking

Shadow Nidoking is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but take 20% more damage, making them excellent glass cannons. Shadow Nidoking's effective Attack becomes ~245. For raids, keeping it Shadow is usually better than purifying.

✨ Shiny Nidoking in Pokémon GO

Shiny Nidoking is available! Use the Normal/Shiny toggle on this page to preview. The shiny rate is approximately 1 in 500. Shiny variants are cosmetic only — same stats and performance. Check our Shiny Checklist for all available shinies.

🌤️ Weather Boost & Buddy

Nidoking gets a weather boost in Cloudy weather, increasing wild spawn CP (up to Level 35) and raid catch CP to Level 25 (1,743 - 1,833 CP). The buddy distance is 3km per candy. Use Poffins to halve the distance.

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Best IVs for PvP: Master League: 15/15/15. Capped leagues: low Attack, high Def/Sta.
• Second Charged Move: Costs 50K Stardust — adds coverage in PvP.
• Trading: Can be freely traded. Lucky trades give 12/12/12 minimum IVs.
• Catch rate: Use Pinap Berries for double candy.

❓ FAQ About Nidoking

📚 Related Guides

Updated June 2026. Data from Pokémon GO Live and Pokémon GO Wiki.