Nidorino (Pokémon #0033): Evolution, stats, and locations

Nidorino is the Poison-type middle stage of the Nidoran♂ line, sitting at National Pokédex number 0033. It is the Poison Pin Pokémon, an exclusively male species with a horn described as harder than a diamond. Most trainers keep it only briefly, since it is a stepping stone toward the much stronger Nidoking.

Quick answer: Nidorino evolves from Nidoran♂ at level 16, then evolves into Nidoking when you use a Moon Stone on it.

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Nidorino evolution and how to get Nidoking

The Nidoran♂ line moves through three stages. Nidoran♂ becomes Nidorino automatically at level 16. Nidorino does not evolve by leveling further. Instead, you apply a Moon Stone to push it into Nidoking, which gains a secondary Ground typing and a large stat jump.

Because evolution into Nidoking is item-based, you can hold Nidorino at this stage for as long as you want to fill out its level-up moves before using the stone. You will know it worked when the evolution animation plays and the Pokédex entry updates to Nidoking with the Poison and Ground types.

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Save your Moon Stone until Nidorino has learned the level-up moves you want, since Nidoking learns moves at different levels.

Nidorino key data and abilities

Nidorino stands 0.9 m tall and weighs 19.5 kg. It is 100% male, which means breeding for more Nidoran requires pairing it with a female Nidoran or with Ditto. Its catch rate is 120, and it yields 2 Attack EVs when defeated.

Nidorino base stats

Nidorino has a base stat total of 365, with Attack as its standout at 72. Its physical leaning makes it a reasonable early-game attacker, though its defenses and Speed are middling.

Nidorino type strengths and weaknesses

As a pure Poison-type, Nidorino takes extra damage from two types and resists five. Keep it away from Ground and Psychic attackers, and lean into matchups where its resistances apply.

Where to find Nidorino

Nidorino appears in the wild across several regions, and in some games it can only be obtained by evolving Nidoran♂ or by trading in from another title. The table below lists where it shows up by game.

Nidorino moveset by level up (Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl)

In Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Nidorino learns a mix of Normal, Poison, and coverage moves as it levels. Poison Jab at level 64 and Earth Power at level 71 are its strongest late picks, so consider these before applying a Moon Stone.

Nidorino also has a deep egg move pool, including Head Smash, Sucker Punch, Poison Tail, and Thrash, passed down by breeding Nidoran♀ with compatible parents. If you already have a Nidorino that knows an egg move, it can pass that move down through Ditto. Note that in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Nidorino does not learn any level-up moves and cannot be taught TMs, so plan your moveset before transferring it there.

For most playthroughs, Nidorino works best as a short-term carrier toward Nidoking. Build its level-up moves to your liking, then apply the Moon Stone when you are ready for the Poison and Ground final form.