Nidoran M Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips
Nidoran M is a popular Poison-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 860, Nidoran M is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Nidoran M in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.
π Table of Contents
π Nidoran M Base Stats & Overview
Nidoran M (#032) is a Poison-type Pokemon from Generation 1.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 105 |
| Defense | 76 |
| Stamina | 130 |
| Total Stats | 311 |
| Max CP | 860 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 105 Attack, 76 Defense, and 130 Stamina, Nidoran M has a total stat product of 311. While not the highest in any single stat, Nidoran M’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Nidoran M
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Nidoran M’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Nidoran M for raids, gym battles, or PvP.
Best Raid & Gym Moveset
For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Poison-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Poison-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Poison-type charged move
Best PvP Moveset
In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.
β’ Fast Move: High energy generation move
β’ Charged Move 1: STAB move for consistent damage
β’ Charged Move 2: Coverage move for countering weaknesses
π― Nidoran M Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Nidoran M effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Poison-type Pokemon, Nidoran M has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Nidoran M is weak to: Ground, Psychic-type moves. When battling against Nidoran M, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Ground – Deals increased damage
- Psychic – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Nidoran M resists: Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Fairy-type moves. This means Nidoran M takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Grass – Reduced damage
- Fighting – Reduced damage
- Poison – Reduced damage
- Bug – Reduced damage
- Fairy – Reduced damage
π Nidoran M PvP Analysis
Nidoran M can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:
Great League (1500 CP Limit)
Nidoran M can reach its full potential in Great League since its max CP (860) is at or below the 1500 CP limit. This makes it a viable option if its typing and moveset align with the current meta.
Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)
With a max CP of 860, Nidoran M may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Nidoran M is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (860). Focus on other leagues instead.
βοΈ Nidoran M Raid Guide
Nidoran M is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:
Using Nidoran M in Raids
When using Nidoran M as a raid attacker:
- Best against raid bosses weak to Poison-type moves
- Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
- Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS
π― Best Counters for Nidoran M
Whether you’re battling Nidoran M in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Nidoran M:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Nidoran M’s weaknesses to Ground, Psychic-type moves:
| Pokemon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Garchomp | Dragon/Ground | Mud Shot + Earth Power deals massive damage |
| Groudon | Ground | Legendary with Precipice Blades |
| Excadrill | Ground/Steel | High Ground DPS |
| Mewtwo | Psychic | Best Psychic attacker with Psystrike |
| Alakazam | Psychic | Glass cannon with high Psychic DPS |
| Espeon | Psychic | Accessible Psychic attacker |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Nidoran M
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Nidoran M may have moves that counter its own counters
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks
π How to Get Nidoran M in Pokemon GO
There are several ways to obtain Nidoran M in Pokemon GO:
- Wild Encounters: Nidoran M can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
- Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
- Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
- Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
- Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
- Trading: Trade with friends
Shiny Nidoran M
Yes, Shiny Nidoran M is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.
Nidoran M Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nidoran M good in Pokemon GO?
Nidoran M has a max CP of 860, which makes it more suitable for Great League PvP or as a collector’s Pokemon. It can still be useful in specific situations where its typing is advantageous.
What is Nidoran M’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Nidoran M depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Poison-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Nidoran M’s weaknesses?
Nidoran M is weak to Ground, Psychic-type moves. When battling Nidoran M, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Nidoran M be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Nidoran M is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Nidoran M for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Nidoran M’s max CP?
Nidoran M’s maximum CP is 860 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 782.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Nidoran M
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Nidoran M’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Nidoran M with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.
For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:
- Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
- Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
- Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap
2. Power Up Priority
Before investing Stardust and Candy into Nidoran M, consider:
- Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
- Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
- Are there better alternatives for the same role?
- Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?
3. Team Composition
Nidoran M works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Poison type weak to Ground, Psychic, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Nidoran M spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Poison moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Nidoran M in the Pokemon Franchise
Nidoran M first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Nidoran M’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Nidoran M was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Nidoran M has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.
π How Nidoran M Compares
Let’s see how Nidoran M stacks up against other Poison-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Nidoran M | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 105 | ~180 | β |
| Defense | 76 | ~160 | β |
| Stamina | 130 | ~170 | β |
| Max CP | 860 | ~2,500 | β |
π― Conclusion
Nidoran M is a versatile Poison-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 860 and solid base stats (105/76/130), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.
Remember to:
- Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
- Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
- Build a team that covers Nidoran M’s weaknesses
- Take advantage of weather boosts when possible
For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.
Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.