No. 0290

Nincada

Trainee Pokémon

Official art

Nincada is a Bug/Ground-type Pokémon, 2× weak to Flying, Fire, Water and Ice, with a base stat total of 266. It isn’t usable in Pokémon Champions’ Regulation M-C.

Bug Ground

Height: 0.5 m 1′08″
Weight: 5.5 kg 12.1 lbs
Base stat total: 266 Higher than 8% of Pokémon
Introduced: Gen III Ruby & Sapphire

Abilities

Pokédex entryY / Shield

It can sometimes live underground for more than 10 years. It absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees.

See all 6 entries

Base stats

HP31106–138172–266

Atk4558–10685–207

Def9099–156166–306

SpA3045–9058–174

SpD3045–9058–174

Spe4054–10176–196

Total266Higher than 8% of Pokémon

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 1 Def.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Calculate damage →

Type matchups

BugGroundshow which type causes itweaknessresistance

Weak to

2×

FireFlyingIceWater

Resists

½×

FightingGroundPoison

Immune to

0×

Electric

Takes normal damage from 10 types

NormalRockBugGhostSteelGrassPsychicDragonDarkFairy

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 40); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+101Max92No SP60Min54Scarf151Tailwind202

At max Speed, Nincada outspeeds 9 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, and ties 1.

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions: Nincada against the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, fastest first
Speed		Pokémon
203		Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
200		Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
190		Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
189		Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
184		WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
178		Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
178		Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
172		SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
169		Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
169		GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
167		Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
167		Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
161		IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
156		Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
150		ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
149		GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
143		BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
128		PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
120		VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
105		RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
101		Nincada · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
101		MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
95		SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
94		Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
92		Nincada · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
90		PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
90		SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
85		ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
80		IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
80		FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
70		KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
60		Nincada · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
60		Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

This Pokémon's moves have their accuracy multiplied by 1.3.
Everything about Compound Eyes →
Other Pokémon with Compound Eyes 11
Butterfree Venonat Yanma Dustox Joltik Galvantula Scatterbug Vivillon Blipbug Dottler Rellor
Always gets away from wild Pokémon, even when trapped. No effect in trainer battles.
Everything about Run Away →
Other Pokémon with Run Away 30
Caterpie Weedle Rattata Raticate Oddish Venonat Ponyta Rapidash Doduo Dodrio Eevee Sentret Furret Aipom Dunsparce Snubbull Poochyena Wurmple Kricketot Pachirisu Buneary Patrat Lillipup Nickit Thievul Wooloo Tandemaus Maschiff Dudunsparce Roaming Form Gimmighoul

Competitive

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Not used in the tracked Showdown formats this month.

Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera

National DexLC

Evolution

#0290NincadaBugGround
1. Level 20
  #0291NinjaskBugFlying
2. Level 20 with an empty party slot and a Poké Ball
  #0292ShedinjaBugGhost

Moves

Level up 10


1	Sand AttackLowers the target's accuracy by 1.	Ground	Status	—	100%	15
1	ScratchNo additional effect.	Normal	Phys	40	100%	35
5	HardenRaises the user's Defense by 1.	Normal	Status	—	—	30
10	False SwipeAlways leaves the target with at least 1 HP.	Normal	Phys	40	100%	40
15	Mud-Slap100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.	Ground	Spec	20	100%	10
21	AbsorbUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.	Grass	Spec	20	100%	25
25	Metal Claw10% chance to raise the user's Attack by 1.	Steel	Phys	50	95%	35
30	Fury SwipesHits 2-5 times in one turn.	Normal	Phys	18	80%	15
35	Mind ReaderUser's next move will not miss the target.	Normal	Status	—	—	5
40	DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.	Ground	Phys	80	100%	10

TM / HM / TR 20


TM62	Bug Buzz10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Bug	Spec	90	100%	10
HM01	CutNo additional effect.	Normal	Phys	50	95%	30
TM	Solar BeamCharges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight.	Grass	Spec	120	100%	10
TM	DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.	Ground	Phys	80	100%	10
TM	Double TeamRaises the user's evasiveness by 1.	Normal	Status	—	—	15
TM	FlashLowers the target's accuracy by 1.	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
TM	RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.	Psychic	Status	—	—	5
TM	SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM	ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM	SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.	Rock	Status	—	—	10
TM	Giga DrainUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.	Grass	Spec	75	100%	10
TM	EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM	False SwipeAlways leaves the target with at least 1 HP.	Normal	Phys	40	100%	40
TM	SwaggerRaises the target's Attack by 2 and confuses it.	Normal	Status	—	85%	15
TM	Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM	Sunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.	Fire	Status	—	—	5
TM	Shadow Ball20% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Ghost	Spec	80	100%	15
TM	FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.	Normal	Phys	70	100%	20
TM	Aerial AceThis move does not check accuracy.	Flying	Phys	60	—	20
TM	X-ScissorNo additional effect.	Bug	Phys	80	100%	15

Egg moves 5


Egg	Bug BiteUser steals and eats the target's Berry.	Bug	Phys	60	100%	20
Egg	Final GambitDoes damage equal to the user's HP. User faints.	Fighting	Spec	—	100%	5
Egg	FlailMore power the less HP the user has left.	Normal	Phys	—	100%	15
Egg	GustPower doubles during Bounce, Fly, and Sky Drop.	Flying	Spec	40	100%	35
Egg	Night SlashHigh critical hit ratio.	Dark	Phys	70	100%	15

Biology

It is mostly blind, so it uses its antennae to sense the surroundings. It uses its claws to dig nests underground and carve into tree roots to absorb their nutrients.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation III Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Polls & views

Official vote, Japan#670 of 720 in the 2016 Pokémon General Election 720 (Japan), tiedOfficial results, via Cinematoday

Each line is one source, as it published it. Polls counted every form under its species.

Pokédex entries

: Trainee Pokémon
: Hoenn · Ruby & Sapphire
Color: Gray

: Forest
Pal Park area: Forest

Original Hoenn#042Central Kalos#111New Hoenn#043Galar#104

It can sometimes live underground for more than 10 years. It absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees.
HeartGold · SoulSilver · Y · Shield
It grows underground, sensing its surroundings using antennae instead of its virtually blind eyes.
Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2
Because it lived almost entirely underground, it is nearly blind. It uses its antennae instead.
FireRed · LeafGreen · X · Sword
It makes its nest at the roots of a mighty tree. Using its whiskerlike antennae, it probes its surroundings in the pitch-black darkness of soil.
Emerald
NINCADA lives underground. It uses its sharp claws to carve the roots of trees and absorb moisture and nutrients. This Pokémon can’t withstand bright sunlight so avoids it.
Sapphire · Alpha Sapphire
NINCADA lives underground for many years in complete darkness. This Pokémon absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. It stays motionless as it waits for evolution.
Ruby · Omega Ruby

Names around the world

English: Nincada
Japanese: ツチニン
Japanese (romaji): Tutinin
Korean: 토중몬
Chinese (Traditional): 土居忍士
Chinese (Simplified): 土居忍士
French: Ningale
German: Nincada
Spanish: Nincada
Italian: Nincada

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Gen VIII · Gen VII · Gen VI · Gen V

Generation IV

Generation III

Training

: 1 Def
: 255 ≈33.3% with a Poké Ball at full HP
: 70
: 53
: Erratic

Breeding

: Bug
: ♂ 50%♀ 50%
: 15 egg cycles ≈4,080 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Shield 8 areas

Bridge Field (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Bridge Field (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Dappled Grove (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Rolling Fields (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Rolling Fields (Max Den F)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Route 5Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16–18
South Lake Miloch (Main Area)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–60
West Lake AxewellWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7–60

Sword 8 areas

Bridge Field (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Bridge Field (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Dappled Grove (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Rolling Fields (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Rolling Fields (Max Den F)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–30
Route 5Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16–18
South Lake Miloch (Main Area)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–60
West Lake AxewellWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7–60

Alpha Sapphire 1 area

Road 116Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 4

Omega Ruby 1 area

Road 116Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 4

Y 2 areas

Friend Safari (Ground)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
Road 6Walking on rough terrain · Lv 12

X 2 areas

Friend Safari (Ground)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
Road 6Walking on rough terrain · Lv 12

SoulSilver 1 area

National ParkWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26–36

HeartGold 1 area

National ParkWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26–36

Platinum 1 area

Eterna ForestWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–14

Pearl 1 area

Eterna ForestWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 10–12

Diamond 1 area

Eterna ForestWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 10–12

Emerald 1 area

Road 116Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–7

Sapphire 1 area

Road 116Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–7

Ruby 1 area

Road 116Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–7

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.