Pokémon Go Nihilego weakness, counters and moveset explained

Nihilego is the first Ultra Beast introduced in Pokémon Go, debuting during a special event. This extradimensional Pokémon belongs to Gen 7 and is part of a unique group known as Ultra Beasts, comprising a total of 11 different species, some of which have made their way into the game.

As of June 2023, trainers can now catch a shiny version of Nihilego, making it a coveted addition to any Pokédex. To effectively capture Nihilego, understanding its weaknesses and counters is crucial.

Nihilego Weaknesses and Counters

To defeat Nihilego in battles, here are its weaknesses and effective counters:

• Type: Rock / Poison
• Double Weakness: Ground-type attacks
• Weak Against: Psychic, Steel, and Water-type attacks
• Best Mega Counters: Primal Groudon and Mega Garchomp with Ground-type moves are the top choices, followed by Mega Swampert. For alternatives, Mega Alakazam or Mega Latios with Psychic moves can be used, although they won’t exploit the double weakness.
• Best Non-Mega Counters: Options like Groudon, Excadrill, and Landorus (Therian Form) are optimal choices, along with Garchomp and Rhyperior.
• Tactics: Since Nihilego is doubly weak to Ground-type attacks, utilizing a Ground-type Pokémon with strong Ground moves maximizes damage. Primal Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades is the ideal choice, followed closely by regular Groudon. Alternatively, look for Pokémon with moves like Earthquake or High Horsepower.

Nihilego CP Levels

Here are the Combat Power (CP) levels associated with battling and attempting to catch Nihilego:

• Raid CP: 48,499 CP
• Catch CP Range: 2167 to 2256 CP
• Weather Boost (Cloudy and Partly Cloudy): 2709 to 2821 CP
• Max CP: 4465 CP

Nihilego Best Moveset

Although Nihilego cannot use Sludge Wave at this time, the recommended moveset for optimal performance includes Acid (Fast), Sludge Bomb (Charged), and Rock Slide (Charged). This configuration makes Nihilego a formidable opponent.

Nihilego stands out as the best non-Mega Poison-type attacker currently in the game, making it a valuable asset in raids against Fairy-type Pokémon. Moreover, this moveset is highly effective in both Ultra League and Master League battles, allowing Nihilego to compete with top-tier Pokémon.

Complete Moveset

Fast Moves:

• Acid (Poison)
• Pound (Normal)
• Poison Jab (Poison)

Charged Moves:

• Gunk Shot (Poison)
• Power Gem (Rock)
• Rock Slide (Rock)
• Sludge Bomb (Poison)

Additional Information About Nihilego

Nihilego is classified as an Ultra Beast, a category of extradimensional Pokémon from Ultra Space. Their powers often exceed human comprehension, which is a good reason to approach them with caution.

Other Ultra Beasts include Pheromosa, Buzzwole, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, and Blacephalon.

Nihilego first appeared in the main Pokémon series games, where it had a significant role in the story involving Lusamine, the head of the Aether Foundation, showcasing its parasitic characteristics. Its design draws inspiration from jellyfish and invasive species found in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands.

Good luck as you work to add Nihilego to your Pokédex!