How to solo defeat Nidoking in Pokemon GO 3-star raids

Players wishing to solo defeat Nidoking in Pokemon GO 3-star raids should know that this is an achievable feat. The creature will be available as part of the Crown Clash event from 10 am local time on Saturday, May 10, until 8 pm local time on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Catching it during this time will also let you encounter a Nidoking wearing a crown.

This article covers everything you need to know to solo defeat Nidoking in Pokemon GO 3-star raids.

Best counters and strategy to solo defeat Nidoking in Pokemon GO 3-star raids

Nidoking can be solo defeated by powerful creatures like Groudon, Mewtwo, Kyogre, Mega Swampert, White Kyurem, and more, as long as they are powered up to at least level 20 and have the appropriate movesets equipped.

Check out the current Pokemon GO raid bosses that you can encounter in-game

Here is a list of some of the top counters you can use against Nidoking when trying to defeat it on your own:

Pokemon	Form	Fast Move	Charged Move
Kyurem	Black	Dragon Tail	Freeze Shock
Kyurem	White	Ice Fang	Ice Burn
Mamoswine	Shadow	Mud Slap	Avalanche
Mewtwo	Shadow or Regular	Psycho Cut	Psystrike
Latios	Mega	Zen Headbutt	Luster Purge
Alakazam	Mega	Confusion	Psychic
Gardevoir	Mega	Confusion	Psychic
Gallade	Mega	Psycho Cut	Psychic
Kyogre	Primal or Shadow	Waterfall	Origin Pulse
Gyarados	Shadow or Mega	Waterfall	Hydro Pump
Swampert	Mega or Shadow	Water Gun	Hydro Cannon
Groudon	Primal/Regular/Shadow	Mud Shot	Precipice Blades
Garchomp	Mega or Shadow	Mud Shot	Earth Power
Landorus	Therian	Mud Shot	Sandsear Storm
Rhyperior	Shadow	Mud Slap	Earthquake
Excadrill	Shadow	Mud Slap	Scorching Sands

Also read: How to get Kingambit in Pokemon GO?

Before you attempt to challenge Nidoking on your own, take a look at its stats and moves as a raid boss:

Type: Poison and Ground
Attack: 204
Defense: 156
Stamina: 3,600
Max CP: 17,182
Fast Attacks: Iron Tail, Double Kick, and Poison Jab
Charged Attacks: Megahorn, Earthquake, Earth Power, Sludge Wave, and Sand Tomb

Coming to the strategy to challenge Nidoking on your own, build a team consisting of the aforementioned creatures. Try adding Primal or Mega Rayquaza support if you are using a Ground-, Water-, or Psychic-type attackers.

Also read: How to beat Dynamax Suicune Max Battles in Pokemon GO?

Lastly, carry some healing items like Revives and Hyper Potions when attempting to solo defeat Nidoking in Pokemon GO. While you are unlikely to require these, it's best to err on the side of caution.

In other news, here are the Pokemon GO Fest 2025 details.

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About the author

Abhipsito is an Esports and Gaming Journalist at Sportskeeda. A self-identified pop culture enthusiast, he spends his time thinking, reading, doing theatre, watching films, or trying to wiggle his way out of Valorant elo-hell.

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Edited by Abhipsito Das