Gen 1 Nidoking (NU) [QC 2/2] [GP 2/2]

Sabelette

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This was originally a partial rewrite but the analysis spends so much time talking about Nidoking absorbing Toxic and Thunder Wave when that's not at all how it's used now. Also making this a full with a checks and counters section now.


[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is the most diverse threat in RBY NU and boasts several key strengths that differentiate it from other mid-game attackers. Nidoking has the best coverage in the tier and boasts super effective coverage for nearly every foe, as well as STAB Earthquake for powerful neutral damage. Its Electric immunity grants it entry against opposing Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt users, blessing Nidoking with a variety of effective entry points. For example, one's own Mr. Mime or Clefable often baits in and paralyzes their opposing counterpart, after which Nidoking can switch into the predicted Thunder Wave and threaten them heavily. This immunity additionally makes Nidoking a hard counter to Electrode, helping to protect teams from a surprise sweep and exploiting Electrode for free turns. Nidoking can clean up endgames against the tier's various Water-types and Golem due to its superior Speed, 2HKOing Kingler, Kabutops, and Golem before they are able to 2HKO back.

Despite these advantages, Nidoking's typing is a double-edged sword and its Speed leaves it vulnerable to Mr. Mime and Venomoth. Nidoking's Poison typing adds weaknesses to Psychic and Earthquake, making nearly all of Nidoking's matchups risky for both sides, as every top Pokemon in NU has at least one super effective attack against it. Nidoking competes with Golem for a teamslot, in particular missing out on Golem's superior typing. Golem's Rock typing grants it useful Normal and Fire resistances as well as STAB on Rock Slide, whereas Nidoking misses the OHKO against Charizard. Also, Nidoking will leave even victorious fights at low HP, and this is where its imperfect Speed becomes noticeable, as Mr. Mime, Venomoth, and all Fire-types can revenge kill it with ease. Venomoth especially punishes an early Nidoking entry, as it is only 3HKOed by Earthquake, allowing it to switch in, gain massive momentum with Sleep Powder, and then threaten Stun Spore on the switch.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Rock Slide

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Earthquake is Nidoking's strongest move, particularly against Mr. Mime, Clefable, and Kabutops, as well as an effective midground option to cover most switches. Thunderbolt covers the Water-types of the tier, 3HKOing Blastoise and Seadra and 2HKOing the others, while also dealing decent damage to Charizard or Moltres. Blizzard 2HKOes Golem and Exeggcute while also covering Flying-type switches, acting as a generally safe midground option. Rock Slide provides a 2HKO against Charizard and Moltres, both of which are too bulky for Blizzard or Thunderbolt to 2HKO; Charizard is KOed by either Blizzard or Thunderbolt followed by Rock Slide, while Moltres generally requires two Rock Slides to 2HKO. While the overlapping coverage may seem like overkill, Nidoking can at worst 3HKO every single Pokemon in NU with this set, and the overlapping coverage usually makes it near-impossible to safely switch into Nidoking.

Utilizing Nidoking effectively requires an awareness of how and when to get it into battle, as well as knowing how to utilize midground options to cover switches without giving up KOs. Nidoking can effectively enter battle when opposing Mr. Mime or Clefable is likely to use Thunder Wave or Thunderbolt. As these Pokemon often trade hits with their opposing counterparts, only to be revenge killed after, it is important to set up mismatched situations: for example, getting your own Mr. Mime in on Blastoise to incentivize the opponent to switch their Mr. Mime or Clefable into paralysis. This allows you to switch Nidoking into their retaliatory Thunder Wave. Nidoking can also enter to revenge kill targets such as Water-types, Golem, and Clefable regardless of whether they're paralyzed, especially later in the game when sleep is no longer a concern. Once Nidoking enters battle, the opponent is pressured to either sacrifice their current Pokemon to chip Nidoking or to try to find a relatively safe switch, such as getting Mr. Mime in against a special attack or Charizard in against Earthquake. For example, Nidoking can 2HKO Kabutops with either two Earthquakes or Thunderbolt + Earthquake; the former provides safe entry to Charizard, while Thunderbolt allows Mr. Mime in to force Nidoking out. Knowing Nidoking's KO ranges and the opponent's switch options allows it to heavily punish desperate switches while still securing KOs if the foe stays in.

Nidoking partners well with Mr. Mime, as mentioned, and other paralysis spreaders such as Clefable and Venomoth work the same way. Besides baiting opposing Thunder Wave, they also slow foes down for Nidoking. Exeggcute can also create mismatches by checking Mr. Mime, and it may even paralyze an additional foe as Mr. Mime switches out or use Explosion to grant Nidoking a perfect entry point. It also pairs well with Water-types such as the ubiquitous Blastoise, which baits Electric-type moves late-game and helps to chip down bulkier foes, such as Blastoise and Charizard, for Nidoking to later remove; in return, Nidoking helps to insulate Water-types from a potential Electrode sweep and finish KOs for them. Blastoise and Kingler also often find opportunities to catch switches with Body Slam, potentially paralyzing more opponents.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Nidoking's other options all end up surprisingly lacking. Substitute initially looks appealing, but Nidoking's lower bulk means that after using Substitute twice, it is in OHKO range of most of the tier, unlike Golem. Body Slam can potentially paralyze, but this is unreliable and it deals poor damage compared to every other option. Thunder's power allows it to rarely secure 2HKOs that Thunderbolt misses, but the odds are extremely low; its best feat is a 42% chance to 2HKO Seadra after considering accuracy. Overall, the loss in consistency often leaves Nidoking in a far worse position than simply using Thunderbolt. Fire Blast seems like it could cover Venomoth, but it only has a 40% chance to 2HKO and otherwise provides very little. Finally, Submission to hit Clefable is useless, as it has only slightly more power than Earthquake with far worse accuracy. Any of these options create exploitable holes in Nidoking's coverage and should not be considered.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Venomoth**: Venomoth is perhaps the premier Nidoking check, easily landing sleep in retaliation if Nidoking secures an early-game KO. Venomoth also outspeeds and 3HKOes Nidoking while being one of the few Pokemon to be only 3HKOed back, allowing Venomoth to stop Nidoking even late-game. Nidoking also essentially cannot switch into Venomoth, as Stun Spore leaves it ineffective and Double-Edge often leaves it in range of a Psychic 2HKO.

**Mr. Mime**: Mr. Mime outspeeds and 2HKOes Nidoking, which can't OHKO back. Mr. Mime cannot switch in, but unparalyzed Mr. Mime easily revenge kills Nidoking and is difficult to switch into itself, shifting the momentum from Nidoking's team with a successful entry. Nidoking should not revenge kill early-game due to the threat of Mr. Mime revenge killing it, even when facing Venomoth-less teams.

**Clefable**: Clefable is slower than Nidoking, but Blizzard 2HKOes and Nidoking can only 3HKO. Also, Body Slam can paralyze Nidoking as it tries to enter, hamstringing it permanently.

**Seadra and Blastoise**: Both Seadra and Blastoise are 3HKOed by Thunderbolt while 2HKOing in return. Seadra notably Speed ties Nidoking and can set up Agility to ensure it can use another attack after KOing Nidoking. Blastoise can check Nidoking in a pinch, though its utility as a check to other Pokemon means it will rarely want to take this fight. It also cannot switch in and win, as it is slower than Nidoking.

**Faster Pokemon**: A number of fast Pokemon can check Nidoking given its propensity for taking heavy damage when trading hits. Charizard and Moltres can switch into Earthquake and outspeed Nidoking, with Moltres even 2HKOing it with Fire Blast. Charizard normally needs mild chip damage or a critical hit in order to win one-on-one, but it can also win with a Fire Spin or two, though this is an uncommon set. Raticate has a 51% chance to 2HKO with Super Fang + Hyper Beam, while Nidoking only has a 23.5% chance to 2HKO with Earthquake, and after a mere 8% chip damage, the 2HKO becomes guaranteed. Ninetales and Fearow can defeat Nidoking after approximately 15-20% chip damage as well.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Sabelette, 583793]]
- Quality checked by: [[nicole7735, 593847], [Volk, 530877]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429]]
 
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[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is the most diverse threat in RBY NU and boasts several key strengths that differentiate it from other midgame attackers. Nidoking has the best coverage in the tier and boasts access to super effective coverage against nearly every foe as well as STAB Earthquake for powerful neutral damage. Nidoking's Electric-type immunity grants it entry against opposing Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt users, blessing Nidoking with a variety of effective entry points into a match. Nidoking exploits this easily as one's own Mr. Mime or Clefable often baits in and paralyzes their opposing counterpart, after which Nidoking can switch in to threaten them heavily.,Nidoking can also clean up endgames against the tier's various Water-types and Golem due to its superior Speed, 2HKOing Kingler, Kabutops, and Golem before they are able to 2HKO back.

Despite these advantages, Nidoking's typing is a double-edged sword and its Speed still leaves much to be desired. Nidoking's Poison typing adds a weakness to Psychic- and Ground-type attacks, making nearly all of Nidoking's matchups risky for both sides, as every top Pokemon in NU has at least one super effective attack against it. Its lack of Rock typing means it lacks Golem's useful Normal- and Fire-type resistances as well as STAB on Rock Slide, causing Nidoking to miss the OHKO against Charizard. Nidoking will come out of even victorious fights at low HP, and this is where its Speed becomes noticeable, as Mr. Mime, Venomoth, and all Fire-types are able to revenge kill it with ease. Venomoth also easily puts it to sleep as non-STAB Rock Slide is a mere 3HKO, no better than Earthquake, meaning Venomoth takes far less risk against Nidoking than Golem. Venomoth especially punishes early Nidoking entry as it is only 3HKO'd by Earthquake, letting it switch in and gain massive momentum with Sleep Powder and subsequently threaten Stun Spore paralysis on the switchin.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Rock Slide

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Earthquake is Nidoking's strongest move against Mr. Mime, Clefable, and Kabutops as well as an effective midground option to cover most switches. Thunderbolt covers the Water-types of the tier, 3HKOing Blastoise and Seadra and 2HKOing the others, while also dealing decent damage to Charizard or Moltres. Blizzard grants a 2HKO against Golem and Exeggcute while also covering Flying-type switches and generally. Rock Slide provides a 2HKO against Charizard and Moltres, both of which are too bulky to be 2HKOed by Blizzard or Thunderbolt; Charizard is KOed by either Blizzard or Thunderbolt followed by Rock Slide, while Moltres's bulk means it will usually survive Blizzard + Rock Slide. While the overlapping coverage may seem like overkill, Nidoking is capable of at worst 3HKOing every single Pokemon in NU with this set and the overlapping coverage makes it nearly impossible to safely switch into Nidoking in most situations.

Utilizing Nidoking effectively requires both an awareness of how and when to get it into battle and of how to utilize midground options to cover switches without giving up KO opportunities. Nidoking can effectively enter battle in situations where opposing Mr. Mime or Clefable are likely to Thunder Wave or Thunderbolt. As these Pokemon often trade hits with their opposing counterparts, only to be revenge killed after, it is important to set up mismatched situations such as your own Mr. Mime against opposing Blastoise to incentivize the opponent to switch their Thunder Wave user into paralysis. This allows you to switch Nidoking into their retaliatory Thunder Wave and take advantage of the situation. Nidoking can also enter to revenge kill against Water-types and Clefable, of course, especially later in the game when sleep is no longer a concern. Once Nidoking enters battle, the opponent is put under pressure to either sacrifice their current Pokemon to chip Nidoking or to try to find a relatively safe switch, such as getting Mr. Mime in against a special attack or Charizard in against Earthquake. For example, Nidoking can 2HKO Kabutops with either two Earthquakes or Thunderbolt + Earthquake; the former provides safe entry to Charizard while Thunderbolt allows Mr. Mime in to force Nidoking out. Awareness of these ranges and the opponent's switch options allows Nidoking to heavily punish desperate switches while still securing KOs if the opponent stays in.

Nidoking partners well with paralysis spreaders such as Mr. Mime, Clefable, and Venomoth, which as mentioned can slow opponents down for Nidoking and bait retaliatory responses that Nidoking exploits. It also pairs well with Water-types such as the ubiquitous Blastoise that bait Electric-type moves later in the game or help to chip down bulkier foes such as Blastoise and Charizard for Nidoking to later remove. Blastoise and Kingler also often find opportunities to catch switches with Body Slam, potentially paralyzing more opponents. Exeggcute can be an effective partner for Nidoking by checking opposing Mr. Mime to create mismatches later, and may even be able to paralyze something or use Explosion to grant Nidoking a perfect entry point.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Nidoking's other options all end up surprisingly lacking. Substitute looks initially appealing, but Nidoking's lower bulk means that after using Substitute twice it is in OHKO range of most of the tier, unlike Golem. Body Slam can potentially paralyze, but is unreliable and deals poor damage compared to every other option. Fire Blast seems like it could cover Venomoth, but only has a 40% chance to 2HKO and otherwise provides very little. Finally, Submission to hit Clefable is useless as it has only slightly more power with far worse accuracy. Any of these options create exploitable holes in Nidoking's coverage and should generally not be considered.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Venomoth**: Venomoth is perhaps the premiere Nidoking check, easily landing sleep in revenge if Nidoking attempts to secure an early game KO. Venomoth also 3HKOes Nidoking while being one of the few Pokemon with the bulk and typing to be only 3HKOed back, allowing Venomoth to stop Nidoking even late in a game. Nidoking also essentially cannot switch into Venomoth, as Double-Edge and Stun Spore are both still major issues for it.

**Mr. Mime**: Mr. Mime outspeeds and 2HKOes Nidoking, who usually 2HKOes back. Mr. Mime cannot switch in, but unparalyzed Mr. Mime easily revenges Nidoking and is difficult to switch into itself, shifting the momentum back to the opponent. I'd just emphasise here (or earlier in the analysis) how this limits Nidoking's effectiveness as a revenge killer since it just gets revenged by one of the most dangerous mons in the metagame in return.

**Clefable**: Clefable is slower than Nidoking, but Blizzard 2HKOes while Nidoking can only 3HKO. Body Slam also can paralyze Nidoking as it tries to enter, hamstringing it permanently.

**Seadra and Blastoise**: Both Seadra and Blastoise are 3HKOed by Thunderbolt while 2HKOing in return. Seadra notably Speed ties Nidoking and can set up Agility to ensure it will get at least one more attack after KOing Nidoking. Blastoise can check Nidoking in a pinch, though its utility as a check to other Pokemon means it will rarely want to take this fight. It also cannot switch in and win, as it is slower than Nidoking.

**Charizard and Moltres**: Charizard and Moltres can switch into Earthquake and outspeed Nidoking, with Moltres even 2HKOing it with Fire Blast. Charizard needs mild chip or a critical hit in order to win the one-on-one but can also win with a Fire Spin or two, though this is an uncommon set.
I think SD Charizard should be mentioned here or even earlier in the analysis since Nidoking is OHKO'd by +4 Earthquake and does not OHKO back with Rock Slide, giving Zard an easier time sweeping.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Sabelette, 583793]]
- Quality checked by: [[,], [,]]
- Grammar checked by: [[,], [,]]
Looks good, generally agree with nearly everything here QC 1/2
 

Volk

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I've used this Pokemon a few times.

Despite these advantages, Nidoking's typing is a double-edged sword and its Speed still leaves much to be desired.
I have made it my life's mission to eliminate this cliché from all RBY Analyses. I really dislike the phrase "still leaves much to be desired" because it genuinely carries no information. End this sentence by saying something that Nidoking's middling Speed actually causes, such as leaving it vulnerable to revenge killing and Sleep.

Its lack of Rock typing means it lacks Golem's useful Normal- and Fire-type resistances as well as STAB on Rock Slide, causing Nidoking to miss the OHKO against Charizard.
Can you add a sentence introducing Golem before this one? It seems really strange to just start a sentence by saying Nidoking isn't a Rock-type. Like you could say this exact sentence about any Pokemon (say, Snorlax in OU, for example) and it makes the same amount of sense. If you added a sentence before this that said something like "Nidoking competes with Golem as a strong attacker that can switch in on Thunder Wave," it would make more sense. I, as a reader, would like to know why we are comparing Nidoking to Golem in the first place.

Blizzard grants a 2HKO against Golem and Exeggcute while also covering Flying-type switches and generally.
"And generally" what? Do you mean to say that Blizzard is just a generally strong move that can hit most targets for good damage? If so, please say that. If not, please specify. If you do mean to say Blizzard is just a solid mid-ground option, I'd mention the freeze chance.

Nidoking can also enter to revenge kill against Water-types and Clefable, of course, especially later in the game when sleep is no longer a concern.
No need for the word "against" in this sentence. Also, why did you only name these Pokemon? Genuine question, given Nidoking can revenge kill a lot more than this bunch.

Exeggcute can be an effective partner for Nidoking by checking opposing Mr. Mime to create mismatches later, and may even be able to paralyze something or use Explosion to grant Nidoking a perfect entry point.
If we are going to name Exeggcute, I think we may as well name a few other paralysis users, namely Wigglytuff and Porygon. I honestly have some difficulty imagining a good team with Exeggcute and Nidoking (I guess you are dropping Venomoth?), but I think it is just as feasible as these other two. Wigglytuff especially works out because you could put Sing on it or shift Sing over to Clefable at a smaller opportunity cost and still have all the pieces required for NU, more or less. Porygon is a pretty mediocre Pokemon these days, but it honestly has pretty solid synergy with Nidoking if you've tried it out (but maybe that's really dated now).

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
It seems like an oversight to go through this entire analysis without even once mentioning how Nidoking kind of stonewalls Electrode. That's a pretty good selling point, especially if you are trying to pair it with Water-type Pokemon.

Nidoking also essentially cannot switch into Venomoth, as Double-Edge and Stun Spore are both still major issues for it.
Bit of a nitpick but I'm not really sure what you mean by "Double-Edge [is]... a major issue for it." Is it because it can usually (but not always) put it in Psychic 2HKO range? It just seems weird to say because we are looking at a move that is a possible 5HKO.

**Charizard and Moltres**: Charizard and Moltres can switch into Earthquake and outspeed Nidoking, with Moltres even 2HKOing it with Fire Blast. Charizard needs mild chip or a critical hit in order to win the one-on-one but can also win with a Fire Spin or two, though this is an uncommon set. Nidoking is also fully incapable of stopping a Swords Dance Charizard sweep, as +2 Charizard wins the one-on-one and+4 Charizard OHKOes outright.
While these two Pokemon do have the benefit of being immune to Earthquake, I think you could have just as easily called this "Faster Pokemon" or "Revenge Killers." Neither of these Pokemon can truly be considered counters and Charizard can hardly be considered a check, as it typically loses the one-on-one, as you point out. However, the strength that these two Pokemon do have over Nidoking comes from their speed, so I think changing the name of this category to reflect that, and perhaps adding a few other common revenge killers, would give a better portrayal of how these Pokemon actually "check" Nidoking.


Once you implement what you feel is necessary, ping me on Discord and I'll award this the second QC. Cheers!
 
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Sabelette

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Implemented a lot, thank you; here are some sticking points/comments.

No need for the word "against" in this sentence. Also, why did you only name these Pokemon? Genuine question, given Nidoking can revenge kill a lot more than this bunch.
I named these because they're the targets Nidoking revenges even unparalyzed and are pretty consistently targets its able to take out, but I made it a "such as" now.

If we are going to name Exeggcute, I think we may as well name a few other paralysis users, namely Wigglytuff and Porygon. I honestly have some difficulty imagining a good team with Exeggcute and Nidoking (I guess you are dropping Venomoth?), but I think it is just as feasible as these other two. Wigglytuff especially works out because you could put Sing on it or shift Sing over to Clefable at a smaller opportunity cost and still have all the pieces required for NU, more or less. Porygon is a pretty mediocre Pokemon these days, but it honestly has pretty solid synergy with Nidoking if you've tried it out (but maybe that's really dated now).
The difference is Egg can actually fit on these teams and helps cover the bad matchup with Mr. Mime, which is mentioned. Wiggly and Pory are not switching into Mr. Mime and Sing is a lot of risk to take on to try to work this. I don't think its an idea anyone learning the tier by reading analysis should be considering.

Bit of a nitpick but I'm not really sure what you mean by "Double-Edge [is]... a major issue for it." Is it because it can usually (but not always) put it in Psychic 2HKO range? It just seems weird to say because we are looking at a move that is a possible 5HKO.
Yes, this is the issue. Even switching into the weak move leaves Moth able to 2HKO it so this isn't even a desperation move. I'll rephrase anyway.
 

Volk

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Carrying on.

It competes with Golem for a teamslot, in particular missing out on Golem's superior typing.
Something about this sentence just doesn't read right. Maybe drop the word "Nidoking" in there so we know what the subject is? Or say that they are both Ground-type Pokemon and that's why they compete for a slot (pretty sure teams with Nidoking and Golem are essentially non-existent)? Or maybe something like, "Nidoking competes for a team slot with Golem; while Nidoking may have superior coverage and Speed, it misses out on Golem's much better typing" could work.

Nidoking also helps to insulate them against a potential Electrode sweep.
This should probably be it's own sentence. I also think this could maybe be hinted at in the Introduction. Much like how you can't really talk about Rhydon with mentioning Zapdos, I think you should note how decisive an advantage having Nidoking is going into the Electrode matchup.

Other Options
I still think Thunder could at least get a mention here. Surely it's better than Submission...
In actuality though, both these calcs are pretty neat:
Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Blastoise: 127-150 (35.1 - 41.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Nidoking Thunder vs. Blastoise: 161-190 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- 22.3% chance to 2HKO
If Blastoise takes some chip, like say from a Seismic Toss from Blastoise or an Earthquake from Nidoking on the way in, Thunder gets a KO that Thunderbolt generally doesn't in two hits. Another use is revenge killing a Blastoise at an awkward HP spot, such as after taking a +2 Hyper Beam from Charizard.
Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Seadra: 119-140 (38 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Nidoking Thunder vs. Seadra: 149-176 (47.6 - 56.2%) -- 85.2% chance to 2HKO
This one is pretty self-explanatory.


Anyway, seems fine. QC 2/2.
 

Sabelette

from the river to the sea
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnus
In actuality though, both these calcs are pretty neat:
Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Blastoise: 127-150 (35.1 - 41.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Nidoking Thunder vs. Blastoise: 161-190 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- 22.3% chance to 2HKO
If Blastoise takes some chip, like say from a Seismic Toss from Blastoise or an Earthquake from Nidoking on the way in, Thunder gets a KO that Thunderbolt generally doesn't in two hits. Another use is revenge killing a Blastoise at an awkward HP spot, such as after taking a +2 Hyper Beam from Charizard.
Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Blastoise after 1 Seismic Toss: 127-150 (35.1 - 41.5%) -- 95.7% chance to 2HKO
Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Blastoise after minimum roll Earthquake: 127-150 (35.1 - 41.5%) -- 97.9% chance to 2HKO
Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Blastoise after max roll Earthquake: 127-150 (35.1 - 41.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Nidoking Thunder vs. Blastoise after max roll Earthquake: 161-190 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Nidoking Thunderbolt vs. Seadra: 119-140 (38 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Nidoking Thunder vs. Seadra: 149-176 (47.6 - 56.2%) -- 85.2% chance to 2HKO
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
Not really? Factoring miss chance this is a 42% 2HKO with a 51% chance to end up in a horrible spot.
 

Adeleine

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(AC): Add Comma

[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is the most diverse threat in RBY NU and boasts several key strengths that differentiate it from other midgame mid-game attackers. Nidoking has the best coverage in the tier and boasts access to super effective coverage against for nearly every foe, (AC) as well as STAB Earthquake for powerful neutral damage. Nidoking's Electric-type Its Electric immunity grants it entry against opposing Thunder Wave and Thunderbolt users, blessing Nidoking with a variety of effective entry points into a match. Nidoking exploits this easily as points. For example, one's own Mr. Mime or Clefable often baits in and paralyzes their opposing counterpart, after which Nidoking can switch in to into the predicted Thunder Wave and (if not this, pls clarify) threaten them heavily. This immunity additionally makes Nidoking a hard counter to Electrode, helping to protect teams from a surprise sweep and exploiting Electrode for free turns. Nidoking can clean up endgames against the tier's various Water-types and Golem due to its superior Speed, 2HKOing Kingler, Kabutops, and Golem before they are able to 2HKO back.

Despite these advantages, Nidoking's typing is a double-edged sword and its Speed leaves it vulnerable to Mr. Mime and Venomoth. Nidoking's Poison typing adds a weakness to Psychic- and Ground-type attacks, weaknesses to Psychic and Earthquake, making nearly all of Nidoking's matchups risky for both sides, as every top Pokemon in NU has at least one super effective attack against it. Nidoking competes with Golem for a teamslot, in particular missing out on Golem's superior typing. Golem's Rock typing grants it useful Normal- and Fire-type Normal and Fire resistances as well as STAB on Rock Slide, whereas Nidoking misses the OHKO against Charizard and has generally worse type matchups. Also, Nidoking will come out of leave even victorious fights at low HP, and this is where its imperfect Speed becomes noticeable, as Mr. Mime, Venomoth, and all Fire-types are able to can revenge kill it with ease. Venomoth especially punishes an early Nidoking entry, (AC) as it is only 3HKOed by Earthquake, allowing it to switch in, (AC) and gain massive momentum with Sleep Powder, (AC) and then threaten Stun Spore on the switch-in.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Blizzard
move 4: Rock Slide

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Earthquake is Nidoking's strongest move, (AC) particularly against Mr. Mime, Clefable, and Kabutops, (AC) as well as an effective midground option to cover most switches. Thunderbolt covers the Water-types of the tier, 3HKOing Blastoise and Seadra and 2HKOing the others, while also dealing decent damage to Charizard or Moltres. Blizzard grants a 2HKO against 2HKOes Golem and Exeggcute while also covering Flying-type switches, acting as a generally safe midground option. Rock Slide provides a 2HKO against Charizard and Moltres, both of which are too bulky to be 2HKOed by for Blizzard or Thunderbolt to 2HKO; Charizard is KOed by either Blizzard or Thunderbolt followed by Rock Slide, while Moltres's bulk means it will usually survive Blizzard + Rock Slide. Moltres generally requires two Rock Slides to 2HKO. (I imagine?) While the overlapping coverage may seem like overkill, Nidoking is capable of at worst 3HKOing can at worst 3HKO every single Pokemon in NU with this set, (AC) and the overlapping coverage usually makes it nearly impossible near-impossible to safely switch into Nidoking in most situations.

Utilizing Nidoking effectively requires both an awareness of how and when to get it into battle and of battle, as well as knowing how to utilize midground options to cover switches without giving up KO opportunities. KOs. Nidoking can effectively enter battle in situations where when opposing Mr. Mime or Clefable are is likely to use Thunder Wave or Thunderbolt. As these Pokemon often trade hits with their opposing counterparts, only to be revenge killed after, it is important to set up mismatched situations such as situations: for example, getting your own Mr. Mime against opposing in on Blastoise to incentivize the opponent to switch their Thunder Wave user Mr. Mime or Clefable (I imagine?) into paralysis. This allows you to switch Nidoking into their retaliatory Thunder Wave and take advantage of the situation. Nidoking can also enter to revenge kill targets such as Water-types, Golem, and Clefable regardless of paralysis, whether they're paralyzed, (I imagine?) especially later in the game when sleep is no longer a concern. Once Nidoking enters battle, the opponent is put under pressure pressured to either sacrifice their current Pokemon to chip Nidoking or to try to find a relatively safe switch, such as getting Mr. Mime in against a special attack or Charizard in against Earthquake. For example, Nidoking can 2HKO Kabutops with either two Earthquakes or Thunderbolt + Earthquake; the former provides safe entry to Charizard, (AC) while Thunderbolt allows Mr. Mime in to force Nidoking out. Awareness of these Knowing Nidoking's KO ranges and the opponent's switch options allows Nidoking it to heavily punish desperate switches while still securing KOs if the opponent foe stays in.

Nidoking partners well with paralysis spreaders such as Mr. Mime, Clefable, and Venomoth, which as mentioned can slow opponents down for Nidoking and bait retaliatory responses that Nidoking exploits. Mr. Mime, as mentioned, and other paralysis spreaders such as Clefable, Venomoth work the same way. Besides baiting opposing Thunder Wave, they also slow foes down for Nidoking. Exeggcute can also create mismatches by checking Mr. Mime, and it may even paralyze some foe or use Explosion to grant Nidoking a perfect entry point. (make sure egg implementation makes sense and change if needed. notably, your wording kinda implied egg paralyzing something was rare; if that's not the case, i'd recommend like "and it paralyzing something or using Explosion may even grant..." maybe? do whatever's best) It also pairs well with Water-types such as the ubiquitous Blastoise that bait Blastoise, which baits Electric-type moves later in the game late-game (if appropriate) and help helps to chip down bulkier foes, (AC) such as Blastoise and Charizard, (AC) for Nidoking to later remove; in return, Nidoking helps to insulate Water-type allies against Water-types from a potential Electrode sweep and finish KOs for them. Blastoise and Kingler also often find opportunities to catch switches with Body Slam, potentially paralyzing more opponents. Exeggcute can be an effective partner for Nidoking by checking opposing Mr. Mime to create mismatches later, and it may even be able to paralyze something or use Explosion to grant Nidoking a perfect entry point.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Nidoking's other options all end up surprisingly lacking. Substitute looks initially looks appealing, but Nidoking's lower bulk means that after using Substitute twice, (AC) it is in OHKO range of most of the tier, unlike Golem. Body Slam can potentially paralyze, but this is unreliable and it deals poor damage compared to every other option. Thunder's power allows it to rarely secure 2HKOs that Thunderbolt misses, but the odds are extremely low; its best roll feat is a 42% chance to 2HKO Seadra after considering accuracy. Overall, the loss in consistency often leaves Nidoking in a far worse position than simply using Thunderbolt. Fire Blast seems like it could cover Venomoth, but it only has a 40% chance to 2HKO and otherwise provides very little. Finally, Submission to hit Clefable is useless, (AC) as it has only slightly more power than Earthquake with far worse accuracy. Any of these options create exploitable holes in Nidoking's coverage and should generally not be considered. (if you want to keep "generally", i'd add a situation where they could be considered. or you could do like "realistically never" maybe)

Checks and Counters
===================
**Venomoth**: Venomoth is perhaps the premiere premier Nidoking check, easily landing sleep in revenge retaliation if Nidoking attempts to secure an early game secures an early-game KO. Venomoth also outspeeds and 3HKOes Nidoking while being one of the few Pokemon with the bulk and typing to be only 3HKOed back, allowing Venomoth to stop Nidoking even late-game. Nidoking also essentially cannot switch into Venomoth, as Stun Spore paralysis leaves it ineffective and Double-Edge often leaves it in range of a Psychic 2HKO.

**Mr. Mime**: Mr. Mime outspeeds and 2HKOes Nidoking, who which usually 2HKOes can't OHKO back. Mr. Mime cannot switch in, but unparalyzed Mr. Mime easily revenges revenge kills Nidoking and is difficult to switch into itself, shifting the momentum back to the opponent. from Nidoking's team with a successful entry. (I imagine this makes sense?) Nidoking should not revenge kill early-game (added hyphen) due to the threat of Mr. Mime revenge killing it, (AC) even when facing Venomoth-less teams.

**Clefable**: Clefable is slower than Nidoking, but Blizzard 2HKOes while and Nidoking can only 3HKO. Also, Body Slam also can paralyze Nidoking as it tries to enter, hamstringing it permanently.

**Seadra and Blastoise**: Both Seadra and Blastoise are 3HKOed by Thunderbolt while 2HKOing in return. Seadra notably Speed ties Nidoking and can set up Agility to ensure it will get at least one more can use another attack after KOing Nidoking. Blastoise can check Nidoking in a pinch, though its utility as a check to other Pokemon means it will rarely want to take this fight. It also cannot switch in and win, as it is slower than Nidoking.

**Faster Pokemon**: A number of fast Pokemon can check Nidoking given its propensity for taking heavy damage when trading hits. Charizard and Moltres can switch into Earthquake and outspeed Nidoking, with Moltres even 2HKOing it with Fire Blast. Charizard normally needs mild chip damage or a critical hit in order to win the one-on-one but one-on-one, but it can also win with a Fire Spin or two, though this is an uncommon set. Raticate has a 51% chance to 2HKO with Super Fang + Hyper Beam, (AC) while Nidoking only has a 23.5% chance to 2HKO with Earthquake, and after a mere 8% chip damage, (AC) the 2HKO becomes guaranteed. Ninetales and Fearow can defeat Nidoking after approximately 15-20% chip damage as well.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Sabelette, 583793]]
- Quality checked by: [[nicole7735, 593847], [,]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429], [,]]
 
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