[OVERVIEW]
Nidoqueen has found a home in OU as a surprisingly versatile Pokemon. It's a great fit on stall builds with access to both Stealth Rock and, notably, Toxic Spikes. With key resistances to Rock- and Fighting-type attacks through its Poison / Ground typing, Nidoqueen is a great defensive check to Pokemon like Breloom, Lucario, Tyranitar, and sometimes even Infernape. Over time, Nidoqueen has proven to fit very well on balanced builds and even offense, clearing Toxic Spikes on entry and setting up its own entry hazards to support its offensive teammates. Defensive Pokemon can sometimes find themselves irritated by Nidoqueen, as its typing grants it an immunity to both Thunder Wave and Toxic. On top of that, its movepool is quite vast, so it can be molded to suit a team's needs very often.
However, Nidoqueen's biggest weakness is its lack of reliable healing, meaning it gets chipped down really easily by a myriad of offensive threats and even defensive ones as well. Its base stats are underwhelming for OU, with decent defenses at best and subpar Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. While it is a great fit on stall builds, it can also be a detriment by being setup fodder for Spikes users like Skarmory and Roserade as well as setup sweepers like Calm Mind Suicune, Calm Mind Clefable, and Dragon Dance Gyarados if it doesn't have the right moveset.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Protect
move 3: Earthquake / Earth Power
move 4: Ice Beam / Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
item: Black Sludge
ability: Poison Point
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Toxic Spikes is Nidoqueen's niche, as it is one of the most consistent and bulky users of the move in OU, so it's a mandatory moveslot. Although it can use Stealth Rock instead of Protect, Nidoqueen prefers the latter to take advantage of potential sand, receive additional Leftovers recovery to make up for its lack of a recovery move of its own outside of Rest, and scout Choice item users like Flygon and Jirachi. Protect can also be used in conjunction with Toxic Spikes to wear down opposing Pokemon with residual poison damage. However, often teams that use Nidoqueen will want it to use both entry hazards, so using Stealth Rock over Protect will be mandatory if nothing else on the team can better use Stealth Rock.
Earthquake is Nidoqueen's strongest STAB move, hitting Pokemon like Tyranitar, Heatran, and even Jirachi quite hard. Earth Power is an option over Earthquake to hit Metagross harder that also allows Nidoqueen to use a Bold nature instead, but if using Earth Power, Nidoqueen should use Flamethrower or Thunderbolt to take advantage of being faster than most Skarmory. Nidoqueen can also use Roar over a Ground-type move on a set that has Toxic Spikes, Ice Beam, and Roar, but this is only recommended on full stall builds.
The fourth move is quite flexible, but Ice Beam is the most recommended to give Nidoqueen leverage against Pokemon like Gliscor, Dragonite, Flygon, and Breloom all at once. Flamethrower is a solid option for Skarmory, Forretress, and Scizor, particularly the Swords Dance variant of the latter. Fire Blast could be used for its increased power, but this will likely be more unreliable versus Skarmory and Scizor because of its low PP and chance to miss; the extra damage output is typically not worth it because Fire Blast can likely still be stalled out with Roost from specially defensive Skarmory. Furthermore, since Flamethrower has more PP, Nidoqueen overall will have a higher chance to inflict a burn or get a critical hit. Thunderbolt can be used if a team has trouble with Gyarados and does not want to give it any initiative, but this move will not OHKO it unless it takes damage from Stealth Rock and two turns of sand or one turn of Life Orb damage; Thunderbolt hits Skarmory as well. The issue with Thunderbolt, however, is that ultimately it is inferior to Ice Beam or Flamethrower because it makes Nidoqueen unable to check Breloom.
Set Details
========
HP and Defense are maximized so Nidoqueen can take physical attacks from the likes of Dragonite, Tyranitar, Infernape, and Lucario as well as possible. Black Sludge is used to give Nidoqueen passive recovery and can be nice for punishing Trick users like Jirachi, Latias, and Rotom-A. A Relaxed nature is recommended because Nidoqueen is typically a mixed attacker.
Nidoqueen can opt for a Bold nature if using Earth Power, which allows it to outspeed most Skarmory. However, this is only recommended if opting for Flamethrower or Thunderbolt to damage Skarmory. While Nidoqueen is not a good Skarmory check even with these moves, as they likely will do less than 50% to it, they do prevent it from being able to freely set up on Nidoqueen with little to no consequence, which is the case if opting for Ice Beam.
Usage Tips
========
You need to be somewhat careful when using Nidoqueen because one of its biggest weaknesses is that it can be chipped down easily, so try to use its Poison / Ground typing to your advantage by pivoting it into attacks or status moves it's immune to. Also, identifying Pokemon with Choice items will make it easier to get Nidoqueen on the battlefield, as its many resistances can help it take advantage of bad locks. When considering which entry hazard to use first, usually Stealth Rock is the most important one, as no matter what comes in, something will take damage. Identify the type of team you are facing before laying down two layers of Toxic Spikes, as more offensive teams will actually be crippled more by only one layer. This is because they need to stay in for a few turns to take more damage from two layers of Toxic Spikes than just one. If you know that your opponent is using Starmie, you can try to bait it out and double switch to a counter; this is especially effective if you use a Pursuit trapper like Tyranitar or Weavile. Try to take advantage of Nidoqueen's Poison Point by sending it in on Pokemon that spam U-turn and other physical attacks, provided that it will take minimal damage in the process. For example, because Nidoqueen can threaten Breloom with Ice Beam, you can force Breloom to use Spore, which ideally Breloom wants to delay for as long as possible. Even while Nidoqueen is asleep, you can still pivot it into U-turn users to threaten Pokemon with Poison Point, switch it into Trick and give away a Black Sludge, and also clear Toxic Spikes from your side of the field. If you opt for a rarer move like Flamethrower or Thunderbolt, try your best to keep it concealed until necessary to reveal it so you may surprise your opponent. If you are using a Pokemon with Wish support alongside Nidoqueen or you opt for Protect over Stealth Rock, you can afford to be a bit more lenient with conserving its health, which can be incredibly rewarding because it can result in more pressure with entry hazards and certain offenses having a harder time breaking it.
Team Options
========
Nidoqueen appreciates teammates that can handle Water-types, Skarmory, and strong special attackers well. Ghost-type Pokemon like Gengar and Rotom-A are naturally a great fit with Nidoqueen, as they function as secondary Fighting-type checks and spinblockers for all of Nidoqueen's entry hazards. Rotom-A is better versus Starmie than Gengar, but the Choice Scarf variants of each can outspeed Starmie and OHKO it with their STAB moves. Choice Scarf Rotom-A is a great countermeasure to Dragon Dance Gyarados, which also benefits Nidoqueen. Tyranitar can do well versus Water-types and strong special attackers with its incredible special bulk and Passho Berry, and it can consistently trap Starmie, which assists with Nidoqueen's entry hazards. Tyranitar's Sand Stream also assists Nidoqueen with wearing down its foes and restoring its passive recovery in case it faces a hail-inducing Pokemon like Abomasnow. Weavile is also a wonderful partner for Nidoqueen on more offensive builds, as the two have good type synergy. Nidoqueen also removes opposing Toxic Spikes from the field on entry, and Weavile can trap Starmie with Pursuit, forcing it into a mind game by also packing Night Slash. Magnezone can trap Skarmory and other troubling Steel-types like Bronzong and Choice Scarf Jirachi while doing decently versus Water-types, but this compounds a a Ground-type weakness, and a backup plan should be in store for Shed Shell Skarmory.
Since Nidoqueen does amazingly versus Breloom, which can often be the bane of a stall build's existence, Skarmory and Latias fit well to stop Breloom after Nidoqueen forces it to use Spore. Skarmory itself has great type synergy with Nidoqueen and can assist in setting up entry hazards as well as soft check threats like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Flygon. Bulkier variants of Latias can soft check Gyarados. Nidoqueen and Latias form a strong core of Fighting-resistant Pokemon. Latias can also switch into Ground-, Water-, and Psychic-type attacks aimed at Nidoqueen. A Calm Mind + Roar set can be used in conjunction with Toxic Spikes to spread poison.
Blissey and Clefable are great special walls that have good type synergy with Nidoqueen and can also handle all the special attacking Water-types. Milotic can also handle most Water-types, has great special bulk, and does particularly well versus Gyarados, which Nidoqueen detests. On top of that, Nidoqueen clears Toxic Spikes for Milotic, which can be a nuisance. Many other bulky Water-types like Vaporeon, some Kingdra, and Swampert pair well with Nidoqueen because they appreciate the removal of Toxic Spikes. In fact, the CroCune variant of Suicune both appreciates Nidoqueen removing Toxic Spikes and setting up its own against the opposing team. Blissey, Clefable, Latias, and Jirachi with Wish can also support Nidoqueen well. Specially defensive Empoleon makes for a good teammate that can use Stealth Rock and allow Nidoqueen to use Protect, but you should beware of the compounded Ground-type weakness.
Pokemon that appreciate Toxic Spikes support are also great teammates for Nidoqueen. Protect users like Torment Heatran, Calm Mind Raikou, and Leech Seed Shaymin can take advantage of Toxic Spikes. Heatran can do well versus Steel-types that give Nidoqueen some trouble, and Shaymin can do well versus Water-types. Celebi is another Grass-type that defensively synergizes well with Nidoqueen and can do decently versus Choice Band Gyarados and other Water-types; however, while Celebi brushes off Water- and Ground-type attacks aimed at Nidoqueen, and Nidoqueen takes Bug-type attacks like U-turn aimed at Celebi, they are both weak to Ice, so this should be considered when pairing the two together. Zapdos can add to a stall build and use a set like Substitute + Roost or even a Protect set to take advantage of Nidoqueen's Toxic Spikes. Lastly, Dugtrio can trap Poison-types that enter the battlefield to remove Toxic Spikes and hit them with a super effective Earthquake; however, beware that Nidoqueen and Dugtrio are both Ground-types, so many type weaknesses will be compounded.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Protect
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Black Sludge
ability: Poison Point
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set uses Special Defense investment to do better against certain threats like mixed Dragonite, Heatran, Infernape, Gengar, Rotom-A, and Zapdos. Toxic Spikes is a staple to Nidoqueen's niche in OU. While Protect is preferred, Stealth Rock will be mandatory for many teams that use Nidoqueen if nothing else can better fit the move.
Earthquake is Nidoqueen's preferred STAB attack for doing solid damage against Tyranitar and Heatran. Nidoqueen can also use Earth Power for more damage against Metagross and for a bit more Speed, but this is less recommended because Flamethrower and Thunderbolt aren't nearly as effective without Defense investment, and you'd also sacrifice Nidoqueen's damage output versus Infernape. This means that Nidoqueen has no move to pressure Skarmory, so the increased Speed isn't worth replacing Earthquake.
Ice Beam is the best option for the last moveslot because it takes advantage of Nidoqueen's heightened Special Defense by threatening mixed Dragonite and pressuring Zapdos into using Roost, allowing Nidoqueen to hit it harder with Earthquake. It also allows Nidoqueen to still do decently versus Breloom, hitting it super effectively.
Set Details
========
HP and Special Defense are maximized to make Nidoqueen as specially bulky as possible, which allows it to stand a chance versus mixed Dragonite and Gengar. On top of that, it allows Nidoqueen to reliably set up entry hazards on bulkier variants of Zapdos and Rotom-A that don't carry Will-O-Wisp as well. Interestingly, specially defensive Nidoqueen can more reliably cripple Trick Rotom-A with Black Sludge because it has an easier time entering in on Shadow Ball or even Hidden Power Ice from Choice Scarf variants, but it must beware of Choice Specs sets. Also, the passive recovery from Black Sludge can be taken advantage of even further by opting for Protect.
Usage Tips
========
Even though this Nidoqueen does decently versus mixed Dragonite, Gengar, Heatran, Rotom-A, and Zapdos, it must be careful when trying to match up versus all of those Pokemon. Nidoqueen only deals with mixed Dragonite reliably when it is at full health, and it needs to be at a reasonably high amount of health to come in on Gengar and at least guarantee that SubSplit variants don't maintain their Substitute. In terms of its health, the same can apply with the other aforementioned special attackers. Coming in on moves it's immune to will be very beneficial to this Nidoqueen. Be sure to evaluate whether one or two layers of Toxic Spikes should be used, and try to prioritize Stealth Rock. If needed, this Nidoqueen can sometimes stay in once versus Leftovers Starmie to hit it with an Earthquake and pressure it a bit more, but this usually isn't recommended. Even though Nidoqueen lacks investment in Defense, it can still take advantage of Poison Point, as it still takes Infernape's Close Combat decently and resists U-turn.
Team Options
========
Beyond the fact that Nidoqueen appreciates teammates that do well versus Water-types and Skarmory, Pokemon with more Defense investment will pair slightly better with specially defensive Nidoqueen, as it loses a large portion of its physically defensive value. Physically defensive Skarmory has great synergy with specially defensive Nidoqueen, and this core can be difficult to break. Because specially defensive Nidoqueen tends to check its foes much more effectively at higher health, Wish support is extremely helpful. Blissey, Clefable, Jirachi, and Vaporeon can effectively pass Wish to Nidoqueen, and the physically bulky Wish + Calm Mind variant of Jirachi has particularly nice synergy with specially defensive Nidoqueen.
Suicune and other bulky Water-types like Milotic, Kingdra, and Swampert appreciate Nidoqueen's support. Physically defensive Zapdos can sometimes dislike mixed Dragonite, so this combined with the natural synergy this Nidoqueen has with physically defensive Zapdos makes these two a fantastic pair. Bulkier Starmie, especially with Reflect, can pair well with this Nidoqueen, spinning away Spikes and setting up Reflect for Nidoqueen while Zapdos is handled naturally by Nidoqueen. Celebi appreciates the Toxic Spikes removal that Nidoqueen provides, and physically defensive variants have even better synergy with this Nidoqueen, taking Water- and Ground-type attacks aimed at it while it takes Bug-type attacks like U-turn; however, an Ice-type weakness will be compounded when pairing these two together.
Tyranitar combined with this Nidoqueen can give many special attackers a hard time, but there should be reassurance versus Water-types, whether it be through a Passho Berry Tyranitar variant or with a Grass-type like Leech Seed Shaymin or Celebi. This Nidoqueen is still countered by Starmie, most variants of which Tyranitar will consistently trap. Tyranitar's Sand Stream also helps wear down opposing Pokemon. Weavile can also work effectively with specially defensive Nidoqueen, which effectively combats Heatran; in return, Weavile's Pursuit will be greatly beneficial to Nidoqueen, and the removal of Toxic Spikes will increase its longevity. Magnezone can pair well to trap Skarmory, but it must beware of Shed Shell and a compounded Ground-type weakness. Ghost-type Pokemon like Gengar and Rotom-A function as secondary Fighting-type answers and spinblockers for all of Nidoqueen's entry hazards; physically defensive Rotom-A synergizes especially well with specially defensive Nidoqueen.
Anything that appreciates Toxic Spikes support, such as Protect users like Leech Seed Shaymin, Calm Mind Raikou, and Heatran, will pair well with Nidoqueen. Dugtrio can work with specially defensive Nidoqueen to punish physically defensive Nidoqueen and other Poison-types that enter to remove Toxic Spikes and hit them with a STAB Earthquake, but many weaknesses will be compounded due to Dugtrio's poor defenses and its shared Ground typing.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Nidoqueen's movepool is shockingly diverse, so it can employ some interesting strategies. Pursuit can be used to trap Choice Scarf Rotom-A that's locked into Thunderbolt for a decent amount of damage. Crunch can be used as a surprise move versus a Rotom-A that is locked into Shadow Ball and even to devastate Gengar, but this move is not recommended over other options, and Nidoqueen still has to beware of Will-O-Wisp. Taunt can be used if Nidoqueen is faster than Skarmory to prevent it from setting up entry hazards. Super Fang is an option for consistent damage output versus bulkier Pokemon. Because Nidoqueen has decent HP and good physical bulk, it could potentially use Counter to surprise Pokemon like Choice Band Tyranitar, but this is a very gimmicky strategy. Icy Wind could be used in place of Ice Beam to slow down threats like mixed Dragonite, but the loss of power and chance to freeze is discouraging. Nidoqueen also has access to Rain Dance and Sunny Day and could potentially be a good hazard stacking weather supporter, but those types of teams generally do not need Toxic Spikes, and other Pokemon do it better. Whirlpool is an option to trap something that greedily stays in, like Clefable or Blissey that want to heal, which could allow Nidoqueen to stack entry hazards, but this is likely a waste of a moveslot. Nidoqueen can use Passho Berry on the Thunderbolt set, which makes it more effective versus Gyarados, a common target of the set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Water-types are Nidoqueen's worst enemy. Kingdra, Starmie, Swampert, and Suicune work best, as these Pokemon shrug off Nidoqueen's attacks with ease. Kingdra has decent defenses, so it won't mind an Earthquake too much and can set up Dragon Dance or Rain Dance as well as threaten Nidoqueen with its STAB Water-type attacks. If Kingdra uses Rest or even has Lum Berry, it can enter on Toxic Spikes. Starmie can spin away Nidoqueen's entry hazards and likely OHKO the physically defensive variant. Suicune can set up Substitute or Calm Mind on Nidoqueen and takes little damage from Earthquake. Swampert can threaten Nidoqueen with its STAB moves and set up Stealth Rock. Empoleon and Gyarados also do quite well versus Nidoqueen, but Empoleon needs to beware of Earthquake, and Gyarados will usually do amazingly versus Nidoqueen but needs to watch out for the very rare Thunderbolt variant.
**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon like Hippowdon and Mamoswine will typically do well versus Nidoqueen and threaten it with STAB Earthquake. Flygon and Gliscor do excellently versus Nidoqueen without Ice Beam, especially with their Ground immunity, which allows them to be immune to Toxic Spikes. Dugtrio can trap Nidoqueen and deal a massive amount of damage with a STAB Earthquake. Nidoqueen is not strong enough to OHKO a healthy Dugtrio and will usually be caught while setting up an entry hazard. However, Dugtrio needs to be careful, as entering in on an Earthquake can result in being unable to KO Nidoqueen.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Celebi and Shaymin resist Earthquake, do not take much from Ice Beam, are able to cure poison via Natural Cure, and threaten Nidoqueen with strong special attacks like Seed Flare, Earth Power, Psychic, and even Hidden Power Ice. Roserade and Venusaur can threaten Nidoqueen with Sleep Powder and strong special attacks, and both can remove Toxic Spikes on entry. Venusaur has more natural bulk than Roserade, so it likely won't mind an Earthquake, but Roserade has to be careful, as it is not likely to survive more than two Earthquakes unless it has significant defensive investment. Still, Nidoqueen has to be careful when matched up versus Roserade, which can sometimes use it to set up its Spikes and even Toxic Spikes.
**Special Attackers**: Since physically defensive Nidoqueen is the most common variant, special attackers like Gengar, Rotom-A, Heatran, Jirachi, and Dragonite can deal a tremendous amount of damage to Nidoqueen, although the latter three must watch out for super effective attacks like Earthquake and Ice Beam.
**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Pokemon that are immune to Nidoqueen's STAB Earthquake will typically do very well versus it, provided that Nidoqueen's fourth move does not hit them super effectively. Even though Zapdos can be walled by Nidoqueen, Hidden Power Ice will still chip it reasonably well, likely 2HKOing it if the Zapdos is offensive, but the specially defensive Nidoqueen can still use the less powerful variants of Zapdos to set up entry hazards. Without Ice Beam, Dragonite, Flygon, and Gliscor do exceptionally well versus Nidoqueen. Without Flamethrower or Thunderbolt, Skarmory does amazingly versus Nidoqueen and can set up its entry hazards.
**Setup Sweepers**: Pokemon like Scizor and Gyarados can use Nidoqueen to set up Swords Dance or Dragon Dance, but they must beware of Flamethrower and the rarer Thunderbolt variants.
**Will-O-Wisp Users**: Will-O-Wisp users like Gengar, Rotom-A, and Heatran can cripple Nidoqueen with a burn, which prevents it from recovering with Black Sludge or Leftovers and reduces the power of its Earthquake by half.
**Taunt Users**: Taunt users like Aerodactyl, Azelf, Gengar, and Skarmory can stop Nidoqueen from setting up its entry hazards and support other teammates in taking advantage of Nidoqueen's lack of power. In particular, Azelf takes negligible damage from anything Nidoqueen uses, can set up Stealth Rock or even Nasty Plot, and can take Nidoqueen out with Explosion if it doesn't have a Psychic-type attack with which to OHKO Nidoqueen.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Excal, 456373]]
- Quality checked by: [[Emeral, 72767], [Seven Thunders, 467063], [DeepBlueC, 307789]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Nidoqueen has found a home in OU as a surprisingly versatile Pokemon. It's a great fit on stall builds with access to both Stealth Rock and, notably, Toxic Spikes. With key resistances to Rock- and Fighting-type attacks through its Poison / Ground typing, Nidoqueen is a great defensive check to Pokemon like Breloom, Lucario, Tyranitar, and sometimes even Infernape. Over time, Nidoqueen has proven to fit very well on balanced builds and even offense, clearing Toxic Spikes on entry and setting up its own entry hazards to support its offensive teammates. Defensive Pokemon can sometimes find themselves irritated by Nidoqueen, as its typing grants it an immunity to both Thunder Wave and Toxic. On top of that, its movepool is quite vast, so it can be molded to suit a team's needs very often.
However, Nidoqueen's biggest weakness is its lack of reliable healing, meaning it gets chipped down really easily by a myriad of offensive threats and even defensive ones as well. Its base stats are underwhelming for OU, with decent defenses at best and subpar Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. While it is a great fit on stall builds, it can also be a detriment by being setup fodder for Spikes users like Skarmory and Roserade as well as setup sweepers like Calm Mind Suicune, Calm Mind Clefable, and Dragon Dance Gyarados if it doesn't have the right moveset.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Protect
move 3: Earthquake / Earth Power
move 4: Ice Beam / Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
item: Black Sludge
ability: Poison Point
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Toxic Spikes is Nidoqueen's niche, as it is one of the most consistent and bulky users of the move in OU, so it's a mandatory moveslot. Although it can use Stealth Rock instead of Protect, Nidoqueen prefers the latter to take advantage of potential sand, receive additional Leftovers recovery to make up for its lack of a recovery move of its own outside of Rest, and scout Choice item users like Flygon and Jirachi. Protect can also be used in conjunction with Toxic Spikes to wear down opposing Pokemon with residual poison damage. However, often teams that use Nidoqueen will want it to use both entry hazards, so using Stealth Rock over Protect will be mandatory if nothing else on the team can better use Stealth Rock.
Earthquake is Nidoqueen's strongest STAB move, hitting Pokemon like Tyranitar, Heatran, and even Jirachi quite hard. Earth Power is an option over Earthquake to hit Metagross harder that also allows Nidoqueen to use a Bold nature instead, but if using Earth Power, Nidoqueen should use Flamethrower or Thunderbolt to take advantage of being faster than most Skarmory. Nidoqueen can also use Roar over a Ground-type move on a set that has Toxic Spikes, Ice Beam, and Roar, but this is only recommended on full stall builds.
The fourth move is quite flexible, but Ice Beam is the most recommended to give Nidoqueen leverage against Pokemon like Gliscor, Dragonite, Flygon, and Breloom all at once. Flamethrower is a solid option for Skarmory, Forretress, and Scizor, particularly the Swords Dance variant of the latter. Fire Blast could be used for its increased power, but this will likely be more unreliable versus Skarmory and Scizor because of its low PP and chance to miss; the extra damage output is typically not worth it because Fire Blast can likely still be stalled out with Roost from specially defensive Skarmory. Furthermore, since Flamethrower has more PP, Nidoqueen overall will have a higher chance to inflict a burn or get a critical hit. Thunderbolt can be used if a team has trouble with Gyarados and does not want to give it any initiative, but this move will not OHKO it unless it takes damage from Stealth Rock and two turns of sand or one turn of Life Orb damage; Thunderbolt hits Skarmory as well. The issue with Thunderbolt, however, is that ultimately it is inferior to Ice Beam or Flamethrower because it makes Nidoqueen unable to check Breloom.
Set Details
========
HP and Defense are maximized so Nidoqueen can take physical attacks from the likes of Dragonite, Tyranitar, Infernape, and Lucario as well as possible. Black Sludge is used to give Nidoqueen passive recovery and can be nice for punishing Trick users like Jirachi, Latias, and Rotom-A. A Relaxed nature is recommended because Nidoqueen is typically a mixed attacker.
Nidoqueen can opt for a Bold nature if using Earth Power, which allows it to outspeed most Skarmory. However, this is only recommended if opting for Flamethrower or Thunderbolt to damage Skarmory. While Nidoqueen is not a good Skarmory check even with these moves, as they likely will do less than 50% to it, they do prevent it from being able to freely set up on Nidoqueen with little to no consequence, which is the case if opting for Ice Beam.
Usage Tips
========
You need to be somewhat careful when using Nidoqueen because one of its biggest weaknesses is that it can be chipped down easily, so try to use its Poison / Ground typing to your advantage by pivoting it into attacks or status moves it's immune to. Also, identifying Pokemon with Choice items will make it easier to get Nidoqueen on the battlefield, as its many resistances can help it take advantage of bad locks. When considering which entry hazard to use first, usually Stealth Rock is the most important one, as no matter what comes in, something will take damage. Identify the type of team you are facing before laying down two layers of Toxic Spikes, as more offensive teams will actually be crippled more by only one layer. This is because they need to stay in for a few turns to take more damage from two layers of Toxic Spikes than just one. If you know that your opponent is using Starmie, you can try to bait it out and double switch to a counter; this is especially effective if you use a Pursuit trapper like Tyranitar or Weavile. Try to take advantage of Nidoqueen's Poison Point by sending it in on Pokemon that spam U-turn and other physical attacks, provided that it will take minimal damage in the process. For example, because Nidoqueen can threaten Breloom with Ice Beam, you can force Breloom to use Spore, which ideally Breloom wants to delay for as long as possible. Even while Nidoqueen is asleep, you can still pivot it into U-turn users to threaten Pokemon with Poison Point, switch it into Trick and give away a Black Sludge, and also clear Toxic Spikes from your side of the field. If you opt for a rarer move like Flamethrower or Thunderbolt, try your best to keep it concealed until necessary to reveal it so you may surprise your opponent. If you are using a Pokemon with Wish support alongside Nidoqueen or you opt for Protect over Stealth Rock, you can afford to be a bit more lenient with conserving its health, which can be incredibly rewarding because it can result in more pressure with entry hazards and certain offenses having a harder time breaking it.
Team Options
========
Nidoqueen appreciates teammates that can handle Water-types, Skarmory, and strong special attackers well. Ghost-type Pokemon like Gengar and Rotom-A are naturally a great fit with Nidoqueen, as they function as secondary Fighting-type checks and spinblockers for all of Nidoqueen's entry hazards. Rotom-A is better versus Starmie than Gengar, but the Choice Scarf variants of each can outspeed Starmie and OHKO it with their STAB moves. Choice Scarf Rotom-A is a great countermeasure to Dragon Dance Gyarados, which also benefits Nidoqueen. Tyranitar can do well versus Water-types and strong special attackers with its incredible special bulk and Passho Berry, and it can consistently trap Starmie, which assists with Nidoqueen's entry hazards. Tyranitar's Sand Stream also assists Nidoqueen with wearing down its foes and restoring its passive recovery in case it faces a hail-inducing Pokemon like Abomasnow. Weavile is also a wonderful partner for Nidoqueen on more offensive builds, as the two have good type synergy. Nidoqueen also removes opposing Toxic Spikes from the field on entry, and Weavile can trap Starmie with Pursuit, forcing it into a mind game by also packing Night Slash. Magnezone can trap Skarmory and other troubling Steel-types like Bronzong and Choice Scarf Jirachi while doing decently versus Water-types, but this compounds a a Ground-type weakness, and a backup plan should be in store for Shed Shell Skarmory.
Since Nidoqueen does amazingly versus Breloom, which can often be the bane of a stall build's existence, Skarmory and Latias fit well to stop Breloom after Nidoqueen forces it to use Spore. Skarmory itself has great type synergy with Nidoqueen and can assist in setting up entry hazards as well as soft check threats like Dragon Dance Gyarados and Flygon. Bulkier variants of Latias can soft check Gyarados. Nidoqueen and Latias form a strong core of Fighting-resistant Pokemon. Latias can also switch into Ground-, Water-, and Psychic-type attacks aimed at Nidoqueen. A Calm Mind + Roar set can be used in conjunction with Toxic Spikes to spread poison.
Blissey and Clefable are great special walls that have good type synergy with Nidoqueen and can also handle all the special attacking Water-types. Milotic can also handle most Water-types, has great special bulk, and does particularly well versus Gyarados, which Nidoqueen detests. On top of that, Nidoqueen clears Toxic Spikes for Milotic, which can be a nuisance. Many other bulky Water-types like Vaporeon, some Kingdra, and Swampert pair well with Nidoqueen because they appreciate the removal of Toxic Spikes. In fact, the CroCune variant of Suicune both appreciates Nidoqueen removing Toxic Spikes and setting up its own against the opposing team. Blissey, Clefable, Latias, and Jirachi with Wish can also support Nidoqueen well. Specially defensive Empoleon makes for a good teammate that can use Stealth Rock and allow Nidoqueen to use Protect, but you should beware of the compounded Ground-type weakness.
Pokemon that appreciate Toxic Spikes support are also great teammates for Nidoqueen. Protect users like Torment Heatran, Calm Mind Raikou, and Leech Seed Shaymin can take advantage of Toxic Spikes. Heatran can do well versus Steel-types that give Nidoqueen some trouble, and Shaymin can do well versus Water-types. Celebi is another Grass-type that defensively synergizes well with Nidoqueen and can do decently versus Choice Band Gyarados and other Water-types; however, while Celebi brushes off Water- and Ground-type attacks aimed at Nidoqueen, and Nidoqueen takes Bug-type attacks like U-turn aimed at Celebi, they are both weak to Ice, so this should be considered when pairing the two together. Zapdos can add to a stall build and use a set like Substitute + Roost or even a Protect set to take advantage of Nidoqueen's Toxic Spikes. Lastly, Dugtrio can trap Poison-types that enter the battlefield to remove Toxic Spikes and hit them with a super effective Earthquake; however, beware that Nidoqueen and Dugtrio are both Ground-types, so many type weaknesses will be compounded.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Protect
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Black Sludge
ability: Poison Point
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set uses Special Defense investment to do better against certain threats like mixed Dragonite, Heatran, Infernape, Gengar, Rotom-A, and Zapdos. Toxic Spikes is a staple to Nidoqueen's niche in OU. While Protect is preferred, Stealth Rock will be mandatory for many teams that use Nidoqueen if nothing else can better fit the move.
Earthquake is Nidoqueen's preferred STAB attack for doing solid damage against Tyranitar and Heatran. Nidoqueen can also use Earth Power for more damage against Metagross and for a bit more Speed, but this is less recommended because Flamethrower and Thunderbolt aren't nearly as effective without Defense investment, and you'd also sacrifice Nidoqueen's damage output versus Infernape. This means that Nidoqueen has no move to pressure Skarmory, so the increased Speed isn't worth replacing Earthquake.
Ice Beam is the best option for the last moveslot because it takes advantage of Nidoqueen's heightened Special Defense by threatening mixed Dragonite and pressuring Zapdos into using Roost, allowing Nidoqueen to hit it harder with Earthquake. It also allows Nidoqueen to still do decently versus Breloom, hitting it super effectively.
Set Details
========
HP and Special Defense are maximized to make Nidoqueen as specially bulky as possible, which allows it to stand a chance versus mixed Dragonite and Gengar. On top of that, it allows Nidoqueen to reliably set up entry hazards on bulkier variants of Zapdos and Rotom-A that don't carry Will-O-Wisp as well. Interestingly, specially defensive Nidoqueen can more reliably cripple Trick Rotom-A with Black Sludge because it has an easier time entering in on Shadow Ball or even Hidden Power Ice from Choice Scarf variants, but it must beware of Choice Specs sets. Also, the passive recovery from Black Sludge can be taken advantage of even further by opting for Protect.
Usage Tips
========
Even though this Nidoqueen does decently versus mixed Dragonite, Gengar, Heatran, Rotom-A, and Zapdos, it must be careful when trying to match up versus all of those Pokemon. Nidoqueen only deals with mixed Dragonite reliably when it is at full health, and it needs to be at a reasonably high amount of health to come in on Gengar and at least guarantee that SubSplit variants don't maintain their Substitute. In terms of its health, the same can apply with the other aforementioned special attackers. Coming in on moves it's immune to will be very beneficial to this Nidoqueen. Be sure to evaluate whether one or two layers of Toxic Spikes should be used, and try to prioritize Stealth Rock. If needed, this Nidoqueen can sometimes stay in once versus Leftovers Starmie to hit it with an Earthquake and pressure it a bit more, but this usually isn't recommended. Even though Nidoqueen lacks investment in Defense, it can still take advantage of Poison Point, as it still takes Infernape's Close Combat decently and resists U-turn.
Team Options
========
Beyond the fact that Nidoqueen appreciates teammates that do well versus Water-types and Skarmory, Pokemon with more Defense investment will pair slightly better with specially defensive Nidoqueen, as it loses a large portion of its physically defensive value. Physically defensive Skarmory has great synergy with specially defensive Nidoqueen, and this core can be difficult to break. Because specially defensive Nidoqueen tends to check its foes much more effectively at higher health, Wish support is extremely helpful. Blissey, Clefable, Jirachi, and Vaporeon can effectively pass Wish to Nidoqueen, and the physically bulky Wish + Calm Mind variant of Jirachi has particularly nice synergy with specially defensive Nidoqueen.
Suicune and other bulky Water-types like Milotic, Kingdra, and Swampert appreciate Nidoqueen's support. Physically defensive Zapdos can sometimes dislike mixed Dragonite, so this combined with the natural synergy this Nidoqueen has with physically defensive Zapdos makes these two a fantastic pair. Bulkier Starmie, especially with Reflect, can pair well with this Nidoqueen, spinning away Spikes and setting up Reflect for Nidoqueen while Zapdos is handled naturally by Nidoqueen. Celebi appreciates the Toxic Spikes removal that Nidoqueen provides, and physically defensive variants have even better synergy with this Nidoqueen, taking Water- and Ground-type attacks aimed at it while it takes Bug-type attacks like U-turn; however, an Ice-type weakness will be compounded when pairing these two together.
Tyranitar combined with this Nidoqueen can give many special attackers a hard time, but there should be reassurance versus Water-types, whether it be through a Passho Berry Tyranitar variant or with a Grass-type like Leech Seed Shaymin or Celebi. This Nidoqueen is still countered by Starmie, most variants of which Tyranitar will consistently trap. Tyranitar's Sand Stream also helps wear down opposing Pokemon. Weavile can also work effectively with specially defensive Nidoqueen, which effectively combats Heatran; in return, Weavile's Pursuit will be greatly beneficial to Nidoqueen, and the removal of Toxic Spikes will increase its longevity. Magnezone can pair well to trap Skarmory, but it must beware of Shed Shell and a compounded Ground-type weakness. Ghost-type Pokemon like Gengar and Rotom-A function as secondary Fighting-type answers and spinblockers for all of Nidoqueen's entry hazards; physically defensive Rotom-A synergizes especially well with specially defensive Nidoqueen.
Anything that appreciates Toxic Spikes support, such as Protect users like Leech Seed Shaymin, Calm Mind Raikou, and Heatran, will pair well with Nidoqueen. Dugtrio can work with specially defensive Nidoqueen to punish physically defensive Nidoqueen and other Poison-types that enter to remove Toxic Spikes and hit them with a STAB Earthquake, but many weaknesses will be compounded due to Dugtrio's poor defenses and its shared Ground typing.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Nidoqueen's movepool is shockingly diverse, so it can employ some interesting strategies. Pursuit can be used to trap Choice Scarf Rotom-A that's locked into Thunderbolt for a decent amount of damage. Crunch can be used as a surprise move versus a Rotom-A that is locked into Shadow Ball and even to devastate Gengar, but this move is not recommended over other options, and Nidoqueen still has to beware of Will-O-Wisp. Taunt can be used if Nidoqueen is faster than Skarmory to prevent it from setting up entry hazards. Super Fang is an option for consistent damage output versus bulkier Pokemon. Because Nidoqueen has decent HP and good physical bulk, it could potentially use Counter to surprise Pokemon like Choice Band Tyranitar, but this is a very gimmicky strategy. Icy Wind could be used in place of Ice Beam to slow down threats like mixed Dragonite, but the loss of power and chance to freeze is discouraging. Nidoqueen also has access to Rain Dance and Sunny Day and could potentially be a good hazard stacking weather supporter, but those types of teams generally do not need Toxic Spikes, and other Pokemon do it better. Whirlpool is an option to trap something that greedily stays in, like Clefable or Blissey that want to heal, which could allow Nidoqueen to stack entry hazards, but this is likely a waste of a moveslot. Nidoqueen can use Passho Berry on the Thunderbolt set, which makes it more effective versus Gyarados, a common target of the set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Water-types are Nidoqueen's worst enemy. Kingdra, Starmie, Swampert, and Suicune work best, as these Pokemon shrug off Nidoqueen's attacks with ease. Kingdra has decent defenses, so it won't mind an Earthquake too much and can set up Dragon Dance or Rain Dance as well as threaten Nidoqueen with its STAB Water-type attacks. If Kingdra uses Rest or even has Lum Berry, it can enter on Toxic Spikes. Starmie can spin away Nidoqueen's entry hazards and likely OHKO the physically defensive variant. Suicune can set up Substitute or Calm Mind on Nidoqueen and takes little damage from Earthquake. Swampert can threaten Nidoqueen with its STAB moves and set up Stealth Rock. Empoleon and Gyarados also do quite well versus Nidoqueen, but Empoleon needs to beware of Earthquake, and Gyarados will usually do amazingly versus Nidoqueen but needs to watch out for the very rare Thunderbolt variant.
**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon like Hippowdon and Mamoswine will typically do well versus Nidoqueen and threaten it with STAB Earthquake. Flygon and Gliscor do excellently versus Nidoqueen without Ice Beam, especially with their Ground immunity, which allows them to be immune to Toxic Spikes. Dugtrio can trap Nidoqueen and deal a massive amount of damage with a STAB Earthquake. Nidoqueen is not strong enough to OHKO a healthy Dugtrio and will usually be caught while setting up an entry hazard. However, Dugtrio needs to be careful, as entering in on an Earthquake can result in being unable to KO Nidoqueen.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Celebi and Shaymin resist Earthquake, do not take much from Ice Beam, are able to cure poison via Natural Cure, and threaten Nidoqueen with strong special attacks like Seed Flare, Earth Power, Psychic, and even Hidden Power Ice. Roserade and Venusaur can threaten Nidoqueen with Sleep Powder and strong special attacks, and both can remove Toxic Spikes on entry. Venusaur has more natural bulk than Roserade, so it likely won't mind an Earthquake, but Roserade has to be careful, as it is not likely to survive more than two Earthquakes unless it has significant defensive investment. Still, Nidoqueen has to be careful when matched up versus Roserade, which can sometimes use it to set up its Spikes and even Toxic Spikes.
**Special Attackers**: Since physically defensive Nidoqueen is the most common variant, special attackers like Gengar, Rotom-A, Heatran, Jirachi, and Dragonite can deal a tremendous amount of damage to Nidoqueen, although the latter three must watch out for super effective attacks like Earthquake and Ice Beam.
**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Pokemon that are immune to Nidoqueen's STAB Earthquake will typically do very well versus it, provided that Nidoqueen's fourth move does not hit them super effectively. Even though Zapdos can be walled by Nidoqueen, Hidden Power Ice will still chip it reasonably well, likely 2HKOing it if the Zapdos is offensive, but the specially defensive Nidoqueen can still use the less powerful variants of Zapdos to set up entry hazards. Without Ice Beam, Dragonite, Flygon, and Gliscor do exceptionally well versus Nidoqueen. Without Flamethrower or Thunderbolt, Skarmory does amazingly versus Nidoqueen and can set up its entry hazards.
**Setup Sweepers**: Pokemon like Scizor and Gyarados can use Nidoqueen to set up Swords Dance or Dragon Dance, but they must beware of Flamethrower and the rarer Thunderbolt variants.
**Will-O-Wisp Users**: Will-O-Wisp users like Gengar, Rotom-A, and Heatran can cripple Nidoqueen with a burn, which prevents it from recovering with Black Sludge or Leftovers and reduces the power of its Earthquake by half.
**Taunt Users**: Taunt users like Aerodactyl, Azelf, Gengar, and Skarmory can stop Nidoqueen from setting up its entry hazards and support other teammates in taking advantage of Nidoqueen's lack of power. In particular, Azelf takes negligible damage from anything Nidoqueen uses, can set up Stealth Rock or even Nasty Plot, and can take Nidoqueen out with Explosion if it doesn't have a Psychic-type attack with which to OHKO Nidoqueen.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Excal, 456373]]
- Quality checked by: [[Emeral, 72767], [Seven Thunders, 467063], [DeepBlueC, 307789]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
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