How to Find (& Catch) Nihilego in Pokémon Sword and Shield

Nihilego is one of the many legendaries that have returned for the Dynamax Adventures in Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra Expansion. This alien life form was first introduced in the Sun and Moon games, where it came from another world. It’s a parasite that lives off other living beings, controlling them with it’s powerful neurotoxins.

This Ultra Beast is a Rock and Poison type; the only Pokémon with that type combination as of Generation 8. They have very high special Attack and defense in exchange for weak physical stats, but have a respectable base speed to compensate. This makes it a great candidate to set up entry hazards like Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rocks, while also dishing out competent special damage with a variety of moves like Thunderbolt and Psychic. Here’s how trainers can add this alluring oddity to their team.

Defeating Nihilego in the Dynamax Adventures

Unlike other legendaries, Nihilego cannot be found out in the wild or in any specific cave. The only way to find one is by playing through the Dynamax Adventures and encountering it as the boss. As each legendary is chosen at random, facing up against this parasite is pure chance. However, once players fight it once, they can do so again at any time. The receptionist offers to save the location of any legendary players find, allowing trainers to find it guaranteed. Those that have access to Dynamax Adventures cannot fight Nihilego straight away, as they need to complete Peony’s clues to make Ultra Beasts appear as bosses in the den. Thankfully, so long as one person has access to them, they can bring their friends along to give them a chance at catching it.

Speaking of catching, all catches are guaranteed in Dynamax Adventures; provided the player’s squad can beat them. Given the power granted by Dynamaxing, this can prove to be a challenge. Although players can prepare for what moves Nihilego has, given they’re the same every time, trainers cannot bring their own Pokémon on adventures. Only the rentals given out beforehand and the Pokémon caught during the game mode can be used. Here is a list of the best rental mons to go up against Nihilego, provided players are given them as an option.

Alolan Dugtrio

• This Dugtrio variant from the Alola region is part Steel-type, making it immune to both of Nihilego’s Poison moves. On top of that, it will know High Horsepower, a Ground-type attack that’s super-effective against both Rock and Poison types.

Chansey

• Though it does not resist any of the boss’s attacks, it can provide much needed healing with the Heal Pulse move. Nihilego’s ability, Beast Boost, raises it’s highest stat after defeating a target. Keeping allies healthy will prevent this ability from activating. Chansey can also use Light Screen to increase ally resistance to special attacks, and Helping Hand to increase the damage of their friend’s attacks. Not to mention, it’s Healer ability has a chance to cure poisoned allies, which will come in handy against Nihilego’s hit-all Sludge Wave move.

Tentacruel

• Its Poison typing allows it to resist moves of the same type. Even if Nihilego tries to lower a Tentacruel’s special attack with Acid Spray, their Clear Body ability will prevent any stat drops. Additionally, Tentacruel comes with both Hydro Pump and Water Pulse; the latter of which can inflict confusion.

Escavalier

• This knight beetle is also immune to Poison moves thanks to its Steel typing. It’s Ground-type move, Drill Run, also has a higher critical hit chance to take down Nihilego quicker.

Togedemaru

• Another enduring Steel type, this one comes with 2 useful support moves. Nuzzle can inflict a nasty status condition on Nihilego that halves it’s speed and may prevent it from attacking, while Electroweb will reduce it’s speed even further.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are available for Nintendo Switch.

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