In Pokémon GO, optimizing Thievul’s moveset can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Launched on March 19, 2025, during the Deep Depths event, this Dark-type Pokémon evolves from Nickit after consuming 50 Candies. Thievul’s unique typing offers interesting strategic advantages, especially in a meta dominated by Psywave users.
This guide delves into the ideal moveset for Thievul, examining its effectiveness in both Player versus Player (PvP) and Player versus Environment (PvE) scenarios, and outlining the best strategies to counter this Pokémon.
The Optimal Moveset for Thievul in Pokémon GO
Best Moveset for PvP
- Fast Attack: Snarl
- Charged Attacks: Play Rough, Night Slash
Top PvE Moveset for Dark-type Attacker
- Fast Attack: Snarl
- Charged Attack: Night Slash
Assessing Thievul’s PvP and PvE Performance
Thievul’s Role in Pokémon GO PvP
While Thievul does not rank highly in various simulations due to its mono-Dark typing and unremarkable stats, it does possess some potential in the Great League. Here, it can effectively resist popular fast attacks, particularly against Psywave users. To maximize your success with Thievul in PvP, consider assembling a team that complements its unique strengths and compensates for its weaknesses.
Thievul’s Utility in Pokémon GO PvE
Although Thievul lacks the high damage output necessary to be a leading Dark-type attacker, it remains serviceable for basic tasks, such as defending or attacking Gyms in Pokémon GO. This Pokémon may not dominate in raids, but it can still find a place in less challenging situations.
Thievul’s Complete Moves and Statistics
Thievul can learn a variety of moves, categorized as follows:
Fast Attacks:
- Snarl
- Quick Attack
Charged Attacks:
- Night Slash
- Play Rough
Base Stats:
- Attack: 172
- Defense: 164
- Stamina: 172
- Max CP: 2,415
Understanding Thievul’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Weaknesses
- Bug
- Fairy
- Fighting
Resistances
- Dark
- Ghost
- Psychic
Thievul’s STAB Super-Effective Damage Types
- Ghost
- Psychic
For a deeper analysis of Thievul’s performance, consider using our Pokémon Type Calculator to explore its offensive and defensive capabilities.
Best Counters to Thievul in Pokémon GO
Great League Counters:
- Annihilape
- Azumarill
- Diggersby
- Shadow Drapion
- Clodsire
Ultra League Counters:
- Clefable
- Virizion
- Annihilape
- Skeledirge
- Feraligatr
PvE Counters:
- Mega Lucario with Force Palm and Aura Sphere
- Mega Blaziken with Counter and Focus Blast
- Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Mega or Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Xerneas with Geomancy and Moonblast
- Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
- Mega Heracross with Struggle Bug and Megahorn
- Mega or Shadow Pinsir with Bug Bite and X-Scissor
- Mega or Shadow Scizor with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor
- Shadow Escavalier with Bug Bite and Megahorn
Additionally, keep an eye out for the latest updates regarding Pokémon GO Fest 2025, as exciting events may further shape the competitive landscape.