Best Nincada build
BugGround D Pokédex entry →
Generated from the game rules and this Pokémon's move pool: a solid default for a 30-minute run. Swap moves to match the cards you are offered.
Moves (4 slots)
| Slot | Move | Kind | Why | Evolves into |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Core (starting move) | Bug Bite Bug | Melee | A quick bite in a short arc. | X-Scissorneeds Power · ×1.9 damage, more range and hits in 360° |
| 2Crowd clear | Mud Shot Ground | Burst | Splashes mud around and slows foes. | Earth Powerneeds Power · +6 projectiles, ×1.6 damage and +1 pierce |
| 3Close defense | Bug Buzz Bug | Aura | A constant vibration that pounds everything nearby. | Swarmneeds Synthesis · ×1.8 damage and 35% more radius |
| 4Flex / damage | Spikes Ground | Mines | Scatters spikes that burst when stepped on. | Fissureneeds Power · ×1.8 damage, +2 mines and a bigger blast |
How to play the run
- Level Bug Bite first. It is your only attack at the start. Push it to level 5 with upgrade cards.
- Take Power once (+10% damage with every move.) so a golden card turns Bug Bite into X-Scissor (×1.9 damage, more range and hits in 360°).
- Add Mud Shot for the hordes. Only your active move fires, so switch to it (1–4, Q/E or tap) when you are surrounded.
- Enter every rift you can. Beating the legendary gives a bond: fuse Bug Bite with Mud Shot so both fire together from one slot.
- Hold Assault Vest: +20% damage reduction. Held items drop from chests and bosses; you keep one at a time.
- Before minute 30, stack damage and defense: the Judgment of Arceus sends ever-stronger legendaries until you fall.
Level-up card priority
- Power — +10% damage with every move.evolution
- Synthesis — +0.9 HP regenerated per second.evolution
- Reflexes — -8% cooldown on every move.
- Vigor — +20 max HP (and heals it).
Items
Assault Vest — +20% damage reduction.
Alternative: Focus Sash — A hit that would knock you out leaves you at 1 HP (every 60 s).
Permanent upgrades first
- Repertoire (Start with 2 moves, 1,500 coins to max)
- Strength (+4% damage, 5,050 coins to max)
- Reflexes (-3% cooldown, 3,340 coins to max)
- Vitality (+8 HP, 3,270 coins to max)
Best weather
Sandstorm: Rock, Ground and Steel are boosted; the rest suffer.
Super effective against
FireGrassElectricPoisonPsychicRockDarkSteel
Best rift arenas for this build
- Emerald Jungle (Celebi, Shaymin, Virizion, Tapu Bulu…)
- Steel Fortress (Registeel, Jirachi, Dialga, Heatran…)
- Toxic Swamp (Eternatus, Munkidori, Fezandipiti)
Arenas whose legendaries take the most damage from these move types.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Nincada build in PokéSurvivor?
Bug Bite, Mud Shot, Bug Buzz, Spikes, holding Assault Vest. Take Power, Synthesis so the moves can evolve at max level.
What item should Nincada hold?
Assault Vest (+20% damage reduction.) If you find Focus Sash first, it is a good alternative.
How do Nincada's moves evolve?
Bug Bite → X-Scissor (needs Power); Mud Shot → Earth Power (needs Power); Bug Buzz → Swarm (needs Synthesis); Spikes → Fissure (needs Power).
Game data from PokéSurvivor · Last updated