Stats & Training
Thievul's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Attack trails, 3 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 2 Sp. Def EVs, on a fast 800K XP curve.
It secretly marks potential targets with a scent. By following the scent, it stalks its targets and steals from them when they least expect it.
With a lithe body and sharp claws, it goes around stealing food and eggs. Boltund is its natural enemy.
Thievul Weakness
Thievul is weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy. On the flip side, it's immune to Psychic-type moves entirely. Thievul's special bulk (base 92 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fighting, Bug, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Ghost, Dark |
| 0x (Immune) | Psychic |
Annihilape FightingGhost | A | |
Fighting is super effective against ThievulView Annihilape → | ||
Scizor BugSteel | A | |
Bug is super effective against ThievulView Scizor → | ||
Machamp Fighting | C | |
Fighting is super effective against ThievulView Machamp → | ||
In Legends: Z-A, Annihilape can KO Thievul with Drain Punch (108-127%). Scizor threatens a KO with Close Combat (238-280%). Machamp deals 66-78% with Stone Edge.
Annihilape FightingGhost | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityDefiant ItemSitrus Berry NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Annihilape builds →Drain Punch 2x108-127%KO | ||
Scizor BugSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Scizor builds →Bullet Punch60-70% U Turn 2x209-246%KO Knock Off32-38% Close Combat 2x238-280%KO | ||
Machamp Fighting | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityNoguard ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Thievul View Machamp builds →Stone Edge66-78% Bullet Punch27-32% Knock Off21-25% | ||
Legends: Z-A Evolution
Thievul is the evolved form of Nickit. Breeding produces Nickit eggs, and they're quick to hatch. Evolving from Nickit gave Thievul the biggest boost in Sp.Atk (+40), bringing the total to 455 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Legends: Z-A Thievul Best Moveset
The game plan is straightforward: click Nasty Plot, then sweep. Sitrus Berry and Unburden support the setup turn. EVs go into max Sp. Atk and Speed so Thievul hits hard once it's boosted.
Best Build
Thievul best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Dark Pulse
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Burning Jealousy
Special Stallbreaker Moveset
- Snarl
- Parting Shot
- Taunt
- Psychic
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Snarl
- Dark Pulse
- Grass Knot
- Burning Jealousy
Moves
First Impression and Giga Impact bring the raw damage. But Thievul also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Thievul in Legends: Z-A
Thievul Guide
In Legends: Z-A, Thievul has a 455 base stat total and ranks as C-Tier: a niche pick in Legends: Z-A's meta. It works best as a balanced. Dark Pulse with Sitrus Berry is the standard set.
Run Away is the go-to ability for Thievul. It ensures success fleeing from wild battles. Its hidden ability Stakeout can work in specific setups. Unburden is the other option. Pick based on what your team needs.
In Legends: Z-A, Thievul fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 87 Sp. Atk. Base 90 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
For Legends: Z-A, the core moveset is Dark Pulse, Nasty Plot, Psychic, and Burningjealousy. Dark Pulse leads at 22% usage. This set covers the balanced role with a mix of damage and utility.
Game Availability
Introduced in Sword & Shield, Thievul has appeared in 2 games across 3 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB

Red & Blue - Gen 2GS

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShDebut

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves
