Evolving Nickit in Pokemon Sword and Shield unlocks perfect move

David Purcell
Pokemon / Nintendo

Pokemon Sword and Shield’s brand new Galar Region species can learn a variety of moves, but the selected move-set for Thievul might be the best of the lot. Let’s take a look at what happens when Nickit evolves.

A number of Generation 8 entrants seem to be based on real-life animals, just like we’ve seen in previous titles, with Wooloo looking like a sheep, Barraskewda looking like a Barracuda and Nickit is clearly based on a fox.

The dark-type Pokemon can be found in a number of different locations across the region and is not particularly rare by any means. It spawns in Route 1, Route 2, Dusty Bowl, Giant’s Mirror and some other spots on the map.

Pokemon / NintendoNickit is quite a common Pokemon to spot in the Galar Region.

While it might survive by stealing food from others, just like a real fox, trainers can wield those same powers once it has evolved into its superior form, Thievul.

It evolves into Thievul, which is also a dark-type Pokemon, at level 18 – meaning that it’s not too difficult to get ahold of one. The evolved form can also be found in Route 7, Route 9, Bridge Field, among other places, should you want to save some time and skip over the evolution process.

Once it has evolved from Nickit, its Pokemon trainer will be given the option to allow it to learn a move called Thief. This move, unlike any others the creature can learn, deals 60 damage but also steals any item held by the target. It’s been included in several games before this one, of course, but never before has it felt more fitting.

Pokemon / NintendoThievul will have the chance to learn Thief as soon as it evolves from Nickit.

For those who haven’t come across the move before, let’s break it down.

Using Thief means that if you were to come up against a Lucario in battle that was holding an Ice Stone, for example, you would then inflict damage to the opponent while also stealing their stone. This stone could then be used to evolve another one of your other Pokemon or be sold at a store, depending on the needs of a trainer.

While it’s not exactly the kindest move, it will give fans some sense of nostalgia to the days of Pokemon Colosseum where players were given every opportunity to snag Pokemon from others.

This might not be as effective, or discourteous, as that but it’s certainly a very useful move to have in your arsenal. Who knows what item you could get your hands on…

About The Author

David is the former US Managing Editor at Dexerto.com. You can contact him via email: david.purcell@dexerto.com.