Moves
Poison Jab is Nidoran-M's strongest STAB attack, and is its main attacking move. Drill Run provides great coverage, hitting the Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types that resist Poison Jab for super effective damage. However, Poison / Ground coverage misses out on a few prominent Pokemon, such as Archen and Gastly. Sucker Punch gives Nidoran-M valuable priority and also provides great coverage with Poison Jab by hitting Ghost-types super effectively. Finally, Hone Claws boosts Nidoran-M's Attack even further while also offsetting Hustle's accuracy drop.
Set Details
220 Attack EVs and an Adamant nature maximize Nidoran-M's Attack, allowing it to make good use of Hustle and Hone Claws. With 196 Speed EVs, Nidoran-M outspeeds standard Fletchling, allowing it to outprioritize Fletchling via Sucker Punch. If Nidoran-M is running a Jolly nature, it will also outspeed non-Choice Scarf variants of Chinchou and other 14 Speed Pokemon. The remaining EVs give an extra point in each defense, increasing Nidoran-M's bulk. Eviolite also functions to bolster Nidoran-M's defenses, giving it more opportunities to set up.
Usage Tips
Nidoran-M is still frail even with Eviolite and has no recovery, so only try to set it up against Pokemon that don't threaten it, such as Spritzee. If you can't seem to find a Pokemon to set up on, remember that Nidoran-M's Attack is already quite good before Hone Claws due to Hustle, so it isn't always necessary to set up. It is also a decent revenge killer thanks to Sucker Punch. Nidoran-M does well late-game; it can set up against Fighting-, Poison-, Grass-, and Fairy-types, but it must be wary of Knock Off or unexpected coverage moves, such as Snivy's Hidden Power Ground or Spritzee's Psychic. Finally, Nidoran-M will not be able to do much of anything if Ferroseed is still alive on the opposing team, so removing it should be a top priority.
Team Options
Psychic-type attackers such as Abra threaten Nidoran-M, so a Dark-type teammate such as Vullaby is invaluable. Vullaby can also provide valuable Knock Off support and is even immune to Ground-type attacks. Other Dark-type teammates such as Stunky and Houndour can provide valuable Pursuit support, effectively eliminating Psychic-type threats. Ground-type attackers such as Drilbur are particularly threatening, as they resist Nidoran-M's STAB type and threaten it with their own super effective Ground-type STAB attacks. Flying- or Grass-type teammates do wonders in this regard, especially bulky ones such as Vullaby and Pumpkaboo. As mentioned before, Ferroseed completely walls Nidoran-M, so a Fire- or Fighting-type teammate, such as Ponyta or Timburr, will do wonders. Gothita and Magnemite can also help out in this aspect, as both can trap Ferroseed and eliminate it with Hidden Power Fire. Because Nidoran-M is so frail, Memento or Parting Shot support from the likes of Cottonee and Pancham does wonders for Nidoran-M, allowing it to set up Hone Claws in safety. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Archen helps wear down Nidoran-M's checks and counters, helping it pull off a sweep. Finally, Sticky Web support from the likes of Surskit helps fix Nidoran-M's middling Speed; Surskit also can take on Ground-types.