Nihilego

Nihilego (Japanese: ウツロイド, Hepburn: Utsuroido) (NIE-uh-LEE-go^[1]), code-named UB-01 Symbiont (Japanese: UB01 Parasite), is a Rock/Poison-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII. It is an Ultra Beast, one of the several species of Pokémon native to Ultra Space.

Biology

Physiology

Nihilego resembles a box jellyfish and is translucent, primarily white, and light blue. It has a rounded, glass-like bell that is mainly transparent, featuring white star-shaped markings circling its surface. The bell tapers into a white frill that is bordered by light blue. From the back of its bell, long, translucent whitish tentacles extend, creating a dress-like shape with two slender legs. The tips of the back tentacles are completely transparent, similar to the bell itself. Its front tentacles are shorter and reveal an area resembling a gaping mouth, which it uses to latch onto its victims or prey. This allows it to possess, poison with neurotoxins, and eventually consume them by pulling them into an Ultra Wormhole. The exact composition of its tissue is not known, but several official sources suggest it is made of a glass-like material that is flexible like rubber.

Behavior

Although its sentience is debated, Nihilego is arguably the most malevolent of the Ultra Beasts. Parasitic by nature, it is known to emerge from Ultra Wormholes and latch onto random human or Pokémon victims. Once it possesses them, it manipulates their actions, often causing them to behave foolishly or, more commonly, violently and with senseless rage. After this, Nihilego pulls the victim back into its Wormhole to consume them. It is widely recognized for feeding on both humans and Pokémon.

Natural abilities

As implied by its English title of "Symbiont", Nihilego is specialized towards influencing other Pokémon (though its original Japanese title is "Parasite", as well as its clear parasite nature, as stated in one of its PokéDex entries). Nihilego's exact bodily functions are unknown, however, it is known to be explicitly parasitic, and is much stronger when it has possesed a host. It is theorized that it occasionally uses this to protect itself and its nests. It generates a neurotoxin that simultaneously gives those injected with it great power while reducing their inhibitions and sending them into an agitated, demented, and often very violent state. It is also theorized that ultimate goal of this is for Nihilego's victim/host to attack and destroy any natural competitors for itself, though its dark and malicious behavior in doing so are a mystery.

The violent and malevolent behavior of other Ultra Beasts (aside from Poipole and its evolution Naganadel) is due to acting under the influence of Nihilego's peculiar venom.

As shown in PJ111: The Homecoming Crown!, Nihilego can also cast an illusion to make itself resemble a human and peer into another individual's memories.

Evolution

Nihilego doesn't evolve.

Game info

Game locations

Locations
Version(s)	Area(s)	Rarity
Sun and Moon	Wela Volcano Park/Diglett's Tunnel (post-game side quest)	One
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon	Ultra Deep Sea	One per visit
Sword and Shield	Trade	None
SWSH The Crown Tundra	Dynamax Adventures	One

Pokédex entries

Stats

Standard form

Stats
HP	109
Attack	53
Defense	47
Sp. Atk	127
Sp. Def	131
Speed	103
Total	570

Learnset

Leveling

LevelingGeneration VII
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.
1	Power Split	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
1	Guard Split	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
1	Tickle	—	100%	20	Normal	Status
1	Acid	40	100%	30	Poison	Special
1	Constrict	10	100%	35	Normal	Physical
1	Pound	40	100%	35	Normal	Physical
7	Clear Smog	50	—%	15	Poison	Special
13	Psywave	—	100%	15	Psychic	Special
19	Headbutt	70	100%	15	Normal	Physical
23	Venoshock	65	100%	10	Poison	Special
29	Toxic Spikes	—	—%	20	Poison	Status
31	Safeguard	—	—%	25	Normal	Status
37	Power Gem	80	100%	20	Rock	Special
43	Mirror Coat	—	100%	20	Psychic	Special
47	Acid Spray	40	100%	20	Poison	Special
53	Venom Drench	—	100%	20	Poison	Status
59	Stealth Rock	—	—%	20	Rock	Status
67	Wonder Room	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
73	Head Smash	150	80%	5	Rock	Physical
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TM

TMs, TRs, and HMs Generation VII
TM/HM/TR	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.
TM03	Psyshock	80	100%	10	Psychic	Special
TM06	Toxic	—	90%	10	Poison	Status
TM09	Venoshock	65	100%	10	Poison	Special
TM10	Hidden Power	60	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM16	Light Screen	—	—%	30	Psychic	Status
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM20	Safeguard	—	—%	25	Normal	Status
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM24	Thunderbolt	90	100%	15	Electric	Special
TM25	Thunder	110	70%	10	Electric	Special
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic	Special
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal	Status
TM33	Reflect	—	—%	20	Psychic	Status
TM34	Sludge Wave	95	100%	10	Poison	Special
TM36	Sludge Bomb	90	100%	10	Poison	Special
TM37	Sandstorm	—	—%	10	Rock	Status
TM42	Facade	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
TM48	Round	60	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM49	Echoed Voice	40	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM57	Charge Beam	50	90%	10	Electric	Special
TM59	Brutal Swing	60	100%	20	Dark	Physical
TM73	Thunder Wave	—	90%	20	Electric	Physical
TM84	Poison Jab	80	100%	20	Poison	Physical
TM86	Grass Knot	—	100%	20	Grass	Special
TM87	Swagger	—	85%	15	Normal	Status
TM88	Sleep Talk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM90	Substitute	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM92	Trick Room	—	100%	5	Psychic	Status
TM99	Dazzling Gleam	80	100%	10	Fairy	Special
TM100	Confide	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Breeding

Nihilego learns no moves via breeding.

Tutoring

Tutoring Generation VII
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.
Ally Switch USUM	—	—%	15	Psychic	Status
Bind USUM	15	85%	20	Normal	Physical
Foul Play USUM	95	100%	15	Dark	Physical
Gunk Shot USUM	120	80%	5	Poison	Physical
Iron Head USUM	80	100%	15	Steel	Physical
Knock Off USUM	65	100%	20	Dark	Physical
Magic Coat USUM	—	—%	15	Psychic	Status
Pain Split USUM	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Role Play USUM	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
Snore USUM	50	100%	15	Normal	Special
Spite USUM	—	100%	10	Ghost	Status
Stealth Rock USUM	—	—%	20	Rock	Status
Telekinesis USUM	—	—%	15	Psychic	Status
Wonder Room USUM	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
Worry Seed USUM	—	100%	10	Grass	Status
Zen Headbutt USUM	80	90%	15	Psychic	Physical
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Sprites

Anime

• Nihilego (anime)

An odd colored Nihilego acted as a substitute Lillie for Mohn in the Crown Tundra during the separation from his family.

• Gladion's Nihilego

Trivia

• Nihilego is theorized to be the one who caused Lusamine to become evil. However, in reality, Lusamine had always possesed dark, power-mad, malicious intentions to contain the power of Ultra Beasts, had ordered Type: Null to be contained (so that it wouldn't harm any Ultra Beasts, as it was designed to protect humans and Pokémon from them), and was instantly enamored by Nihilego. Lusamine also willingly desired to become one with Nihiligo (in the games), and allowed herself to be possessed by it, as she abused and tricked all of Team Skull to be her slaves as well.
• Nihilego is the first Pokémon without a trainer who is an antagonist, joining and possessing Lusamine, and acting as both her puppeteer, and her partner (without her technically capturing it).
  • It is also the first Pokémon to actually be fought as a trainer in the games after fusing with Lusamine.
• Lillie's original appearance is based on Nihilego's appearance, as per request of her mother, Lusamine. It is as if Lusamine had desired to replace her own daughter with Nihilego.
• Despite being based on a jellyfish, it is weak to Water-type attacks.
• Nihilego is the only Ultra Beast with a unique type combination that no other Ultra Beast, and no other Pokémon has had until the introduction of Glimmet and Glimmora in Generation IX.
• Nihilego's traits mostly relate to parasites rather than symbiotes.
  • Hence, its original Japanese code name being "UB01: Parasite" rather than the changed and less-accurate English translation being "UB-01 Symbiont".

Origin

Nihilego is based on a jellyfish, specifically the deadly box jellyfish (specifically the species known as Chironex fleckeri, also known as the "sea wasp"), which is the most dangerous and poisonous sea jelly known. Like the box jellyfish, it is almost completely transparent, possesses the same shape (clear roundish, slightly boxy bell and long translucent-white tentacles), and neurotoxins that very quickly cause death. Its trait in using its poison to quickly possess and drain the life from its victims with its neurotoxins reflect this. Its mind-numbing poison may also be based on the neurotoxin produced by the Portuguese man-o-war and/or myxozoans, parasitic animals closely related to jellyfish.

Its Rock-typing might be based on the fact that artificial glass is usually made out of melted sand.

It being a parasitic jellyfish may be a reference to Nintendo's Metroid series of video games, in which the titular creatures are alien parasites which typically resemble jellyfish and attack by latching on to their victim's head.

With the theory that the original seven Ultra Beasts are based on the Seven Deadly Sins, Nihilego may be based on the Sin of Envy, as it usually takes over others and uses neurotoxins that have similar effects to it, an instinctual drive that forces those to seek what they desire, even if it means taking or wanting the pleasures owned by others.

Etymology

Nihilego is a combination of nihilist (a person who believes all life is meaningless and that there is no God), nihil (Latin for "nothing"), ego (the mind space in which there is separation between consciousness and unconsciousness), and geode (referring to its part Rock-typing and its see-through appearance). Its name including "nihil", and "ego", refers to death and nothingness, as it steals and completely empties the mind and life of its victims.

In Latin, its name roughly translates to "I am nothing" or "I have nothing".

Utsuroido is likely derived from 虚 (utsuro, empty), 移ろい (utsuroi, moving from host to host) void, Id, -oid (a suffix meaning "of similar form", referencing its resemblance to Lillie), and possibly Metroid.

Gallery

v · d · e Ultra Beasts
Nihilego UB-01 Symbiont BuzzwoleSUS UB-02 Absorption PheromosaMUM UB-02 Beauty Xurkitree UB-03 Lighting CelesteelaMUM UB-04 Blaster KartanaSUS UB-04 Blade Guzzlord UB-05 Glutton PoipoleUSUM UB Adhesive NaganadelUSUM UB Stinger StakatakaUM UB Assembly BlacephalonUS UB Burst
Pokémon

v · d · e List of Generation VII Pokémon
#001–025 (#722–746)	Rowlet Dartrix Decidueye Litten Torracat Incineroar Popplio Brionne Primarina Pikipek Trumbeak Toucannon Yungoos Gumshoos Grubbin Charjabug Vikavolt Crabrawler Crabominable Oricorio Cutiefly Ribombee Rockruff Lycanroc Wishiwashi
#026–050 (#747–771)	Mareanie Toxapex Mudbray Mudsdale Dewpider Araquanid Fomantis Lurantis Morelull Shiinotic Salandit Salazzle Stufful Bewear Bounsweet Steenee Tsareena Comfey Oranguru Passimian Wimpod Golisopod Sandygast Palossand Pyukumuku
#051–075 (#772–796)	Type: Null Silvally Minior Komala Turtonator Togedemaru Mimikyu Bruxish Drampa Dhelmise Jangmo-o Hakamo-o Kommo-o Tapu Koko Tapu Lele Tapu Bulu Tapu Fini Cosmog Cosmoem Solgaleo Lunala Nihilego Buzzwole Pheromosa Xurkitree
#076–088 (#797–809)	Celesteela Kartana Guzzlord Necrozma Magearna Marshadow Poipole Naganadel Stakataka Blacephalon Zeraora Meltan Melmetal
See also	Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VIII Generation IX
Generation VII

v · d · e Alola Pokédex
Characters · Locations
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon #001–025 Rowlet Dartrix Decidueye Litten Torracat Incineroar Popplio Brionne Primarina Pikipek Trumbeak Toucannon Yungoos Gumshoos Rattata Raticate Caterpie Metapod Butterfree Ledyba Ledian Spinarak Ariados Pichu Pikachu #026–050 Raichu Grubbin Charjabug Vikavolt Bonsly Sudowoodo Happiny Chansey Blissey Munchlax Snorlax Slowpoke Slowbro Slowking Wingull Pelipper Abra Kadabra Alakazam Meowth Persian Magnemite Magneton Magnezone Grimer #051–075 Muk Growlithe Arcanine Drowzee Hypno Makuhita Hariyama Smeargle Crabrawler Crabominable Gastly Haunter Gengar Drifloon Drifblim Misdreavus Mismagius Zubat Golbat Crobat Diglett Dugtrio Spearow Fearow Rufflet #076–100 Braviary Vullaby Mandibuzz Mankey Primeape Delibird Oricorio Cutiefly Ribombee Petilil Lilligant Cottonee Whimsicott Psyduck Golduck Magikarp Gyarados Barboach Whiscash Machop Machoke Machamp Roggenrola Boldore Gigalith #101–125 Carbink Sableye Rockruff Lycanroc Spinda Tentacool Tentacruel Finneon Lumineon Wishiwashi Luvdisc Corsola Mareanie Toxapex Shellder Cloyster Bagon Shelgon Salamence Lillipup Herdier Stoutland Eevee Vaporeon Jolteon #126–150 Flareon Espeon Umbreon Leafeon Glaceon Sylveon Mudbray Mudsdale Igglybuff Jigglypuff Wigglytuff Tauros Miltank Surskit Masquerain Dewpider Araquanid Fomantis Lurantis Morelull Shiinotic Paras Parasect Poliwag Poliwhirl #151–175 Poliwrath Politoed Goldeen Seaking Feebas Milotic Alomomola Fletchling Fletchinder Talonflame Salandit Salazzle Cubone Marowak Kangaskhan Magby Magmar Magmortar Stufful Bewear Bounsweet Steenee Tsareena Comfey Pinsir #176–200 Oranguru Passimian Goomy Sliggoo Goodra Castform Wimpod Golisopod Staryu Starmie Sandygast Palossand Cranidos Rampardos Shieldon Bastiodon Archen Archeops Tirtouga Carracosta Phantump Trevenant Nosepass Probopass Pyukumuku #201–225 Chinchou Lanturn Type: Null Silvally Zygarde Trubbish Garbodor Skarmory Ditto Cleffa Clefairy Clefable Minior Beldum Metang Metagross Porygon Porygon2 Porygon-Z Pancham Pangoro Komala Torkoal Turtonator Togedemaru #226–250 Elekid Electabuzz Electivire Geodude Graveler Golem Sandile Krokorok Krookodile Trapinch Vibrava Flygon Gible Gabite Garchomp Klefki Mimikyu Bruxish Drampa Absol Snorunt Glalie Froslass Sneasel Weavile #251–275 Sandshrew Sandslash Vulpix Ninetales Vanillite Vanillish Vanilluxe Snubbull Granbull Shellos Gastrodon Relicanth Dhelmise Carvanha Sharpedo Wailmer Wailord Lapras Exeggcute Exeggutor Jangmo-o Hakamo-o Kommo-o Emolga Scyther #276–300 Scizor Murkrow Honchkrow Riolu Lucario Dratini Dragonair Dragonite Aerodactyl Tapu Koko Tapu Lele Tapu Bulu Tapu Fini Cosmog Cosmoem Solgaleo Lunala Nihilego Buzzwole Pheromosa Xurkitree Celesteela Kartana Guzzlord Necrozma #301–302 Magearna Marshadow Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon #001–025 Rowlet Dartrix Decidueye Litten Torracat Incineroar Popplio Brionne Primarina Pikipek Trumbeak Toucannon Yungoos Gumshoos Rattata Raticate Caterpie Metapod Butterfree Ledyba Ledian Spinarak Ariados Buneary Lopunny #026–050 Inkay Malamar Zorua Zoroark Furfrou Pichu Pikachu Raichu Grubbin Charjabug Vikavolt Bonsly Sudowoodo Happiny Chansey Blissey Munchlax Snorlax Slowpoke Slowbro Slowking Wingull Pelipper Abra Kadabra #051–075 Alakazam Meowth Persian Magnemite Magneton Magnezone Grimer Muk Mime Jr. Mr. Mime Ekans Arbok Dunsparce Growlithe Arcanine Drowzee Hypno Makuhita Hariyama Smeargle Crabrawler Crabominable Gastly Haunter Gengar #076–100 Drifloon Drifblim Murkrow Honchkrow Zubat Golbat Crobat Noibat Noivern Diglett Dugtrio Spearow Fearow Rufflet Braviary Vullaby Mandibuzz Mankey Primeape Delibird Oricorio Hawlucha Cutiefly Ribombee Flabébé #101–125 Floette Florges Petilil Lilligant Cottonee Whimsicott Psyduck Golduck Smoochum Jynx Magikarp Gyarados Barboach Whiscash Seel Dewgong Machop Machoke Machamp Roggenrola Boldore Gigalith Carbink Sableye Mawile #126–150 Rockruff Lycanroc Spinda Tentacool Tentacruel Finneon Lumineon Wishiwashi Luvdisc Corsola Mareanie Toxapex Shellder Cloyster Clamperl Huntail Gorebyss Remoraid Octillery Mantyke Mantine Bagon Shelgon Salamence Lillipup #151–175 Herdier Stoutland Eevee Vaporeon Jolteon Flareon Espeon Umbreon Leafeon Glaceon Sylveon Mudbray Mudsdale Mareep Flaaffy Ampharos Igglybuff Jigglypuff Wigglytuff Tauros Miltank Surskit Masquerain Dewpider Araquanid #176–200 Fomantis Lurantis Morelull Shiinotic Paras Parasect Poliwag Poliwhirl Poliwrath Politoed Goldeen Seaking Basculin Feebas Milotic Alomomola Fletchling Fletchinder Talonflame Salandit Salazzle Cubone Marowak Kangaskhan Magby #201–225 Magmar Magmortar Larvesta Volcarona Stufful Bewear Bounsweet Steenee Tsareena Comfey Pinsir Hoothoot Noctowl Kecleon Oranguru Passimian Goomy Sliggoo Goodra Castform Wimpod Golisopod Staryu Starmie Sandygast #226–250 Palossand Omanyte Omastar Kabuto Kabutops Lileep Cradily Anorith Armaldo Cranidos Rampardos Shieldon Bastiodon Archen Archeops Tirtouga Carracosta Tyrunt Tyrantrum Amaura Aurorus Larvitar Pupitar Tyranitar Phantump #251–275 Trevenant Natu Xatu Nosepass Probopass Pyukumuku Chinchou Lanturn Type: Null Silvally Poipole Naganadel Zygarde Trubbish Garbodor Minccino Cinccino Pineco Forretress Skarmory Ditto Cleffa Clefairy Clefable Elgyem #276–300 Beheeyem Minior Beldum Metang Metagross Porygon Porygon2 Porygon-Z Pancham Pangoro Komala Torkoal Turtonator Houndour Houndoom Dedenne Togedemaru Electrike Manectric Elekid Electabuzz Electivire Geodude Graveler Golem #301–325 Sandile Krokorok Krookodile Trapinch Vibrava Flygon Gible Gabite Garchomp Baltoy Claydol Golett Golurk Klefki Mimikyu Shuppet Banette Frillish Jellicent Bruxish Drampa Absol Snorunt Glalie Froslass #326–350 Sneasel Weavile Sandshrew Sandslash Vulpix Ninetales Vanillite Vanillish Vanilluxe Scraggy Scrafty Pawniard Bisharp Snubbull Granbull Shellos Gastrodon Relicanth Dhelmise Carvanha Sharpedo Skrelp Dragalge Clauncher Clawitzer #351–375 Wailmer Wailord Lapras Tropius Exeggcute Exeggutor Corphish Crawdaunt Mienfoo Mienshao Jangmo-o Hakamo-o Kommo-o Emolga Scyther Scizor Heracross Aipom Ambipom Litleo Pyroar Misdreavus Mismagius Druddigon Lickitung #376–400 Lickilicky Riolu Lucario Dratini Dragonair Dragonite Aerodactyl Tapu Koko Tapu Lele Tapu Bulu Tapu Fini Cosmog Cosmoem Solgaleo Lunala Nihilego Stakataka Blacephalon Buzzwole Pheromosa Xurkitree Celesteela Kartana Guzzlord Necrozma #401–403 Magearna Marshadow Zeraora
See also	Kanto Johto Hoenn Sinnoh Hisui Unova Kalos Galar Paldea
Pokédex