Special
Balanced
85Speed · Above Avg

Is Golduck Good in FireRed & LeafGreen Playthrough?

Weather effects vanish with Golduck on the field. AbilityCloud Nine negates rain, sun, and sandstorm while Golduck is active. AbilityDamp blocks Explosion instead. Either way, Golduck handles Blaine and Giovanni through Water and contributes against the E4. A functional Water-type that won't let you down.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGEETSGSSESGEEPsyduckCatchBrockGym 1MistyGym 2SurgeGym 3ErikaGym 4GolduckEvolveKogaGym 5SabrinaGym 6BlaineGym 7GiovanniGym 8LoreleiE4BrunoE4AgathaE4LanceE4TerryChamp*
Brock
Gym 1
Good

Psyduck has the type edge here and should clean up Brock's team.

You Win
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense Curl
You Win
Onix
Lv 14
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleBindRock Tomb
Misty
Gym 2
Even

Psyduck trades roughly evenly with Misty's team.

Even
Staryu
Lv 18
Water
Illuminate
TackleHardenRecoverWater Pulse
Risky
Starmie
Lv 21
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
SwiftRecoverRapid SpinWater Pulse
Lt. Surge
Gym 3
Even

Psyduck trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Voltorb
Lv 21
Electric
Soundproof
Sonic BoomTackleScreechShock Wave
Even
Pikachu
Lv 18
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Risky
Raichu
Lv 24
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Erika
Gym 4
Tough

Erika's team hits Psyduck's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Victreebel
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidPoison PowderGiga Drain
Avoid
Tangela
Lv 24
Grass
Chlorophyll
Poison PowderConstrictIngrainGiga Drain
Risky
Vileplume
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sleep PowderAcidStun SporeGiga Drain
Koga
Gym 5
Strong

Golduck resists most of Koga's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
You Win
Muk
Lv 39
Poison
Stench
MinimizeSludgeAcid ArmorToxic
Easy KO
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
You Win
Weezing
Lv 43
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
TackleSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Sabrina
Gym 6
Good

Golduck has the type edge here and should clean up Sabrina's team.

Even
Kadabra
Lv 38
Psychic
Synchronize
PsybeamReflectFuture SightCalm Mind
You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 37
PsychicFairy
Soundproof
BarrierPsybeamBaton PassCalm Mind
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 38
BugPoison
Shield Dust
PsybeamGustLeech LifeSupersonic
Even
Alakazam
Lv 43
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicRecoverFuture SightCalm Mind
Blaine
Gym 7
Strong

Golduck resists most of Blaine's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Growlithe
Lv 42
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Easy KO
Ponyta
Lv 40
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
Easy KO
Rapidash
Lv 42
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
Easy KO
Arcanine
Lv 47
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Giovanni
Gym 8
Strong

Golduck resists most of Giovanni's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 45
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Easy KO
Dugtrio
Lv 42
Ground
Sand Veil
SlashSand TombMud SlapEarthquake
Easy KO
Nidoqueen
Lv 44
PoisonGround
Poison Point
Body SlamDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
Easy KO
Nidoking
Lv 45
PoisonGround
Poison Point
ThrashDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 50
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Lorelei
Elite Four
Even

Golduck trades roughly evenly with Lorelei's team.

You Win
Dewgong
Lv 52
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Ice BeamSurfHailSafeguard
Even
Cloyster
Lv 51
WaterIce
Shell Armor
SpikesProtectHailDive
Risky
Slowbro
Lv 52
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
Ice BeamSurfAmnesiaYawn
You Win
Jynx
Lv 54
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Ice PunchDouble SlapLovely KissAttract
Even
Lapras
Lv 54
WaterIce
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
Confuse RayIce BeamSurfBody Slam
Bruno
Elite Four
Strong

Golduck resists most of Bruno's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Onix
Lv 51
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeRock TombIron TailRoar
You Win
Hitmonchan
Lv 53
Fighting
Keen Eye
Sky UppercutMach PunchRock TombCounter
You Win
Hitmonlee
Lv 53
Fighting
Limber
Mega KickForesightBrick BreakFacade
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Rock Head
Double EdgeEarthquakeIron TailSand Tomb
You Win
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
Guts
Cross ChopBulk UpScary FaceRock Tomb
Agatha
Elite Four
Good

Golduck has the type edge here and should clean up Agatha's team.

You Win
Gengar
Lv 54
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow PunchConfuse RayToxicDouble Team
You Win
Golbat
Lv 54
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Confuse RayPoison FangAir CutterBite
You Win
Haunter
Lv 53
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseMean Look
You Win
Arbok
Lv 56
Poison
Intimidate
Sludge BombScreechIron TailBite
You Win
Gengar
Lv 58
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallSludge BombHypnosisNightmare
Lance
Elite Four
Even

Golduck trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 56
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Hyper BeamDragon RageTwisterBite
Even
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardDragon RageOutrage
Even
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardThunder WaveOutrage
You Win
Aerodactyl
Lv 58
RockFlying
Rock Head
Hyper BeamAncient PowerWing AttackScary Face
Even
Dragonite
Lv 60
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Hyper BeamSafeguardOutrageWing Attack
Terry
Champion
Even

Golduck trades roughly evenly with Terry's team.

You Win
Heracross
Lv 72
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornEarthquakeCounterRock Tomb
Even
Alakazam
Lv 73
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallCalm MindReflect
You Win
Tyranitar
Lv 72
RockDark
Sand Stream
CrunchEarthquakeThunderboltAerial Ace
Risky
Gyarados
Lv 73
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Hydro PumpDragon DanceEarthquakeHyper Beam
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 73
Fire
Intimidate
Extreme SpeedOverheatAerial AceIron Tail
Risky
Venusaur
Lv 75
GrassPoison
Overgrow
Solar BeamSludge BombEarthquakeSunny Day
Catch Psyduck
Available before Badge 1
Type
Water
Tier
E

Catch Psyduck on Viridian City (Surf, Lv 20-40, common).

View Psyduck locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Brock
    • TUTORNormalMega Kick12075%5
  • After Misty
    • TM03WaterWater Pulse90100%20
  • After Erika
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
  • After Koga
    • HM03WaterSurf135100%15
    • TM01FightingFocus Punch150100%20
    • LV 50WaterHydro Pump16580%5
  • After Giovanni
    • TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
  • Post-Game
    • HM07WaterWaterfall120100%15
    • TUTORNormalBody Slam85100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20
Evolve Psyduck to Golduck
Level 33
Type
Water
Tier
A

Your Psyduck should hit Level 33 before you reach Koga, at typical leveling pace.

View Golduck locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Erika
    • TM15NormalHyper Beam15090%5
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
  • After Koga
    • HM03WaterSurf135100%15
    • TM01FightingFocus Punch150100%20
  • After Sabrina
    • TM04PsychicCalm Mind100%20
  • After Giovanni
    • TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
    • LV 58WaterHydro Pump16580%5
  • Post-Game
    • HM07WaterWaterfall120100%15
    • TUTORNormalBody Slam85100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20

How to Get Golduck in FireRed & LeafGreen

FireRed exclusive. Golduck has 11 encounters through surfing and walking, but they're squeezed into just four late-game areas. Rates bounce between common and rare.

FireRed Exclusive — Trade with LeafGreen for Slowbro

4 locations to catch Golduck

Encountered via Surfing, tall grass encounters

Badge 6
Badge 7
Badge 8
Post-Game

Where To Catch Golduck in FRLG

To get Golduck, start by catching Psyduck through fishing, surfing, and more encounters at Lv. 5-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

  1. Psyduck
    Step 1Catch Psyduck
    Celadon City
    Lv.5-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 99%
    Berry Forest
    Lv.5-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 95%
    Cape Brink
    Lv.5-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 95%
    Four Island
    Lv.5-35Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 30%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
    Lv.5-35Surfing on water
    FireRed
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Fuchsia City
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Route 22
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Route 23
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Route 25
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Route 6
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Viridian City
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Berry Forest
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Cape Brink
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Four Island
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Ruin Valley
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 5%
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Safari Zone - Center
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Safari Zone - East
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Safari Zone - North
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Safari Zone - West
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Seafoam Islands - B3F
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    FireRedRate 4%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Fuchsia City
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Route 22
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Route 23
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Route 25
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Route 6
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Safari Zone - Center
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Safari Zone - East
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Safari Zone - North
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Safari Zone - West
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Viridian City
    Lv.20-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 100%
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    Lv.30-50Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 65%
    Seafoam Islands - 1F
    Lv.26-33Grass
    FireRedRate 55%
    Seafoam Islands - B1F
    Lv.29-31Grass
    FireRedRate 40%
    Seafoam Islands - B2F
    Lv.30-32Grass
    FireRedRate 40%
    Seafoam Islands - B3F
    Lv.30-32Grass
    FireRedRate 20%
    Seafoam Islands - B3F
    Lv.30-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 4%
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    Lv.30-40Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 4%
    Cerulean City
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Cinnabar Island
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Pallet Town
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 10
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 11
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 12
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 13
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 19
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 20
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 21
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 24
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Route 4
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Vermilion City - City
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Vermilion City - Harbor
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Bond Bridge
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Five Island
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Five Isle Meadow
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Green Path
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Kindle Road
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Memorial Pillar
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    One Island
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Outcast Island
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Resort Gorgeous
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Tanoby Ruins
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Trainer Tower
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Treasure Beach
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Water Labyrinth
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Water Path
    Lv.25-35Super Rod
    FireRedRate 1%
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    Lv.40-60Surfing on water
    FireRedRate 65%
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    Lv.32Grass
    FireRedRate 10%
    Berry Forest
    Lv.31Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Bond Bridge
    Lv.31Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Cape Brink
    Lv.31Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Treasure Beach
    Lv.31Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Kindle Road
    Lv.34Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Canyon Entrance
    Lv.41Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Five Isle Meadow
    Lv.41Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
    Lv.41Cave
    FireRedRate 5%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
    Lv.41Cave
    FireRedRate 5%
    Ruin Valley
    Lv.41Grass
    FireRedRate 5%
    Water Path
    Lv.41Grass
    FireRedRate 5%

Golduck Weakness

Golduck's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. With 80 HP and balanced defenses, Golduck can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Golduck Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Electric, Grass
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Steel
Gen III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

What is Golduck Weak Against

Good
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Golduck Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Golduck

Golduck Evolutions

Evolved from Psyduck. Golduck is the final form in this two-stage line. A massive partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. HP grew the most through evolution (+30 over Psyduck), and Golduck peaks at 500 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Psyduck
Water
Golduck
Water
HP
50
80+30
ATK
52
82+30
DEF
48
78+30
SP.ATK
65
95+30
SP.DEF
50
80+30
SPE
55
85+30
BST
320D-Tier
500C-Tier+180
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Utility
Mixed

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Golduck to get Psyduck eggs easily using 102 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Cross Chop, Foresight, Future Sight and 5 more.

Egg Groups
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
8moves
Breed With (best first)
raichuazumarillpikachunidokingampharosblastoiseferaligatrkingdraswampertrhydonslowbroslowking

FRLG Golduck Best Moveset

95 Sp. Atk fires Water TermStab from the special side, and AbilityCloud Nine shuts down weather effects for both sides while Golduck stays in. MoveSurf and MoveIce Beam cover offense from the strong Special stat. The moveset plays as a weather counter with solid special output, though 85 Speed puts it in a crowded mid-speed tier.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Setup Sweeper
Ability
Cloud Nine
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Golduck
Timid+SPE

Golduck best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

Special Setup Sweeper Moveset

  • Ice Beam
  • SurfSTAB
  • Calm Mind
  • Rain DanceSTAB

Moves List

The natural movepool does the job, but Cross Chop and Foresight from the egg pool give Golduck something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Surf for STAB and coverage across 7 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Disable
D5520Normal
Lv 1
Scratch
D4010035Normal
Lv 1
Tail Whip
10030Normal
Lv 1
Water Sport
15Water
Lv 5
Tail Whip
10030Normal
Lv 10
Disable
D5520Normal
Lv 16
Confusion
5010025Psychic
Lv 23
Screech
D8540Normal
Lv 31
Psych Up
D10Normal
Lv 44
Fury Swipes
D188015Normal
Lv 58
Hydro Pump
A180805Water

TM Moves

TM
TM40
Aerial Ace
D6020Flying
TM45
Attract
10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
C120705Ice
TM31
Brick Break
C7510015Fighting
TM04
Calm Mind
B20Psychic
TM28
Dig
C6010010Ground
TM
Dive
C9010010Water
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
HM05
Flash
7020Normal
TM01
Focus Punch-3
B15010020Fighting
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM07
Hail
10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper Beam
B150905Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
B9510010Ice
TM23
Iron Tail
C1007515Steel
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
A5Water
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
HM06
Rock Smash
D2010015Fighting
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
HM04
Strength
8010015Normal
HM03
Surf
B14210015Water
TM06
Toxic
C8510Poison
TM03
Water Pulse
C9010020Water
HM07
Waterfall
C12010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Cross Chop
C100805Fighting
Egg
Foresight
10040Normal
Egg
Future Sight
12010010Psychic
Egg
Hypnosis
A6020Psychic
Egg
Light Screen
C30Psychic
Egg
Psybeam
6510020Psychic
Egg
Psychic
C9010010Psychic
Egg
Refresh
D20Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Tutor
Counter-5
D10020Fighting
Tutor
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Tutor
Mega Kick
C120755Normal
Tutor
Mega Punch
808520Normal
Tutor
Mimic
D10Normal
Tutor
Seismic Toss
D10020Fighting
Tutor
Substitute
C10Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP80
C
Attack82
C
Defense78
C
Sp. Atk95
B
Sp. Def80
C
Speed85
C
Total500
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging75 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height1.7 m
Weight76.6 kg
Base XP175
Abilities
Damp
Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
Cloud Nine
Negates all effects of weather, but does not prevent the weather itself.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpA+2SpDSpe
Special Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

The forelegs are webbed, helping to make it an adept swimmer. It can be seen swimming elegantly in lakes, etc.

Often seen swimming elegantly by lakeshores. It is often mistaken for the Japanese monster Kappa.

Golduck FireRed & LeafGreen Guide

  • Why can't I find Golduck in LeafGreen?

    Golduck is exclusive to Pokemon FireRed. LeafGreen players have to trade for one.

    Pokemon FireRed cover art

    FireRed exclusive

    Trade with a player who has Pokemon FireRed to obtain Golduck.

    See the Locations section above for where to find Golduck in FireRed.

    How to trade in FireRed and LeafGreen

    GBA cartridges: You need a Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable and both players' FireRed/LeafGreen cartridges. Trade at the Cable Club on the 2nd floor of any Pokemon Center, which opens up shortly after Oak gives you the Pokedex.
    Nintendo Switch (2026 release): Trading uses local wireless only. There is no online play, and no Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required. Both players head to the Pokemon Wireless Club on the 2nd floor of any Pokemon Center, then step into a Union Room. Up to four other players can join. Available once you have the Pokedex from Professor Oak.

Game Availability

One of the original 151, Golduck has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Want to tell us more?
What was most useful?
What could be improved?
Thanks for your feedback