Mid-stage Pokemon like Bayleef rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Meganium, which is where the real potential kicks in. 5 type weaknesses to keep in mind. Known as the Leaf Pokemon.
Bayleef's stats barely vary. 2 sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 Defense and Sp. Def EVs, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.
The buds that ring its neck give off a spicy aroma that perks people up.
Bayleef Weakness
FragileFire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug-type moves hit Bayleef for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage.
Bayleef is the middle stage between Chikorita and Meganium. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, average hatch time with plenty of partners via two egg groups. So far, HP got the biggest boost (+15 from Chikorita). The final form adds another 120 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Bayleef to get Chikorita eggs easily using 89 partners from the Plant and Monster egg groups.
Still unevolved, still relevant. Bayleef's Eviolite bulk with max HP and Sp. Atk EVs creates a defensive profile that punches above its stage. Overgrow adds passive value. Giga Drain gives it offensive presence.
Best Build
Best Bayleef Moveset
- Giga Drain
- Ancient Power
- Energy Ball
- Aromatherapy
Recommended Teammates
Without TMs, Bayleef's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get Normal and Dark coverage on top of Leaf Storm and Solar Blade for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Without TMs, Bayleef's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get coverage across 7 types on top of Leaf Storm and Solar Blade for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Don't skip the egg moves. Bayleef picks up Ancient Power and Aromatherapy only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Leaf Storm and Solar Beam while Normal and Steel coverage and more adds range.
Don't skip the egg moves. Bayleef picks up Ancient Power and Aromatherapy only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Leaf Storm and Solar Beam while Normal and Rock coverage and more adds range.
No wild encounters for Bayleef in Scarlet & Violet. Bring Chikorita over from Gold, Crystal, or Brilliant Diamond, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
No wild encounters for Bayleef in Legends: Z-A. Bring Chikorita over from Gold, Crystal, or Brilliant Diamond, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
No wild encounters for Bayleef. The 2-stage line runs through Chikorita, which you can catch at moderate rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 16 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Bayleef in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
To get Bayleef, start by catching Chikorita through walking encounters at Lv. 58-63. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch ChikoritaGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameGrassland CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSunlit CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-game
Step 2Bayleef ✓
Bayleef isn't available in the wild in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Start by transferring Chikorita from Gold, Crystal, or Brilliant Diamond. The evolution path from Chikorita to Bayleef is covered in the steps below.
How to Obtain Bayleef in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Step 1Obtain ChikoritaCatch in the wild in:
Then trade to Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon to continue the evolution chain.
Also found in:
Step 2Bayleef ✓
Bayleef isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Meganium to unlock its full potential. At 405 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Overgrow strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Bayleef. Leaf Guard is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Bayleef fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 63 Sp. Atk). At base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Bayleef appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Bayleef first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 17 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A