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 scent that wafts from the leaves on its neck causes anyone who smells it to become energetic.
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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
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 a decent partner pool 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 23 partners from the Plant and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Ancient Power, Counter, Flail and 3 more.
The recommended build leans into Bayleef's strengths as an attacker. Miracleseed provides extra utility, and flexible EVs EVs back that up. An ability rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Bayleef Moveset
- Body Slam
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Don't skip the egg moves. Bayleef picks up Ancient Power and Counter only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Solar Beam and Giga Drain while Normal and Bug coverage and more adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Bayleef doesn't appear wild. Catch Chikorita instead, it shows up but it's a rare spawn. Evolve it at level 16 to get Bayleef. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Bayleef in Crystal
Step 1Catch ChikoritaMODERATENew Bark TownGift from NPCLv.5LimitedEarlyCityStarter choice
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.
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