Caterpie Best Moveset
Stats near single digits in both offenses on a Bug-type with no competitive moves. The moveset does nothing at any level. Two evolutions from Butterfree where AbilityCompound Eyes and the hidden AbilityTinted Lens create functional options.
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow), rarely seen in standard play. This was Caterpie's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 20.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Tackle
- String Shot
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- String Shot
- Tackle
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shielddust with Nothing, favoring a Hardy nature.
Utility Moveset
- String Shot
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shielddust with Nothing, favoring a Hardy nature.
Utility Moveset
- Tackle
- String Shot
- Snore
- Bug Bite
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shielddust with Focus Sash, favoring a Naughty nature.
Utility Moveset
- Tackle
- Snore
- Electroweb
- Bug Bite
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shielddust with Focus Sash, favoring a Naughty nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Tackle
- Bug Bite
- String Shot
- Electroweb
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shielddust with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Utility Moveset
- Bug Bite
- String Shot
- Tackle
- Electroweb
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie was a niche pick at best in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP), rarely seen in standard play. Caterpie maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shielddust with Focus Sash, favoring a Naughty nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Tackle
- String Shot
- Electroweb
- Bug Bite
Recommended Teammates
Caterpie Weakness
Type-wise, Caterpie takes extra damage from Fire, Flying, and Rock. Standard number of weaknesses for the Bug typing.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Flying, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Ground |
What is Caterpie Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Caterpie
Charizard can KO Caterpie with Flamethrower (523-616%). Staraptor threatens a KO with Double-Edge (179-210%). Rhyperior's Stone Edge also KOs at 365-430%.
 Charizard Fire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySolarpower ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Caterpie View Charizard builds →Flamethrower 2x523-616%KO Air Slash 2x436-513%KO Scorching Sands68-80% | ||
 Staraptor Normal | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityReckless ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Caterpie View Staraptor builds →Close Combat59-70% U Turn70-82% Double Edge179-210%KO | ||
 Rhyperior GroundRock | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySolidrock ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Caterpie View Rhyperior builds →Earthquake91-107%KO Stone Edge 2x365-430%KO | ||
Evolution
Three stages ahead. Caterpie grows into Metapod, then pushes on to Butterfree. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, quick to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 200 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Caterpie easily with 91 breeding partners from the Bug egg group.
How to Get Caterpie
moderate rates for Caterpie across 7 locations in endgame routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Caterpie in BDSP
The path to Caterpie starts with Caterpie at Lv. 58-63 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Caterpie ✓Bogsunk CavernLv.58-63GrassBrilliant DiamondPost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSpacious CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassBrilliant DiamondPost-game
Step 2Evolve into Metapod
Step 3Evolve into Butterfree
Caterpie appears at decent spawn rates across 2 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Caterpie in SwSh
Caterpie is your first catch on the way to Caterpie. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-47 across 89 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Caterpie ✓Route 1Lv.2-5GrassRate 15%All Weather
Step 2Catch or Evolve into MetapodRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SandstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Intense SunRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%OvercastRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SandstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%RainingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Intense SunRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%ThunderstormRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Normal WeatherRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Thunderstormor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ButterfreeRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%Heavy FogRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%Normal WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%OvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%Intense SunEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SnowstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SandstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%ThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SnowingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%Normal WeatherEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%RainingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.12-15OverworldRate 30%All WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SnowingRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%RainingRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%Intense SunRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SandstormRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SnowstormRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%ThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 25%OvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 25%Heavy FogGiant's MirrorLv.28-30OverworldRate 40%OvercastSlumbering WealdLv.45-47GrassRate 5%All Weatheror evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Easy grab on Caterpie with decent spawn rates across 6 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Caterpie in LGPE
Caterpie is your first catch on the way to Caterpie. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-8 across 9 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Caterpie ✓Viridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go PikachuRate 25%Viridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go EeveeRate 24%Route 2 - Area 1Lv.3-4GrassRate 15%Route 2 - Area 2Lv.3-8GrassRate 15%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into MetapodViridian ForestLv.3-6GrassRate 10%or evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ButterfreeViridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go PikachuRate 1%or evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Caterpie's scattered across 18 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Caterpie in USUM
To get Caterpie, start by catching Caterpie through walking encounters at Lv. 2-22. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Caterpie ✓Route 1 - WestLv.2-3GrassRate 35%Route 1 - EastLv.2-3GrassRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunSOS from MetapodMelemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonSOS from MetapodRoute 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 10%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassSOS from Metapod
Step 2Catch or Evolve into MetapodMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 9%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 9%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 9%Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Lush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Lush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassRate 10%or evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ButterfreeMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunSOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonSOS from CaterpieRoute 5Lv.13-16GrassSOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 1%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 1%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 1%Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassSOS from Metapodor evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Base Stats
An unusually even spread gives Caterpie flexibility. HP barely edges ahead. But Sp. Atk isn't far off. Easy to catch and follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve. Yields 1 HP EV.
For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antenna on its head to drive away enemies.
Caterpie Guide
You can run Caterpie through the first few routes without issues. 195 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Metapod as fast as you can.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Caterpie has appeared in 19 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves