Golbat is technically a pre-evolution of Crobat, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Ground moves can't touch it, which offsets the 4 weaknesses somewhat. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier. Known as the Bat Pokemon.
Golbat's stats barely vary. 2 sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 Speed EVs, medium-fast 1M XP curve to max.
Flitting around in the dead of night, it sinks its fangs into its prey and drains a nearly fatal amount of blood.
Golbat Weakness
GoodType-wise, Golbat takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Golbat is the middle stage between Zubat and Crobat. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, quick to hatch with no compatible partners via one egg group. HP has grown the most so far (+35), but there's still another 80 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Golbat to get Zubat eggs easily from the Flying egg group. Notable egg moves include Brave Bird, Curse, Defog and 10 more.
max HP and Defense EVs and Impish nature turn Golbat into a wall that doesn't fold easily. Eviolite brings a bulk boost that only works before full evolution for the long game, and Roost handles sustain. Innerfocus fills in the gaps.
Best Build
Best Golbat Moveset
- Roost
- Brave Bird
- Confuse Ray
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Brave Bird and Curse aren't available any other way for Golbat, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Brave Bird and Fly for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
high spawn rates across 14 locations for Golbat in late-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Golbat in Black 2 & White 2
The path to Golbat starts with Zubat at Lv. 14-67 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ZubatEFFORTLESSCastelia SewersWhite 2GrassLv.14-17CommonEarlyAnyEFFORTLESSCastelia SewersBlack 2GrassLv.14-17CommonEarlyAny
Step 2Golbat ✓EASYCelestial Tower - 4FBlack 2GrassLv.32UncommonLateBuildingAnyEASYCelestial Tower - 4FWhite 2GrassLv.32UncommonLateBuildingAnyEASYStrange HouseBlack 2GrassLv.32-33UncommonLateBuildingAnyEASYStrange HouseWhite 2GrassLv.32-33UncommonLateBuildingAnyEASYCelestial Tower - 5FWhite 2GrassLv.33UncommonLateBuildingAnyEASYCelestial Tower - 5FBlack 2GrassLv.33UncommonLateBuildingAnyCHALLENGINGCelestial Tower - 3FBlack 2GrassLv.31RareLateBuildingAnyCHALLENGINGCelestial Tower - 3FWhite 2GrassLv.31RareLateBuildingAnyEFFORTLESSDreamyard - B1FWhite 2GrassLv.64-67CommonPostAnyDouble grassEFFORTLESSDreamyard - B1FBlack 2GrassLv.64-67CommonPostAnyDouble grassEASYDreamyard - OvergroundWhite 2GrassLv.57-58UncommonPostAnyEASYDreamyard - OvergroundBlack 2GrassLv.57-58UncommonPostAnyEASYDreamyard - OvergroundBlack 2GrassLv.65-66UncommonPostAnyDouble grassEASYDreamyard - OvergroundWhite 2GrassLv.65-66UncommonPostAnyDouble grassor evolve from Zubat (Step 1)
Golbat isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Crobat to unlock its full potential. At 455 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Inner Focus is the go-to ability for Golbat. It prevents flinching. Its hidden ability Infiltrator can work in specific setups.
Golbat fills the support role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 80 Attack). Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Golbat appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Golbat has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
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