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.
It sinks its sharp fangs into other creatures and slurps up their blood. A closer look at the fangs reveals that they are hollow and akin to straws.
Golbat Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Golbat takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage.
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 a decent partner pool 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
Nothing fancy here. Golbat builds around Life Orb for extra damage on every hit for a health trade, Jolly nature for the right stat lean, and max HP and Speed EVs. Infiltrator does its job quietly.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Golbat's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Sludge Bomb and Air Slash, and Dark and Bug coverage and more keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
decent spawn rates across 7 locations for Golbat in mid-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 Legends: Arceus
The path to Golbat starts with Zubat at walking via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ZubatEASYBolderoll SlopeGrassUncommonNightEASYCloudpool RidgeGrassUncommonSkyNightEASYDeertrack PathGrassUncommonRouteNightEASYDiamond HeathGrassUncommonNightEASYNature’s PantryGrassUncommonNightEASYOreburrow TunnelGrassUncommonCaveNightEASYThe HeartwoodGrassUncommonNight
Step 2Golbat ✓EASYBolderoll SlopeGrassUncommonNightEASYCloudpool RidgeGrassUncommonSkyNightEASYDiamond HeathGrassUncommonNightEASYHeavenward LookoutGrassUncommonNightEASYOreburrow TunnelGrassUncommonCaveNightEASYSnowpoint TempleGrassUncommonIceNightEASYWayward CaveGrassUncommonCaveNightor 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 balanced role. It's a physical attacker with 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