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.
Once it strikes, it will not stop draining energy from the victim even if it gets too heavy to fly.
Golbat Weakness
GoodType-wise, Golbat takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
This Poison/Flying-type links Zubat to Crobat. Golbat has 455 stats but sits in the Undiscovered 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 an item for extra utility, a nature nature for the right stat lean, and flexible EVs EVs. An ability does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Golbat Moveset
- Confuse Ray
- Mega Drain
- Toxic
- Wing Attack
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Golbat's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Wing Attack, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Dark and Bug coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
14 encounter spots for Golbat at high spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Golbat in Red & Blue
To get Golbat, start by catching Zubat through walking encounters at Lv. 6-46. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch ZubatEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - 1FBlueGrassLv.6-11CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - 1FRedGrassLv.6-11CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - B1FBlueGrassLv.7-11CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - B1FRedGrassLv.7-11CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - B2FRedGrassLv.9-12CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - B2FBlueGrassLv.9-12CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSRock Tunnel - 1FBlueGrassLv.15-18CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSRock Tunnel - 1FRedGrassLv.15-18CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSRock Tunnel - B1FBlueGrassLv.16-18CommonMidCaveEFFORTLESSRock Tunnel - B1FRedGrassLv.16-18CommonMidCaveEASYSeafoam Islands - 1FBlueGrassLv.21UncommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - 1FRedGrassLv.21UncommonMidWaterEASYVictory Road - 1FBlueGrassLv.22UncommonMidCaveEASYVictory Road - 1FRedGrassLv.22UncommonMidCaveEASYVictory Road - 3FBlueGrassLv.22UncommonMidCaveEASYVictory Road - 3FRedGrassLv.22UncommonMidCaveEASYVictory Road - 2FBlueGrassLv.26UncommonMidCaveEASYVictory Road - 2FRedGrassLv.26UncommonMidCave
Step 2Golbat ✓CHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - 1FBlueGrassLv.29RareMidWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - 1FRedGrassLv.29RareMidWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - B2FRedGrassLv.30RareMidWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - B2FBlueGrassLv.30RareMidWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - B4FRedGrassLv.32RareLateWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - B4FBlueGrassLv.32RareLateWaterCHALLENGINGVictory Road - 2FBlueGrassLv.40RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGVictory Road - 2FRedGrassLv.40RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGVictory Road - 1FRedGrassLv.41RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGVictory Road - 1FBlueGrassLv.41RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGVictory Road - 3FBlueGrassLv.41RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGVictory Road - 3FRedGrassLv.41RareLateCaveEFFORTLESSCerulean Cave - 1FBlueGrassLv.46CommonPostCaveEFFORTLESSCerulean Cave - 1FRedGrassLv.46CommonPostCaveor 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.
Golbat fills the pivot 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