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.
Its thick fangs are hollow like straws, making them unexpectedly fragile. These fangs are specialized for sucking blood.
Sometimes they drink so much blood, they can’t fly anymore. Then they fall to the ground and become food for other Pokémon.
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 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 11 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. Infiltrator fills in the gaps.
Best Build
Best Golbat Moveset
- Roost
- Toxic
- Defog
- Haze
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
Golbat appears at high spawn rates across 12 spots in mid-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 Golbat in Sun & Moon
Zubat is your first catch on the way to Golbat. You'll find walking, gift, and more encounters from Lv. 7-57 across 34 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ZubatEFFORTLESSSeaward CaveSunSurfing on waterLv.15-1880%EarlyCaveEFFORTLESSSeaward CaveMoonSurfing on waterLv.15-1880%EarlyCaveEFFORTLESSVerdant Cavern - Trial SiteSunGrassLv.8-1170%EarlyCaveEFFORTLESSVerdant Cavern - Trial SiteMoonGrassLv.8-1170%EarlyCaveEFFORTLESSSeaward CaveSunGrassLv.9-1270%EarlyCaveEFFORTLESSSeaward CaveMoonGrassLv.9-1270%EarlyCaveEFFORTLESSTen Carat Hill - InsideSunGrassLv.10-1330%EarlyEFFORTLESSTen Carat Hill - InsideMoonGrassLv.10-1330%EarlyEASYHau'oli CemeteryMoonGrassLv.7-1020%EarlyEASYHau'oli CemeterySunGrassLv.7-1020%EarlyEFFORTLESSLush Jungle - East CaveSunGrassLv.18-2170%MidForestEFFORTLESSLush Jungle - East CaveMoonGrassLv.18-2170%MidForestEFFORTLESSDiglett's TunnelSunGrassLv.19-2270%MidCaveEFFORTLESSDiglett's TunnelMoonGrassLv.19-2270%MidCaveEASYMemorial HillSunGrassLv.20-2320%MidEASYMemorial HillMoonGrassLv.20-2320%MidEASYPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedSunGift from NPCLv.21-276%MidEASYPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedMoonGift from NPCLv.21-276%MidEASYPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedSunGift from NPCLv.37-435%LateEASYPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedMoonGift from NPCLv.37-435%LateMODERATEPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedSunGift from NPCLv.49-554%PostMODERATEPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedMoonGift from NPCLv.49-554%Post
Step 2Golbat ✓EFFORTLESSThrifty Megamart - Abandoned SiteSunGrassLv.29-3240%MidEFFORTLESSThrifty Megamart - Abandoned SiteMoonGrassLv.29-3240%MidEFFORTLESSVast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)SunSurfing on waterLv.41-4480%LateEFFORTLESSVast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)MoonSurfing on waterLv.41-4480%LateEFFORTLESSVast Poni Canyon - InsideSunGrassLv.41-4430%LateEFFORTLESSVast Poni Canyon - InsideMoonGrassLv.41-4430%LateEFFORTLESSVast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)SunGrassLv.41-4430%LateEFFORTLESSVast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)MoonGrassLv.41-4430%LateEFFORTLESSMount Lanakila - CaveMoonGrassLv.42-4530%LateCaveEFFORTLESSMount Lanakila - CaveSunGrassLv.42-4530%LateCaveEFFORTLESSResolution CaveMoonGrassLv.54-5770%PostCaveEFFORTLESSResolution CaveSunGrassLv.54-5770%PostCaveor 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