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 loves to drink other creatures’ blood. It’s said that if it finds others of its kind going hungry, it sometimes shares the blood it’s gathered.
Its feet are tiny, but this Pokémon walks skillfully. It sneaks up on sleeping prey before sinking in its fangs and slurping up blood.
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
Breed with Golbat to get Zubat eggs easily using 39 partners from the Flying egg group.
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
Best Golbat Moveset
- Poison Fang
- Roost
- Toxic
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Golbat's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Brave Bird and Fly, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 8 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
No wild encounters for Golbat. The 2-stage line runs through Zubat, which you can catch at solid rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 22 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Golbat in Sword & Shield
Zubat is your first catch on the way to Golbat. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 60-65 across 6 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ZubatEFFORTLESSRoaring-Sea CavesShieldOverworldLv.60-6540%PostCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSRoaring-Sea CavesSwordOverworldLv.60-6540%PostCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSTunnel to the TopSwordOverworldLv.60-6540%PostCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSTunnel to the TopShieldOverworldLv.60-6540%PostCaveAll WeatherEASYLakeside CaveShieldOverworldLv.60-6520%PostCaveAll WeatherEASYLakeside CaveSwordOverworldLv.60-6520%PostCaveAll Weather
Step 2Golbat ✓
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