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 bites, it will not stop draining energy from the victim even if it gets too heavy to fly.
Once it starts sucking blood, it does not stop until it is full. It flies at night in search of prey.
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.
Golbat hasn't fully evolved, but Eviolite's 50% bulk boost makes it viable anyway. Jolly nature with flexible EVs EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Innerfocus adds utility.
Best Build
Best Golbat Moveset
- Brave Bird
- Tailwind
- Super Fang
- 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
No wild encounters for Golbat. The 2-stage line runs through Zubat, which you can catch at decent rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 22 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Golbat in X & Y
The path to Golbat starts with Zubat at Lv. 8-15 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ZubatEASYConnecting CaveXGrassLv.8UncommonEarlyCaveHorde battleEASYConnecting CaveYGrassLv.8UncommonEarlyCaveHorde battleEASYConnecting CaveXGrassLv.13-15UncommonEarlyCaveEASYConnecting CaveYGrassLv.13-15UncommonEarlyCave
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 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