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 attacks in a stealthy manner, without warning. Its sharp fangs are used to bite and suck blood.
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
Golbat starts showing up in mid-game routes at high spawn rates across 10 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Golbat in Yellow
Zubat is your first catch on the way to Golbat. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 6-59 across 22 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ZubatEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - 1FGrassLv.6-11CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - B1FGrassLv.8-11CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - 1FGrassLv.9-36CommonEarlyWaterEFFORTLESSMt. Moon - B2FGrassLv.10-13CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSRock Tunnel - 1FGrassLv.15-21CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B1FGrassLv.18-36CommonMidWaterEFFORTLESSRock Tunnel - B1FGrassLv.20-22CommonMidCaveEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B2FGrassLv.27-36CommonMidWaterEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B3FGrassLv.27-36CommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - B4FGrassLv.36-45UncommonLateWaterEASYVictory Road - 1FGrassLv.39-44UncommonLateCaveEASYVictory Road - 2FGrassLv.44UncommonLateCave
Step 2Golbat ✓EFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B4FGrassLv.27-36CommonMidWaterEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B3FGrassLv.27CommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - B1FGrassLv.27UncommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - B2FGrassLv.27-36UncommonMidWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - 1FGrassLv.27-36RareMidWaterEASYVictory Road - 2FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYVictory Road - 3FGrassLv.44UncommonLateCaveEFFORTLESSCerulean Cave - 1FGrassLv.50-55CommonPostCaveEFFORTLESSCerulean Cave - 2FGrassLv.52-57CommonPostCaveEFFORTLESSCerulean Cave - B1FGrassLv.54-59CommonPostCaveor 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