
Goldeen Best Moveset
67 Attack at 63 Speed on a Water pre-evo with AbilitySwift Swim for rain and hidden AbilityLightning Rod for Electric immunity. The moveset is non-functional at these stats. One evolution from Seaking.
Goldeen was a niche pick at best in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow), rarely seen in standard play. This marked Goldeen's competitive debut. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 50.
Utility Moveset
- Horn Attack
- Peck
Recommended Teammates
Goldeen was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. Goldeen maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Rain Dance
Goldeen was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Goldeen maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Choice Band, favoring a Rash nature.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Megahorn
- Surf
- Rain Dance
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Goldeen saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). This was Goldeen's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Damprock, favoring a Adamant nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Goldeen best EVs are Attack and HP
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Megahorn
- Waterfall
- Rain Dance
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Goldeen saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Goldeen maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Lightningrod with Eviolite, favoring a Jolly nature.
Wall Moveset
- Toxic
- Rain Dance
- Knock Off
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Goldeen was a niche pick at best in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS), rarely seen in standard play. This was a decline from E-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Rocky Helmet, favoring a Rash nature.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Scald
- Rain Dance
- Drill Run
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Goldeen saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Goldeen climbed from F-Tier as the competitive landscape shifted. Its most popular set ran Lightningrod with Eviolite, favoring a Jolly nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Waterfall
- Knock Off
- Drill Run
- Megahorn
Goldeen saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Goldeen maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Choice Scarf, favoring a Rash nature.
Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Drill Run
- Scald
- Poison Jab
- Megahorn
Recommended Teammates
Goldeen Weakness
Type-wise, Goldeen takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
What is Goldeen Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Goldeen
Kartana's Knock Off hits Goldeen for 60-71%. Rotom threatens a KO with Thunderbolt (232-273%).
Kartana GrassSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Goldeen View Kartana builds →Knock Off60-71% | ||
Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Goldeen View Rotom builds →Volt Switch 2x181-213%KO Shadow Ball103-121%KO Thunderbolt 2x232-273%KO | ||
Evolution
One evolution ahead. Goldeen grows into Seaking through a straightforward two-stage chain. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 130 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Goldeen easily with 34 breeding partners from the Water2 egg group.
How to Get Goldeen
Goldeen's scattered across 24 spots in early-game fishing spots with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Goldeen in BDSP
The path to Goldeen starts with Goldeen at Lv. 10-50 via fishing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Goldeen ✓Lake AcuityLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Lake ValorLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Lake VerityLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Resort AreaLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 203Lv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 204 - NorthLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 204 - SouthLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 209Lv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 212 - NorthLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 214Lv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Sendoff SpringLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Twinleaf TownLv.10-25Good RodRate 35%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into SeakingLake AcuityLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Lake ValorLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Lake VerityLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Resort AreaLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Route 203Lv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Route 204 - NorthLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Route 204 - SouthLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Route 209Lv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Route 212 - NorthLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Route 214Lv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Sendoff SpringLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%Twinleaf TownLv.20-50Super RodRate 35%or evolve from Goldeen (Step 1)
high spawn rates in early-game water routes across 88 locations. Goldeen's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Goldeen in SwSh
The path to Goldeen starts with Goldeen at Lv. 7-45 via surfing and fishing encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Goldeen ✓Forest of FocusLv.13-18Super RodRate 40%West Lake AxewellLv.7-11Super RodRate 35%East Lake AxewellLv.8-12Super RodRate 25%Route 4Lv.13-15Super RodRate 10%Giant's CapLv.26-28Super RodRate 50%Route 5Lv.16-18Super RodRate 10%Route 6Lv.28-30Super RodRate 10%West Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 60%OvercastSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 60%RainingSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 60%Normal WeatherNorth Lake MilochLv.42-45Surfing on waterRate 60%ThunderstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 55%Normal WeatherEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 55%SandstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 45%RainingBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 40%Heavy FogBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 40%OvercastBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 35%SandstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 30%ThunderstormNorth Lake MilochLv.42-45Surfing on waterRate 28%RainingWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 25%Normal WeatherWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 25%SandstormWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 25%RainingWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 25%Heavy FogBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 25%Intense SunEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 25%OvercastSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 25%ThunderstormSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 25%SnowingNorth Lake MilochLv.42-45Surfing on waterRate 25%SandstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 20%SnowingEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%RainingEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%SnowstormWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 10%ThunderstormWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Intense SunBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 10%SnowstormEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 10%Heavy FogSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 10%Intense SunSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 10%SnowstormSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 10%SandstormWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 5%SnowstormEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 5%ThunderstormEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 5%Normal WeatherEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 5%Intense SunSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 5%Heavy FogSouth Lake MilochLv.41-44Surfing on waterRate 5%Overcast
Step 2Evolve into SeakingBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Seaking egg.
Easy grab on Goldeen with high spawn rates across 2 locations in early-game water routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Goldeen in LGPE
To get Goldeen, start by catching Goldeen through surfing encounters at Lv. 11-16. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Goldeen ✓Route 6Lv.11-16Surfing on waterRate 45%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into SeakingRoute 6Lv.11-16Surfing on waterRate 10%or evolve from Goldeen (Step 1)
high spawn rates in early-game fishing spots across 12 locations. Goldeen's one of the easier catches on the list. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Goldeen in USUM
Goldeen is your first catch on the way to Goldeen. You'll find fishing encounters from Lv. 10-33 across 24 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Goldeen ✓Brooklet Hill - NorthLv.10-16Super RodRate 30%Brooklet Hill - SouthLv.10-16Super RodRate 30%Malie GardenLv.10-28Super RodRate 30%Brooklet Hill - NorthLv.10-21Super RodRate 25%Shaking spotBrooklet Hill - SouthLv.10-21Super RodRate 25%Shaking spotMalie GardenLv.10-33Super RodRate 20%Shaking spot
Step 2Catch or Evolve into SeakingBrooklet Hill - NorthLv.10-16Super RodSOS from GoldeenBrooklet Hill - NorthLv.10-21Super RodSOS from GoldeenBrooklet Hill - SouthLv.10-21Super RodSOS from GoldeenBrooklet Hill - SouthLv.10-16Super RodSOS from GoldeenMalie GardenLv.10-33Super RodSOS from GoldeenMalie GardenLv.10-28Super RodSOS from Goldeenor evolve from Goldeen (Step 1)
Base Stats
Attack and Speed carry most of Goldeen's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Easy to catch and yields 1 Attack EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Its dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins wave elegantly in water. That is why it is known as the Water Dancer.
Goldeen Guide
You can run Goldeen through the first few routes without issues. 320 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Seaking as fast as you can.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Goldeen has appeared in 19 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves