Goldeen is technically a pre-evolution of Seaking, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Swift Swim doubles its Speed in rain, adding extra value. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Known as the Goldfish Pokemon.
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.
When it is time for them to lay eggs, they can be seen swimming up rivers and falls in large groups.
Goldeen Weakness
GoodType-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.
One evolution ahead. Goldeen grows into Seaking through a straightforward two-stage chain. No compatible partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 130 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Goldeen easily from the Water2 egg group.
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
TMs carry this one. Goldeen learns Surf and Waterfall naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Flying and Normal and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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.
Best Locations
Goldeen is meant to evolve into Seaking. At 320 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Goldeen evolves into Seaking at level 33. Goldeen is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Swift Swim is what you want on Goldeen. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Water Veil, Lightning Rod) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Goldeen worth using.
At base 63 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Goldeen is a physical attacker with base 67 Attack. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Goldeen appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
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.
- 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