Physical
Balanced
320Low
63Moderate
DTier

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.

Base Stats
320Avg
HP45
D
Attack67
C
Defense60
C
Sp. Atk35
F
Sp. Def50
D
Speed63
C
Total320
Low <60
Avg 60-89
High 90-149
Top 150+
EV YieldDefeating Goldeen yields +1 Atk
HPAtk+1DefSpASpDSpe
Details
Catch225EasyMedium Fast1M XP0.6m / 2'00"15kg / 33.1 lbs64Base XP
Pokedex Entries

Its dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins wave elegantly in water. That is why it is known as the Water Dancer.

Sword

Its dorsal and pectoral fins are strongly developed like muscles. It can swim at a speed of five knots.

Shield

Goldeen Weakness

Good

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.

4xCriticali
None
¼xResisti
None
0xImmunei
2Weak
4Resist
1Immune
Scorei0
SpikesGrounded — up to 25%
Toxic SpikesVulnerable
Abilities
Swift SwimDoubles Speed during rain.
Water VeilPrevents burns.
Lightning RodHARedirects single-target electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Absorbs Electric moves, raising Special Attack one stage.
Lightning Rod grants Electric immunity

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.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Goldeen
Water
Seaking
Water
HP
45
80+35
ATK
67
92+25
DEF
60
65+5
SP.ATK
35
65+30
SP.DEF
50
80+30
SPE
63
68+5
BST
320D-Tier
450C-Tier+130
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Physical
Physical
Breeding
Very Easy

Breed Goldeen easily with 20 breeding partners from the Water2 egg group. Pass egg moves like Acupressure, Aqua Tail, Haze and 2 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Water2
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
5moves
Breed With (best first)
gyaradosoctillerymalamarmagikarpremoraidinkaywailordrelicanthwailmerbarraskewdalanturnsharpedo

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.

Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.

Stall teams hate this. Goldeen can spread damage across 10 types, with Flying and Normal punishing common defensive pivots. STAB from Hydro Pump and Muddy Water keeps the pressure honest on everything else.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Peck
3510035Flying
Lv 1
Tail Whip
10030Normal
Lv 5
Supersonic
5520Normal
Lv 10
Water Pulse
6010020Water
Lv 15
Horn Attack
6510025Normal
Lv 20
Agility
30Psychic
Lv 25
Aqua Ring
20Water
Lv 30
Flail
10015Normal
Lv 35
Waterfall
8010015Water
Lv 40
Soak
10020Water
Lv 45
Megahorn
1208510Bug
Lv 50
Horn Drill
305Normal

TM Moves

Src
TR12
Agility
30Psychic
TM31
Attract
10015Normal
TR06
Blizzard
110705Ice
TR01
Body Slam
8510015Normal
TM52
Bounce
85855Flying
TM45
Dive
8010010Water
TR87
Drill Run
809510Ground
TR26
Endure+4
10Normal
TM39
Facade
7010020Normal
TM35
Hail
10Ice
TR03
Hydro Pump
110805Water
TR05
Ice Beam
9010010Ice
TM27
Icy Wind
559515Ice
TR28
Megahorn
1208510Bug
TM53
Mud Shot
559515Ground
TR45
Muddy Water
908510Water
TR57
Poison Jab
8010020Poison
TM25
Protect+4
10Normal
TM33
Rain Dance
5Water
TM21
Rest
10Psychic
TM76
Round
6010015Normal
TR84
Scald
8010015Water
TR27
Sleep Talk
10Normal
TM96
Smart Strike
7010Steel
TM24
Snore
5010015Normal
TR20
Substitute
10Normal
TR04
Surf
9010015Water
TM40
Swift
6020Normal
TM
Swords Dance
20Normal
TR95
Throat Chop
8010015Dark
TR16
Waterfall
8010015Water
TM36
Whirlpool
358515Water

Egg Moves

Src
Egg
Acupressure
30Normal
Egg
Aqua Tail
909010Water
Egg
Haze
30Ice
Egg
Mud-Slap
2010010Ground
Egg
Psybeam
6510020Psychic

Tutor Moves

Src
Tutor
Flip Turn
6010020Water
Tutor
Scale Shot
259020Dragon

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.

Best Locations

88 spots to find Goldeen at Lv. 7-45 via surfing and fishing. Not all of them exist in both Sword and Shield versions, so filter by your copy below.

Forest of Focus
SwordSuper RodLv.13-1840%EarlyForest
EASY
Forest of Focus
ShieldSuper RodLv.13-1840%EarlyForest
EASY
West Lake Axewell
SwordSuper RodLv.7-1135%EarlyCave
EASY
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSuper RodLv.7-1135%EarlyCave
EASY
East Lake Axewell
SwordSuper RodLv.8-1225%EarlyCave
MODERATE
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSuper RodLv.8-1225%EarlyCave
MODERATE
Route 4
SwordSuper RodLv.13-1510%EarlyRoute
CHALLENGING
Route 4
ShieldSuper RodLv.13-1510%EarlyRoute
CHALLENGING
Giant's Cap
SwordSuper RodLv.26-2850%Mid
EASY
Giant's Cap
ShieldSuper RodLv.26-2850%Mid
EASY
Route 5
ShieldSuper RodLv.16-1810%MidRoute
CHALLENGING
Route 5
SwordSuper RodLv.16-1810%MidRoute
CHALLENGING
Route 6
SwordSuper RodLv.28-3010%MidRoute
CHALLENGING
Route 6
ShieldSuper RodLv.28-3010%MidRoute
CHALLENGING
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4060%LateCaveOvercast
EFFORTLESS
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4060%LateCaveOvercast
EFFORTLESS
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4460%LateWaterRaining
EFFORTLESS
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4460%LateWaterRaining
EFFORTLESS
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4460%LateWaterNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4460%LateWaterNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
North Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.42-4560%LateWaterThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
North Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.42-4560%LateWaterThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4355%LateNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4355%LateNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4355%LateCaveSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4355%LateCaveSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4345%LateRaining
EASY
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4345%LateRaining
EASY
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4340%LateHeavy Fog
EASY
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4340%LateOvercast
EASY
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4340%LateHeavy Fog
EASY
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4340%LateOvercast
EASY
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4335%LateSandstorm
EASY
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4335%LateSandstorm
EASY
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4330%LateThunderstorm
EASY
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4330%LateThunderstorm
EASY
North Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.42-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
North Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.42-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveSandstorm
EASY
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveRaining
EASY
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveSandstorm
EASY
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveHeavy Fog
EASY
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveRaining
EASY
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveHeavy Fog
EASY
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveNormal Weather
EASY
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4025%LateCaveNormal Weather
EASY
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4325%LateIntense Sun
EASY
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4325%LateIntense Sun
EASY
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4325%LateCaveOvercast
EASY
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4325%LateCaveOvercast
EASY
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4425%LateWaterThunderstorm
EASY
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4425%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4425%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4425%LateWaterThunderstorm
EASY
North Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.42-4525%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
North Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.42-4525%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4320%LateSnowing
MODERATE
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4320%LateSnowing
MODERATE
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4315%LateCaveSnowstorm
MODERATE
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4315%LateCaveSnowstorm
MODERATE
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4315%LateCaveRaining
MODERATE
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4315%LateCaveRaining
MODERATE
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4010%LateCaveThunderstorm
CHALLENGING
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4010%LateCaveIntense Sun
CHALLENGING
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4010%LateCaveThunderstorm
CHALLENGING
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4010%LateCaveIntense Sun
CHALLENGING
Bridge Field
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4310%LateSnowstorm
CHALLENGING
Bridge Field
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4310%LateSnowstorm
CHALLENGING
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4310%LateCaveHeavy Fog
CHALLENGING
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4310%LateCaveHeavy Fog
CHALLENGING
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterIntense Sun
CHALLENGING
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterSandstorm
CHALLENGING
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterSandstorm
CHALLENGING
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterSnowstorm
CHALLENGING
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterSnowstorm
CHALLENGING
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterIntense Sun
CHALLENGING
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-405%LateCaveSnowstorm
HARD
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-405%LateCaveSnowstorm
HARD
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateCaveNormal Weather
HARD
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateCaveNormal Weather
HARD
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateCaveThunderstorm
HARD
East Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateCaveIntense Sun
HARD
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateCaveThunderstorm
HARD
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateCaveIntense Sun
HARD
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-445%LateWaterHeavy Fog
HARD
South Lake Miloch
SwordSurfing on waterLv.41-445%LateWaterOvercast
HARD
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-445%LateWaterHeavy Fog
HARD
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.41-445%LateWaterOvercast
HARD
  • 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's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Exeggutor (Grass), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

  • 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.