What separates Golduck from the pack is Swift Swim — it doubles its Speed in rain. Combine that with Water typing and it sits at a decent but contested Speed tier. Can go either physical or special depending on the set.
An unusually even spread gives Golduck flexibility. Sp. Atk barely edges ahead. But Defense isn't far off. Moderately hard to find and follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve. Yields 2 Sp. Atk EVs.
It is seen swimming dynamically and elegantly using its well-developed limbs and flippers.
Golduck Weakness
GoodGolduck's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass moves. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. With 80 HP and balanced defenses, Golduck can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Evolved from Psyduck. Golduck is the final form in this two-stage line. A massive partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. HP grew the most through evolution (+30 over Psyduck), and Golduck peaks at 500 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Golduck to get Psyduck eggs easily using 180 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Confuse Ray, Cross Chop, Encore and 10 more.
Damp isn't flashy, but it matters. Combined with Sitrus Berry for a one-time health recovery at low HP and max HP and Attack EVs, Golduck fills the attacker slot reliably. Hardy nature finishes the spread.
Best Build
Best Golduck Moveset
- Surf
- Water Pulse
- Rock Smash
- Strength
Recommended Teammates
The natural movepool does the job, but Confuse Ray and Cross Chop from the egg pool give Golduck something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Surf for STAB and coverage across 9 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
high spawn rates across 12 locations for Golduck in endgame routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Golduck in Black & White
The path to Golduck starts with Psyduck at Lv. 47-59 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Obtain Psyduck- Step 2Golduck ✓EFFORTLESSVillage BridgeWhiteGrassLv.47-49CommonPostAnyEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeBlackGrassLv.47-49CommonPostAnyEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeWhiteGrassLv.57-59CommonPostAnyDouble grassEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeBlackGrassLv.57-59CommonPostAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 11BlackGrassLv.47UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 11WhiteGrassLv.47UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 14WhiteGrassLv.47UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 14BlackGrassLv.47UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 11BlackGrassLv.57UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 11WhiteGrassLv.57UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 14WhiteGrassLv.57UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 14BlackGrassLv.57UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassor evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
Swift Swim changes the entire equation for Golduck. The 500 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier.
Psyduck evolves into Golduck at level 33. Golduck is the fully evolved form. At 500 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Swift Swim is what you want on Golduck. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Damp, Cloud Nine) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Golduck worth using.
Base 85 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Golduck is a mixed attacker — base 82 Attack and 95 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Golduck appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Golduck has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. 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