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.
When its forehead shines mysteriously, Golduck can use the full extent of its power.
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. No compatible partners 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 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
Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Golduck won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 10 types means it always has an effective option. Hydro Pump and Aqua Tail anchor the STAB core.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
high spawn rates across 36 locations for Golduck in late-game 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 2 & White 2
The path to Golduck starts with Psyduck at Lv. 5-65 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch PsyduckEASYFloccesy RanchWhite 2GrassLv.5UncommonEarlyFacilityAnyEASYFloccesy RanchBlack 2GrassLv.5UncommonEarlyFacilityAny
Step 2Golduck ✓EFFORTLESSRoute 14Black 2GrassLv.34-35CommonLateRouteAnyEFFORTLESSRoute 14White 2GrassLv.34-35CommonLateRouteAnyEFFORTLESSSeaside Cave - 1FWhite 2GrassLv.34-36CommonLateCaveAnyEFFORTLESSSeaside Cave - 1FBlack 2GrassLv.34-36CommonLateCaveAnyEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeBlack 2GrassLv.36-38CommonLateAnyEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeWhite 2GrassLv.36-38CommonLateAnyEFFORTLESSRoute 14Black 2GrassLv.37-39CommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEFFORTLESSRoute 14White 2GrassLv.38-39CommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeBlack 2GrassLv.40-42CommonLateAnyDouble grassEFFORTLESSVillage BridgeWhite 2GrassLv.40-42CommonLateAnyDouble grassEASYAbundant ShrineBlack 2GrassLv.34UncommonLateRuinsAnyEASYAbundant ShrineWhite 2GrassLv.34UncommonLateRuinsAnyEASYRoute 11Black 2GrassLv.36UncommonLateRouteAnyEASYRoute 11White 2GrassLv.36UncommonLateRouteAnyEASYAbundant ShrineBlack 2GrassLv.38UncommonLateRuinsAnyDouble grassEASYAbundant ShrineWhite 2GrassLv.38UncommonLateRuinsAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 11Black 2GrassLv.40UncommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 11White 2GrassLv.40UncommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 22Black 2GrassLv.40UncommonLateRouteAnyEASYRoute 22White 2GrassLv.40UncommonLateRouteAnyEASYSeaside Cave - B1FWhite 2GrassLv.40UncommonLateCaveAnyEASYSeaside Cave - B1FBlack 2GrassLv.40UncommonLateCaveAnyEASYRoute 22Black 2GrassLv.45UncommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 22White 2GrassLv.45UncommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 23White 2GrassLv.50UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 23Black 2GrassLv.50UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 23White 2GrassLv.55UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 23Black 2GrassLv.55UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassEASYNature PreserveWhite 2GrassLv.57UncommonPostAnyEASYNature PreserveBlack 2GrassLv.57UncommonPostAnyEASYNature SanctuaryWhite 2GrassLv.57UncommonPostAnyEASYNature SanctuaryBlack 2GrassLv.57UncommonPostAnyEASYNature PreserveWhite 2GrassLv.65UncommonPostAnyDouble grassEASYNature PreserveBlack 2GrassLv.65UncommonPostAnyDouble grassEASYNature SanctuaryBlack 2GrassLv.65UncommonPostAnyDouble grassEASYNature SanctuaryWhite 2GrassLv.65UncommonPostAnyDouble 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 special attacker with base 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