Nothing about Golduck screams competitive powerhouse, and that's fine. Water means only weak to Electric and Grass. Can go either physical or special depending on the set. An original Gen 1 pick.
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 swims gracefully along on the quiet, slow-moving rivers and lakes of which it is so fond.
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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Evolved from Psyduck. Golduck is the final form in this two-stage line. Plenty of 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 using 66 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Cross Chop, Foresight, Future Sight and 5 more.
an ability isn't flashy, but it matters. Combined with Leftovers for passive recovery each turn and flexible EVs EVs, Golduck fills the attacker slot reliably. A nature nature finishes the spread.
Best Build
Best Golduck Moveset
- Surf
- Cross Chop
- Ice Beam
- Hypnosis
Recommended Teammates
The natural movepool does the job, but Cross Chop and Foresight from the egg pool give Golduck something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Surf for STAB and coverage across 7 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
high spawn rates in early-game water routes across 7 locations. Golduck'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 Golduck in Crystal
To get Golduck, start by catching Psyduck through walking and surfing encounters at Lv. 5-48. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch PsyduckEASYRoute 6Surfing on waterLv.5-14CommonEarlyRouteEASYIlex ForestSurfing on waterLv.10-19CommonEarlyForestEFFORTLESSNational ParkGrassLv.12CommonEarlyFacilityNightEASYRoute 35Surfing on waterLv.15-24CommonEarlyRouteEASYIlex ForestGrassLv.7UncommonEarlyForestNightEASYRoute 35GrassLv.13UncommonEarlyRouteNightEASYRoute 6GrassLv.15UncommonEarlyRouteNight- Step 2Golduck ✓MODERATERoute 6Surfing on waterLv.10-14UncommonEarlyRouteMODERATEIlex ForestSurfing on waterLv.15-19UncommonEarlyForestMODERATERoute 35Surfing on waterLv.20-24UncommonMidRouteEASYMt. Silver - 2FSurfing on waterLv.35-39CommonLateCaveCHALLENGINGMt. Silver - 1FGrassLv.45RareLateCaveNightCHALLENGINGMt. Silver - SummitGrassLv.45RareLateCaveNightEFFORTLESSMt. Silver - 2FGrassLv.48CommonPostCaveNightor 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.
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