Golduck Best Moveset
AbilitySwift Swim doubles Speed under rain, and Held ItemChoice Specs with NatureModest at 95 Sp. Atk pushes Water TermStab into threatening range. The moveset depends entirely on rain support. Without it, 85 Speed is average and the damage falls short. With rain active, the combination of speed and power competes.
Water-type with 80 base Special was middle of the road in Gen I (Red & Blue). Starmie, Lapras, and Slowbro all did the Water attacker role better.
Utility Moveset
- Amnesia
- Blizzard
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
Recommended Teammates
Cross Chop gave it surprise Fighting coverage that most Water-types couldn't match. Mixed attacking with Surf and Cross Chop caught defensive pivots off guard.
Utility Moveset
- Surf
- Cross Chop
- Ice Beam
- Hypnosis
Recommended Teammates
Cloud Nine negated weather effects entirely in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Against Sandstorm and Rain teams, shutting off weather on switch-in had real tactical value.
Best Moves
Best Build
Golduck best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Calm Mind
- Rain Dance
Recommended Teammates
Cloud Nine was still useful but niche in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Golduck's stats weren't strong enough for a primary attacker role.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Surf
- Calm Mind
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Grass
Recommended Teammates
Weather wars dominated Gen V (Black & White), which should have been Golduck's moment. But it was too frail and too weak to abuse Cloud Nine against Politoed and Ninetales teams.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Surf
- Water Pulse
- Rock Smash
- Strength
Recommended Teammates
Weather was nerfed to five turns in Gen VI (X & Y), making Cloud Nine less necessary. Golduck lost the one niche that gave it a reason to exist.
Wall Moveset
- Encore
- Simple Beam
- Aqua Jet
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Swift Swim existed as an alternative but 95 Sp. Atk wasn't enough to sweep even in rain. Outclassed by Kingdra and Kabutops.
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Calm Mind
- Rain Dance
Recommended Teammates
Same problems in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield). Water-types with better abilities, better stats, and better coverage filled every role Golduck might have wanted.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Rain Dance
- Clear Smog
Recommended Teammates
Six straight gens of decline. Golduck needed a stat rework or a new ability to compete in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet).
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Hydro Pump
- Focus Blast
Recommended Teammates
Golduck Weakness
Golduck's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. With 80 HP and balanced defenses, Golduck can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
What is Golduck Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Golduck
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityVesselofruin ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Golduck View Ting-Lu builds →Earthquake32-38% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrought ItemHeatrock NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Golduck View Torkoal builds →Rapid Spin12-14% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Golduck View Corviknight builds →U Turn19-22% | ||
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemRocky Helmet NatureJolly Moves View Landorus-Therian builds →
| ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureSassy Moves View Slowking-Galar builds →
| ||
Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Golduck
Golduck appears at moderate rates across 60 spots in late-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Golduck in SV
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Golduck. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 5-56 across 122 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PsyduckAsado Desert - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Casseroya Lake - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Casseroya Lake - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Glaseado MountainLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area One) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area Two) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Paldean Sea - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Five) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Five) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Four) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Four) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area One) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Six) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Six) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Tagtree Thicket - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Tagtree Thicket - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Five) - SwampLv.5-37OverworldRate 9%
Step 2Golduck ✓Asado Desert - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Casseroya Lake - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Casseroya Lake - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Glaseado MountainLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area One) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area Two) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Paldean Sea - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Five) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Five) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Four) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Four) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area One) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Six) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Six) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Tagtree Thicket - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Tagtree Thicket - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%or evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
Golduck appears at decent spawn rates across 6 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Golduck in PLA
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Golduck. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 6-44 across 13 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PsyduckThe HeartwoodLv.13-16GrassRate 15%Golden LowlandsLv.17-20GrassRate 15%Gapejaw BogLv.19-22GrassRate 15%Bathers' LagoonLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Holm of TrialsLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Lonely SpringLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Wayward WoodLv.29-32GrassRate 15%
Step 2Golduck ✓Golden LowlandsLv.6-27GrassRate 15%Bathers' LagoonLv.33-36GrassRate 15%Holm of TrialsLv.33-36GrassRate 15%Wayward WoodLv.35-38GrassRate 15%Lonely SpringLv.37-40GrassRate 15%Spring PathLv.41-44GrassRate 15%or evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
Easy grab on Golduck with high spawn rates across 46 locations in mid-game water routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Golduck in BDSP
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Golduck. You'll find surfing and walking encounters from Lv. 5-55 across 122 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PsyduckOreburgh Gate - B1FLv.8-10GrassRate 30%Ravaged PathLv.5GrassRate 2%Celestic TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Eterna CityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Lake AcuityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Lake ValorLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Lake VerityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 203Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 204 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 204 - SouthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 205 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 208Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 209Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 210 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 212 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 214Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Twinleaf TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 208Lv.16-18GrassRate 30%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 30%Ravaged PathLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 30%Route 210 - NorthLv.25GrassRate 20%Fountainspring CaveLv.16-20CaveRiverbank CaveLv.16-20CaveSpacious CaveLv.16-20CaveStill-Water CavernLv.16-20CaveGreat Marsh - Area 6Lv.20-22FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 3Lv.22-24FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 4Lv.22-24FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 1Lv.24-26FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 2Lv.24-26FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 1Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 2Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 3Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 4Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 6Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Lake AcuityLv.34-36GrassRate 30%Morning/dayLake AcuityLv.34-35GrassRate 20%NightLake ValorLv.35-36GrassRate 20%
Step 2Golduck ✓Celestic TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Eterna CityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lake AcuityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lake ValorLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lake VerityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 203Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 204 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 204 - SouthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 205 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 208Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 209Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 210 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 212 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 214Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Twinleaf TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Ravaged PathLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Resort AreaLv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 100%Sendoff SpringLv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 100%Route 225Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 70%Sendoff SpringLv.53-54GrassRate 20%Route 226Lv.51-53GrassRate 10%Route 230Lv.52GrassRate 10%or evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
You're catching Psyduck first, not Golduck. Psyduck appears at solid rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 2-stage line with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Golduck in SwSh
The path to Golduck starts with Psyduck at Lv. 10-18 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch PsyduckChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%Normal WeatherChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%SnowstormChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%RainingChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%Intense SunChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%Heavy FogChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%SnowingChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%OvercastChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%SandstormChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%ThunderstormBrawlers' CaveLv.13-18OverworldRate 16%Heavy FogBrawlers' CaveLv.13-18OverworldRate 16%SnowstormBrawlers' CaveLv.13-18OverworldRate 16%Sandstorm
Step 2Golduck ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Golduck egg.
Base Stats
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 it swims at full speed using its long, webbed limbs, its forehead somehow begins to glow.
Golduck Guide
Swift Swim changes the entire equation for Golduck. The 500 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier.
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.
Run Ice Beam, Surf, Hydro Pump, and Focus Blast on Golduck. Ice Beam is the most common pick at 0% usage. Surf provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
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.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves