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 131 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Confuse Ray, Cross Chop, Foresight and 8 more.
Damp isn't flashy, but it matters. Combined with Life Orb for extra damage on every hit for a health trade and max HP and Attack EVs, Golduck fills the setup attacker slot reliably. Hardy nature finishes the spread.
Best Build
Best Golduck Moveset
- Surf
- Calm Mind
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Grass
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 Surf anchor the STAB core.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
high spawn rates in mid-game water routes across 22 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 Platinum
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Golduck. You'll find surfing and walking encounters from Lv. 4-55 across 46 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PsyduckEFFORTLESSRavaged PathGrassLv.4-6CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSOreburgh Gate - 1FGrassLv.5-7CommonEarlyEFFORTLESSOreburgh Gate - B1FGrassLv.8-10CommonEarlyEASYCelestic TownSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidCityEASYEterna CitySurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidCityEASYLake AcuitySurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidWaterEASYLake ValorSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidWaterEASYLake VeritySurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidWaterEASYOreburgh Gate - B1FSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidEASYRavaged PathSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 202Surfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 203Surfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 204 - SouthSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 205 - NorthSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 208Surfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 209Surfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 210 - NorthSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 212 - NorthSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 214Surfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEASYTwinleaf TownSurfing on waterLv.20-30CommonMidCityMODERATEResort AreaSurfing on waterLv.35-45UncommonLateFacilityMODERATERoute 225Surfing on waterLv.35-45UncommonLateRouteEASYLake ValorGrassLv.38-39UncommonLateWaterCHALLENGINGLake AcuityGrassLv.38RareLateWater- Step 2Golduck ✓EASYSendoff SpringSurfing on waterLv.20-40CommonMidMODERATECelestic TownSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidCityMODERATEEterna CitySurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidCityMODERATELake AcuitySurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidWaterMODERATELake ValorSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidWaterMODERATELake VeritySurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidWaterMODERATERoute 202Surfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 203Surfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 204 - SouthSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 205 - NorthSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 208Surfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 209Surfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 210 - NorthSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 212 - NorthSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATERoute 214Surfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidRouteMODERATETwinleaf TownSurfing on waterLv.20-40UncommonMidCityHARDOreburgh Gate - B1FSurfing on waterLv.20-40RareMidHARDRavaged PathSurfing on waterLv.20-40RareMidRouteEASYResort AreaSurfing on waterLv.35-55CommonLateFacilityEASYRoute 225Surfing on waterLv.35-55CommonLateRouteEASYLake AcuityGrassLv.39-40UncommonLateWaterEASYLake ValorGrassLv.40-41UncommonLateWateror 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