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.
Often seen swimming elegantly by lake shores. It is often mistaken for the Japanese monster, Kappa.
Golduck Weakness
AvgGolduck's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass moves. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. With 80 HP and balanced defenses, Golduck can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
The Water-type Golduck caps Psyduck's chain at 500 stats. No daycare options for this one. HP grew the most through evolution (+30 over Psyduck), and Golduck peaks at 500 total stats.
How to Evolve
an ability isn't flashy, but it matters. Combined with an item for extra utility and flexible EVs EVs, Golduck fills the attacker slot reliably. A nature nature finishes the spread.
Best Build
Best Golduck Moveset
- Amnesia
- Blizzard
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
Recommended Teammates
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Golduck. TMs unlock Normal and Psychic coverage and more and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Hydro Pump and Surf into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
moderate rates is the best you'll get on Golduck in late-game routes. Use the sort toggle below. Best shows where the odds peak, Earliest shows where you can access it soonest in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Golduck in Red & Blue
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Golduck. You'll find fishing and walking encounters from Lv. 15-39 across 21 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PsyduckEASYRoute 24RedSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 24BlueSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 25BlueSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 25RedSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyRouteEASYSafari Zone - CenterRedSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - CenterBlueSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - EastRedSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - EastBlueSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - NorthRedSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - NorthBlueSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - WestRedSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEASYSafari Zone - WestBlueSuper RodLv.15CommonEarlyFacilityEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B2FBlueGrassLv.30-32CommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - B1FBlueGrassLv.28-30UncommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - B4FBlueGrassLv.29-31UncommonMidWaterEASYSeafoam Islands - 1FBlueGrassLv.30UncommonMidWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - 1FRedGrassLv.28RareMidWaterEFFORTLESSSeafoam Islands - B3FBlueGrassLv.31-33CommonLateWater
Step 2Golduck ✓CHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - B2FBlueGrassLv.37RareLateWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - 1FRedGrassLv.38RareLateWaterCHALLENGINGSeafoam Islands - B4FBlueGrassLv.39RareLateWateror 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