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 said that the red part of its forehead grants supernatural powers to those who possess one, so it was over-hunted in the past.
It swims along the banks of lakes and catches fish Pokémon. It takes them to the shore and quietly eats them up.
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.
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 Clear Smog, Confuse Ray, Cross Chop and 12 more.
Golduck's locked into one move per switch-in with Choice Scarf, trading flexibility for speed patching through item lock. Ice Beam is the go-to spam option, with utility options keeping switch-ins honest.
Best Build
Best Golduck Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Hydro Pump
- Soak
- Aqua Jet
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
Golduck appears at decent spawn rates across 4 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 Sun & Moon
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Golduck. You'll find walking and surfing encounters from Lv. 14-59 across 16 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PsyduckEFFORTLESSBrooklet Hill - NorthMoonGrassLv.14-1730%EarlyEFFORTLESSBrooklet Hill - NorthSunGrassLv.14-1730%EarlyEFFORTLESSBrooklet Hill - SouthSunGrassLv.14-1730%EarlyEFFORTLESSBrooklet Hill - SouthMoonGrassLv.14-1730%EarlyMODERATEBrooklet Hill - NorthMoonSurfing on waterLv.14-1720%EarlyMODERATEBrooklet Hill - NorthSunSurfing on waterLv.14-1720%EarlyMODERATEBrooklet Hill - SouthSunSurfing on waterLv.14-1720%EarlyMODERATEBrooklet Hill - SouthMoonSurfing on waterLv.14-1720%EarlyMODERATESeaward CaveSunSurfing on waterLv.15-1820%EarlyCaveMODERATESeaward CaveMoonSurfing on waterLv.15-1820%EarlyCaveMODERATEMalie GardenSunGrassLv.24-2710%MidForestMODERATEMalie GardenMoonGrassLv.24-2710%MidForest
Step 2Golduck ✓MODERATEVast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)MoonSurfing on waterLv.41-4420%LateMODERATEVast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)SunSurfing on waterLv.41-4420%LateEASYPoni GauntletMoonGrassLv.56-5915%PostEASYPoni GauntletSunGrassLv.56-5915%Postor 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