Golem Best Moveset
120 Attack and 130 Defense behind Rock/Ground TermStab with AbilitySturdy guaranteeing survival at full HP. Held ItemCustap Berry activates at low HP to grant priority on the next move, turning MoveExplosion into a guaranteed last strike. The moveset trades its own HP for massive damage. 45 Speed means the Custap trick is the plan, not a backup.
Rock/Ground had great offensive coverage but Golem required a trade to evolve in Gen I (Red & Blue). Rhydon was often easier to obtain and hit just as hard.
Utility Moveset
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Rock Slide
- Body Slam
Recommended Teammates
Explosion was the strongest move in the game in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Rock/Ground STAB plus a kamikaze Explosion made Golem a devastating one-time-use weapon.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Rapid Spin
- Roar
Recommended Teammates
Choice Band Golem hit absurdly hard in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). 110 Attack with Band Earthquake and Rock Slide punished anything that didn't resist both.
Physical Wallbreaker Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Explosion
- Double Edge
Recommended Teammates
Stealth Rock gave Golem a utility role in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl), but its 4x Water and Grass weaknesses made staying on the field a constant struggle.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Sucker Punch
- Rock Polish
Recommended Teammates
Sturdy was reworked to survive one hit at full HP in Gen V (Black & White). Useful as a lead, but Golem's Speed was too low to capitalize on the free turn.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Explosion
- Rock Blast
- Focus Punch
Recommended Teammates
Power creep and quad weaknesses were unforgivable in Gen VI (X & Y). Golem couldn't switch in safely against most of the metagame.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
Recommended Teammates
Alolan Golem existed as a Rock/Electric alternative in Gen VII (Sun & Moon), but neither form found competitive success.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Explosion
- Rock Polish
Recommended Teammates
Returned in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet) but brought nothing new. Same weaknesses, same low Speed, same problems.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
Recommended Teammates
Golem Weakness
Golem is weak to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Steel. Watch out for Water and Grass attacks, those deal 4x damage. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric-type moves entirely. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Golem's physical bulk (base 130 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Water, Grass |
| 2x (Weak) | Ice, Fighting, Ground, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Normal, Fire, Flying, Rock |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Poison |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric |
What is Golem Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Golem
Gholdengo's Shadow Ball hits Golem for 34-41%.
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityGoodasgold ItemAir Balloon NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Golem View Gholdengo builds →Shadow Ball34-41% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrought ItemHeatrock NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Golem View Torkoal builds →Rapid Spin3-4% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Golem View Zapdos builds →Hurricane19-22% Heat Wave16-19% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Golem View Corviknight builds →U Turn10-12% | ||
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemWellspringmask NatureJolly Moves View Ogerpon-Wellspring builds →
| ||
Evolution
Getting Golem requires a trade, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Geodude. Breed this form to get Geodude eggs (quick to hatch). HP grew the most through evolution (+40 over Geodude), and Golem peaks at 495 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Golem to get Geodude eggs easily using 84 partners from the Mineral egg group.
How to Get Golem
A trade step sits in Golem's 3-stage chain from Geodude. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Geodude shows up at moderate rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
How to Obtain Golem in SV
The path to Golem starts with Geodude at Lv. 7-68 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch GeodudeApple HillsLv.7-60OverworldChilling WaterheadLv.7-60OverworldFellhorn GorgeLv.7-60OverworldInfernal PassLv.7-60OverworldKitakami RoadLv.7-60OverworldKitakami WildsLv.7-60OverworldOni MountainLv.7-60OverworldOnis MawLv.7-60OverworldParadise BarrensLv.7-60OverworldRevelers RoadLv.7-60OverworldWistful FieldsLv.7-60OverworldCanyon BiomeLv.61Overworld
Step 2Catch or Evolve GravelerChilling WaterheadLv.25-60OverworldCrystal PoolLv.25-60OverworldFellhorn GorgeLv.25-60OverworldInfernal PassLv.25-60OverworldKitakami WildsLv.25-60OverworldOni MountainLv.25-60OverworldParadise BarrensLv.25-60OverworldTimeless WoodsLv.25-60OverworldWistful FieldsLv.25-60OverworldCanyon BiomeLv.68Overworldor evolve from Geodude (Step 1)
Step 3Golem ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Golem egg.
The chain to Golem requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Geodude at decent rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
Where To Catch Golem in PLA
To get Golem, start by catching Geodude through walking encounters at Lv. 7-62. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch GeodudeDeertrack HeightsLv.7-12GrassRate 15%Worn BridgeLv.9-12GrassRate 15%Oreburrow TunnelLv.13-16CaveRate 15%Bolderoll SlopeLv.18-21GrassRate 15%Aipom HillLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Bathers' LagoonLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Bolderoll RavineLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Celestica RuinsLv.21-24FloorRate 15%Clamberclaw CliffsLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Gapejaw BogLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Ginkgo LandingLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Scarlet BogLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Ursa's RingLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Veilstone CapeLv.21-24GrassRate 15%
Step 2Catch or Evolve GravelerBolderoll SlopeLv.25-28GrassRate 15%Gapejaw BogLv.25-28GrassRate 15%Oreburrow TunnelLv.25-28CaveRate 15%Sandgem FlatsLv.25-28GrassRate 15%Scarlet BogLv.25-28GrassRate 15%Ursa's RingLv.27-30GrassRate 15%Firespit IslandLv.31-34GrassRate 15%Heavenward LookoutLv.35-38GrassRate 15%Celestica RuinsLv.39-42FloorRate 15%Clamberclaw CliffsLv.39-42GrassRate 15%Islespy ShoreLv.40-47GrassRate 15%Spring PathLv.41-44GrassRate 15%Windbreak StandLv.41-44GrassRate 15%Bolderoll RavineLv.43-56GrassRate 15%Snowpoint TempleLv.59-62CaveRate 15%or evolve from Geodude (Step 1)
Step 3Golem ✓Bolderoll RavineLv.21-56GrassRate 15%or evolve from Graveler (Step 2)
A trade step sits in Golem's 3-stage chain from Geodude. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Geodude shows up at solid rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
How to Obtain Golem in BDSP
The path to Golem starts with Geodude at Lv. 4-57 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch GeodudeOreburgh Gate - 1FLv.4-8GrassRate 80%Oreburgh Mine - 1FLv.5-9CaveRate 70%Oreburgh Mine - B1FLv.6-10CaveRate 70%Route 207Lv.5-7GrassRate 55%Route 206Lv.14-16GrassShining PearlRate 35%Mt. Coronet - Route 211 EntranceLv.12-13CaveRate 30%Mt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceLv.14-15CaveRate 30%Ravaged PathLv.5GrassRate 20%Mt. Coronet - Route 211 EntranceLv.13CaveRate 20%MorningMt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceLv.15CaveRate 20%MorningWayward Cave - 1FLv.15-16CaveRate 15%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.9GrassRate 10%Route 211 - WestLv.13GrassRate 10%Route 206Lv.14GrassBrilliant DiamondRate 10%Ruin Maniac Tunnel - 0-9 Unown caughtLv.22CaveRate 95%Ruin Maniac Tunnel - 10-25 Unown caughtLv.23CaveRate 90%Ruin Maniac Tunnel - 26 Unown caughtLv.24CaveRate 80%Route 215Lv.20-22GrassRate 35%MorningIron Island - 1FLv.29-31GrassRate 35%Route 210 - SouthLv.19GrassRate 30%Route 215Lv.20-22GrassRate 25%Valor LakefrontLv.20GrassRate 20%Route 214Lv.22GrassRate 20%Big Bluff CavernLv.16-20CaveRocky CaveLv.16-20CaveSpacious CaveLv.16-20CaveTyphlo CavernLv.16-20CaveVolcanic CaveLv.16-20CaveWayward Cave - B1FLv.16CaveRate 10%Stark Mountain - EntranceLv.25-27CaveRate 5%Stark Mountain - InteriorLv.27-29CaveRate 5%Iron Island - B1F Left CaveLv.31GrassRate 1%Iron Island - B1F Right CaveLv.31GrassRate 1%Iron Island - B2F Right CaveLv.31GrassRate 1%Iron Island - B2F Left CaveLv.32GrassRate 1%Iron Island - B3FLv.32GrassRate 1%
Step 2Catch or Evolve GravelerIron Island - B1F Left CaveLv.29-33GrassRate 69%Iron Island - B1F Right CaveLv.29-33GrassRate 69%Iron Island - B2F Right CaveLv.29-33GrassRate 49%Iron Island - B2F Left CaveLv.30-34GrassRate 39%Iron Island - B3FLv.30-34GrassRate 39%Route 211 - EastLv.27GrassRate 20%Valor LakefrontLv.21-22GrassRate 15%Morning/dayRoute 214Lv.23-24GrassRate 15%Morning/dayBig Bluff CavernLv.25-29CaveRequires DefogRocky CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires DefogSpacious CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires DefogTyphlo CavernLv.25-29CaveRequires DefogVolcanic CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires DefogValor LakefrontLv.22GrassRate 5%NightRoute 214Lv.24GrassRate 5%NightMt. Coronet - Top CaveLv.39-40CaveRate 40%Iron Island - 1FLv.31-33GrassRate 35%Mt. Coronet - B1FLv.31CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - Route 216 EntranceLv.31CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 2FLv.36CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 3FLv.36CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 4FLv.38CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 5FLv.38CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 6FLv.40CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 7FLv.40CaveRate 20%Victory Road - 1FLv.45CaveRate 20%Route 216Lv.33-34GrassRate 10%Victory Road - 2FLv.46CaveRate 20%Victory Road - Nat Dex AreaLv.51CaveRate 20%Stark Mountain - EntranceLv.55CaveRate 20%Stark Mountain - InteriorLv.57CaveRate 20%Route 227Lv.54-56GrassRate 15%Morning/dayStark Mountain - OutsideLv.54-56CaveRate 15%Morning/daySnowpoint Temple - 1FLv.52CaveRate 10%Snowpoint Temple - B1FLv.54CaveRate 10%Snowpoint Temple - B2FLv.54CaveRate 10%Snowpoint Temple - B3FLv.54CaveRate 10%Snowpoint Temple - B4FLv.56CaveRate 10%Snowpoint Temple - B5FLv.56CaveRate 10%Route 227Lv.56GrassRate 5%NightStark Mountain - OutsideLv.56CaveRate 5%Nightor evolve from Geodude (Step 1)
Step 3Golem ✓
The chain to Golem requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Geodude at solid rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
How to Obtain Golem in LGPE
To get Golem, start by catching Geodude through walking and trade encounters at Lv. 5-56. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch GeodudeMt. Moon - 1FLv.5-10CaveRate 40%Mt. Moon - B1FLv.5-10CaveRate 34%Rock Tunnel - B1FLv.18-23CaveRate 20%Vermilion City - CityLv.16In-game tradeTrade for (give Geodude)Rock Tunnel - 1FLv.18-23CaveRate 10%Victory Road - 1FLv.41-46CaveRate 10%Cerulean Cave - 1FLv.51-56CaveRate 10%Cerulean Cave - B1FLv.51-56CaveRate 10%Cerulean Cave - 2FLv.51-56CaveRate 5%
Step 2Catch or Evolve GravelerRock Tunnel - 1FLv.18-23CaveRate 20%Rock Tunnel - B1FLv.18-23CaveRate 10%Victory Road - 1FLv.41-46CaveRate 15%Cerulean Cave - 2FLv.51-56CaveRate 20%Cerulean Cave - 1FLv.51-56CaveRate 15%Cerulean Cave - B1FLv.51-56CaveRate 15%or evolve from Geodude (Step 1)
Step 3Golem ✓
Base Stats
Defense leads and Speed gets almost nothing. That's Golem's stat line in a nutshell. 3 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Tough to catch and yields 3 Defense EVs.
It sheds its hide once a year. Its boulder-like body is so tough, even dynamite can’t harm it.
Golem Guide
We rate Golem C-Tier: a situational pick that fills a niche. At 495 BST, it fits the wallbreaker role. Base 130 Defense stands out.
Golem's biggest threats include Gyarados (Water), Venusaur (Grass), and Lapras (Ice), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Gyarados is the most dangerous since Water moves deal 4x damage. Fighting, Ground, and Steel-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
Golem is obtained by trade-evolving Graveler. Catch or evolve a Graveler first, then trade. Trade needs a Game Boy Advance link cable and a second GBA running another Gen 3 game (FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald). Trade Graveler to a friend, then have them trade it back. The 2026 Switch re-release supports the same trade through local wireless on the Pokemon Center 2F Wireless Club, with no cables required.
Rock Head is the go-to ability for Golem. It protects against recoil damage. Its hidden ability Sand Veil can work in specific setups. Sturdy is the other option. Pick based on what your team needs.
Base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Golem is a physical attacker with base 120 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Golem has appeared in 20 titles over 10 generations. Along the way, it received an Alolan form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
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 7SMAlolan
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