Kakuna sits in the middle of its evolution line — stronger than Weedle but not yet at full power. Most trainers push through to Beedrill as fast as possible. Known as the Cocoon Pokemon. Part of the Gen 1 roster.
You won't find a real weakness in Kakuna's stat line. It's well-rounded for the Cocoon Pokemon, and what it does with that depends on moveset and items. Yields 2 Defense EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Although it is a cocoon, it can move a little. It can extend its poison barb if it is attacked.
From this form, it will grow into an adult. As its body becomes softer, the external shell hardens.
Kakuna Weakness
AvgType-wise, Kakuna takes extra damage from Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Rock. The Bug/Poison typing picks up 4 resistances to work with. Kakuna's physical bulk (base 50 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Kakuna sits between Weedle and Beedrill in this three-stage line. Not the final form yet. For breeding, quick to hatch with a decent partner pool via one egg group. Defense has grown the most so far (+20), but there's still another 190 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Kakuna to get Weedle eggs easily using 47 partners from the Bug egg group.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 4.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
A compact toolkit overall. The offense runs through Bug Bite and Poison Sting for Kakuna, with limited coverage doing what it can. Don't expect versatility from this one.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Kakuna is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 16 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Kakuna in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Weedle is your first catch on the way to Kakuna. You'll find walking and headbutt encounters from Lv. 3-36 across 34 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch WeedleEFFORTLESSRoute 30SoulSilverGrassLv.3-4CommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEFFORTLESSRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrassLv.3-4CommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrassLv.3-4CommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSViridian ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.3CommonEarlyForestMorning/dayEFFORTLESSRoute 31SoulSilverGrassLv.4CommonEarlyRouteMorningEFFORTLESSRoute 31SoulSilverGrassLv.4-5CommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSIlex ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.5-6CommonEarlyForestMorning/dayEFFORTLESSNational ParkSoulSilverGrassLv.10CommonEarlyFacilityDayEFFORTLESSNational ParkSoulSilverGrassLv.10-12CommonEarlyFacilityMorningEASYRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrassLv.3-4UncommonEarlyRouteMorningEASYRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrassLv.3-4UncommonEarlyRouteMorningEASYRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrassLv.4-5UncommonEarlyRouteNightEASYRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrassLv.4-5UncommonEarlyRouteNightEASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestHeartGoldGrassLv.7-18UncommonEarlyFacilityBefore post-gameEASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestSoulSilverGrassLv.7-18UncommonEarlyFacilityBefore post-gameLEGENDARYIlex ForestSoulSilverHeadbutting treesLv.3-5LimitedEarlyForestEASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestHeartGoldGrassLv.24-36UncommonMidFacilityPost-game (Tue)EASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestSoulSilverGrassLv.24-36UncommonMidFacilityPost-game (Tue)
Step 2Kakuna ✓EFFORTLESSViridian ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.3-5CommonEarlyForestMorning/dayEFFORTLESSIlex ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.5-6CommonEarlyForestDayEFFORTLESSIlex ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.6CommonEarlyForestMorningEFFORTLESSNational ParkSoulSilverGrassLv.10CommonEarlyFacilityMorning/dayEASYRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrassLv.3-7UncommonEarlyRouteNightEASYRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrassLv.3-7UncommonEarlyRouteNightEASYRoute 30SoulSilverGrassLv.4UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYRoute 31SoulSilverGrassLv.5UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrassLv.5UncommonEarlyRouteMorningEASYRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrassLv.5UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestHeartGoldGrassLv.9-18UncommonEarlyFacilityBefore post-gameEASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestSoulSilverGrassLv.9-18UncommonEarlyFacilityBefore post-gameLEGENDARYIlex ForestSoulSilverHeadbutting treesLv.3-5LimitedEarlyForestEASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestSoulSilverGrassLv.26-36UncommonMidFacilityPost-game (Tue)EASYNational Park - Bug Catching ContestHeartGoldGrassLv.26-36UncommonMidFacilityPost-game (Tue)HARDRoute 47SoulSilverHeadbutting special treesLv.25-28LimitedMidRouteor evolve from Weedle (Step 1)
At 205 BST, Kakuna is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Beedrill before bringing it to any serious fight.
Kakuna's biggest threats include Charizard (Fire), Aerodactyl (Flying), and Alakazam (Psychic), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Rock-type attackers are also a problem. At base 35 Speed, Kakuna won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Shed Skin is the go-to ability for Kakuna. It has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn. It's Kakuna's only ability.
Kakuna is leaning toward the physical side (base 25 Attack). Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 35 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Kakuna appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Present since Red & Blue, Kakuna appears in 19 games spanning 9 generations. Gen 1 originals like Kakuna have the longest track record of availability in the series.
- 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