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.
While awaiting evolution, it hides from predators under leaves and in nooks of branches.
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
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
You'll want early-game access before hunting Kakuna. Moderate rates across 1 encounter spots means the location matters. Sort by Best below and target the top-rated area first.
Where To Catch Kakuna in Platinum
The path to Kakuna starts with Weedle at Lv. 10-13 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch WeedleCHALLENGINGRoute 204 - NorthGrassLv.10RareEarlyRouteDual-slot: LeafGreenCHALLENGINGRoute 204 - SouthGrassLv.10RareEarlyRouteDual-slot: LeafGreenCHALLENGINGEterna ForestGrassLv.13RareEarlyForestDual-slot: LeafGreen
Step 2Kakuna ✓CHALLENGINGEterna ForestGrassLv.13RareEarlyForestDual-slot: LeafGreenor 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