Kakuna does nothing in Platinum. Shed Skin occasionally heals status, and Beedrill at level 10 is still a weak Bug/Poison despite new tutor coverage.
Ability 1Shed SkinAbility 1Has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn.
205HP45Attack25Defense50Speed35Sp.Def25Sp.Atk25
Weedle
Kakuna
Beedrill
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
35Speed · Very Slow

Is Kakuna Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Beedrill at level 10 comes fast once you have Weedle. But sourcing a Weedle in Platinum takes breeding or a Pal Park trip, making the whole chain low priority.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadBGTEETEETETEEEETRoarkGym 1WeedleCatchableBeedrillEvolveGardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Bad

Roark's Pokemon outpace and outclass Weedle here.

Avoid
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Avoid
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Avoid
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Beedrill has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

Easy KO
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Tough

Fantina's team hits Beedrill's weaknesses hard.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Risky
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Risky
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
Even
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Risky
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
You Win
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Even
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Tough

Byron's team hits Beedrill's weaknesses hard.

Even
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Risky
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Candice's team.

You Win
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
Even
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
You Win
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Risky
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

Even
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
Even
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Risky
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Tough

Aaron's team hits Beedrill's weaknesses hard.

Even
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Avoid
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Even
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Even
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Risky
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Bertha's team.

You Win
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Avoid
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Even
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
You Win
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
You Win
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Tough

Flint's team hits Beedrill's weaknesses hard.

You Win
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Risky
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash Fire
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Risky
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Risky
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Risky
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.

You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
Levitate
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Jupiter's team.

Even
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Even
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Mars's team.

Risky
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Even

Beedrill trades roughly evenly with Saturn's team.

Risky
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Even
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Tough

Cynthia's team hits Beedrill's weaknesses hard.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Even
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Risky
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Risky
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
You Win
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Risky
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catch Weedle

Available after Badge 1
Type
BugPoison
Tier
F

Catch Weedle on Route 204 (walking, Lv 5, rare). Pokémon LeafGreen in GBA slot.

View Weedle locations

Evolve Weedle to Beedrill

Level 10
Type
BugPoison
Tier
C

Kakuna evolves into Beedrill at Level 10. Your Weedle should hit Level 10 before you reach Gardenia, at typical leveling pace.

Recommended Moves

How to Get Kakuna in Platinum

Kakuna shares Weedle's LeafGreen dual-slot requirement, popping up rarely at level 13 in the forest. The simpler route is leveling a Weedle to 7 once you've coaxed one out with the cartridge.

1 location to catch Kakuna

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 2

Where To Catch Kakuna in Pt

The path to Kakuna starts with Weedle at Lv. 5-13 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Kakuna
    Step 2Kakuna ✓
    or evolve from Weedle (Step 1)
  2. Beedrill
    Step 3Evolve into Beedrill
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Weedle egg.

Not landing the catch? Calculate Kakuna catch rates for Platinum by ball, status, and HP.

How to Get Shiny Kakuna in Platinum

Kakuna barely appears in Eterna Forest's grass, so chain it to 40 for a shiny, or evolve a Weedle chained from the same trees. Compare Shiny Kakuna odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Kakuna in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Kakuna in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftYellowtoGreen
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Kakuna Evolution

3 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Kakuna Calculator

3 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is PokeRadar Chain at full boosts, about 1 in 200 on each try. Tune it below.

Step 1 · Encounter Method3 in Platinum

PokeRadar Chain: Chain shaking-grass patches without breaking the combo. The rate peaks at a chain of 40.

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

Step 2 · Boost Your Oddstap to add
00

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 200PokeRadar Chain
Chance By Now50.2%at 139 encountersAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few22----
25%one in four58----
50%coin flip139----
90%very likely460----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Want exact numbers for your session? Calculate your shiny odds in Platinum with Kakuna preloaded.

Kakuna Weakness

Type-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.

Kakuna Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fire, Flying, Psychic, Rock
0.5x (Resist)Poison, Bug
0.25x (Resist)Grass, Fighting
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Kakuna Weak Against

Avg
4Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score-2
4xCritical
None
½xResist
¼xResist
0xImmune
None

What is Kakuna Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Kakuna

Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl
RockFlying
B
Monferno
Monferno
FireFighting
C
Golbat
Golbat
PoisonFlying
C
Noctowl
Noctowl
NormalFlying
C
C

Kakuna Evolutions

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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Weedle
BugPoison
Kakuna
BugPoison
Beedrill
BugPoison
HP
40
45+5
65+20
ATK
35
25-10
90+65
DEF
30
50+20
40-10
SP.ATK
20
25+5
45+20
SP.DEF
20
25+5
80+55
SPE
50
35-15
75+40
BST
195F-Tier
205F-Tier+10
395C-Tier+190
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Utility
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Kakuna to get Weedle eggs easily using 48 partners from the Bug egg group.

Egg Groups
Bug
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Breed With (best first)
flygondrapionmasquerainvolbeatillumiseparasectvibravaskorupiparastrapinchsurskitshuckle

Pt Kakuna Best Moveset

25 in both offensive stats and no real attacking moves leave this moveset empty. Beedrill is a marginal upgrade.

Best Build

Experimental
Utility
Ability
Shed Skin
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Kakuna
HardyNEUTRAL

Kakuna best EVs are Sp. Atk and Sp. Def

EVs

Utility Moveset

  • Bug BiteSTAB
  • String ShotSTAB
  • Iron Defense

Moves List

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

Lv 1
Harden
D——30Normal
Lv 7
Harden
D——30Normal

TM Moves

Kakuna can't learn any TM moves

Egg Moves

Kakuna doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Iron Defense
S——15Steel

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Bug Bite
S9010020Bug
Rem
Poison Sting
D2210035Poison
Rem
String Shot
S—9540Bug

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP45
D
Attack25
F
Defense50
D
Sp. Atk25
F
Sp. Def25
F
Speed35
F
Total205
Details
Catch Rate
Moderate120 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.6 m
Weight10.0 kg
Base XP72
Abilities
Shed Skin
Has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn.
EV Yield
HPAtkDef+2SpASpDSpe
Defense training target
Pokedex Entry

While awaiting evolution, it hides from predators under leaves and in nooks of branches.

Pokemon Platinum

Kakuna Platinum Guide

  • In Platinum, for a casual playthrough, Kakuna works as a placeholder. Bug/Poison coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Beedrill. That's where the stats start mattering.

Game Availability

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.

Explore

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Want to tell us more?
What was most useful?
What could be improved?
Thanks for your feedback