Psyduck Best Moveset
Water at 65 Sp. Atk and 55 Speed. AbilityCloud Nine neutralizes weather effects, but the stats behind it can't capitalize. The moveset is pre-evolution filler. Evolve to Golduck where 95 Sp. Atk and AbilitySwift Swim create an actual rain threat.
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow). This was Psyduck's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 50.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Blizzard
- Amnesia
- Counter
- Hydro Pump
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Whirlpool
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Cloudnine with Leftovers, favoring a Quiet nature.
Special Tank Moveset
- Surf
- Calm Mind
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Cloudnine with Choice Scarf, favoring a Naive nature.
Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Hydro Pump
- Hidden Power Grass
- Cross Chop
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Utility Moveset
- Cross Chop
- Aqua Tail
- Zen Headbutt
- Hone Claws
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Damp with Eviolite, favoring a Modest nature.
Wall Moveset
- Scald
- Calm Mind
- Ice Beam
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Choice Specs, favoring a Modest nature.
Special Attacker Moveset
- Toxic
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Worry Seed
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Choice Specs, favoring a Modest nature.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Brine
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Psyduck maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Cloudnine with Eviolite, favoring a Calm nature.
Pivot Moveset
- Flip Turn
- Encore
- Haze
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Psyduck Weakness
Type-wise, Psyduck takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
What is Psyduck Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Psyduck
Kartana's Knock Off hits Psyduck for 36-43%. Rotom's Thunderbolt hits Psyduck for 74-87%.
 Kartana GrassSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Psyduck View Kartana builds →Knock Off36-43% | ||
 Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Psyduck View Rotom builds →Volt Switch 2x58-68% Shadow Ball33-39% Thunderbolt 2x74-87% | ||
Evolution
Psyduck evolves into Golduck. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A massive partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Psyduck
decent spawn rates for Psyduck across 62 locations in early-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Psyduck in SV
The path to Psyduck starts with Psyduck at Lv. 5-56 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Psyduck ✓Asado Desert - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Casseroya Lake - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Casseroya Lake - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%East Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Glaseado MountainLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area One) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%North Province (Area Two) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Paldean Sea - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Five) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Five) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Four) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Four) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area One) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Six) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Six) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Tagtree Thicket - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%Tagtree Thicket - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area One) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%West Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.5-37OverworldRate 18%South Province (Area Five) - SwampLv.5-37OverworldRate 9%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into GolduckAsado Desert - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Casseroya Lake - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Casseroya Lake - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Glaseado MountainLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area One) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area Two) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Paldean Sea - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Five) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Five) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Four) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Four) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area One) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Six) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Six) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Tagtree Thicket - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%Tagtree Thicket - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area One) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.33-56OverworldRate 8%or evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
Psyduck starts showing up in early-game routes at decent spawn rates across 7 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Psyduck in PLA
Psyduck is your first catch on the way to Psyduck. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 6-44 across 13 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Psyduck ✓The HeartwoodLv.13-16GrassRate 15%Golden LowlandsLv.17-20GrassRate 15%Gapejaw BogLv.19-22GrassRate 15%Bathers' LagoonLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Holm of TrialsLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Lonely SpringLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Wayward WoodLv.29-32GrassRate 15%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into GolduckGolden LowlandsLv.6-27GrassRate 15%Bathers' LagoonLv.33-36GrassRate 15%Holm of TrialsLv.33-36GrassRate 15%Wayward WoodLv.35-38GrassRate 15%Lonely SpringLv.37-40GrassRate 15%Spring PathLv.41-44GrassRate 15%or evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
high spawn rates in early-game water routes across 76 locations. Psyduck's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Psyduck in BDSP
To get Psyduck, start by catching Psyduck through surfing and walking encounters at Lv. 5-55. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Psyduck ✓Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.8-10GrassRate 30%Ravaged PathLv.5GrassRate 2%Celestic TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Eterna CityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Lake AcuityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Lake ValorLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Lake VerityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 203Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 204 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 204 - SouthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 205 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 208Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 209Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 210 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 212 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 214Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Twinleaf TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Route 208Lv.16-18GrassRate 30%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 30%Ravaged PathLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 30%Route 210 - NorthLv.25GrassRate 20%Fountainspring CaveLv.16-20CaveRiverbank CaveLv.16-20CaveSpacious CaveLv.16-20CaveStill-Water CavernLv.16-20CaveGreat Marsh - Area 6Lv.20-22FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 3Lv.22-24FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 4Lv.22-24FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 1Lv.24-26FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 2Lv.24-26FloorRate 8%Great Marsh - Area 1Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 2Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 3Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 4Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Great Marsh - Area 6Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Lake AcuityLv.34-36GrassRate 30%Morning/dayLake AcuityLv.34-35GrassRate 20%NightLake ValorLv.35-36GrassRate 20%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into GolduckCelestic TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Eterna CityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lake AcuityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lake ValorLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lake VerityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 203Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 204 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 204 - SouthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 205 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 208Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 209Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 210 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 212 - NorthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Route 214Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Twinleaf TownLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Ravaged PathLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Resort AreaLv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 100%Sendoff SpringLv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 100%Route 225Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 70%Sendoff SpringLv.53-54GrassRate 20%Route 226Lv.51-53GrassRate 10%Route 230Lv.52GrassRate 10%or evolve from Psyduck (Step 1)
Psyduck is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 24 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 Psyduck in SwSh
To get Psyduck, start by catching Psyduck through walking encounters at Lv. 10-18. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Psyduck ✓Challenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%Normal WeatherChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%SnowstormChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%RainingChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%Intense SunChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%Heavy FogChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%SnowingChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%OvercastChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%SandstormChallenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 32%ThunderstormBrawlers' CaveLv.13-18OverworldRate 16%Heavy FogBrawlers' CaveLv.13-18OverworldRate 16%SnowstormBrawlers' CaveLv.13-18OverworldRate 16%Sandstorm
Step 2Evolve into GolduckBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Golduck egg.
Base Stats
Psyduck's stats barely vary. None sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 1 Sp. Atk EV, medium-fast 1M XP curve to max.
It is constantly wracked by a headache. When the headache turns intense, it begins using mysterious powers.
Psyduck Guide
Psyduck does the job early-game if you need a Water type on your team. Evolve it into Golduck before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Psyduck has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
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 7SM
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