Psyduck is technically a pre-evolution of Golduck, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Swift Swim doubles its Speed in rain, adding extra value. Known as the Duck Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Psyduck's stats barely vary. 0 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.
Always tormented by headaches. It uses psychic powers, but whether it intends to do so is not known.
Psyduck Weakness
GoodType-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.
Psyduck evolves into Golduck. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. No compatible partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Psyduck easily from the Ground and Water1 egg groups.
utility options gives Psyduck answers even while choice-locked. Choice Specs provides boosted special damage with move lock, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs with Swiftswim mean every prediction that lands hits hard.
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
TMs define Psyduck's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Hydro Pump and Surf, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Psychic coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
decent spawn rates across 14 locations for Psyduck in early-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Best Locations
Psyduck's encounter pool splits between Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee. You've got 14 walking spots at Lv. 7-56 total, but your version determines which ones actually show up.
Psyduck isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Golduck to unlock its full potential. At 320 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Psyduck evolves into Golduck at level 33. Psyduck is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Swift Swim on Psyduck. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Psyduck also gets Damp and Cloud Nine, but they don't compare.
Psyduck fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 65 Sp. Atk. At base 55 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Psyduck appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Psyduck has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- 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