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.
As a result of headaches so fierce they cause it to cry, it sometimes uses psychokinesis without meaning to.
This Pokémon is troubled by constant headaches. The more pain it’s in, the more powerful its psychokinesis becomes.
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. Pass egg moves like Clear Smog, Confuse Ray, Cross Chop and 12 more to offspring.
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
Best Psyduck Moveset
- Toxic
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Worry Seed
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Clear Smog and Confuse Ray give Psyduck options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 9 types already covers a decent range on top of Hydro Pump and Aqua Tail. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Psyduck's scattered across 12 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
walking and surfing encounters for Psyduck across 12 spots at Lv. 14-27. The catch is that Moon and Sun don't share every location, so compare what's available in your version.
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 leaning toward the special side (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