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.
Psyduck is constantly beset by headaches. If the Pokémon lets its strange power erupt, apparently the pain subsides for a while.
As Psyduck gets stressed out, its headache gets progressively worse. It uses intense psychic energy to overwhelm those around it.
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. A massive partner pool 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 with 138 breeding partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Clear Smog, Confuse Ray, Cross Chop and 4 more to offspring.
Eviolite makes Psyduck bulkier than you'd expect from something that still evolves. Max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs with Modest nature handle the stat profile. The remaining moves keeps it from being passive.
Best Build
Best Psyduck Moveset
- Rain Dance
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Clear Smog
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
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.
Best Locations
24 walking encounters at Lv. 10-18 for Psyduck across Sword and Shield. A few locations are version-exclusive, so your copy of the game affects what's available.
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