Free switch-ins on Ghost moves make Raticate useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 1 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Built to hit on the physical side. A longtime staple going back to Gen 1.
Nothing fancy in Raticate's spread. It leans physical with Speed out front. And you'll get 2 Speed EVs per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It uses its whiskers to maintain its balance. It apparently slows down if they are cut off.
Raticate Weakness
GoodRaticate is weak to Fighting-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Raticate's Normal typing only leaves 1 gap to cover.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Raticate is the evolved form of Rattata, reached at level 20. A Normal type at 413 stats that still can't breed. The evolution from Rattata pushed Raticate to 413 total stats. Sp.Def saw the largest single gain at +35.
How to Evolve
For an attacker, Raticate wants flexible EVs EVs and an item. The a nature nature tilts toward balanced duty, and an ability contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Best Raticate Moveset
- Super Fang
- Hyper Beam
- Quick Attack
- Blizzard
Recommended Teammates
Most of Raticate's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Hyper Beam and Skull Bash, but Ice and Water and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Raticate appears at high spawn rates across 8 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Raticate in Red & Blue
Rattata is your first catch on the way to Raticate. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-30 across 22 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch RattataEFFORTLESSRoute 1BlueGrassLv.2-4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 1RedGrassLv.2-4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 2RedGrassLv.2-5CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 2BlueGrassLv.2-5CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 22RedGrassLv.2-4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 22BlueGrassLv.2-4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 4BlueGrassLv.8-12CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 4RedGrassLv.8-12CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 9BlueGrassLv.14-17CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 9RedGrassLv.14-17CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 16BlueGrassLv.18-22CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 16RedGrassLv.18-22CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 21RedGrassLv.21-23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 21BlueGrassLv.21-23CommonMidRoute
Step 2Raticate ✓EFFORTLESSRoute 17BlueGrassLv.25-29CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 17RedGrassLv.25-29CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 18RedGrassLv.25-29UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 18BlueGrassLv.25-29UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 21RedGrassLv.30UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 21BlueGrassLv.30UncommonMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 16BlueGrassLv.23-25RareMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 16RedGrassLv.23-25RareMidRouteor evolve from Rattata (Step 1)
Raticate brings 413 BST to the table. C-Tier on our list — a situational pick that fills a niche.
Raticate's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Rattata evolves into Raticate at level 20. Raticate is the fully evolved form. It sits at 413 BST in its evolved form.
Raticate is a special attacker with base 50 Sp. Atk. But the speed tells the real story — base 97 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Raticate appears in 18 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Raticate appears in 18 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained an Alolan form in Generation 7.
- 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 VIISMAlolan
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