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.
Its hind feet are webbed. They act as flippers, so it can swim in rivers and hunt for prey.
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
high spawn rates in early-game routes across 10 locations. Raticate's one of the easier catches on the list. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Raticate in Yellow
Rattata is your first catch on the way to Raticate. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-46 across 28 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch RattataEFFORTLESSRoute 1GrassLv.2-4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 2GrassLv.3-4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 21GrassLv.13-15CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 5GrassLv.14-16CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 6GrassLv.14-16CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 11GrassLv.15-17CommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 22GrassLv.3UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 3GrassLv.10-12UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 4GrassLv.10-12UncommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 16GrassLv.23-24CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 18GrassLv.23-24CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 10GrassLv.18UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 9GrassLv.18UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 7GrassLv.20UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 8GrassLv.20UncommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - 1FGrassLv.34-37CommonLateBuildingEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - 2FGrassLv.37-40CommonLateBuildingEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - 3FGrassLv.40-43CommonLateBuilding
Step 2Raticate ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 21GrassLv.15RareEarlyRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 11GrassLv.17RareMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 10GrassLv.20RareMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 9GrassLv.20RareMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 16GrassLv.25-26RareMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 18GrassLv.25-26RareMidRouteEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - 1FGrassLv.34-37CommonLateBuildingEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - 2FGrassLv.37-40CommonLateBuildingEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - B1FGrassLv.37-46CommonLateBuildingEFFORTLESSPokémon Mansion - 3FGrassLv.40-43CommonLateBuildingor 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