On paper, Xatu looks underwhelming. In practice, Magic Bounce bounces status moves back at the user — and that's the whole story. Psychic/Flying typing means Ground moves can't touch it, which offsets the 5 weaknesses somewhat. Known as the Mystic Pokemon.
The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Speed carry the offense, HP doesn't even come close. A Mystic Pokemon on a medium-fast 1M XP curve, worth 2 Sp. Atk and Speed EVs per KO.
They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
Xatu Weakness
AvgType-wise, Xatu takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost, and Dark. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. Xatu leans toward special offense (base 95 Sp.Atk) instead of trying to wall anything.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Evolved from Natu. Xatu is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. HP grew the most through evolution (+25 over Natu), and Xatu peaks at 470 total stats.
Breed with Xatu to get Natu eggs easily using 31 partners from the Flying egg group. Notable egg moves include Drill Peck, Feather Dance, Feint Attack and 7 more.
Click U-turn, bring in a teammate, repeat. Xatu's pivot game is backed by Sitrus Berry for a one-time health recovery at low HP and max HP and Attack EVs. Synchronize works in the background while the remaining moves covers bad matchups.
Best Build
Best Xatu Moveset
- Fly
- U Turn
- Future Sight
- Shadow Ball
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Drill Peck and Feather Dance aren't available any other way for Xatu, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Sky Attack and Future Sight for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
The way to get Xatu in this game is through an NPC trade at Pewter City. Bring the right Pokemon and it's yours. The details below list the exact trade requirements.
How to Obtain Xatu in HeartGold & SoulSilver
The path to Xatu starts with Natu at Lv. 18-48 via headbutt, walking, and more encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch NatuEFFORTLESSRuins of Alph - OutsideSoulSilverGrassLv.18-24CommonMidRuinsEFFORTLESSRuins of Alph - OutsideHeartGoldGrassLv.18-24CommonMidRuinsLEGENDARYRoute 28HeartGoldHeadbutting treesLv.39-43LimitedLateRouteLEGENDARYRoute 28SoulSilverHeadbutting treesLv.39-43LimitedLateRouteLEGENDARYMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldHeadbutting treesLv.42-48LimitedLateCaveLEGENDARYMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverHeadbutting treesLv.42-48LimitedLateCaveLEGENDARYMt. Silver - Lower mountainsideSoulSilverHeadbutting treesLv.42-48LimitedLateCaveLEGENDARYMt. Silver - Lower mountainsideHeartGoldHeadbutting treesLv.42-48LimitedLateCave
Step 2Xatu ✓LEGENDARYPewter CitySoulSilverIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Haunter)LEGENDARYPewter CityHeartGoldIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Haunter)or evolve from Natu (Step 1)
Magic Bounce changes the entire equation for Xatu. The 470 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a pivot.
Natu evolves into Xatu at level 25. Xatu is the fully evolved form. It sits at 470 BST in its evolved form.
Magic Bounce is what you want on Xatu. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Synchronize, Early Bird) work on paper but Magic Bounce is what makes Xatu worth using.
Base 95 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Xatu is a special attacker with base 95 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a pivot.
Xatu appears in 16 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Available in 16 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Xatu spans 8 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through wild encounters in most mainline games.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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