Zubat Best Moveset
Poison and Flying moves at 45 Attack connect without leaving a mark. 55 Speed keeps cooldowns moderate but the damage per hit doesn't justify the recharge time. The moveset builds toward Crobat's 130 Speed through Golbat, where the line becomes a real threat.
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow). This was Zubat's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 40.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Confuse Ray
- Double Edge
- Mega Drain
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Zubat was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. This was a decline from E-Tier in the previous generation.
Support Moveset
- Wing Attack
- Whirlwind
- Toxic
- Giga Drain
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald). Zubat climbed from F-Tier as the competitive landscape shifted. Its most popular set ran Innerfocus with Choice Band, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power Flying
- Quick Attack
Recommended Teammates
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). Zubat maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Innerfocus with Oranberry, favoring a Calm nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- U Turn
- Brave Bird
- Pluck
- Quick Attack
Recommended Teammates
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Zubat maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Innerfocus with Flyinggem, favoring a Timid nature.
Mixed Sweeper Moveset
- U Turn
- Haze
- Acrobatics
- Pursuit
Recommended Teammates
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Zubat maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Innerfocus with Focus Sash, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Brave Bird
- Air Slash
- Acrobatics
- Roost
Recommended Teammates
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Zubat maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Infiltrator with Focus Sash, favoring a Jolly nature.
Support Moveset
- Defog
- Toxic
- Detect
- Tailwind
Recommended Teammates
Zubat saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Zubat maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Innerfocus with Red Card, favoring a Jolly nature.
Wall Moveset
- Whirlwind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Haze
Recommended Teammates
Zubat Weakness
Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock moves hit Zubat for super-effective damage. The upside? Ground-type moves can't touch it at all. The Poison/Flying typing picks up 5 resistances to work with.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Ice, Psychic, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Poison, Fairy |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
What is Zubat Weak Against
ExcellentBest Pokemon Against Zubat
Raikou threatens a KO with Thunderbolt (173-204%). Weavile's Ice Shard also KOs at 98-116%.
 Hatterene PsychicFairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Bounce ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Zubat View Hatterene builds →Nuzzle 2x19-23% | ||
 Raikou Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityInnerfocus ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Zubat View Raikou builds →Scald51-60% Thunderbolt 2x173-204%KO Volt Switch 2x134-158%KO | ||
 Weavile DarkIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Zubat View Weavile builds →Knock Off79-93% Ice Shard 2x98-116%KO | ||
 Terrakion RockFighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityJustified ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Zubat View Terrakion builds →Close Combat38-45% Stone Edge 2x256-301%KO | ||
Evolution
Zubat kicks off a three-stage evolution line through Golbat all the way to Crobat. For breeding, quick to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. The evolved forms gain up to 290 total stats over Zubat. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Zubat easily with 73 breeding partners from the Flying egg group.
How to Get Zubat
No wild encounters for Zubat in Legends: Z-A. Bring Zubat over from Red & Blue, Yellow, or Gold & Silver, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
How to Obtain Zubat in LZA
- Step 1Zubat ✓LATER APPEARANCEfrom Red & BlueNot TradeableAppears in Red & Blue via Walking · Mt. Moon. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom YellowNot TradeableAppears in Yellow via Walking · Mt. Moon. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Gold & SilverNot TradeableAppears in Gold & Silver via Walking · Slowpoke Well. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
Step 2Evolve into Golbat
Step 3Evolve into Crobat
Zubat appears at decent spawn rates across 7 spots in early-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 Zubat in PLA
Zubat is your first catch on the way to Zubat. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-54 across 16 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Zubat ✓Deertrack PathLv.7-10GrassRate 15%NightNature’s PantryLv.9-13GrassRate 15%NightOreburrow TunnelLv.13-16CaveRate 15%NightThe HeartwoodLv.13-16GrassRate 15%NightCloudpool RidgeLv.17-21GrassRate 15%NightBolderoll SlopeLv.18-21GrassRate 15%NightDiamond HeathLv.18-21GrassRate 15%Night
Step 2Catch or Evolve into GolbatOreburrow TunnelLv.13-28CaveRate 15%NightSnowpoint TempleLv.18-54CaveRate 15%NightBolderoll SlopeLv.23-26GrassRate 15%NightDiamond HeathLv.23-26GrassRate 15%NightCloudpool RidgeLv.25-28GrassRate 15%NightHeavenward LookoutLv.35-38GrassRate 15%NightWayward CaveLv.40-42CaveRate 15%Nightor evolve from Zubat (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into CrobatWayward CaveLv.20-42CaveRate 15%Icebound FallsLv.26-50GrassRate 15%or evolve from Golbat (Step 2)
Easy grab on Zubat with high spawn rates across 88 locations in early-game routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Zubat in BDSP
The path to Zubat starts with Zubat at Lv. 4-66 via walking and surfing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Zubat ✓Ravaged PathLv.4-6GrassRate 78%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.8-10GrassRate 60%Wayward Cave - 1FLv.14-16CaveRate 45%Wayward Cave - B1FLv.15-17CaveRate 35%Oreburgh Gate - 1FLv.6GrassRate 20%Oreburgh Mine - 1FLv.7CaveRate 20%Oreburgh Mine - B1FLv.8CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - Route 211 EntranceLv.12-13CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceLv.14-15CaveRate 20%Route 204 - SouthLv.4GrassRate 10%NightRoute 203Lv.5GrassRate 10%NightRoute 204 - NorthLv.6GrassRate 10%NightRoute 207Lv.6GrassRate 10%NightRoute 211 - WestLv.12GrassRate 10%NightMt. Coronet - Route 211 EntranceLv.13CaveRate 10%MorningMt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceLv.15CaveRate 10%MorningRoute 206Lv.15GrassRate 10%NightMt. Coronet - 4FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Mt. Coronet - B1FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Mt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 90%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Ravaged PathLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Lost Tower - 1FLv.16-18FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 2FLv.17-19FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 3FLv.18-20FloorRate 49%Morning/dayLost Tower - 4FLv.19-21FloorRate 45%Morning/dayLost Tower - 1FLv.16-18FloorRate 40%NightLost Tower - 2FLv.17-19FloorRate 40%NightLost Tower - 5FLv.20-21FloorRate 40%Morning/dayLost Tower - 3FLv.18-20FloorRate 39%NightLost Tower - 4FLv.19-21FloorRate 35%NightLost Tower - 5FLv.20-21FloorRate 30%NightRoute 208Lv.16GrassRate 20%NightBogsunk CavernLv.16-20GrassGrassland CaveLv.16-20CaveRoute 209Lv.16GrassRate 10%NightSpacious CaveLv.16-20CaveSunlit CavernLv.16-20CaveSwampy CaveLv.16-20GrassRoute 211 - EastLv.26GrassRate 10%NightIron Island - 1FLv.30GrassRate 10%Route 216Lv.33GrassRate 10%NightAcuity LakefrontLv.35GrassRate 10%NightRoute 217Lv.35GrassRate 10%Night
Step 2Catch or Evolve into GolbatIron Island - B1F Left CaveLv.30-31GrassRate 20%Iron Island - B1F Right CaveLv.30-31GrassRate 20%Iron Island - B2F Right CaveLv.30-31GrassRate 20%Mt. Coronet - 4FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Mt. Coronet - B1FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Mt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 10%Lost Tower - 5FLv.21-23FloorRate 10%Bogsunk CavernLv.25-29GrassRequires StrengthGrassland CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthSpacious CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthSunlit CavernLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthSwampy CaveLv.25-29GrassRequires StrengthLost Tower - 4FLv.20-21FloorRate 5%Oreburgh Gate - B1FLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Ravaged PathLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Lost Tower - 3FLv.19FloorRate 1%Victory Road - B1FLv.35-50Surfing on waterRate 100%Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1FLv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 90%Turnback Cave - Section 1Lv.45-46CaveRate 30%Iron Island - B2F Left CaveLv.31-32GrassRate 20%Iron Island - B3FLv.31-32GrassRate 20%Mt. Coronet - B1FLv.31-32CaveRate 20%Mt. Coronet - Route 216 EntranceLv.31-32CaveRate 20%Victory Road - 1FLv.44-46CaveRate 20%Victory Road - B1FLv.44-46CaveRate 20%Victory Road - 2FLv.45-47CaveRate 20%Iron Island - 1FLv.31GrassRate 10%Mt. Coronet - 2FLv.37CaveRate 10%Mt. Coronet - 3FLv.37CaveRate 10%Mt. Coronet - 4FLv.39CaveRate 10%Mt. Coronet - 5FLv.39CaveRate 10%Mt. Coronet - SummitLv.39CaveRate 10%NightMt. Coronet - Top CaveLv.39CaveRate 10%Mt. Coronet - 6FLv.41CaveRate 10%Mt. Coronet - 7FLv.41CaveRate 10%Snowpoint Temple - 1FLv.50-52CaveRate 35%Snowpoint Temple - B1FLv.52-54CaveRate 35%Snowpoint Temple - B2FLv.52-54CaveRate 35%Snowpoint Temple - B3FLv.52-54CaveRate 35%Snowpoint Temple - B4FLv.54-56CaveRate 35%Snowpoint Temple - B5FLv.54-56CaveRate 35%Turnback Cave - Section 2Lv.55-56CaveRate 30%Turnback Cave - Section 3Lv.65-66CaveRate 30%Victory Road - Nat Dex AreaLv.50-52CaveRate 20%Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1FLv.50-52CaveRate 20%Route 227Lv.54GrassRate 10%NightStark Mountain - EntranceLv.54CaveRate 10%Stark Mountain - OutsideLv.54CaveRate 10%NightStark Mountain - InteriorLv.56CaveRate 10%or evolve from Zubat (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into Crobat
A handful of locations for Zubat with high spawn rates across endgame routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Zubat in SwSh
To get Zubat, start by catching Zubat through walking encounters at Lv. 60-65. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Zubat ✓Roaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65OverworldRate 40%All WeatherTunnel to the TopLv.60-65OverworldRate 40%All WeatherLakeside CaveLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%All Weather
Step 3Evolve into Crobat
Base Stats
You won't find a real weakness in Zubat's stat line. It's well-rounded for the Bat Pokemon, and what it does with that depends on moveset and items. Yields 1 Speed EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It emits ultrasonic waves from its mouth to check its surroundings. Even in tight caves, Zubat flies around with skill.
Zubat Guide
For a casual playthrough, Zubat works as a placeholder. Poison/Flying coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Golbat. That's where the stats start mattering.
Game Availability
Present since Red & Blue, Zubat appears in 21 games spanning 10 generations. Gen 1 originals like Zubat have the longest track record of availability in the series.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves