Psyduck stands as one of the most beloved Pokémon in the entire franchise. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, trainers have numerous chances to add this Water-type Pokémon to their collections. As a hallmark of the series, Psyduck is expected to make consistent appearances throughout the gameplay for all players.
While several “vermin” Pokémon tend to lose their charm after repeated encounters, Psyduck has not yet fallen into this category. Found in abundance across the expansive Paldea region, the endearing Psyduck remains a favorite among Pokémon Scarlet & Violet enthusiasts.
Updated on January 29, 2025 by Renri Seong: Psyduck and its evolution, Golduck, have been integral parts of the Pokémon universe since the series inception. They have appeared in nearly every mainline game, sometimes as version exclusives, such as in FireRed, or in downloadable content like Sword/Shield. With the introduction of new Water-type Pokémon in Generation 9’s Scarlet/Violet, Psyduck and Golduck may face stiffer competition in the Paldea region. Regardless of their battle utility, capturing both forms is essential for completing your Pokédex. This guide has been refreshed to include the latest information on acquiring Psyduck and Golduck, along with insights on Golduck’s stats and type effectiveness.
Where to Find Psyduck in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Psyduck Locations
As one of the most frequently encountered Pokémon in Scarlet/Violet, Psyduck can be caught early in the game as level 4 at the Poco Path Lighthouse or found at Casseroya Lake for higher-level options. The following are key locations where players can track down Psyduck:
- South Province (Areas One, Four, Five, Six)
- West Province (Areas One, Two)
- East Province (Areas Two, Three)
- North Province (Casseroya Lake)
- Mountain Glaze
Psyduck may also appear in 2-star Tera Raids, which players can access at the start of their Treasure Hunt. These Psyduck will be at level 20 and could potentially have a different Tera typing than their usual Water type.
The most convenient spot to find Psyduck is near the bridge connecting Poco Path (Lighthouse) and Los Platos (East), where you can find a level 4 Psyduck. If you are in need of a Water-type Pokémon, Psyduck serves as a reliable option until you discover more potent Water-types.
Evolving Psyduck into Golduck
Obtaining Golduck
Psyduck evolves into Golduck at level 33. Depending on the level at which you catch Psyduck, it may already be eligible for evolution—if not, you will need to level it up by one. Using Exp. Candy is an efficient way to hasten Psyduck’s leveling process, or you can engage in auto-battle with Pokémon against which it has an advantage, including types like Fire, Ground, and Rock.
Golduck Locations in the Wild
If you wish to avoid the evolution process, capturing Golduck outright may be a preferable strategy. It may be necessary to utilize Koraidon/Miraidon’s swimming abilities, as Golduck can be found in higher-level areas of Paldea, including:
- North Province (Areas One, Three)
- Casseroya Lake
- Area Zero
Golduck can also be caught in 4-star Tera Raids, where they will appear at level 45. Similar to Psyduck, Golduck from Tera Raids can possess a Tera typing different from its standard Water type. Note that you must obtain seven gym badges to attempt 4-star Raids.
Assessing Golduck
Golduck’s Stats and Type Effectiveness
Although Golduck can learn Psychic-type moves, it is primarily a Water-type Pokémon and does not share the dual Water/Psychic typing. However, it remains a suitable option for coverage against Poison and Fighting-type Pokémon due to its move options, although it lacks the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) benefits from its Psychic-type moves.
Compared to other Water-types available in Scarlet/Violet—such as the Water-type starter, Quaxly—Golduck may not stand out as it once did. Nonetheless, it can still be a valuable member of your team when paired with a versatile moveset to compensate for its weaknesses.
The following are Golduck’s base stats and type matchups:
|
HP: |
80 |
|---|---|
|
Attack: |
82 |
|
Special Attack: |
95 |
|
Defense: |
78 |
|
Special Defense: |
80 |
|
Speed: |
85 |
|
Total: |
500 |
|
Super-effective against: |
Fire, Rock, Ground |
|---|---|
|
Weaknesses: |
Grass, Electric |
|
Resistances: |
Water, Fire, Steel, Ice |
|
Immunities: |
N/A |
Golduck’s Special Attack stat is notably higher than its Attack, making it more efficient to allocate special moves like Psychic or Surf. However, many moves in its natural learnset rely on physical strength, which may hinder its overall effectiveness. To create a well-rounded Golduck, consider utilizing TMs.
Recommended moves for Golduck include:
- Ice Beam: Excellent for countering Grass-types, which pose a threat to Golduck.
- Psychic: Effective against Poison and Fighting-types; a stronger option compared to Confusion learned through leveling.
- Hydro Pump: Your go-to STAB move—despite its 80% accuracy, it delivers substantial power (110).
- A status move for stat enhancement, such as Calm Mind or Amnesia.
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