Part of the original 151 Pokemon of generation one, Psyduck is a water-type Pokemon that evolves into Golduck. Known to be quite capable in psychic type ability, and despite its name containing “Psy'', it is actually a water-type Pokemon. Interestingly enough, even its evolution maintains that it is a water type rather than a psychic. A popular Pokemon as it was often showcased in many episodes of the original series of the Pokemon anime. This guide will showcase Psyduck’s appearances in the anime, its capability in battle, as well as general facts about Psyduck.
About Psyduck
A Pokemon with great psychic potential, but perhaps incompatible with psychic powers. According to Pokedex, it is constantly tormented by headaches due to its great psychic capabilities. Psyduck was introduced in the original Red/Blue/Green Pokemon games. It also appeared often in the original series of the Pokemon anime, as Misty caught a Psyduck as her second Pokemon. Psyduck was also a major plot device of the live-action film Pokemon Detective Pikachu. As a base evolution Pokemon, it will evolve into Golduck after reaching level 33.
| First appearance in anime | Original Series Hypno’s Naptime |
| First appearance in game | Red/Green (Japan) Red/Blue (International) |
| Region | Kanto |
| Evolution | Evolves into Golduck |
| 1st Evo level | 33 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | While lulling its enemies with its vacant look, this wily Pokémon will use psychokinetic powers. |
Psyduck Base Stats
| HP | 50 |
| ATTACK | 52 |
| DEFENCE | 48 |
| SP. ATTACK | 65 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 50 |
| SPEED | 55 |
| TOTAL | 320 |
Appearance of Psyduck
Psyduck is a yellow bipedal duck-like Pokemon. It has a large duckbill and vacant eyes. The Pokedex states that it is constantly tormented by headaches due to the psychic prowess it contains. As such it is often depicted holding its head and having a rather empty-headed behavior. It has three strands of black hair sticking out of the top of its head. Small yellowtail can be seen near its behind, and it has two webbed feet. Despite its evolution being called Golduck, Psyduck more closely resembles a golden duck.
Behavior of Psyduck
While not exactly carefree due to its constant headaches, Psyduck seems to lack a sense of urgency. It is not able to think very clearly due to the migraines it experiences. When its headaches become too much to bear, it will release powerful psychic-type abilities to relieve the tension. It has a rather vacant expression and due to the pain from the headaches, lacks the ability to focus. In the anime, it was caught by accident as Misty had dropped a Pokeball and Psyduck tapped it absentmindedly, essentially capturing itself.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While the Pokedex mentions Psyduck’s raw psychic powers, it is not actually capable of learning some of the stronger psychic attacking moves. The strongest psychic move it is capable of learning is Zen Headbutt, but considering its relatively low base stats, even Zen Headbutt will be difficult to succeed with. Psyduck’s biggest strength is being able to counter weather-based strategies with the ability Cloud Nine. Since it does evolve into Golduck eventually, you are better off using Golduck's higher stat distributions than using Psyduck.
Evolving Psyduck
To evolve Psyduck, you will just need to reach level 33 with your Psyduck. Nothing special has to be done to evolve Psyduck, you just need to meet its level threshold. Evolving Psyduck is simple, especially with the use of an EXP Share. When you do eventually evolve Psyduck, it will transform into Golduck which seems to have conquered its headaches and is much more capable. Evolving Psyduck can pose a challenge considering Psyduck is more of a supportive Pokemon than anything else. You should try to evolve Psyduck alongside a more powerful Pokemon for the smoothest experience.
Misty’s Psyduck
In the anime, Misty’s Psyduck was caught by accident. When Psyduck was introduced, Misty accidentally dropped a Pokeball which Psyduck tapped with its bill, catching it in the process. Misty’s Psyduck was quite the character throughout the series, often releasing itself without Misty’s approval. In battle, Misty’s Psyduck was a source of frustration as it would often release itself for battle without Misty’s consent. Proving difficult to contain, but Misty’s Psyduck was not the hot-headed Pokemon disobeying orders. Misty’s Psyduck was simply a bit absentminded but truly cared for its trainer.
Best Moveset
Psyduck is best used outside of competitive play, however, it still has a role to play even in competitive battles. The ability Cloud Nine is rather unique and can be used to counter weather-based strategies. It is difficult to find a slot for solely countering a rather unique strategy, but Psyduck can still be considered for the unique format Little Cup, although it is still outclassed by others in this format. This format only allows Pokemon that have not evolved fully. With the Choice Scarf held item, you should consider offensive moves like Hydro Pump, Psychic, Ice Beam, and Hidden Power Fire/Scald. Hydro Pump will often be your move of choice, while Psychic, Ice Beam, and Hidden Power Fire should be used to give Psyduck more type coverage.
| Hydro Pump | Ice Beam |
| Psychic | Hidden Power Fire/Scald |
How to Catch Psyduck in Pokemon Go
Psyduck is a relatively common Pokemon to be found in Pokemon Go. It spawns more frequently near watery areas like lakes, rivers, oceans, and beaches. You can also find an increased spawn rate while it is raining. It will take 50 Psyduck candies to evolve it into a Golduck. Considering its rather common spawns, it should not take much time to get the Psyduck you are looking for. You can also find Psyducks in 5 km eggs.
Video Guide
Trivia
- During the development phase of the Let’s Go games, Junichi Masuda mentioned that Psyduck was almost chosen as the mascot Pokemon instead of Eevee. It was later denied because it was too close in color to Pikachu.
- Psyduck’s name is a portmanteau of the words psychic and duck.
- Psyduck’s design seems to be based on both ducks and platypuses.
FAQs
Q. Why is Psyduck so Dumb?
Psyduck appears to be dumb because it is constantly tormented by headaches. The Pokedex states this is due to psychic prowess that seems to cause Psyduck some misery. When its headaches become too much to bear, it will relieve the tension by releasing psychic energy.
Q. Why does Psyduck always have a Headache?
The cause seems to be due to psychic ability. Psyduck does not seem to be able to control it very well and will release powerful psychic waves when the tension becomes too difficult to bear. In the movie Pokemon Detective Pikachu, this psychic potential is capable of causing devastating earthquakes.
Q. Is Psyduck a Powerful Pokemon?
According to the lore, its psychic power rivals that of the most powerful psychic Pokemon. In practicality, it is relatively weak. Especially since it is not capable of benefiting from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) with psychic moves, you are better off using Psyduck as a water type than anything else.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know about Psyduck’s behavior, its unique quirks, and its capability in battle. While Psyduck is not the most impressive Pokemon considering its battle ability, it has some interesting backstory that makes it more relatable. A lot of fans find Psyduck’s absentmindedness to be cute and the Pokemon anime helps to showcase Psyduck’s quirky behavior. Psyduck is a unique Pokemon that is enriched by its design and interesting lore.
