Golbat, the Bat Pokémon, is a creature of the night, often seen soaring through the skies in search of its next meal. As a dual Poison/Flying-type Pokémon, its aerial nature is undeniable. This naturally leads to the question many trainers and Pokémon enthusiasts ponder: Can Golbat Learn Fly? Let’s dive deep into Golbat’s learnset, its capabilities in the Pokémon world, and explore its mastery of the skies.
Golbat: A Closer Look at the Bat Pokémon
Before we specifically address whether Golbat can learn the move Fly, it’s crucial to understand what defines this Pokémon. Golbat, evolving from Zubat at level 22 and further evolving into Crobat with high friendship, is a Generation I classic. Its menacing appearance and nocturnal habits have made it a memorable figure in the Pokémon universe.
Golbat is recognized for its large mouth filled with sharp fangs, designed for its blood-sucking diet. However, beyond its vampiric tendencies, its Flying-type designation is a core part of its identity. Let’s examine its Pokédex data to solidify our understanding.
Pokédex Insights: Golbat’s Aerial Nature
| Pokédex data | Value |
|---|---|
| National № | 0042 |
| Type | Poison / Flying |
| Species | Bat Pokémon |
| Height | 1.6 m (5′03″) |
| Weight | 55.0 kg (121.3 lbs) |
| Abilities | 1. Inner Focus 2. Infiltrator (hidden) |
As clearly stated, Golbat is a Flying-type Pokémon. This inherent typing suggests a natural affinity for aerial maneuvers. Its very species classification as the “Bat Pokémon” further reinforces its connection to flight. Bats, in the real world, are mammals known for their ability to fly, and Golbat embodies this trait in the Pokémon realm.
Decoding “Fly”: More Than Just Aerial Movement
The question “Can Golbat learn Fly?” isn’t just about whether Golbat can move through the air – it’s specifically about learning the move Fly. In the Pokémon games, “Fly” is a specific Flying-type move with a base power of 90 and 95% accuracy. It’s a two-turn move where the Pokémon takes to the sky on the first turn, becoming invulnerable to most attacks, and then strikes on the second turn. Furthermore, “Fly” is famously used as an Overworld move in many Pokémon games, allowing players to fast travel between visited locations.
Given its Flying-type nature, it would seem logical for Golbat to learn Fly. However, Pokémon learnsets can sometimes be surprisingly restrictive, and type alone doesn’t guarantee access to every move of that type.
Can Golbat Learn Fly? The Definitive Answer
Yes, Golbat can indeed learn the move Fly. This has been the case in multiple generations of Pokémon games, solidifying its status as a Pokémon capable of utilizing this essential Flying-type move.
Methods for Golbat to Learn Fly
Golbat primarily learns Fly through Technical Machines (TMs). Specifically:
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Golbat can learn Fly via TM94. This means trainers can obtain TM94 and teach it to their Golbat.
- Past Generations: In many previous games, Fly was also available as a TM that Golbat could learn. The TM number might vary across generations, but the availability of Fly for Golbat has been consistent in games where Fly is a TM.
It’s important to note that while Golbat can learn Fly, it does not learn it naturally through level-up in most recent Pokémon games like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl or Legends: Arceus. Trainers must rely on TMs to teach Golbat this move.
Move Learnset Deep Dive: Golbat’s Flying Prowess
While Golbat needs a TM to learn the move “Fly,” it’s worth examining its natural movepool and other learnable moves to assess its overall Flying-type capabilities.
Moves Learned by Level Up (Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl):
| Lv. | Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Air Cutter | Flying | Sp. | 60 | 95 |
| 62 | Air Slash | Flying | Sp. | 75 | 95 |
As seen in its level-up learnset in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Golbat learns Air Cutter and Air Slash, both are special-based Flying-type moves. This confirms that even without TM Fly, Golbat has access to offensive Flying-type moves through natural progression.
TM Compatibility (Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl):
| TM | Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Flying | Phys | 60 | ∞ |
| TM88 | Pluck | Flying | Phys | 60 | 100 |
| TM94 | Fly | Flying | Phys | 90 | 95 |
| TM97 | Defog | Flying | — | — | — |
| TM51 | Roost | Flying | — | — | — |
Golbat’s TM learnset further expands its Flying-type move options. Besides the crucial Fly, it can learn Aerial Ace for a never-miss physical Flying attack and Pluck, another physical option that can steal berries. Defog and Roost provide utility and recovery, respectively, enhancing its strategic versatility in battles.
Egg Moves and Move Tutor Moves:
Golbat’s potential Flying-type moves don’t stop at level-up and TMs. Through breeding, it can inherit Gust and Wing Attack as Egg Moves. Additionally, in games like Legends: Arceus, Move Tutors can teach Golbat Aerial Ace, further broadening its movepool.
Golbat’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Flying-Type
Understanding whether Golbat can learn Fly is just one piece of the puzzle. Evaluating its strengths and weaknesses as a Flying-type Pokémon provides a more complete picture of its battle capabilities.
Strengths:
- Dual Typing Advantage: The Poison/Flying typing gives Golbat a unique set of resistances and immunities. It’s immune to Ground-type moves and resistant to Fighting, Poison, Grass, Bug, and Fairy-type attacks.
- Speed: Golbat boasts a base Speed stat of 90, making it faster than many Pokémon. This allows it to outspeed and attack first, crucial in battles.
- Offensive Presence: With a decent Attack stat of 80 and Special Attack of 65, Golbat can utilize both physical and special Flying and Poison-type moves effectively, especially when boosted by STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus).
- Versatile Movepool: As shown, Golbat has access to a variety of Flying, Poison, Dark, and other coverage moves, allowing for diverse strategies.
- Abilities: Inner Focus prevents flinching, while Infiltrator bypasses defensive screens, both offering tactical advantages.
Weaknesses:
- Type Weaknesses: Golbat is 4x weak to Electric and Ice-type moves, common and powerful attacking types. It’s also weak to Rock-type moves. These weaknesses can make it vulnerable to common offensive threats.
- Defensive Stats: While not frail, Golbat’s Defense and Special Defense stats (both 70 and 75 respectively) are not exceptionally high, meaning it can be susceptible to strong super-effective hits.
- Dependence on TMs for Fly: While it can learn Fly, the reliance on TMs means trainers need to expend resources to teach it this move, especially in games where TMs are limited or single-use.
Evolution Line and Flying Prowess: Zubat and Crobat
Golbat’s Flying-type identity is shared by its pre-evolution, Zubat, and its evolution, Crobat.
Golbat
Crobat- Zubat: As the base form, Zubat is also a Poison/Flying-type, establishing the aerial theme from the start. While weaker than Golbat, Zubat already exhibits flight capabilities.
- Crobat: Evolving from Golbat with high friendship, Crobat becomes an even faster and more formidable Flying-type Pokémon. Crobat naturally learns stronger Flying-type moves and further refines the aerial prowess of the line.
The entire Zubat evolutionary family embodies the essence of bat-like flight, making the ability to learn “Fly” feel inherently appropriate and logical for Golbat.
Conclusion: Golbat, the Flying Bat Pokémon, Can Indeed Learn Fly
In conclusion, the answer to “Can Golbat learn Fly?” is a resounding yes. While it typically requires a TM to learn the move, Golbat’s design, typing, and movepool all reinforce its capability as a Flying-type Pokémon. Its access to Fly, alongside other Flying-type attacks and its inherent strengths and weaknesses, makes Golbat a viable and interesting choice for trainers seeking a Poison/Flying-type Pokémon with aerial combat abilities. So, if you’re training a Golbat, feel confident in teaching it Fly and letting it soar to new heights in your Pokémon journey!
