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Volbeat
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No. 0313 · Generation III · Hoenn

Volbeat

The Firefly Pokémon

TL;DR. Volbeat is a pure bug-type Pokémon from Generation III. Base Stat Total: 430. With the arrival of night, VOLBEAT emits light from its tail. It communicates with others by adjusting the intensity and flashing of its light. This POKéMON is attracted by the sweet aroma of ILLUMISE.

Bug

With the arrival of night, VOLBEAT emits light from its tail. It communicates with others by adjusting the intensity and flashing of its light. This POKéMON is attracted by the sweet aroma of ILLUMISE.

Height0.7 m
Weight17.7 kg
AbilitiesIlluminate, Swarm
HiddenPrankster
Base stats

Stat spread.

Total of 430. Higher peaks mean specialized roles, flat spreads favor versatility.

HP 65
Attack 73
Defense 75
Sp. Attack 47
Sp. Defense 85
Speed 85
Total430
430 base stat total, the 544th-highest of all 1025 Pokémon species and 35th among Bug-types.
85 base Special Defense, Volbeat's strongest stat, ranking 19th of 92 Bug-types.

Rankings computed across all 1025 base-species Pokémon (Mega and Gigantamax forms excluded). Source: National Pokédex base stats.

Pokémon GO

Volbeat in Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO uses its own hand-tuned base stats, distinct from the main-series spread above. At a perfect 15/15/15, Volbeat reaches 1,771 CP at level 40 and 2,026 CP as a best buddy.

GO Attack143
GO Defense166
GO Stamina163
Max CP (L40)1,771
Max CP (L50)2,002
Best buddy (L51)2,026
Raid catch CP 952–1,012 (L20). Weather boosted 1,191–1,265 (L25).

Run the numbers: CP & HP calculator · PvP IV optimizer · Catch CP calculator

Competitive

Volbeat in competitive play.

Recommended builds and battle rankings for Volbeat across the current metagames. In Pokémon GO it ranks #1088 in the Great League.

Pokémon GO Battle League
Great League #1088 51 score
Ultra League #826 34.8 score

Build around it: GO PvP IV optimizer · Team builder · Ask Dia

Movesets via Smogon, GO ranks via PvPoke. Updated 2026-06-01.

Quick answers

Common questions about Volbeat.

Direct, sourced answers to the most-asked questions about Volbeat, each computed straight from its Pokédex data.

What type is Volbeat?

Volbeat is a pure Bug-type Pokémon. It has a single typing, which means a simpler matchup chart but also fewer resistances.

What is Volbeat weak to?

Volbeat takes 2× damage from Fire, Flying, Rock. It has no 4× weaknesses.

What is Volbeat resistant to?

Volbeat resists Grass, Fighting, Ground. It has no full immunities.

Does Volbeat evolve?

Volbeat does not evolve and does not evolve from another Pokémon. it's a standalone species.

What generation is Volbeat from?

Volbeat was introduced in Generation III (the Hoenn region). Its Pokédex number is #0313.

What are Volbeat's base stats?

Volbeat has HP 65, Attack 73, Defense 75, Special Attack 47, Special Defense 85, and Speed 85. Total base stat total: 430.

What are Volbeat's abilities?

Volbeat can have the abilities Illuminate, Swarm, plus the Hidden Ability Prankster.

Is Volbeat legendary or mythical?

No. Volbeat is a regular Pokémon, not classified as Legendary or Mythical.

What is Volbeat's best stat?

Volbeat's highest base stat is Special Defense at 85, which ranks 19th of 92 Bug-type Pokémon.

Is Volbeat good?

Volbeat has a base stat total of 430, the 544th-highest of all 1025 Pokémon species and 35th among Bug-types. That is a modest total, typical of an unevolved or utility Pokémon.

See the full Q&A page for Volbeat →
Sprites · Sound

Through the generations.

Volbeat as drawn across two decades of Pokémon games, plus the modern Pokémon HOME render. Hit the cry button to hear it.

Volbeat in Emerald
Gen III Emerald
Volbeat in HeartGold / SoulSilver
Gen IV HeartGold / SoulSilver
Volbeat in Black / White
Gen V Black / White
Volbeat in X / Y
Gen VI X / Y
Volbeat in Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
Gen VII Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
Volbeat 3D render in Pokémon HOME
HOME Modern 3D render
Type matchups

In battle.

Damage multipliers when Volbeat is hit by each attacking type. 4× is two stacked weaknesses, ¼× is two stacked resistances.

2× Weak to
Fire Flying Rock
½× Resists
Grass Fighting Ground
Comparison

Volbeat vs. the average Bug-type.

Each base stat measured against the mean across all 92 Bug-type Pokémon.

Stat Volbeat Bug avg Difference
HP 65 57 +8
Attack 73 68 +5
Defense 75 69 +6
Special Attack 47 57 -10
Special Defense 85 64 +21
Speed 85 60 +25
Total 430 375 +55
Ask Dia about Volbeat Compare it, check weaknesses, or get a quick competitive verdict.
Game appearances

Volbeat appears in 21 games.

Every mainline release where Volbeat is obtainable, has a dex entry, or is transferable. Grouped by generation.

Gen III
  • 2003 Ruby
  • 2003 Sapphire
  • 2004 FireRed
  • 2004 LeafGreen
  • 2005 Emerald
Gen IV
  • 2007 Diamond
  • 2007 Pearl
  • 2009 Platinum
  • 2010 HeartGold
  • 2010 SoulSilver
Gen V
  • 2011 Black
  • 2011 White
  • 2012 Black 2
  • 2012 White 2
Gen VI
  • 2013 X
  • 2013 Y
  • 2014 Alpha Sapphire
  • 2014 Omega Ruby
Gen IX
  • 2023 Teal Mask DLC
  • 2026 Pokémon Pokopia
Side games + live service
  • 2016 Pokémon GO
Pokémon Champions: Champions availability TBD . Full roster pending official reveal.
Where to find

Catch Volbeat in the wild.

Main-series wild-encounter locations, grouped by game. 8 games have a known habitat.

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Sinnoh Route 229
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald
Hoenn Route 117
X, Y
Friend Safari BugKalos Route 7
Pokémon anime

Volbeat appears in 6 episodes.

From AG042 (2003-09-11) through JN096 (2022-02-04).

TCG Pocket appearances

1 Volbeat card across TCG Pocket.

Every printed variant on iOS / Android. Tap any card for full art.