Pokemon GO Caterpie: Ultimate Guide for 2024

Caterpie is a popular Bug-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 437, Caterpie is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Caterpie in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Caterpie Base Stats & Overview

Caterpie (#010) is a Bug-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	55
Defense	55
Stamina	128
Total Stats	238
Max CP	437
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 55 Attack, 55 Defense, and 128 Stamina, Caterpie has a total stat product of 238. While not the highest in any single stat, Caterpie’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Caterpie

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Caterpie’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Caterpie for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Bug-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Caterpie Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Caterpie effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Bug-type Pokemon, Caterpie has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Caterpie is weak to: Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. When battling against Caterpie, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Fire – Deals increased damage
• Flying – Deals increased damage
• Rock – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Caterpie resists: Grass, Fighting, Ground-type moves. This means Caterpie takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Grass – Reduced damage
• Fighting – Reduced damage
• Ground – Reduced damage

🏆 Caterpie PvP Analysis

Caterpie can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

Caterpie can reach its full potential in Great League since its max CP (437) is at or below the 1500 CP limit. This makes it a viable option if its typing and moveset align with the current meta.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 437, Caterpie may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Caterpie is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (437). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Caterpie Raid Guide

Caterpie is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Caterpie in Raids

When using Caterpie as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Bug-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Caterpie

Whether you’re battling Caterpie in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Caterpie:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Caterpie’s weaknesses to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Reshiram	Dragon/Fire	Top Fire attacker with Fire Fang + Overheat
Chandelure	Ghost/Fire	High Fire DPS with Fire Spin + Overheat
Moltres	Fire/Flying	Legendary Fire attacker
Rayquaza	Dragon/Flying	Air Slash + Hurricane
Honchkrow	Dark/Flying	Peck + Sky Attack
Rampardos	Rock	Highest Rock DPS but glass cannon

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Caterpie
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Caterpie may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Caterpie in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Caterpie in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Caterpie can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Caterpie

Yes, Shiny Caterpie is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Caterpie Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Caterpie

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Caterpie’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Caterpie with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Caterpie, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Caterpie works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Bug type weak to Fire, Flying, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Caterpie spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Bug moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Caterpie in the Pokemon Franchise

Caterpie first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Caterpie’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Caterpie was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Caterpie has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.

📊 How Caterpie Compares

Let’s see how Caterpie stacks up against other Bug-type Pokemon:

Stat	Caterpie	Type Average	Rating
Attack	55	~180	⭐
Defense	55	~160	⭐
Stamina	128	~170	⭐
Max CP	437	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Caterpie is a versatile Bug-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 437 and solid base stats (55/55/128), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Caterpie’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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