Caterpie Pokemon GO sprite
#0010

Caterpie

Bug
Max CP
494
Best
Bug Bite
Struggle
Rainy

Caterpie is a Bug-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#10, Generation 1). With a max CP of 494 and base stats of 55/55/128 (Atk/Def/Sta), Caterpie has a total stat product of 238.

Caterpie is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. It resists Fighting, Grass, Ground-type attacks. Caterpie is a 1.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
494
Lv.40: 437 Lv.50: 494
Attack 55
Defense 55
Stamina 128
Total 238
Buddy 1.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Bug
Bug Bite STAB
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Normal
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 5 EN 0.5s DUR 10 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Normal
17.5
DPS
35.0 PWR 0 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Bug Bite (10 DPS), while Bug Bite generates energy the fastest (12 EPS).

Raid Guide

Caterpie as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Caterpie is not currently available as a raid boss. When Caterpie returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Caterpie from raids would have 249 CP at level 20, or 312 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Caterpie

Caterpie is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Caterpie

Caterpie can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Caterpie is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Caterpie knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 1,000 Stardust and 1 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Caterpie as your buddy earns 1 candy every 1.0 km.

Caterpie Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Caterpie in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
10 – 378 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
10 – 409 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
225 – 256 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
280 – 318 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
225 – 256 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
170 – 193 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
225 – 256 CP

A 100% IV Caterpie from raids or eggs will show 249 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Caterpie is a Bug-type Pokemon with a stat total of 238. With its bulk spread of 55 Defense and 128 Stamina, Caterpie has solid survivability in battles.

Watch out for Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves when using Caterpie. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Caterpie's performance.

Caterpie's moves get a damage boost in Rainy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy.

Should I Invest in Caterpie?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Caterpie is a Bug-type Pokemon with base stats of 55/55/128 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 494. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Caterpie may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Caterpie deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Caterpie in Pokemon GO?
Caterpie has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Caterpie's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Caterpie is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. On the other hand, Caterpie resists Fighting, Grass, Ground-type attacks.
What is Caterpie's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Caterpie's maximum CP is 494 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 437 at level 40. A 100% IV Caterpie caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 249 CP, or 312 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Caterpie?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Caterpie has the following CP at key levels: 187 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 249 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 312 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 494 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Caterpie better than regular?
Shadow Caterpie deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Caterpie is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Caterpie comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Caterpie in Pokemon GO?
Caterpie can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Caterpie can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 10 CP
L5 59 CP
L10 125 CP
L15 187 CP
L20 249 CP
L25 312 CP
L30 374 CP
L35 406 CP
L40 437 CP
L50 494 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #10
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 0.30 m
Weight 2.90 kg
Buddy Distance 1.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 1,000 Dust / 1 Candy