Without Tinted Lens, Butterfree wouldn't see any competitive play. With it? It makes resisted hits deal full damage, turning modest base stats into a real offensive threat. Bug/Flying is solid coverage on top of that. It needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.
Butterfree's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Atk leads, Attack trails, 2 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 3 Sp. Atk and Sp. Def EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It loves the nectar of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Butterfree Weakness
VulnerableButterfree is weak to Rock, Fire, Electric, Ice, and Flying-type moves. Watch out for Rock attacks, those deal 4x damage. On the flip side, it's immune to Ground-type moves entirely. Butterfree's special bulk (base 80 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
Butterfree is the final form in a three-stage chain from Caterpie through Metapod. Breeding this form produces Caterpie eggs (quick to hatch). Evolving from Caterpie gave Butterfree the biggest boost in Sp.Atk (+70), bringing the total to 395 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Butterfree to get Caterpie eggs easily using 91 partners from the Bug egg group.
the remaining moves is what separates a good sweep from a wasted boost. After Quiver Dance, Butterfree threatens a wide range with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Focus Sash backing every hit.
Best Build
Best Butterfree Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Hurricane
Recommended Teammates
Butterfree develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Bug Buzz and Dream Eater show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Butterfree develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Bug Buzz and Energy Ball show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
TMs define Butterfree's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Bug Buzz and Air Slash, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Psychic and Normal coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Butterfree develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Bug Buzz and Dream Eater show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Can't catch Butterfree directly. Start with Caterpie at moderate rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 10. The 3-stage chain from Caterpie to Butterfree is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Butterfree in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
To get Butterfree, start by catching Caterpie through walking encounters at Lv. 58-63. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch CaterpieBogsunk CavernGrassLv.58-63PostSwampPost-gameGrassland CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRiverbank CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStill-Water CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSunlit CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSwampy CaveGrassLv.58-63PostSwampPost-game
Step 2Evolve into Metapod
Step 3Butterfree ✓
Easy grab on Butterfree with high spawn rates across 42 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Butterfree in Sword & Shield
The path to Butterfree starts with Caterpie at Lv. 2-47 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch CaterpieEASYRoute 1SwordGrassLv.2-515%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 1ShieldGrassLv.2-515%EarlyRouteAll Weather
Step 2Catch or Evolve MetapodMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyOvercastCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyThunderstormCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyRainingCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyHeavy FogCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyRainingCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyOvercastor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Butterfree ✓EFFORTLESSRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1075%EarlyOvercastEFFORTLESSRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1075%EarlyNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1075%EarlyNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1075%EarlyHeavy FogEFFORTLESSRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1075%EarlyHeavy FogEFFORTLESSRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1075%EarlyOvercastEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveSnowstormEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveSnowstormEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveThunderstormEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveThunderstormEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveIntense SunEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveIntense SunEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveSnowingEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveSnowingEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveRainingEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveRainingEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1175%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.12-1530%EarlyCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.12-1530%EarlyCaveAll WeatherEASYRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlySnowstormEASYRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlySnowstormEASYRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlyThunderstormEASYRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlyThunderstormEASYRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlyIntense SunEASYRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlyIntense SunEASYRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlySnowingEASYRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlySnowingEASYRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlySandstormEASYRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlySandstormEASYRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlyRainingEASYRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.7-1025%EarlyRainingEASYEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1125%EarlyCaveHeavy FogEASYEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1125%EarlyCaveHeavy FogEASYEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworldLv.8-1125%EarlyCaveOvercastEASYEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworldLv.8-1125%EarlyCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorShieldOverworldLv.28-3040%MidOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorSwordOverworldLv.28-3040%MidOvercastCHALLENGINGSlumbering WealdShieldGrassLv.45-475%LateForestAll WeatherCHALLENGINGSlumbering WealdSwordGrassLv.45-475%LateForestAll Weatheror evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
You'll want early-game access before hunting Butterfree. Low spawn rates across 1 encounter spots means the location matters. Sort by Best below and target the top-rated area first.
Where To Catch Butterfree in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
The path to Butterfree starts with Caterpie at Lv. 3-8 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch CaterpieEASYViridian ForestLet's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-625%EarlyForestEASYViridian ForestLet's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-624%EarlyForestEASYRoute 2 - Area 1Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-415%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 2 - Area 1Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-415%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 2 - Area 2Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-815%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 2 - Area 2Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-815%EarlyRoute
Step 2Catch or Evolve MetapodMODERATEViridian ForestLet's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-610%EarlyForestMODERATEViridian ForestLet's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-610%EarlyForestor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Butterfree ✓HARDViridian ForestGrassLv.3-61%EarlyForestor evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Butterfree starts showing up in early-game routes at moderate rates across 18 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Butterfree in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Caterpie is your first catch on the way to Butterfree. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-22 across 46 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch CaterpieEFFORTLESSRoute 1 - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.2-335%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 1 - WestUltra SunGrassLv.2-335%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 1 - EastUltra MoonGrassLv.2-310%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 1 - EastUltra SunGrassLv.2-310%EarlyRouteMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-1210%EarlyMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-12EarlySOS from MetapodMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-1210%EarlyMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-12EarlySOS from MetapodMODERATERoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-1610%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-1610%EarlyRouteRoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from MetapodRoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from Metapod
Step 2Catch or Evolve MetapodMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-129%EarlyMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-129%EarlyMODERATERoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-169%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-169%EarlyRouteMODERATELush Jungle - NorthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - NorthUltra SunGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - SouthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - SouthUltra SunGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - WestUltra SunGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Butterfree ✓Melemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-12EarlySOS from MetapodMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-12EarlySOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-12EarlySOS from MetapodMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-12EarlySOS from CaterpieRoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from MetapodRoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from CaterpieRoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from MetapodRoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from CaterpieHARDMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-121%EarlyHARDMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-121%EarlyHARDRoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-161%EarlyRouteHARDRoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-161%EarlyRouteLush Jungle - NorthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from Metapodor evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Don't let Butterfree's 395 base stat total fool you. Tinted Lens is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier.
Butterfree's biggest threats include Golem (Rock), Charizard (Fire), and Raikou (Electric), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Golem is the most dangerous since Rock moves deal 4x damage. Ice and Flying-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
Run Tinted Lens on Butterfree. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Butterfree also gets Compound Eyes, but they don't compare.
Butterfree fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 90 Sp. Atk. Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Butterfree appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Butterfree first appeared in Red & Blue and spans 19 games across 9 generations. It later gained a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A