Butterfree Best Moveset
Fell from C-tier despite gaining 10 Sp. Atk (now 90 after the Gen 6 buff) and hidden AbilityTinted Lens halving resistance penalties. AbilityCompound Eyes pushes MoveSleep Powder accuracy to 97.5%, and the moveset leans on that near-guaranteed sleep to function. E-tier because 70 Speed and fragile defenses fold under the format's faster threats.
Bug-types were terrible in Gen I (Red & Blue). Butterfree's only offensive route was Psychic from 80 Special, but better Pokemon ran the same move from higher stats.
Utility Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Psychic
- Mega Drain
- Stun Spore
Recommended Teammates
Sleep Powder was the one useful tool in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Put something to sleep and hope. 60 HP and 50 Defense didn't inspire confidence.
Support Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Psychic
- Stun Spore
- Giga Drain
Recommended Teammates
Compound Eyes raised Sleep Powder accuracy to 97% in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). The best lead Butterfree ever was, but after one sleep it had nothing left.
Support Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Stun Spore
- Thief
- Whirlwind
Recommended Teammates
Rose to its highest tier in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Sleep Powder plus U-turn gave Butterfree a pivot role. Stealth Rock taking 25% on each switch-in was the hard cap.
Best Moves
Best Build
Butterfree best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Attacker Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Bug Buzz
- Stun Spore
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Quiver Dance arrived in Gen V (Black & White), boosting Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed in one move. On paper, perfect. In practice, 60/50 bulk crumbled before setup.
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic
- Stun Spore
Recommended Teammates
Stealth Rock and power creep combined in Gen VI (X & Y). Butterfree lost 25% switching in, needed a turn to set up, and often fainted before attacking.
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Sleep Powder
- Psychic
Recommended Teammates
Tinted Lens removed resistances to Butterfree's moves in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). The problem was always surviving long enough to attack, not coverage.
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Gigantamax Butterfree existed in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield) but required Dynamax to access. Without it, the same frailty and Stealth Rock weakness kept things pinned.
Wall Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Hurricane
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
Recommended Teammates
Butterfree Weakness
Butterfree is weak to Rock, Fire, Electric, Ice, and Flying. 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.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Rock |
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Electric, Ice, Flying |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Bug |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
What is Butterfree Weak Against
VulnerableBest Pokemon Against Butterfree
Gholdengo's Shadow Ball hits Butterfree for 41-48%. Tyranitar threatens a KO with Stone Edge (733-862%). Blaziken's Flare Blitz also KOs at 352-414%.
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityGoodasgold ItemAir Balloon NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Gholdengo builds →Shadow Ball41-48% | ||
 Tyranitar RockDark | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Tyranitar builds →Knock Off119-140%KO Stone Edge 4x733-862%KO | ||
 Blaziken FireFighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySpeed Boost ItemLife Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Blaziken builds →Close Combat44-52% Flare Blitz 2x352-414%KO | ||
 Jolteon Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityVoltabsorb ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Jolteon builds →Volt Switch 2x141-166%KO Thunderbolt 2x180-213%KO Shadow Ball54-63% | ||
 Lapras WaterIce | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemLeftovers NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Lapras builds →Surf56-66% Thunderbolt 2x75-88% | ||
Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Butterfree to get Caterpie eggs easily using 91 partners from the Bug egg group.
How to Get Butterfree
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 BDSP
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 CavernLv.58-63GrassBrilliant DiamondPost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSpacious CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassBrilliant DiamondPost-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 SwSh
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 CaterpieRoute 1Lv.2-5GrassRate 15%All Weather
Step 2Catch or Evolve MetapodRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SandstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Intense SunRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%OvercastRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SandstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%RainingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Intense SunRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%ThunderstormRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Normal WeatherRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Thunderstormor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Butterfree ✓Rolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%Heavy FogRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%Normal WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%OvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%Intense SunEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SnowstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SandstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%ThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SnowingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%Normal WeatherEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%RainingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.12-15OverworldRate 30%All WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SnowingRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%RainingRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%Intense SunRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SandstormRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SnowstormRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%ThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 25%OvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 25%Heavy FogGiant's MirrorLv.28-30OverworldRate 40%OvercastSlumbering WealdLv.45-47GrassRate 5%All 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 LGPE
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 CaterpieViridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go PikachuRate 25%Viridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go EeveeRate 24%Route 2 - Area 1Lv.3-4GrassRate 15%Route 2 - Area 2Lv.3-8GrassRate 15%
Step 3Butterfree ✓Viridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go PikachuRate 1%or evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Butterfree starts showing up in early-game routes at moderate rates across 14 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 USUM
Caterpie is your first catch on the way to Butterfree. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-22 across 42 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch CaterpieRoute 1 - WestLv.2-3GrassRate 35%Route 1 - EastLv.2-3GrassRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunSOS from MetapodMelemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonSOS from MetapodRoute 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 10%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassSOS from Metapod
Step 2Catch or Evolve MetapodMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 9%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 9%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 9%Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Lush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Lush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassRate 10%or evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Butterfree ✓Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunSOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonSOS from CaterpieRoute 5Lv.13-16GrassSOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 1%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 1%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 1%Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassSOS from Metapodor evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Base Stats
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.
Crystallized Gigantamax energy makes up this Pokémon’s blindingly bright and highly toxic scales.
Butterfree Guide
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.
Honestly, Butterfree is a tough sell at 395 BST. Plenty of stronger Bug/Flying options exist. Fun pick, not a practical one.
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.
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.
Tinted Lens is the hidden ability. It doubles damage inflicted with not-very-effective moves. Worth hunting for if you want Butterfree to compete at a higher level.
Game Availability
Butterfree first appeared in Red & Blue and spans 19 games across 10 generations. It later gained a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves