Is Butterfree Good in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Playthrough?
Quick evolution from Route 1 Caterpie. AbilityCompound Eyes makes MoveSleep Powder nearly guaranteed, and putting Totem Pokemon to sleep trivializes some early trials. Falls off hard by Nanu's island.
Ilima's typing presses Caterpie's defenses.
Hala's Pokemon outpace and outclass Caterpie here.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Lana's team.
ElectricSteelReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou... (Ultra Moon only)
BugElectricReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou... (Ultra Sun only)
GrassReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou... (Ultra Sun only)
GhostFairyReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou...
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Kiawe's team.
Butterfree has the type edge here and should clean up Mallow's team.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Olivia's team.
Sophocles's Pokemon outpace and outclass Butterfree here.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Acerola's team.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Nanu's team.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Mina's team.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Hapu's team.
Molayne's team hits Butterfree's weaknesses hard.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Olivia's team.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Acerola's team.
Butterfree trades roughly evenly with Kahili's team.
Kukui's team hits Butterfree's weaknesses hard.
Catch Caterpie on Route 1 (walking, Lv 2-3).
Your Caterpie should hit Level 10 before you reach Lana, at typical leveling pace.
How to Get Butterfree in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
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)
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
 Jolteon Electric | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Eevee (Paniola Ranch Gift) | ||
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Salamence builds →Fly 2x157-185%KO Rock Tomb 4x140-166%KO Fire Fang 2x75-89% Thunder Fang 2x75-89% | ||
 Vikavolt BugElectric | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Vikavolt builds →Thunderbolt 2x117-138%KO Air Slash 2x65-77% | ||
 Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
 Carbink RockFairy | C | |
Jolteon Electric | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Eevee (Paniola Ranch Gift) | ||
Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Salamence builds →Fly 2x165-195%KO Rock Tomb 4x152-180%KO Fire Fang 2x82-97% Thunder Fang 2x82-97% | ||
Vikavolt BugElectric | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Vikavolt builds →Thunderbolt 2x127-150%KO Air Slash 2x73-87% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Carbink RockFairy | C | |
 Noctowl Normal | C | |
Jolteon Electric | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Eevee (Paniola Ranch Gift) | ||
Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Salamence builds →Fly 2x160-189%KO Rock Tomb 4x146-171%KO Fire Fang 2x77-91% Thunder Fang 2x77-91% | ||
Vikavolt BugElectric | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Vikavolt builds →Thunderbolt 2x123-146%KO Air Slash 2x70-83% | ||
 Archen Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 8 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Archen builds →Rock Tomb 4x189-223%KO Wing Attack 2x94-111%KO | ||
 Lycanroc Rock | C | |
 Probopass RockSteel | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Probopass builds →Power Gem 4x134-158%KO Thunderbolt 2x50-60% | ||
 Toucannon Normal | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Toucannon builds →Beak Blast 2x165-195%KO Smack Down 4x114-135%KO Flame Charge 2x56-68% | ||
Noctowl Normal | C | |
Jolteon Electric | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Eevee (Paniola Ranch Gift) | ||
Lycanroc Rock | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Lycanroc builds →Rock Slide 4x252-297%KO | ||
 Houndoom DarkFire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Houndoom builds →Overheat 2x144-170%KO Thunder Fang 2x59-70% | ||
Probopass RockSteel | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Probopass builds →Power Gem 4x136-161%KO Thunderbolt 2x51-60% | ||
 Salazzle PoisonFire | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift | ||
 Rampardos Rock | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Cranidos (Route 8 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Rampardos builds →Rock Tomb 4x273-322%KO Thunderbolt 2x45-54% Ice Beam 2x45-54% | ||
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Volcarona builds →Overheat 2x165-195%KO Hurricane 2x93-110%KO | ||
Lycanroc Rock | C | |
 Archeops Rock | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Archen (Route 8 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Archeops builds →Rock Slide 4x280-330%KO Fly 2x168-198%KO | ||
Rampardos Rock | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Cranidos (Route 8 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Rampardos builds →Rock Slide 4x323-380%KO Ice Beam 2x43-50% Thunderbolt 2x43-50% | ||
 Charizard Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Charizard builds →Overheat 2x138-163%KO Air Slash 2x80-95% Rock Slide 4x124-147%KO | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Sudowoodo builds →Head Smash 4x422-497%KO | ||
Archeops Rock | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Archen (Route 8 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Archeops builds →Stone Edge 4x376-443%KO Fly 2x168-199%KO | ||
Lycanroc Rock | C | |
 Cranidos Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 8 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Cranidos builds →Head Smash 4x510-600%KO Fire Blast 2x31-37% Thunderbolt 2x26-30% Ice Beam 2x26-30% | ||
 Minior Rock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Minior builds →Power Gem 4x158-186%KO Acrobatics 2x79-93% Charge Beam 2x34-40% | ||
Rampardos Rock | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Cranidos (Route 8 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Rampardos builds →Head Smash 4x663-780%KO Fire Blast 2x53-62% Thunderbolt 2x43-51% Ice Beam 2x43-51% | ||
 Nihilego RockPoison | B | |
Obtain MethodUltra Space Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Nihilego builds →Power Gem 4x197-232%KO Thunderbolt 2x75-88% | ||
 Crustle BugRock | C | |
Obtain MethodUltra Space Wilds Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Crustle builds →Rock Wrecker 4x448-527%KO Aerial Ace 2x61-72% | ||
 Terrakion RockFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodUltra Space Wilds Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Terrakion builds →Stone Edge 4x357-420%KO Aerial Ace 2x72-84% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Sudowoodo builds →Head Smash 4x430-506%KO | ||
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Lanturn's Ice Beam hits Butterfree for 52-62%.
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemEviolite NatureCalm Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Tangela builds →Giga Drain6-7% Knock Off17-21% Sludge Bomb30-35% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityVoltabsorb ItemAssault Vest NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Lanturn builds →Volt Switch 2x41-48% Scald23-28% Ice Beam 2x52-62% Surf26-31% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityStormdrain ItemLeftovers NatureSassy Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Gastrodon builds →Scald25-30% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLeftovers NatureHardy Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Claydol builds →Rapid Spin18-21% Psychic22-26% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityUnaware ItemLeftovers NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Quagsire builds →Scald19-22% | ||
Butterfree Evolutions
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 77 partners from the Bug egg group.
USUM Butterfree Best Moveset
97%% accuracy on MoveSleep Powder through AbilityCompound Eyes is the most reliable sleep in the format, and AbilityTinted Lens as a hidden ability halves resistances on every hit. But 90 Sp. Atk at 70 Speed leaves the moveset too slow and too weak to capitalize after targets wake.
Best Build
Butterfree best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Moves List
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.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Base Stats
Its wings are covered in toxic scales. If it finds bird Pokémon going after Caterpie, Butterfree sprinkles its scales on them to drive them off.
Nectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory.
Butterfree Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Guide
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, 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, in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Butterfree is a tough sell at 395 BST. Plenty of stronger Bug/Flying options exist. Fun pick, not a practical one.
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, 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. Sleep Powder with Focus Sash is the standard set.
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, 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.
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, 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