Bulbasaur
A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this POKéMON.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Bulbasaur's trusted Grass STAB option, Razor Leaf benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Grass types.
Sludge Bomb is Bulbasaur's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Poison-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Bulbasaur's Special Attack stat of 65, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Leech Seed is Bulbasaur's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Grass-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Bulbasaur's Special Attack stat of 65, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Sleep Powder is the STAB anchor of this set. The Grass-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Bulbasaur's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Grass weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸The Grass, Poison typing provides Bulbasaur with offensive tools like Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb that deal amplified damage to vulnerable targets
- ▸Bulbasaur's Grass/Poison typing naturally reduces incoming Electric, Fairy, Fighting damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸The combination of typing and stats gives Bulbasaur a unique niche in team composition
Weaknesses
- ▸Taking super-effective damage from Fire, Flying, Ice limits Bulbasaur's safe switch-in opportunities
- ▸Bulbasaur's hp stat of 45 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸Slow speed (45) forces Bulbasaur to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
- ▸A base stat total of 318 puts Bulbasaur at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon
Pro Tips
Channel VP into Special Attack and Speed to make Bulbasaur a potent special sweeper. A Choice item can patch Bulbasaur's stats, but locks it into one move. Predict Fire moves and double-switch to preserve Bulbasaur for later. Bulbasaur works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Bulbasaur functions primarily as a balanced utility Pokemon. The 318 BST distribution, highlighted by 65 spAtk, defines how Bulbasaur should be built and deployed. Its Grass/Poison typing creates vulnerabilities to Fire, Flying, Ice types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Bulbasaur depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 318 BST, Bulbasaur sits below the competitive average. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Razor Leaf, Sludge Bomb, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fire, Flying, Ice mean Bulbasaur must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Bulbasaur is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Bulbasaur, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fire-type opponents: Bulbasaur is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Bulbasaur in against Fire types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fire. If forced to fight, use Razor Leaf and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Electric-type opponents: Bulbasaur has the advantage here. Its Grass typing reduces incoming Electric damage, allowing Bulbasaur to tank hits and retaliate with Razor Leaf. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Bulbasaur's 45 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fire-type opponents: Bulbasaur has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Grass moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Bulbasaur when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Bulbasaur, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 318 total base stats, Bulbasaur should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Fire coverage, save Bulbasaur for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb while assessing the opponent's team composition.
Mid-game is where Bulbasaur needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Sludge Bomb and Leech Seed, Bulbasaur can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Fire type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Bulbasaur's spAtk of 65 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
In the final stages of battle, Bulbasaur can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Bulbasaur to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Electric, Fairy to tank a hit, then strike with Razor Leaf before switching out.
Team Synergy
- ▸A Fire-type teammate covers Bulbasaur's Fire weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸A Grass-type-only partner can cover Bulbasaur's secondary Poison weaknesses while sharing STAB coverage
- ▸Pair Bulbasaur with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Fire-type Pokemon with STAB Fire moves to exploit Bulbasaur's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Bulbasaur before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Bulbasaur's low Defense (49) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Bulbasaur's weak Special Defense (65) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Bulbasaur with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Fire attacks. This defensive core covers Bulbasaur's primary weakness while Bulbasaur handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Bulbasaur alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Bulbasaur's defensive typing. Switch Bulbasaur in to absorb hits with its Electric, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Stall Core: Bulbasaur can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Electric, Fairy to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Bulbasaur good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Bulbasaur is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 318 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Bulbasaur can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Bulbasaur?
A:Bulbasaur benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Bulbasaur has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Bulbasaur?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Bulbasaur, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 65 vs Attack at 49, special builds are clearly superior for Bulbasaur.
Q:How do I counter Bulbasaur?
A:Bulbasaur's biggest counters are Fire-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Bulbasaur before it acts, especially given its 45 Speed. To beat Bulbasaur, use Fire STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.