Butterfree
In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Butterfree's trusted Bug STAB option, Bug Buzz benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Bug types.
The Normal-type Fly serves as coverage for matchups Butterfree would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Bug attacks.
The Normal-type Signal Beam serves as coverage for matchups Butterfree would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Bug attacks.
Pin Missile serves as Butterfree's main Bug-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Butterfree's Special Attack of 90, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Bug.
Strengths
- ▸Butterfree's dual Bug/Flying STAB coverage from Bug Buzz and Pin Missile means it can hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage
- ▸Butterfree takes reduced damage from Bug, Fighting, Grass moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸Complete immunity to Ground attacks means Butterfree can switch in for free against these moves
Weaknesses
- ▸Butterfree's dual Bug/Flying typing creates a crippling 4x Rock weakness that opponents will exploit
- ▸Butterfree's attack stat of 45 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸The 395 BST means Butterfree needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Channel VP into Special Attack and Speed to make Butterfree a potent special sweeper. A Choice item can patch Butterfree's stats, but locks it into one move. Predict Electric moves and double-switch to preserve Butterfree for later. Butterfree works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
Butterfree's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. The 395 BST distribution, highlighted by 90 spAtk, defines how Butterfree should be built and deployed. Its Bug/Flying typing creates vulnerabilities to Electric, Fire, Flying types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fighting, Grass provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Butterfree depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Butterfree brings a 395 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spAtk-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Bug Buzz, Pin Missile) with coverage moves (Fly, Signal Beam), giving Butterfree answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Electric, Fire, Flying mean Butterfree must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fighting, Grass provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Ground gives Butterfree a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Butterfree is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Butterfree, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Electric-type opponents: Butterfree is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Butterfree in against Electric types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Electric. If forced to fight, use Bug Buzz and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Butterfree has the advantage here. Its Bug typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Butterfree to tank hits and retaliate with Bug Buzz. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Ground-type moves: Butterfree is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Ground attacks and bring Butterfree in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Against Fire-type opponents: Butterfree has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Bug moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Butterfree when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Butterfree, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 395 total base stats, Butterfree should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Electric coverage, save Butterfree for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Bug Buzz and Fly while assessing the opponent's team composition.
Mid-game is where Butterfree needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Fly and Signal Beam, Butterfree can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Electric type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Butterfree's spAtk of 90 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
By the endgame, Butterfree should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 395 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Bug Buzz to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Butterfree needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Electric typing to your team to switch in when Butterfree faces Electric-type threats
- ▸Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Butterfree the initiative in battle
- ▸A Bug-type-only partner can cover Butterfree's secondary Flying weaknesses while sharing STAB coverage
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Electric coverage moves should target Butterfree immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Butterfree before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Butterfree's low Defense (50) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Toxic poison wears Butterfree down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Butterfree with a Electric-type Pokemon that can switch into Electric attacks. This defensive core covers Butterfree's primary weakness while Butterfree handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Butterfree with a setup sweeper that benefits from Butterfree's ability to weaken walls. Use Bug Buzz to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Stall Core: Butterfree can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Bug, Fighting to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Butterfree good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Butterfree is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 395 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Butterfree can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Butterfree?
A:Butterfree benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Butterfree has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Butterfree?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Butterfree, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 90 vs Attack at 45, special builds are clearly superior for Butterfree.
Q:How do I counter Butterfree?
A:Butterfree's biggest counters are Electric-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Butterfree before it acts, especially given its 70 Speed. To beat Butterfree, use Electric STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.