Butterfree Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips

Butterfree is a popular Bug/Flying-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,827, Butterfree is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Butterfree in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Butterfree Base Stats & Overview

Butterfree (#012) is a Bug/Flying-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	167
Defense	137
Stamina	155
Total Stats	459
Max CP	1,827
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 167 Attack, 137 Defense, and 155 Stamina, Butterfree has a total stat product of 459. While not the highest in any single stat, Butterfree’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Butterfree

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Butterfree’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Butterfree for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Bug/Flying-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Butterfree Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Butterfree effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Bug/Flying-type Pokemon, Butterfree has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Butterfree is weak to: Fire, Flying, Rock, Electric, Ice-type moves. When battling against Butterfree, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Fire – Deals increased damage
• Flying – Deals increased damage
• Rock – Deals increased damage
• Electric – Deals increased damage
• Ice – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Butterfree resists: Grass, Fighting, Ground, Bug-type moves. This means Butterfree takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Grass – Reduced damage
• Fighting – Reduced damage
• Ground – Reduced damage
• Bug – Reduced damage

🏆 Butterfree PvP Analysis

Butterfree can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 1,827, Butterfree would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 1,827, Butterfree may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Butterfree is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (1,827). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Butterfree Raid Guide

Butterfree is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Butterfree in Raids

When using Butterfree as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Bug-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Butterfree

Whether you’re battling Butterfree in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Butterfree:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Butterfree’s weaknesses to Fire, Flying, Rock, Electric, Ice-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Reshiram	Dragon/Fire	Top Fire attacker with Fire Fang + Overheat
Chandelure	Ghost/Fire	High Fire DPS with Fire Spin + Overheat
Moltres	Fire/Flying	Legendary Fire attacker
Rayquaza	Dragon/Flying	Air Slash + Hurricane
Honchkrow	Dark/Flying	Peck + Sky Attack
Rampardos	Rock	Highest Rock DPS but glass cannon

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Butterfree
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Butterfree may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Butterfree in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Butterfree in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Butterfree can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Butterfree

Yes, Shiny Butterfree is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Butterfree Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Butterfree

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Butterfree’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Butterfree with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Butterfree, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Butterfree works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Bug/Flying type weak to Fire, Flying, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Butterfree spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Bug moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Butterfree in the Pokemon Franchise

Butterfree first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Butterfree’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Butterfree was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Butterfree has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.

📊 How Butterfree Compares

Let’s see how Butterfree stacks up against other Bug-type Pokemon:

Stat	Butterfree	Type Average	Rating
Attack	167	~180	⭐⭐
Defense	137	~160	⭐
Stamina	155	~170	⭐⭐
Max CP	1,827	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Butterfree is a versatile Bug/Flying-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 1,827 and solid base stats (167/137/155), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Butterfree’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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