Tapu Bulu Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters
Tapu Bulu is a popular Grass/Fairy-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,960, Tapu Bulu is a solid choice for Ultra League battles and various raid encounters.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.
π Table of Contents
π Tapu Bulu Base Stats & Overview
Tapu Bulu (#787) is a Grass/Fairy-type Pokemon from Generation 7. As a Legendary Pokemon, Tapu Bulu is extremely rare and powerful, typically only available through special raid events or research breakthroughs.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 222 |
| Defense | 214 |
| Stamina | 172 |
| Total Stats | 608 |
| Max CP | 2,960 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 222 Attack, 214 Defense, and 172 Stamina, Tapu Bulu has a total stat product of 608. Its impressive Defense stat makes it a bulky option that can take hits while dealing consistent damage.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Tapu Bulu
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Tapu Bulu’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Tapu Bulu 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 Grass/Fairy-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Grass-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Grass-type charged move
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.
β’ Fast Move: High energy generation move
β’ Charged Move 1: STAB move for consistent damage
β’ Charged Move 2: Coverage move for countering weaknesses
π― Tapu Bulu Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Tapu Bulu effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Grass/Fairy-type Pokemon, Tapu Bulu has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Tapu Bulu is weak to: Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Steel-type moves. When battling against Tapu Bulu, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Fire – Deals increased damage
- Ice – Deals increased damage
- Poison – Deals increased damage
- Flying – Deals increased damage
- Steel – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Tapu Bulu resists: Water, Electric, Grass, Ground, Fighting, Bug, Dark, Dragon-type moves. This means Tapu Bulu takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Water – Reduced damage
- Electric – Reduced damage
- Grass – Reduced damage
- Ground – Reduced damage
- Fighting – Reduced damage
- Bug – Reduced damage
- Dark – Reduced damage
- Dragon – Reduced damage
π Tapu Bulu PvP Analysis
Tapu Bulu 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 2,960, Tapu Bulu 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)
Tapu Bulu can be used in Ultra League but won’t reach its full stat potential due to the 2500 CP cap.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Tapu Bulu is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (2,960). Focus on other leagues instead.
βοΈ Tapu Bulu Raid Guide
Tapu Bulu appears as a Tier 5 Legendary raid boss during special events. Here’s what you need to know to defeat and catch it:
Raid Boss Stats
- Tier: 5 (Legendary)
- Recommended Trainers: 4-6 with optimal counters
- Boss CP: ~50,000+
- Catch CP Range: 2,000 – 2,500 (weather boosted: 2,500 – 2,800)
Tips for Defeating Tapu Bulu
- Use Pokemon with moves that exploit Tapu Bulu’s weaknesses
- Dodge charged moves when possible to preserve your Pokemon
- Coordinate with your raid group for maximum efficiency
- Use a weather boost when possible for stronger attackers
π― Best Counters for Tapu Bulu
Whether you’re battling Tapu Bulu in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Tapu Bulu:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Tapu Bulu’s weaknesses to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Steel-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 |
| Mamoswine | Ice/Ground | Best Ice attacker with Powder Snow + Avalanche |
| Glaceon | Ice | Accessible Ice attacker with high damage |
| Weavile | Dark/Ice | Fast Ice damage dealer |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Tapu Bulu
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Tapu Bulu may have moves that counter its own counters
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks
π How to Get Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO
Tapu Bulu is a Legendary Pokemon and can be obtained through:
- Tier 5 Raids: Tapu Bulu appears in 5-star raids during special events
- GO Battle League: Occasionally available as a reward at Rank 20+
- Special Research: May be featured in special research storylines
- Trading: Trade with friends who have a spare Tapu Bulu
Keep an eye on official Pokemon GO announcements for when Tapu Bulu will be available!
Tapu Bulu Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tapu Bulu good in Pokemon GO?
Tapu Bulu is a solid Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a max CP of 2,960, it can perform well in various battle scenarios, especially when its typing provides an advantage.
What is Tapu Bulu’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Tapu Bulu depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Grass-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Tapu Bulu’s weaknesses?
Tapu Bulu is weak to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Steel-type moves. When battling Tapu Bulu, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Tapu Bulu be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Tapu Bulu is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Tapu Bulu for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Tapu Bulu’s max CP?
Tapu Bulu’s maximum CP is 2,960 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 2,693.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Tapu Bulu
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Tapu Bulu’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Tapu Bulu 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 Tapu Bulu, 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
Tapu Bulu works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Grass/Fairy type weak to Fire, Ice, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Tapu Bulu spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Grass moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Tapu Bulu in the Pokemon Franchise
Tapu Bulu first appeared in Generation 7 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Tapu Bulu’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Tapu Bulu was introduced as part of the Generation 7 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 7 Pokemon update.
π How Tapu Bulu Compares
Let’s see how Tapu Bulu stacks up against other Grass-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Tapu Bulu | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 222 | ~180 | βββ |
| Defense | 214 | ~160 | βββ |
| Stamina | 172 | ~170 | ββ |
| Max CP | 2,960 | ~2,500 | ββ |
π― Conclusion
Tapu Bulu is a versatile Grass/Fairy-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 2,960 and solid base stats (222/214/172), it performs well in Ultra League PvP and can serve as a reliable raid attacker against appropriate targets.
Remember to:
- Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
- Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
- Build a team that covers Tapu Bulu’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.