Stats & Training
Butterfree's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Atk leads, Attack trails, 2 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 3 Sp. Atk and Sp. Def EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Crystallized Gigantamax energy makes up this Pokémon’s blindingly bright and highly toxic scales.
Once it has opponents trapped in a tornado that could blow away a 10-ton truck, it finishes them off with its poisonous scales.
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 |
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Throw 4x50-60% Rollout 4x33-40% Rock Blast 4x33-40% | ||
Roggenrola Rock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Roggenrola builds →Smack Down 4x127-150%KO Rock Blast 4x67-80% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Onix builds →Rock Slide 4x135-160%KO Rock Throw 4x93-110%KO Smack Down 4x93-110%KO Rock Blast 4x50-60% | ||
Dwebble BugRock | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Dwebble builds →Smack Down 4x110-130%KO Rock Blast 4x58-70% | ||
Rolycoly Rock | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Rolycoly builds →Ancient Power 4x75-90% Smack Down 4x85-100%KO Rock Blast 4x50-60% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Throw 4x50-60% Rollout 4x36-43% Rock Blast 4x29-34% | ||
Roggenrola Rock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Roggenrola builds →Smack Down 4x116-137%KO Rock Blast 4x64-77% | ||
Dwebble BugRock | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Dwebble builds →Rock Slide 4x153-180%KO Smack Down 4x109-129%KO Rock Blast 4x57-69% | ||
Binacle RockWater | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Binacle builds →Ancient Power 4x73-86% Rock Blast 4x50-60% | ||
Rolycoly Rock | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Rolycoly builds →Ancient Power 4x73-86% Smack Down 4x80-94% Rock Blast 4x43-51% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Throw 4x45-55% Rollout 4x32-39% Rock Blast 4x26-31% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Sudowoodo builds →Stone Edge 4x278-327%KO Rock Tomb 4x171-203%KO Rock Throw 4x145-171%KO Rock Blast 4x79-94% | ||
Roggenrola Rock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Roggenrola builds →Smack Down 4x112-132%KO Rock Blast 4x58-70% | ||
Dwebble BugRock | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Dwebble builds →Rock Slide 4x152-179%KO Smack Down 4x105-125%KO Rock Blast 4x58-70% | ||
Binacle RockWater | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Binacle builds →Ancient Power 4x66-78% Rock Blast 4x52-62% | ||
Lunatone RockPsychic | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Lunatone builds →Stone Edge 4x178-210%KO Rock Slide 4x137-162%KO Rock Throw 4x91-108%KO Rock Blast 4x51-60% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Throw 4x45-54% Rollout 4x30-36% Rock Blast 4x25-30% | ||
Drednaw WaterRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Drednaw builds →Rock Tomb 4x193-228%KO Rock Blast 4x86-102%KO | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Sudowoodo builds →Stone Edge 4x285-336%KO Rock Slide 4x214-252%KO Rock Tomb 4x173-204%KO Rock Throw 4x147-174%KO | ||
Carkol RockFire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Carkol builds →Ancient Power 4x86-102%KO Incinerate 2x43-51% Flame Charge 2x51-60% Smack Down 4x102-120%KO | ||
Lunatone RockPsychic | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Lunatone builds →Stone Edge 4x184-217%KO Rock Slide 4x140-166%KO Acrobatics 2x35-42% Rock Throw 4x97-114%KO | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Throw 4x43-51% Rollout 4x29-34% Rock Blast 4x24-29% | ||
Drednaw WaterRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Drednaw builds →Rock Tomb 4x199-234%KO Rock Blast 4x87-103%KO | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Sudowoodo builds →Stone Edge 4x286-337%KO Rock Slide 4x218-257%KO Rock Tomb 4x174-206%KO Rock Throw 4x146-171%KO | ||
Carkol RockFire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Carkol builds →Ancient Power 4x87-103%KO Incinerate 2x43-51% Flame Charge 2x50-60% Smack Down 4x102-120%KO | ||
Lunatone RockPsychic | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Lunatone builds →Stone Edge 4x177-209%KO Rock Slide 4x133-157%KO Acrobatics 2x34-40% Rock Throw 4x93-110%KO | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Slide 4x57-68% Rock Throw 4x39-47% Rollout 4x26-31% Rock Blast 4x22-26% | ||
Crustle BugRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Crustle builds →Rock Slide 4x217-256%KO Smack Down 4x146-172%KO Rock Blast 4x75-89% | ||
Drednaw WaterRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Drednaw builds →Rock Tomb 4x190-224%KO Rock Blast 4x83-99% | ||
Carkol RockFire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Carkol builds →Ancient Power 4x83-99% Incinerate 2x42-50% Flame Charge 2x49-57% Smack Down 4x97-115%KO | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Slide 4x59-70% Rock Tomb 4x47-55% Rock Throw 4x43-50% Rollout 4x25-30% | ||
Barbaracle RockWater | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Barbaracle builds →Rock Slide 4x225-265%KO Ancient Power 4x76-90% Rock Tomb 4x178-210%KO Icy Wind 2x23-28% | ||
Crustle BugRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Crustle builds →Rock Slide 4x225-265%KO Rock Tomb 4x178-210%KO Smack Down 4x153-180%KO Rock Blast 4x80-95% | ||
Drednaw WaterRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Drednaw builds →Rock Slide 4x238-280%KO Rock Tomb 4x191-225%KO Rock Blast 4x85-100%KO | ||
Carkol RockFire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Carkol builds →Rock Slide 4x144-170%KO Ancient Power 4x85-100%KO Incinerate 2x43-50% Rock Tomb 4x118-140%KO | ||
Shuckle BugRock | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Shuckle builds →Rock Slide 4x58-69% Rock Tomb 4x47-55% Rock Throw 4x43-51% Rollout 4x27-32% | ||
Coalossal RockFire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Coalossal builds →Rock Slide 4x184-217%KO Ancient Power 4x105-125%KO Incinerate 2x52-62% Rock Tomb 4x148-175%KO | ||
Barbaracle RockWater | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Barbaracle builds →Rock Slide 4x227-268%KO Ancient Power 4x78-92% Rock Tomb 4x184-217%KO Icy Wind 2x25-29% | ||
Crustle BugRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Crustle builds →Rock Slide 4x227-268%KO Rock Tomb 4x184-217%KO Smack Down 4x152-180%KO Rock Blast 4x78-92% | ||
Drednaw WaterRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Drednaw builds →Rock Slide 4x247-291%KO Rock Tomb 4x196-231%KO Rock Blast 4x86-102%KO | ||
In Sword & Shield, Celesteela threatens a KO with Air Slash (88-104%). Weavile deals 42-50% with Ice Shard.
Heatran FireSteel | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves View Heatran builds →
| ||
Celesteela Steel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemLeftovers NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Celesteela builds →Flamethrower 2x70-83% Air Slash 2x88-104%KO | ||
Weavile DarkIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Weavile builds →Knock Off34-40% Ice Shard 2x42-50% | ||
Zeraora Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityVoltabsorb ItemAir Balloon NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Zeraora builds →Drain Punch6-7% | ||
Nihilego RockPoison | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemBlack Sludge NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Butterfree View Nihilego builds →Power Gem 4x181-214%KO | ||
Sword & Shield Evolution
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
Sword & Shield Butterfree Best Moveset
For a setup attacker, Butterfree wants max HP and Defense EVs and Wide Lens. The Bold nature tilts toward physical wall duty, and Compoundeyes contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Butterfree best EVs are Defense and HP
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Sleep Powder
- Hurricane
- Quiver Dance
- Shadow Ball
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Shadow Ball
- Hurricane
- Sleep Powder
- Quiver Dance
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Butterfree develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Bug Buzz and Energy Ball show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Butterfree in Sword & Shield
Easy grab on Butterfree with high spawn rates across 42 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Butterfree in Sword & Shield
The path to Butterfree starts with Caterpie at Lv. 2-47 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch CaterpieRoute 1SwordGrass Lv.2-5 Route15%EarlyAll WeatherRoute 1ShieldGrass Lv.2-5 Route15%EarlyAll Weather
Step 2Catch or Evolve MetapodRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowingRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySandstormRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowingRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyRainingRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySandstormRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyRainingRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormRolling FieldsSwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunRolling FieldsShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowingRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySandstormRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowingRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyRainingRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySandstormRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyRainingRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworld Lv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormRolling FieldsShieldGrass Lv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogRolling FieldsSwordGrass Lv.7-95%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling FieldsShieldGrass Lv.7-105%EarlyOvercastRolling FieldsSwordGrass Lv.7-95%EarlyThunderstormRolling FieldsSwordGrass Lv.7-95%EarlyRainingRolling FieldsShieldGrass Lv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormRolling FieldsSwordGrass Lv.7-95%EarlyHeavy FogRolling FieldsShieldGrass Lv.7-105%EarlyRainingRolling FieldsSwordGrass Lv.7-95%EarlyOvercastor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Butterfree ✓Rolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1075%EarlyOvercastRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1075%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1075%EarlyNormal WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1075%EarlyHeavy FogRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1075%EarlyHeavy FogRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1075%EarlyOvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlySnowstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlySnowstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyIntense SunEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyIntense SunEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlySnowingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlySnowingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlySandstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlySandstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyRainingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyRainingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyNormal WeatherEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave75%EarlyNormal WeatherEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.12-15 Cave30%EarlyAll WeatherEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.12-15 Cave30%EarlyAll WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlySnowstormRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlySnowstormRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlyThunderstormRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlyThunderstormRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlyIntense SunRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlyIntense SunRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlySnowingRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlySnowingRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlySandstormRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlySandstormRolling Fields - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlyRainingRolling Fields - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.7-1025%EarlyRainingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave25%EarlyHeavy FogEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave25%EarlyHeavy FogEast Lake Axewell - FlyingShieldOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave25%EarlyOvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingSwordOverworld Lv.8-11 Cave25%EarlyOvercastGiant's MirrorShieldOverworld Lv.28-3040%MidOvercastGiant's MirrorSwordOverworld Lv.28-3040%MidOvercastSlumbering WealdShieldGrass Lv.45-47 Forest5%LateAll WeatherSlumbering WealdSwordGrass Lv.45-47 Forest5%LateAll Weatheror evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Butterfree Guide
In Sword & Shield, 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 Sword & Shield Butterfree is a tough sell at 395 BST. Plenty of stronger Bug/Flying options exist. Fun pick, not a practical one.
In Sword & Shield, 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 Wide Lens is the standard set.
In Sword & Shield, 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.
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 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen 2GS

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShGigantamax

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves
