poke.study

No. 0012

Butterfree

Butterfly Pokémon

Butterfree
Official art
BugFlying
Height
1.1 m 3′07″
Weight
32 kg 70.5 lbs
Base stat total
395 top 63%
Introduced
Gen I
Abilities
Pokédex entryHeartGold / Shield
It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
See all 15 entries

Base stats

HP60120–167230–324
Atk4545–10685–207
Def5049–11294–218
SpA9085–156166–306
SpD8076–145148–284
Spe7067–134130–262
Total395Higher than 37% of all Pokémon
HP60Atk45Def50Spe70SpD80SpA90

Ranges: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 2 SpA, 1 SpD.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Speed tiers

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base 70). Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+134Max122No SP90Min81Scarf201Tailwind268

At max Speed, Butterfree outspeeds 13 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC.

  1. 203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 in usage
  2. 200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 in usage
  3. 190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 in usage
  4. 189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 in usage
  5. 184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 in usage
  6. 178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 in usage
  7. 178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 in usage
  8. 172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 in usage
  9. 169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 in usage
  10. 169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 in usage
  11. 167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 in usage
  12. 167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 in usage
  13. 161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 in usage
  14. 156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 in usage
  15. 150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 in usage
  16. 149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 in usage
  17. 143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 in usage
  18. 134Butterfree · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
  19. 128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 in usage
  20. 122Butterfree · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
  21. 120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 in usage
  22. 105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 in usage
  23. 101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 in usage
  24. 95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 in usage
  25. 94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 in usage
  26. 90Butterfree · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
  27. 90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 in usage
  28. 90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 in usage
  29. 85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 in usage
  30. 80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 in usage
  31. 80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 in usage
  32. 70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 in usage
  33. 60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 in usage

Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Type matchups

Weak to

Rock4×Electric2×Fire2×Flying2×Ice2×

Resists

Fighting¼×Grass¼×Bug½×

Immune to

Ground0×
Takes normal damage from 9 types
NormalPoisonGhostSteelWaterPsychicDragonDarkFairy

Abilities

  • Compound Eyes

    Increases moves' accuracy to 1.3×.

  • Tinted LensHidden ability

    Doubles damage inflicted with not-very-effective moves.

Competitive

National DexRU

Not used in the tracked Showdown formats this month.

Evolution

  1. #0010CaterpieBug
    1. Level 7#0011MetapodBug
      1. Level 10#0012ButterfreeBugFlying

Moves

Level up 19

EvoGustInflicts regular damage and can hit Pokémon in the air.FlyingSpec40100%35
1Bug BiteIf target has a berry, inflicts double damage and uses the berry.BugPhys60100%20
1GustInflicts regular damage and can hit Pokémon in the air.FlyingSpec40100%35
1HardenRaises the user’s Defense by one stage.NormalStatus——30
1String ShotLowers the target’s Speed by two stages.BugStatus—95%40
1TackleInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.NormalPhys40100%35
4SupersonicConfuses the target.NormalStatus—55%20
8ConfusionHas a 10% chance to confuse the target.PsychicSpec50100%25
12Poison PowderPoisons the target.PoisonStatus—75%35
12Sleep PowderPuts the target to sleep.GrassStatus—75%15
12Stun SporeParalyzes the target.GrassStatus—75%30
16PsybeamHas a 10% chance to confuse the target.PsychicSpec65100%20
20WhirlwindImmediately ends wild battles. Forces trainers to switch Pokémon.NormalStatus——20
24Air SlashHas a 30% chance to make the target flinch.FlyingSpec7595%15
28SafeguardProtects the user’s field from major status ailments and confusion for five turns.NormalStatus——25
32Bug BuzzHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.BugSpec90100%10
36TailwindFor three turns, friendly Pokémon have doubled Speed.FlyingStatus——15
40Rage PowderRedirects the target’s single-target effects to the user for this turn.BugStatus——20
44Quiver DanceRaises the user’s Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed by one stage each.BugStatus——20

TM / HM / TR 29

TM62Bug BuzzHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.BugSpec90100%10
HM05DefogLowers the target’s evasion by one stage. Removes field effects from the enemy field.FlyingStatus——15
TMHyper BeamUser foregoes its next turn to recharge.NormalSpec15090%5
TMSolar BeamRequires a turn to charge before attacking.GrassSpec120100%10
TMPsychicHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.PsychicSpec90100%10
TMDouble TeamRaises the user’s evasion by one stage.NormalStatus——15
TMDream EaterOnly works on sleeping Pokémon. Drains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.PsychicSpec100100%15
TMFlashLowers the target’s accuracy by one stage.NormalStatus—100%20
TMRestUser sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.PsychicStatus——5
TMSubstituteTransfers 1/4 of the user’s max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.NormalStatus——10
TMThiefTakes the target’s item.DarkPhys60100%25
TMProtectPrevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TMGiga DrainDrains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.GrassSpec75100%10
TMEndurePrevents the user’s HP from lowering below 1 this turn.NormalStatus——10
TMSwaggerRaises the target’s Attack by two stages and confuses the target.NormalStatus—85%15
TMAttractTarget falls in love if it has the opposite gender, and has a 50% chance to refuse attacking the user.NormalStatus—100%15
TMSleep TalkRandomly uses one of the user’s other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.NormalStatus——10
TMSafeguardProtects the user’s field from major status ailments and confusion for five turns.NormalStatus——25
TMRain DanceChanges the weather to rain for five turns.WaterStatus——5
TMSunny DayChanges the weather to sunny for five turns.FireStatus——5
TMPsych UpDiscards the user’s stat changes and copies the target’s.NormalStatus——10
TMShadow BallHas a 20% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.GhostSpec80100%15
TMFacadePower doubles if user is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned.NormalPhys70100%20
TMSkill SwapUser and target swap abilities.PsychicStatus——10
TMAerial AceNever misses.FlyingPhys60—20
TMRoostHeals the user by half its max HP.FlyingStatus——5
TMU-turnUser must switch out after attacking.BugPhys70100%20
TMEnergy BallHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.GrassSpec90100%10
TMGiga ImpactUser foregoes its next turn to recharge.NormalPhys15090%5

Pokédex entries

Category
Butterfly Pokémon
Debut
Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color
White
Shape
Habitat
Forest
Pal Park area
Forest
Kanto#012Original Johto#026Updated Johto#026Central Kalos#025Original Alola#019Original Melemele#019Original Akala#010Updated Alola#019Updated Melemele#019Updated Akala#010Let’s Go Kanto#012Galar#015

  1. Its wings, covered with poisonous powder, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.

    Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!

  2. Nectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory.

    Ultra Moon

  3. Its wings are covered in toxic scales. If it finds bird Pokémon going after Caterpie, Butterfree sprinkles its scales on them to drive them off.

    Ultra Sun

  4. When attacked by other Pokémon, it defends itself by scattering its poisonous scales and fluttering its wings.

    Moon

  5. Close examination of its large eyes reveals that each eye is composed of a myriad of tiny eyes.

    Sun

  6. It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.

    Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2 · X

  7. In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.

    LeafGreen · Sword

  8. The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain.

    FireRed · Y

  9. It has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can seek, extract, and carry honey from flowers blooming over six miles away.

    Emerald

  10. BUTTERFREE has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest.

    Ruby · Sapphire · Omega Ruby · Alpha Sapphire

  11. It flits from flower to flower, collecting honey. It can even identify distant flowers in bloom.

    Crystal

  12. Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains.

    Silver · SoulSilver

  13. It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.

    Gold · HeartGold · Shield

  14. Its wings, covered with poisonous powders, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.

    Yellow

  15. In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.

    Red · Blue

Names around the world

Japanese
バタフリー
Japanese (romaji)
Butterfree
Korean
버터플
Chinese (Traditional)
巴大蝶
Chinese (Simplified)
巴大蝶
French
Papilusion
German
Smettbo
Spanish
Butterfree
Italian
Butterfree

Sprites

Tap any sprite to show it on the Pokédex above. ▶ marks official animations; Gen VIII–IX models are large, so they load only when you tap them.

Official artwork

3D models

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII · animated models

Training

EV yield
2 SpA, 1 SpD
Catch rate
45 ≈5.9% with a Poké Ball at full HP
Base friendship
70
Base experience
178
Growth rate
Medium

Breeding

Egg groups
Bug
Gender
♂ 50%♀ 50%
Hatch time
15 egg cycles ≈4,080 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Males and females look different

Male Butterfree
♂ Male
Female Butterfree
♀ Female
HOME 3D model

Where to find

Shield: The Crown Tundra 5 areas
  • Ballimere Lake (Max Den G)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
  • Crown Shrine (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
  • Giant's Foot (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
  • Slippery Slope (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
Sword: The Crown Tundra 5 areas
  • Ballimere Lake (Max Den G)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
  • Crown Shrine (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
  • Giant's Foot (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
  • Slippery Slope (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–50
Shield 13 areas
  • Bridge Field (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Bridge Field (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Dappled Grove (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • East Lake AxewellFlying Pokemon in the sky · Lv 8–60
  • East Lake Axewell (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • East Lake Axewell (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • Giant's Cap (Max Den E)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • Giant's Mirror (Main Area)Walking in the overworld · Lv 28–60
  • Hammerlocke Hills (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • Rolling Fields (Main Area)Flying Pokemon in the sky · Lv 7–60
  • Rolling Fields (Max Den F)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Slumbering Weald (Deep)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–47
  • South Lake Miloch (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Sword 13 areas
  • Bridge Field (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Bridge Field (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Dappled Grove (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • East Lake AxewellFlying Pokemon in the sky · Lv 8–60
  • East Lake Axewell (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • East Lake Axewell (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • Giant's Cap (Max Den E)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • Giant's Mirror (Main Area)Walking in the overworld · Lv 28–60
  • Hammerlocke Hills (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 25–40
  • Rolling Fields (Main Area)Flying Pokemon in the sky · Lv 7–60
  • Rolling Fields (Max Den F)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Slumbering Weald (Deep)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–47
  • South Lake Miloch (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Let’s Go, Pikachu! 1 area
  • Viridian ForestWalking in the overworld · Lv 3–6
Ultra Moon 3 areas
  • Lush JungleSOS Battle · Lv 19–22
  • Melemele MeadowSOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 10–12
  • Route 5SOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 13–16
Ultra Sun 3 areas
  • Lush JungleSOS Battle · Lv 19–22
  • Melemele MeadowSOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 9–12
  • Route 5SOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 13–16
Moon 3 areas
  • Lush JungleSOS Battle · Lv 18–21
  • Melemele MeadowSOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 9–12
  • Route 5SOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 13–16
Sun 3 areas
  • Lush JungleSOS Battle · Lv 18–21
  • Melemele MeadowSOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 9–12
  • Route 5SOS Battle, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 13–16
Y 1 area
  • Friend Safari (Bug)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
X 1 area
  • Friend Safari (Bug)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
White 2 1 area
  • Pinwheel Forest (Hidden Grotto – Inner area)Finding a Pokemon in a Hidden Grotto · Lv 55–59
XD 1 area
  • Cipher Key Lair 4FSnagging a Pokemon from a trainer in Pokemon Colosseum or Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. · Lv 30
White 1 area
  • Road 12Walking in rustling grass · Lv 50
SoulSilver 1 area
  • National ParkWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–30
HeartGold 6 areas
  • Ilex ForestHeadbutting trees · Lv 6–8
  • National ParkWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–30
  • Road 2 (north, towards Pewter City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7–8
  • Road 2 (south, towards Viridian City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7–8
  • Road 47Headbutting trees · Lv 25–28
  • Viridian ForestWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7
Crystal 4 areas
  • Ilex ForestHeadbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 2 (south, towards Viridian City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7
  • Road 24Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 14
  • Road 25Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 14
Gold 12 areas
  • Azalea TownHeadbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Ilex ForestHeadbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Lake of RageHeadbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 2 (south, towards Viridian City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7
  • Road 26Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 27Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 34Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 35Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 36Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 37Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 38Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
  • Road 39Headbutting a high encounter rate tree, Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10