Butterfree Pokemon GO sprite
#0012

Butterfree

Max CP
2,065
Best
Confusion
Psychic
Rainy Windy

Butterfree is a Bug/Flying-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#12, Generation 1). With a max CP of 2,065 and base stats of 167/137/155 (Atk/Def/Sta), Butterfree has a total stat product of 459.

Butterfree is weak to Rock, Electric, Fire, Flying, Ice-type moves (double weak to Rock). It resists Ground, Fighting, Grass, Bug-type attacks. Butterfree is a 1.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,065
Lv.40: 1,827 Lv.50: 2,065
Attack 167
Defense 137
Stamina 155
Total 459
Buddy 1.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Psychic
12.7
DPS
19.0 PWR 14 EN 1.5s DUR 9.3 EPS Windy
Bug
10
DPS
15.0 PWR 15 EN 1.5s DUR 10 EPS Rainy
Bug
Bug Bite STAB Elite
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Bug
Bug Buzz STAB Buff
27.1
DPS
95.0 PWR 50 EN 3.5s DUR
Psychic
Psychic Buff
31.7
DPS
95.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Bug
Signal Beam STAB Buff
25
DPS
75.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Confusion (12.7 DPS), while Bug Bite generates energy the fastest (12 EPS).

Raid Guide

Butterfree as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Butterfree is not currently available as a raid boss. When Butterfree returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Butterfree from raids would have 1044 CP at level 20, or 1305 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Butterfree

Butterfree is weak to Rock, Electric, Fire, Flying, Ice-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Butterfree

Butterfree evolves from Metapod using 50 Candy.

A Shadow version of Butterfree is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Butterfree knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 1,000 Stardust and 1 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Butterfree as your buddy earns 1 candy every 1.0 km.

Butterfree Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Butterfree in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
44 – 1,579 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
44 – 1,709 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,008 – 1,070 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,254 – 1,331 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,008 – 1,070 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
762 – 809 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,008 – 1,070 CP

A 100% IV Butterfree from raids or eggs will show 1,044 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Butterfree is a Bug/Flying-type Pokemon with a stat total of 459. With its high Attack stat (167), Butterfree is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Be careful of Butterfree's double weakness to Rock-type moves, which deal 156% increased damage. Opponents with these move types can take down Butterfree very quickly.

Butterfree's moves get a damage boost in Rainy and Windy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Butterfree much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Butterfree?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Butterfree is a Bug/Flying-type Pokemon with base stats of 167/137/155 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,065. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Butterfree may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Butterfree deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Butterfree in Pokemon GO?
Butterfree has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Butterfree's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Butterfree is weak to Rock, Electric, Fire, Flying, Ice-type moves. It has a double weakness to Rock, taking 156% more damage from these types. On the other hand, Butterfree resists Ground, Fighting, Grass, Bug-type attacks.
What is Butterfree's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Butterfree's maximum CP is 2,065 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,827 at level 40. A 100% IV Butterfree caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,044 CP, or 1,305 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Butterfree?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Butterfree has the following CP at key levels: 783 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,044 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,305 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,065 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Butterfree better than regular?
Shadow Butterfree deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Butterfree is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Butterfree comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Butterfree in Pokemon GO?
Butterfree is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Metapod with 50 Candy). Butterfree can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 25 CP
L5 246 CP
L10 522 CP
L15 783 CP
L20 1,044 CP
L25 1,305 CP
L30 1,566 CP
L35 1,696 CP
L40 1,827 CP
L50 2,065 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #12
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.10 m
Weight 32.00 kg
Buddy Distance 1.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 1,000 Dust / 1 Candy