Shadow Butterfree

Table of contents

Shadow Butterfree is a Bug and Flying-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It reaches 1,827 CP and is weak to Rock, Electric, Fire, Flying, and Ice-type moves. Its recommended moveset is Bug Bite / Bug Buzz. It is boosted by Rain and Windy weather. Its shiny form is available.

Shadow Butterfree Stats and Max CP

167 ATK
137 DEF
155 HP
Lvl 50 Max CP
2065 CP
Lvl 40
1827 CP
Lvl 25 Weather Boost
1305 CP
Lvl 20 Raids
1044 CP
Lvl 15 Research
783 CP

Shadow Butterfree's Tier Ranking & Meta Analysis

Read meta analysis

Shadow Butterfree PvE Analysis

Recommended moves

⚔️ Raids – Shadow Butterfree ranks outside of the top 40 of Bug type Raid attackers, making it a less than ideal choice to beat Raid bosses. Stronger options to consider would be Shadow Pinsir or Shadow Scyther for a more efficient Shadow attacker. However, if you want to try, its ideal moveset would be Bug Bite (which requires an Elite TM) and Bug Buzz. With no Flying type moves in its arsenal, Shadow Butterfree doesn’t enter the conversation when considering Flying type attackers.

🛡️ Gyms – Having shed its protective cocoon, Shadow Butterfree is far too frail to defend a gym effectively.

Shadow Butterfree PvP Analysis

Recommended moves

🧸 Little League - The loss of bulk has carried over to PVP, making this Pokémon actually perform worse than Shadow Metapod! With its ideal Charge Moves of Bug Buzz and Frustration requiring so much time to charge, it’s unlikely to get off one of these attacks before being swatted away.

🔵 Great League - Even fully evolved and maxing out far beyond the 1500 CP limit, Shadow Butterfree is unlikely to make any impact whatsoever in Great League. Even swapping fast moves to Confusion for coverage won’t give it an edge here.

🟡 Ultra League - As Shadow Butterfree maxes out at 2065 CP, it’s not a viable option for Ultra League.

🟣 Master League - This Bug will go splat, very quickly.

Raid AttackerRaid Attacker
Not ranked
BugBug-type
Great LeagueGreat League

Shadow Butterfree Type Chart

Shadow Butterfree takes increased damage from:Shadow Butterfree takes increased damage from:

RockRock256.0%
ElectricElectric160.0%
FireFire160.0%
FlyingFlying160.0%
IceIce160.0%

Shadow Butterfree takes reduced damage from:Shadow Butterfree takes reduced damage from:

GroundGround24.4%
FightingFighting39.1%
GrassGrass39.1%
BugBug62.5%

Shadow Butterfree best moveset

Moves

Bug Bite + Bug Buzz

Shadow Butterfree's best Bug-type moveset is Bug Bite / Bug Buzz, with 11.13 DPS and 125.5 TDO. These moves are boosted by Rain weather. Shadow Butterfree ranks #69 (D Tier) as a Bug attacker with that moveset.
1.BugBug BiteBugBug Buzz9.1311.13125.5
2.BugBug BitePsychicPsychic8.7210.63119.9
3.BugBug BiteBugSignal Beam8.4510.30116.2
4.PsychicConfusionBugBug Buzz8.3110.13114.3
5.BugStruggle BugBugBug Buzz8.2610.08113.7
6.PsychicConfusionPsychicPsychic7.959.69109.3
7.BugStruggle BugPsychicPsychic7.889.61108.4
8.PsychicConfusionBugSignal Beam7.749.44106.4

Fast Attacks

  • BugBug Bite *560.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Bug Bite
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • GrassGrass
      • PsychicPsychic
      • DarkDark
    • 62.5%
      • FightingFighting
      • FlyingFlying
      • PoisonPoison
      • GhostGhost
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • FairyFairy
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage5
    Energy6
    Weather boost
    • rainRain
    Duration0.5s
    Damage window0.3s - 0.5s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage4
    Energy3

    Effects
    Bug Bite has no special effects.
    See Bug Bite details page ↗
  • BugStruggle Bug15151.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Struggle Bug
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • GrassGrass
      • PsychicPsychic
      • DarkDark
    • 62.5%
      • FightingFighting
      • FlyingFlying
      • PoisonPoison
      • GhostGhost
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • FairyFairy
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage15
    Energy15
    Weather boost
    • rainRain
    Duration1.5s
    Damage window1.2s - 1.5s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage9
    Energy8

    Effects
    Struggle Bug has no special effects.
    See Struggle Bug details page ↗
  • PsychicConfusion19141.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Confusion
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • FightingFighting
      • PoisonPoison
    • 62.5%
      • SteelSteel
      • PsychicPsychic
    • 39.1%
      • DarkDark
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage19
    Energy14
    Weather boost
    • windyWindy
    Duration1.5s
    Damage window0.5s - 1.5s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage16
    Energy14

    Effects
    Confusion has no special effects.
    See Confusion details page ↗

Charged Attacks

  • BugBug Buzz95503.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Bug Buzz
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • GrassGrass
      • PsychicPsychic
      • DarkDark
    • 62.5%
      • FightingFighting
      • FlyingFlying
      • PoisonPoison
      • GhostGhost
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • FairyFairy
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage95
    Energy50
    Weather boost
    • rainRain
    Duration3.5s
    Damage window1.8s - 2.9s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage100
    Energy60

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Bug Buzz has a 30.0% chance to:

    • Decrease Target's Defense by 20.0%
    See Bug Buzz details page ↗
  • BugSignal Beam75503.0s
    Toggle more information for move: Signal Beam
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • GrassGrass
      • PsychicPsychic
      • DarkDark
    • 62.5%
      • FightingFighting
      • FlyingFlying
      • PoisonPoison
      • GhostGhost
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • FairyFairy
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage75
    Energy50
    Weather boost
    • rainRain
    Duration3.0s
    Damage window1.9s - 2.7s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage75
    Energy55

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Signal Beam has a 20.0% chance to:

    • Decrease Target's Attack by 20.0%
    • Decrease Target's Defense by 20.0%
    See Signal Beam details page ↗
  • NormalFrustration10332.0s
    Toggle more information for move: Frustration
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 62.5%
      • RockRock
      • SteelSteel
    • 39.1%
      • GhostGhost
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage10
    Energy33
    Weather boost
    • partlyCloudyPartly Cloudy
    Duration2.0s
    Damage window1.0s - 1.8s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage10
    Energy70

    Effects
    Frustration has no special effects.
    See Frustration details page ↗
  • PsychicPsychic95503.0s
    Toggle more information for move: Psychic
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • FightingFighting
      • PoisonPoison
    • 62.5%
      • SteelSteel
      • PsychicPsychic
    • 39.1%
      • DarkDark
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage95
    Energy50
    Weather boost
    • windyWindy
    Duration3.0s
    Damage window1.5s - 2.8s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage75
    Energy55

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Psychic has a 10.0% chance to:

    • Decrease Target's Defense by 20.0%
    See Psychic details page ↗
Pokédex informationMore information

The following chart shows Shadow Butterfree's DPS and TDO for every fast and charged attack combination. This chart is useful for comparing the relative strength of Shadow Butterfree's movesets. You can change the weather and the opposing Pokémon to see how it affects the rankings.

Legacy Elite Fast and Charged Attacks can only be obtained during special events, or by using an Elite Fast TM or an Elite Charged TM. Legacy moves are marked with an asterisk (*). The table above provides information on different moves Shadow Butterfree has in Pokémon GO, along with their corresponding DPS (Damage per Second) and TDO (Total Damage Output).

Shadow Butterfree CP Chart

CP Chart

Shadow Butterfree reaches a maximum of 1,827 CP at Level 50. Raid encounters have 936–1,044 CP, rising to 1,171–1,305 CP when weather boosted. Field and Special Research encounters have 737–783 CP.

Max CPMax CP1827 CP
Level 50, 15/15/15 IVs
Field ResearchResearch737 CP - 783 CP
Level 15, 10/10/10 minimum IVs
Pokémon EggEggs983 CP - 1044 CP
Level 20, 10/10/10 minimum IVs
Raid catchRaids936 CP - 1044 CP
Level 20, 6/6/6 minimum IVs
1171 CP - 1305 CP
Weather boosted, Level 25, 6/6/6 minimum IVs
InfoMore information
  • Field and Special Research encounters are always Level 15. IVs range from 10 (min) to 15 (max). Field Research encounters have a 10/10/10 IV floor.
  • Pokémon hatched from Eggs are always Level 20. IVs range from 10 (min) to 15 (max). Egg Hatches have a 10/10/10 IV floor.
  • Raid Bosses caught without weather boost are always Level 20. IVs range from 6 (min) to 15 (max). Raid Catches have a 6/6/6 IV floor.
    • 😈 Shadow Pokémon have 6/6/6 IV floor in raids.
  • Raid Bosses caught with weather boost are always Level 25. IVs range from 6 (min) to 15 (max). Weather boosted Raid Catches have a 6/6/6 IV floor.
    • 😈 Shadow Pokémon have 6/6/6 IV floor in raids.
  • Wild encounters range from Level 1 to Level 30 Pokémon. Their IVs range from 0 (min) to 15 (max) for each stat.
  • Weather Boosted wild Pokémon encounters get a 5 Level boost, bringing their Level range to Level 6 to Level 35. In addition, they have a guaranteed minimum IV value of 4 for each stat, resulting in a 4/4/4 IV floor.

Max Combat Power per Level chart

Shadow Butterfree Max CP per level chart. This table shows maximum Combat Power values from Level 1 to Level 50. CP Calculator

LVLMax CPLVLMax CPLVLMax CP
125 CP281 CP3136 CP
4191 CP5246 CP6301 CP
7356 CP8411 CP9467 CP
10522 CP11574 CP12626 CP
13678 CP14730 CP15783 CP
16835 CP17887 CP18939 CP
19991 CP201044 CP211096 CP
221148 CP231200 CP241253 CP
251305 CP261357 CP271409 CP
281461 CP291514 CP301566 CP
311592 CP321618 CP331644 CP
341670 CP351696 CP361722 CP
371748 CP381775 CP391801 CP
401827 CP411850 CP421873 CP
431897 CP441920 CP451944 CP
461968 CP471992 CP482016 CP
492041 CP502065 CP

Pokédex information

Kanto
Pokédex Number#12
Height1.1 m
Weight32 kg
RegionGeneration 1
Can be tradedAllowed
Buddy distance1 km
ReleasedYes
Shiny releasedYes
Pokémon Home transferAllowed
Base Flee Rate0%
Catch rewards
Candy10
Stardust500
Additional Move Cost
Candy25
Stardust10000

Evolution Chart

PokémonRequiresEvolution
CaterpieCaterpie
  • 12 Candy12 Candy
MetapodMetapod
MetapodMetapod
  • 50 Candy50 Candy
ButterfreeButterfree
  • Caterpie evolves into Metapod which costs 12 Candy.
  • Metapod evolves into Butterfree which costs 50 Candy.
How to purify Shadow Butterfree
Purification cost1 Candy
1000 Stardust
Shadow Charged AttackNormalFrustration
Purified Charged AttackNormalReturn

Mega Pokémon that boost Shadow Butterfree

Photobomb

A list of Mega Pokémon that boost Shadow Butterfree's Bug and Flying-type moves, Candy, and Candy XL from catching Shadow Butterfree.

Bug Bug

Flying Flying

Pokédex informationMore information

Mega and Primal Raid Bonus –Mega Pokémon boost the attack power of all other Pokémon when battling in Raid Battles by 10%. Attacks that share their type with the Mega Pokémon's type(s) receive a 30% boost. However, these bonuses do not stack if there are multiple Mega-Evolved Pokémon battling simultaneously; only the higher boost will be applied.

Mega and Primal Catch Bonus –While a Pokémon is Mega-Evolved, additional XP and Candy is granted when catching a Pokémon that shares a type with it, or for any raid boss caught. These do not stack with each other. Additionally, High and Max Level Mega-Evolved Pokémon grant an increased chance to obtain Candy XL when catching a Pokémon that shares a type with it.

Note on Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Mega Rayquaza
  • Primal Kyogre boosts Water-, Electric- and Bug-type attacks and Pokémon.
  • Primal Groudon boosts Fire-, Grass- and Ground-type attacks and Pokémon.
  • Mega Rayquaza boosts Flying-, Dragon- and Psychic-type attacks and Pokémon.

Power-up costs

StardustCandyCandy XL
LVL 50624,000 Stardust406 Shadow Butterfree Candy360 Shadow Butterfree Candy XL
LVL 40336,000 Stardust406 Shadow Butterfree Candy12 Shadow Butterfree Candy XL
LVL 35228,000 Stardust274 Shadow Butterfree Candy-
LVL 30150,000 Stardust185 Shadow Butterfree Candy-
LVL 2596,000 Stardust136 Shadow Butterfree Candy-
LVL 2057,000 Stardust97 Shadow Butterfree Candy-
LVL 1530,600 Stardust67 Shadow Butterfree Candy-
LVL 1013,200 Stardust38 Shadow Butterfree Candy-
LVL 53,600 Stardust18 Shadow Butterfree Candy-

Shadow Butterfree Power Up costs in Pokémon GO. The table shows the total Stardust, Candy, and Candy XL required to power up Shadow Butterfree from Level 1 to Level 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50. It will cost you 624,000 Stardust, 406 Candy, and 360 Candy XL to fully power up Shadow Butterfree in Pokémon GO.

Shadow Butterfree family

A list of Pokémon that are somehow related to Shadow Butterfree in Pokémon GO. Includes evolutions, regional, and form variations.

CaterpieCaterpie
MetapodMetapod
ButterfreeButterfree
Dynamax Caterpie (Dynamax)Dynamax Caterpie
Dynamax Metapod (Dynamax)Dynamax Metapod
Dynamax Butterfree (Dynamax)Dynamax Butterfree
Gigantamax Butterfree (Gigantamax)Gigantamax Butterfree
Shadow Caterpie (Shadow)Shadow Caterpie
Shadow Metapod (Shadow)Shadow Metapod
Shadow Butterfree (Shadow)Shadow Butterfree

Size information

No size information available for this Pokémon

Encounter data

Movement typeMOVEMENT_FLYING
Movement Timer6s
Jump Time1s
Attack Probability70.0%
Attack Timer17s
Dodge Probability20.0%
Dodge Duration0.0s
Dodge Distance1
Min Action Frequency1s
Max Action Frequency2s

Sprites

Photobomb

Regular and Shiny Shadow Butterfree

Shadow Butterfree high resolution sprites

A list of high resolution Pokémon HOME sprites related to Shadow Butterfree. Sprite description is a best guess on what the sprite is related to, use your own judgment. Click to download full 512x512 resolution.

Official artwork

Shadow Butterfree Pokémon GO

Wallpaper

Shadow ButterfreeShadow ButterfreeShadow ButterfreeShadow Butterfree

Shadow Butterfree Pokédex entries

Kanto
VersionsPokédex entry
Red, BlueIn battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
YellowIts wings, covered with poisonous powders, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
GoldIt collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
SilverWater-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heav­ iest of rains.
CrystalIt flits from flower to flower, collecting honey. It can even identify distant flowers in bloom.
Ruby, SapphireBUTTERFREE 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.
EmeraldIt 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.
FireRedThe wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this POKéMON can fly about even in rain.
LeafGreenIn battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
HeartGoldIt collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
SoulSilverWater-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains.
XIt loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
YThe wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain.
Omega Ruby, Alpha SapphireButterfree 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.
SunClose examination of its large eyes reveals that each eye is composed of a myriad of tiny eyes.
MoonWhen attacked by other Pokémon, it defends itself by scattering its poisonous scales and fluttering its wings.
Ultra SunIts 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 MoonNectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory.
Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!Its wings, covered with poisonous powder, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
SwordIn battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
ShieldIt collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.

List of Shadow Butterfree costumes

Photobomb

A list of Shadow Butterfree costumes available in Pokémon GO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Shadow Butterfree’s strengths and weaknesses?

As a Bug and Flying-type Pokémon, Shadow Butterfree is especially weak against Rock-type moves, and weak against Electric, Fire, Flying, and Ice-type moves.

What are the best moves for Shadow Butterfree in Pokémon GO?

The best moves for Shadow Butterfree in Pokémon GO are Bug Bite and Bug Buzz. This moveset has a DPS (Damage Per Second) of 11.13 and a TDO (Total Damage Output) of 125.534.

How does Shadow Butterfree perform in Raids?

Shadow Butterfree's Raid attacker tier is currently not known, has no viable moves, or it is too low to be ranked.

How does Shadow Butterfree rank as a Bug-type attacker?

Shadow Butterfree is a D-Tier Bug-type attacker, struggling in Raids due to its lower stats or suboptimal moveset.

What Mega Pokémon boost Shadow Butterfree?

The following Mega Pokémon boost Shadow Butterfree: Mega Beedrill, Mega Pinsir, Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, Primal Kyogre, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pidgeot, Mega Pinsir, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Dragonite, Mega Skarmory, Mega Salamence, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Staraptor.

What is Shadow Butterfree’s maximum CP at Level 40 and Level 50?

Shadow Butterfree’s maximum CP at Level 40 is 1827 CP and 2065 CP at Level 50.

Can Shadow Butterfree be shiny in Pokémon GO?

Shadow Butterfree can be Shiny in Pokémon GO ✨.

Can Shadow Butterfree Dynamax in Pokémon GO?

Shadow Butterfree cannot Dynamax in Pokémon GO.