Gigantamax Butterfree Pokémon GO: Get it in Max Battle Now

by Jerry Cook Updated on 2025-08-01 15:08:58 / Update for Pokemon iOS

Butterfree Pokémon in Pokémon Go is one of the starting Bug and Flying-type Pokémon, which has been in the game since 2016, and every active trainer knows about it. With that said, Niantic is introducing Gigantamax Butterfree in Pokémon Go for the first time with the upcoming Gigantamax Butterfree Max Battle Day. If you’re looking forward to catching both the regular and shiny Gigantamax Butterfree in this event, then read this guide on how to get Gigantamax Butterfree!

how to get Gigantamax Butterfree

Part 1: Is Gigantamax Butterfree in Pokémon Go?

Debut Dates and Event Overview

With the Gigantamax Butterfree Max Battle Day event, Gigantamax Butterfree is finally coming to Pokémon Go! The event will run on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

During this limited-time event, trainers will have the chance to challenge and catch this powerful form through special six-star Max Battles. You don’t need to find it in the wild, as all Gigantamax Butterfree locations are at Power Spots.

In addition, the event boasts the following bonuses:

gigantamax butterfree max battle day bonus
  • Increased Max Particle limit to 1600.
  • All Power Spots hosting Gigantamax Battles
  • More Power Spot refreshes
  • 8x Max Particle collection from Power Spots
  • Two extra special trades
  • Exploring earns you 2x Max Particles
  • Adventure Distance to obtain Max Particles is reduced by 75%

Is Shiny Butterfree Available

Yes! During this Max Battle event, Trainers have the chance to encounter both regular and Shiny Gigantamax Butterfree. While Shiny Butterfree has appeared in Pokémon GO before, this is the first time its Gigantamax form is available in raids with a shiny possibility. Its striking green wings make it a top target for shiny collectors, and the boosted spawn rates during the event provide a great opportunity to add it to your team.

Shiny Butterfree

How Does Butterfree Evolve?

Butterfree evolves from Caterpie. After giving 12 candies, Caterpie evolves into Metapod, and then finally into Butterfree after giving another 50 candies. This means Butterfree evolution needs a total of 62 candies.

Butterfree Evolution

Part 2: Is Butterfree Good in Pokémon GO (PvP)

Butterfree Stats

In Pokémon Go, Butterfree has a max CP of 2065. Base Butterfree stats are:

  • Attack: 167
  • Defense: 137
  • Stamina: 155

Best Moveset for Butterfree in Pokémon GO PvP

The following Butterfree moveset gives it decent coverage and debuff potential:

Fast Move:

  • Bug Bite (Elite TM) – Fast energy gain and solid damage output.

If you don’t have access to Bug Bite via Elite TM, then use Confusion (Fast Move) as it hits harder and pairs well with Psychic.

Charged Moves:

  • Bug Buzz – Strong Bug-type move with a 30% chance to lower the opponent’s Defense.
  • Psychic – Psychic is strong for finishing off foes and works well with Butterfree’s fighting-type resistance.

Is Butterfree a Strong Choice in PvP

Many players ask, “Is Butterfree good in Pokémon GO PvP?” The short answer is: not particularly. But it can be a fun and viable option in niche or limited formats. With its Bug/Flying typing, it gains access to some surprising moves that can catch opponents off guard, especially in Great League.

That said, its low durability and vulnerability to common threats hold it back from being widely competitive.

Pros

  • Access to solid moves like Bug Buzz and Psychic
  • Effective against Grass and Fighting types
  • Shiny form is visually appealing and collectible

Cons

  • Low bulk makes it fragile in most matchups
  • Outclassed by other Bug/Flying Pokémon like Scizor or Yanmega
  • Weak against meta staples like Registeel and Bastiodon

Butterfree can work well in themed cups or as a wildcard pick, especially for Trainers who enjoy creative team building. But if you’re chasing wins in ranked PvP, stronger alternatives usually offer better results.

Part 3: Gigantamax Butterfree Weakness and Best Counters

Gigantamax Butterfree Weaknesses

As a Bug & Flying Pokémon, Butterfree is very weak to Rock, taking 256% more damage, as well as weak to Electric, Fire, Flying, and Ice moves, taking 160% more damage.

On the flip side, it strongly resists Ground attacks. In that, it only receives 24% of the total damage. Butterfree also resists Fighting and Grass attacks, receiving only 39% of the total damage and also takes 62.5% of the total damage from Bug attacks.

TOP 6 Best Counters to Gigantamax Butterfree

Here are the six best Gigantamax Butterfree counters in Pokémon Go based on high damage ratings and type advantages:

1. Gigantamax Cinderace

  • Fast Move: Tackle
  • Max Move: G-Max Fireball
  • Why It’s Great: High damage output and strong Fire-type coverage.

2. Gigantamax Toxtricity

  • Fast Move: Spark
  • Max Move: G-Max Stun Shock
  • Why It’s Great: Electric-type moves exploit Butterfree weakness and can even paralyse.

3. Gigantamax Charizard

  • Fast Move: Wing Attack
  • Max Move: G-Max Wildfire
  • Why It’s Great: Fire-type moves melt through Butterfree’s defences.

4. Zacian(Crowned Sword)

  • Fast Move: Metal Claw
  • Charged Move: Behemoth Blade
  • Why It’s Great: High DPS and versatile typing.

5. Zapdos

  • Fast Move: Thunder Shock
  • Max Move: Max Lightning
  • Why It’s Great: Electric-type powerhouse with solid bulk.

6. Moltres

  • Fast Move: Wing Attack
  • Max Move: Max Airstream
  • Why It’s Great: Flying-type coverage and strong synergy with Max moves.

Bonus Tip: Defeat Gigantamax Butterfree in Max Battle without Leaving Home

While visiting Power Spots with the best Butterfree counters is the most direct way to catch both the regular and shiny Gigantamax Butterfree, not everyone can head out during the event hours. You might have school, work, a gym session, an appointment, or maybe the weather just isn’t great.

If this makes you think about how to get Gigantamax Butterfree in such situations, don’t worry! You can still catch Gigantamax Butterfree in Pokémon Go without stepping outside.

We recommend using PoGoskill, a reliable GPS location spoofer made for Pokémon Go players. It lets you teleport anywhere in the world, simulate walking with a virtual joystick, and even create and follow custom movement routes to make it look natural.

Top features of PoGoskill:

  • 1-Click Teleport – Jump to any location instantly.
  • D-Max Mode – Shows nearby Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon at Power Spots, so you can easily find Gigantamax Butterfree in Six-Star Max Battles.
  • Ban Protection – Built-in safety tools like cooldown timers help protect your account from Niantic bans.

How to use PoGoskill:

Free Download
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Free Download
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  • Step 1Click the button to download PoGoskill on your computer now.

    pogoskill lunch
  • Step 2Choose "Game Mode" for Pokemon GO.

    choose game mode
  • Step 3Use the PoGo map to find a location with many Power Spots. Teleport there and start battling in Six-Star Max Battles!

    auto catch box monimized
  •  
 

FAQs about Gigantamax Butterfree

Is Gigantamax Better than Dynamax?

It depends. Gigantamax is often seen as the better option than Dynamax because the Pokémon changes form and gets exclusive G-Max moves, like G-Max Befuddle for Gigantamax Butterfree. These special moves can add extra effects in battle and are often more powerful. However, some Max Moves (from Dynamax) can also be strategically stronger.

Is a Pink Butterfree a Shiny?

No, there is no Pink Butterfree in Pokémon Go. During the event, the Shiny Gigantamax Butterfree appears with bright green eyes and pinkish limbs, but its body remains purple. The actual pink Butterfree is more of an anime-exclusive variant from the anime “Bye Bye Butterfree”. It is a unique, alternately coloured Pokémon, which has nothing to do with the official Shiny form.

Which Pokémon is Better, Beedrill or Butterfree?

It depends on the situation. Beedrill has better speed and attack, especially in Mega form, while Butterfree offers more variety in status moves and combat flexibility. For most trainers, Butterfree evolution lines offer a more creative moveset, but Mega Beedrill hits harder in raids.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get Gigantamax Butterfree, prepare your best counters or use PoGoskill to raid from home. Whether you’re aiming for the regular form or the rare shiny, this Max Battle Day is your best shot. So don’t miss the chance to catch and enjoy the full power of Gigantamax Butterfree in Pokémon Go!

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