Home Raids

This guide is created for educational and informational purposes to help Pokémon GO players understand raid mechanics and improve gameplay strategy.

Gigantamax Butterfree Raid Guide – Best Counters, Weakness & Strategy

← Back to All Raid Guides

Gigantamax Butterfree is a powerful Bug/Flying-type raid boss in Pokémon GO. Its unique typing gives it several resistances, but it is vulnerable to **Electric, Fire, and Rock-type attacks**. This guide will help you defeat it efficiently using the best counters, movesets, and strategies.

Here you will find everything you need for the Gigantamax Butterfree raid: from best counters, weaknesses, CP ranges, weather boosts, shiny availability, to advanced raid strategies for trainers of all experience levels.

Raid Boss: Gigantamax Butterfree

Type: Bug / Flying

Raid Tier: Legendary / Special Raid

Major Weakness: Electric, Fire, Rock

Gigantamax Butterfree Pokémon GO Raid Boss US/UK

Introduction

Gigantamax Butterfree is the powerful G-Max form of Butterfree, appearing in special Pokémon GO raids. With its Bug/Flying typing, it has multiple resistances to common moves but remains highly vulnerable to Electric, Fire, and Rock attacks.

Trainers who understand its moves, weaknesses, and optimal counters can defeat this raid quickly, even in smaller groups. This guide will cover everything from movesets and CP ranges to shiny availability, ensuring you are fully prepared for the battle.

Whether you are a beginner trainer or an experienced raider, these tips and counters will help you defeat Gigantamax Butterfree efficiently while maximizing rewards.

Related guides: Gigantamax Drednaw | Gigantamax Duraludon

At a glance

Type (G-Max): Bug / Flying
Main weaknesses: Rock, Fire, Flying, Electric, Ice
Typical recommended group: 15–20 trainers
Key moves to watch: G-Max Befuddle

Overview

Butterfree as a Gigantamax raid boss emphasizes sustained aerial and special damage. Its Bug/Flying typing means it can threaten with strong Bug moves (Bug Buzz), Flying moves (Hurricane / Aerial Ace variants in events) and Fairy/Psychic coverage in special spawns.

The G-Max HP pool means fights reward high-EPS attackers and reliable super-effective coverage. Your core objective is to exploit Butterfree’s type weaknesses while avoiding Ground and many common melee attackers that are resisted.

Pro tip: Butterfree is exceptionally vulnerable to Rock moves (4×). If you have powered rock attackers, prioritize them — a single well-placed Rock team will drop the required player count dramatically.

Weakness & Typing

CategoryDetails
Primary weaknesses Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Flying • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Rock • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Fire • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Electric • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Ice
Resists Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Fighting • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Ground • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Bug • Best Pokémon Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree Raid US/UK Grass
Note G-Max moves may add secondary effects (debuffs/buffs). Expect higher HP pools and potential battlefield effects — play for sustained DPS and survivability.

Pro tip: Rock-type Max Moves deal the highest overall damage due to Butterfree’s Flying typing stacking with Bug weakness.

Best Pokemon

Gigantamax-type Counters

  • Coalossal (Smack Down / G-Max Volcalith)
  • Toxtricity (Spark / G-Max Stun Shock)
  • Cinderace (Tackle / G-Max Fireball)

Dynamax-type Counters

  • Omastar (Rock Throw / Max Rockfall)
  • Darmanitan (Incinerate / Max Flare)

Best Gigantamax Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree

Gigantamax Butterfree is Bug/Flying-type raid boss. It is weak to Rock , Fire, Electric and Ice moves. During Max Battles, your goal is to maximize Rock-type Gigantamax damage during the Max Phase.

🥇 Tier 1 – Optimal Rock-Type Damage

Pokémon Fast Moves Gigantamax Moves Charged Moves Elite Moves Best Moves
Gigantamax Coalossal Smack Down, Incinerate G-Max Volcalith Rock Slide, Flame Charge, Rock Blast - Incinerate(32) and G-Max Volcalith(350)
  • Massive Max Phase burst damage
  • Benefits from double weakness
  • Best coordinated team option
Gigantamax Cinderace Tackle, Fire Spin G-Max Fireball Flamethrower, Flame Charge, Focus Blast - Fire Spin(13) and G-Max Fireball(350)
  • Best Fire damage
  • Solid survivability
Gigantamax Charizard Air Slash, Fire Spin G-Max Wildfire Dragon Claw, Fire Blast, Air Cutter, Overheat Dragon Breath, Ember, Wing Attack, Blast Burn, Flamethrower Fire Spin(13) and G-Max Wildfire(350)
  • Strong Fire damage
  • Reliable alternative if Rock unavailable
  • Solid survivability
Gigantamax Centiskorch Bug Bite, Ember G-Max Centiferno Crunch, Lunge, Heat Wave, Bug Buzz - Ember(10) and G-Max Centiferno(350)
  • Reliable energy generation

🥈 Secondary Options

Pokémon Fast Moves Gigantamax Moves Charged Moves Elite Moves Best Moves
Gigantamax Toxtricity Spark, Poison Jab, Acid G-Max Stun Shock Discharge, Wild Charge, Acid Spray, Power Up Punch - Poison Jab(13) and G-Max Stun Shock(350)
  • Consistent Electric pressure
  • Good team synergy

🥉 Tier 3 — Situational Picks (Neutral Damage)

The following Gigantamax Pokémon are usable in larger lobbies but do not exploit Butterfree weakness. They rely on neutral Max damage and are less efficient in optimized groups:

Pokémon Fast Moves Gigantamax Moves Charged Moves Elite Moves Best Moves
Gigantamax Lapras Frost Breath, Water Gun, Psywave G-Max Resonance Blizzard, Hydro Pump, Surf, Skull Bash, Sparkling Aria Ice Shard, Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse Frost Breath(11) and G-Max Resonance(350)
Gigantamax Corviknight Steel Wing, Air Slash, Sand Attack G-Max Wind Rage Sky Attack, Payback Iron Head, Air Cutter Steel Wing(14) and G-Max Wind Rage(350)
Gigantamax Inteleon Pound, Water Gun G-Max Hydrosnipe Shadow Ball, Water Pulse, Surf - Pound(6) and G-Max Hydrosnipe(350)
Gigantamax Gengar Sucker Punch, Shadow Claw, Hex G-Max Terror Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, Focus Blast, Drain Punch Lick, Dark Pulse, Shadow Punch, Sludge Wave, Psychic Hex(8) and G-Max Terror(350)

Max Phase Strategy

  • Build Max Meter safely with bulky Pokémon.
  • Switch to Rock Gigantamax Pokémon during Max Phase.
  • Prioritize Fire-type Max Moves for consistent super-effective damage.

Summary: Gigantamax Coalossal is the safest and strongest counter, followed closely by Charizard-focused Gigantamax options.

Best Dynamax Counters for Gigantamax Butterfree

If Gigantamax Rock Pokémon are unavailable, Dynamax attackers using Rock-type or Fire-type Max Moves provide strong alternatives.

🥇 Top Rock-Type Dynamax Attackers

Pokémon Dynamax Moves Fast Moves Charged Moves Elite Moves
Dynamax Omastar Max Quake, Max Geyser, Max Rockfall Mud Shot, Water Gun Ancient Power, Hydro Pump, Rock Blast Rock Throw, Rock Slide
  • Highest Rock-type DPS
  • Best damage output vs double weakness
  • Glass cannon – dodge charged attacks
Dynamax Blastoise Max Geyser, Max Darkness, Max Rockfall Bite, Water Gun, Rollout Flash Cannon, Ice Beam, Skull Bash Hydro Cannon
  • Best damage output vs double weakness
  • Glass cannon – dodge charged attacks
Dynamax Gigalith Max Quake, Max Rockfall Mud Slap, Smack Down Rock Slide, Solar Beam, Superpower, Heavy Slam Meteor Beam
Dynamax Boldore Max Quake, Max Rockfall Mud Slap, Smack Down Rock Slide, Bulldoze, Stone Edge Solar Beam

🥈 Fire & Electric Alternatives

Pokémon Dynamax Moves Fast Moves Charged Moves Elite Moves
Dynamax Darmanitan Max Strike, Max Flare Tackle, Fire Fang, Incinerate Overheat, Focus Blast, Psychic, Rock Slide -
Dynamax Moltres Max Flare, Max Airstream Fire Spin, Wing Attack Fire Blast, Overheat, Heat Wave, Ancient Power Sky Attack
Dynamax Zapdos Max Lightning Charge Beam Zap Cannon, Thunder, Thunderbolt, Ancient Power, Drill Peck Thunder Shock
Dynamax Flareon Max Flare Ember, Fire Spin Fire Blast, Flamethrower, Overheat Last resort, Superpower, Heat Wave
Dynamax Raikou Max Lightning Thunder Shock, Volt Switch Shadow Ball, Thunder, Thunderbolt, Wild Charge, Aura Sphere -
Dynamax Ho-Oh Max MindStorm, Max Strike, Max Flare, Max Guard, Max Spirit, Max Steelspike Extrasensory, Steel Wing, Hidden Power, Incinerate Brave Bird, Fire Blast, Solar Beam Earthquake, Sacred Fire
Dynamax Wailord Max MindStorm, Max Geyser, Max Rockfall Water Gun, Zen Headbutt, Rollout Surf, Blizzard, Hyper Beam, Scald -
Dynamax Cinderace Max Flare, Max Strike Tackle, Fire Spin Flame Charge, Flamethrower, Focus Blast -
Dynamax Entei Max Flare Fire Spin, Fire Fang Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Overheat, Iron Head, Flame Charge, Scorching Sands -
Dynamax Jolteon Max Lightning Thunder Shock, Volt Switch Discharge, Thunderbolt, Thunder Last Resort, Zap Cannon
Dynamax Arcanine Max Flare, Max Knuckle, Max Lightning Snarl, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang Crunch, Fire Blast, Wild Charge, Flamethrower, Psychic Fangs, Scorching Sands Bite, Bulldoze
Dynamax Toxtricity Max Lightning, Max Ooze Acid, Spark, Poison Jab Acid Spray, Discharge, Wild Charge, Power-Up Punch -
Dynamax Charizard Max Flare, Max Airstream, Max Wyrmwind Fire Spin, Air Slash Dragon Claw, Fire Blast, Overheat, Air Cutter Ember, Wing Attack, Dragon Breath, Blast Burn, Flamethrower

🥉 Tier 3 - Situational Dynamax Options

Pokémon Dynamax Moves Fast Moves Charged Moves Elite Moves
Dynamax Glaceon Max Hailstorm Ice Shard, Frost Breath Avalanche, Icy Wind, Ice Beam Last Resort, Water Pulse
Dynamax Unfezant Max Airstream, Max Steelspike Air Slash, Steel Wing Heat Wave, Hyper Beam, Sky Attack -
Eternatus Dynamax Cannon Dragon Tail, Poison Jab Sludge Bomb, Dragon Pulse, Flamethrower -

Max Battle Strategy

  • Prioritize Rock-type Max Moves.
  • Charge Max Meter safely with bulkier Pokémon.
  • Switch to high DPS Rock attackers during Max Phase.
  • Coordinate Max usage in groups to avoid overlap.
  • Dodge strong charged moves to maintain DPS.

Rock attackers dramatically shorten the battle due to Butterfree’s double weakness. Proper Max Phase timing is critical for efficiency.

Moves & Threats

Butterfree common fast moves are Struggle Bug or Confusion. Charged moves include Bug Buzz or Signal Beam and Psychic. Elite moves include Bug Bite. G-Max Befuddle not only delivers heavy damage but also leaves a damaging area for a short time — timing your swaps and using at least one bulky support reduces wipe risk.

Threat: Bug Buzz can deal continuous damage, and Air Slash can flinch or push back your counters.

Pro tip: Lead with Rock-types like Tyranitar or Rhyperior or Electric-types like Zapdos or Magnezone.

Weather Effects & Battle Flow

Rainy/Clear weather : boosts Bug damage. Windy weather : boosts Flying attackers. Partly Cloudy weather: boosts Rock attackers.

Status effects from G-Max Befuddle can disrupt your raid — bring bulky Rock-types or shields to stay in the fight longer.

Practical Battle Tips

Size

Recommended: 15–20 trainers for comfortable clears with mixed player levels. With many Gigantamax / Dynamax counters, 10–14 can work. Under 8 trainers should be attempted only if all participants are high-level and coordinated with ideal counters and Dynamax/G-Max boosts.

Rewards

Reasons include Pokédex entry, strong Bug / Flying attacker, shiny chance, and XL Candy farming.

When To Avoid

Avoid using Grass and Fighting types — they take super-effective damage from Butterfree’s Flying and Psychic coverage.

Raid Strategy & Catch Tips

Gigantamax Butterfree’s moves can inflict status effects and KO fragile attackers quickly. Prioritize sturdy Rock or Fire attackers, and dodge when possible to maximize survival.

Can You Get Shiny Gigantamax Butterfree?

Yes! After defeating Gigantamax Butterfree in a raid, you can encounter the regular Butterfree, which has a chance to be **Shiny**. The shiny form features a purple color scheme instead of the usual blue, making it highly sought after by collectors.

Shiny Pokémon from raids are rare, but repeated participation in special raid events increases your chances of obtaining one.

FAQ

What is Gigantamax Butterfree type and weakness?

Butterfree is a Bug / Flying type. It is weak to Rock, Fire, Flying, Electric, Ice type moves.

Is Gigantamax Butterfree difficult to defeat?

It generally has lower defensive stats compared to many Gigantamax Pokémon, making it easier to defeat with proper counters.

Can Gigantamax Butterfree be shiny?

Yes, but in certain events.

Is Gigantamax Butterfree catchable after the raid?

Yes — standard raid catch mechanics apply.

What makes Gigantamax Butterfree unique?

Gigantamax Butterfree creates massive glowing wings that scatter scales across the battlefield, producing various status effects during battle.

Conclusion

Gigantamax Butterfree is a mechanically interesting raid boss: its Bug/Flying combo is predictable, but the G-Max residual damage forces teams to plan for survivability, not just pure DPS. Prioritize Rock and Fire Gigantamax picks, add Dynamax support for sustained windows, and include at least one high-TDO tank if your lobby is smaller. With the counters and tactics above, you’ll clear Butterfree efficiently and maximize your rewards.

Summary
  • Use Fire, Rock, Flying, and Electric-types.
  • Avoid Grass- and Bug-types.
  • Dodge Bug Buzz and Air Slash.
  • Take advantage of sunny or windy weather boosts.

About the Author

Written by Abhishek — Level 50 Pokémon GO Trainer (since 2019). Completed 500+ Mega raids and specializes in raid optimization and counter analysis. Explore more guides like Gigantamax Coalossal, Gigantamax Cinderace, Gigantamax Toxtricity, and Gigantamax Charizard.