Raid Boss Overview – Tapu Bulu
Tapu Bulu is a Legendary Raid Boss (Gen 7 Guardian of Alola) with a unique Grass/Fairy typing. It’s one of the most important Fairy-type raid bosses because it performs well in both raids and PvP.
Why Tapu Bulu Matters
Strong PvP Utility
- Grass/Fairy typing is rare and meta-relevant
- It threatens:
- Dragon-types
- Dark-types
- Water/Ground cores
Raid Utility (Fairy Attacker Role)
- It can function as a Fairy-type attacker
- Useful against:
- Dragon raid bosses
- Fighting/Dark raid bosses
Unique Grass/Fairy Typing
- Resistance to Water, Electric, Grass
- Offensive advantage vs Dragons and Dark types
Collector + Dex Value
- Legendary Guardian of Alola
- Required for Pokédex completion
- Often rotates in raids → limited availability
Difficulty Level
Overall Raid Difficulty: MODERATE (3–5 players recommended)
Solo
Not possible
- Too bulky
- Legendary HP pool
Duo
Very difficult
- Only possible with:
- Maxed Steel/Ice teams
- Weather advantage
- High coordination
Trio
Possible (skilled players only)
- Requires:
- Strong counters
- Weather boost advantage
- Proper Mega support
4–6 Players
Comfortable range
- Most standard groups can clear easily
- Minimal coordination needed
Best Difficulty Factors
Makes it easier:
- Snow weather → boosts Ice & Steel counters
- Coordinated Mega Pokémon boosts
- Strong Steel attackers
Makes it harder:
- Weather boost (Grass boost) → increases boss damage
- Unoptimized teams (auto-select)
- Too many random players
Tapu Bulu Moveset Guide
Tapu Bulu is a Grass/Fairy-type Legendary Pokémon known for
- Extremely high attack
- Heavy charged move pressure
- Strong Grass-type raid damage
- Dangerous Fairy coverage
Its moveset makes it threatening in:
- Raids
- Master League PvP
- Gym battles
Fast Moves
Fast moves generate energy and apply quick pressure.
Tapu Bulu Fast Moves Table
| Fast Move | Type | PvE Power | PvP Power | Energy Gain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Seed | Grass | Low | Low | Very High | Best energy generation |
| Rock Smash | Fighting | Moderate | Weak | Average | Rarely useful |
Best Fast Move: Bullet Seed
Why it’s Best
- Generates energy extremely fast
- Allows quicker charged move spam
- Essential for PvP performance
Best Uses
- Master League
- Raids
- Gym offense
Charged Moves
Charged moves determine Tapu Bulu’s real damage output.
Charged Moves Table
| Charged Move | Type | PvE Power | PvP Power | Energy Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Knot | Grass | High | Strong | Medium | Main STAB Grass attack |
| Nature’s Madness | Fairy | Strong | Very Strong | Low-Medium | Signature move |
| Dazzling Gleam | Fairy | High | Moderate | High | Heavy Fairy nuke |
| Megahorn | Bug | High | Strong | Medium-High | Coverage vs Psychic/Dark |
| Solar Beam | Grass | Massive | Slow | Very High | Big raid hit |
Best Charged Moves
PvP Best Set
- Bullet Seed
- Nature’s Madness
- Grass Knot
Why?
- Excellent shield pressure
- Fast charged attacks
- Strong neutral coverage
PvE Best Set
- Bullet Seed
- Grass Knot
Why?
- Highest consistent Grass DPS
- Reliable energy cycle
Elite Moves
Elite moves are moves requiring:
- Elite TM
- Event availability
- Special release
Elite Move Table
| Move | Type | Elite Required? | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Madness | Fairy | Sometimes Event Exclusive | Extremely important |
Nature’s Madness Analysis
Why It Matters
- Lower energy cost
- Reliable Fairy pressure
- Faster gameplay
PvP Impact
Before this move:
- Slower
- Less threatening
After this move:
- Meta-relevant in Master League
Raid Boss Moves
When Tapu Bulu appears as a raid boss, its move pool changes raid difficulty significantly:
Possible Raid Boss Fast Moves
| Fast Move | Danger Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Seed | Medium | Fast energy generation |
| Rock Smash | Low | Easier to handle |
Possible Raid Boss Charged Moves
| Charged Move | Danger Level | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Knot | High | Strong STAB Grass damage |
| Dazzling Gleam | Very High | Destroys Dragon/Dark counters |
| Megahorn | High | Unexpected coverage |
| Solar Beam | Extreme | Massive one-shot potentiale |
Most Dangerous Moves
Solar Beam
Why Dangerous
- Huge damage burst
- Can instantly KO Water, Ground, and Rock counters
Raid Problem
- Dodge too late
- Underestimate charge timing
Dazzling Gleam
Why Dangerous
- Fairy coverage destroys:
- Dragons
- Dark-types
- Fighting-types
Especially Dangerous Against
- Dragon raid teams
- Shadow Dragon attackers
Megahorn
Why Dangerous
- Unexpected Bug damage can punish:
- Psychic-types
- Dark-types
Best Counters Against Dangerous Moves
| Dangerous Move | Best Counter Types |
|---|---|
| Solar Beam | Fire, Steel |
| Dazzling Gleam | Steel, Poison |
| Megahorn | Fire, Flying |
| Grass Knot | Steel, Fire |
Tapu Bulu in PvP, PvE, Raids, Gyms & Various Cups
Tapu Bulu is a powerful Grass/Fairy-type Legendary Pokémon known for:
- Very high Attack stat
- Strong Grass-type damage
- Useful Fairy typing
- Excellent bulk in some PvP formats
- Access to hard-hitting moves like Nature’s Madness, Grass Knot, and Megahorn
Its typing gives it unique advantages against:
- Water
- Ground
- Dark
- Dragon
- Fighting
But it also has major weaknesses to:
- Poison
- Steel
- Fire
- Flying
- Ice
PvP Performance
Great League
Usually not recommended in open Great League because its CP is too high and difficult to optimize. However:
- It can work in limited formats or special cups
- Bulk is decent
- Fairy typing helps against Dark/Fighting Pokémon
Problems in Great League
- Weak to common Steel types
- Struggles against Flyers
- Expensive to build
Best Moveset
- Fast Move: Bullet Seed
- Charged Moves: Grass Knot + Nature’s Madness
Overall Rating
- Niche pick
- Mostly cup-dependent
Ultra League
This is where Tapu Bulu becomes much stronger.
Why It Performs Well
- Beats many Water and Ground Pokémon
- Fairy typing threatens Dragons and Fighters
- Good shield pressure
- Nature’s Madness lowers enemy HP reliably
Strong Matchups
- Swampert
- Giratina
- Poliwrath
- Virizion
- Zygarde
Weak Matchups
- Registeel
- Talonflame
- Skarmory
- Venusaur
- Poison users
Best Moveset
- Bullet Seed
- Grass Knot
- Nature’s Madness
PvP Role
- Anti-Water core breaker
- Dragon counter
- Shield pressure attacker
Overall Ultra League Value
- Very solid and underrated.
Master League
Performance
- In Master League, Tapu Bulu becomes more of a specialist pick.
Strengths
- Strong against Kyogre
- Can pressure Dragon types
- Useful against Ground Pokémon
- Hits very hard
Weaknesses
- Steel-types dominate Master League
- Weak against Ho-Oh
- Loses to Dialga
- Vulnerable to Poison damage
Good Matchups
- Kyogre
- Garchomp
- Palkia
- Groudon
Difficult Matchups
- Dialga
- Metagross
- Ho-Oh
- Solgaleo
Recommended Moveset
- Bullet Seed
- Nature’s Madness
- Megahorn / Grass Knot
Overall
- A spicy but dangerous pick with proper team support.
Various PvP Cups
Fantasy Cup
Very useful because:
- Fairy typing is valuable
- Can pressure Dragons
- Strong against Water types
Sunshine Cup
Excellent performance because:
- Grass types are valuable
- Water counters matter a lot
- Fairy coverage helps
Element Cup
Not eligible.
Love Cup
Usually unavailable due to Legendary restrictions.
Limited Meta Cups
Tapu Bulu often becomes stronger in:
- Cups without Steel-types
- Water-heavy metas
- Ground-heavy metas
PvE Performance
As a Grass-Type Attacker
- This is Tapu Bulu’s best PvE role.
Strengths
- Very high Grass-type damage
- Excellent against Water, Rock, and Ground raid bosses
- Strong raid DPS
Best Targets
- Kyogre
- Groudon
- Swampert
- Rhyperior
- Gyarados
Weaknesses in PvE
- Fragile against Fire/Ice bosses
- Competes with Mega Grass attackers
- Some Shadow Pokémon outperform it
Best PvE Moveset
- Bullet Seed
- Grass Knot
Overall PvE Ranking
- One of the stronger non-Mega Grass attackers.
Raids
As a Raid Attacker
Tapu Bulu is very strong in raids against:
- Water bosses
- Ground bosses
- Rock bosses
Excellent Against
- Kyogre raids
- Groudon raids
- Mega Swampert raids
- Rock-type raid bosses
As a Raid Boss
When appearing in raids:
- It can be difficult because of strong Grass/Fairy typing
- Fire and Steel attackers perform best
Best Counters Against Tapu Bulu
- Mega Charizard Y
- Mega Rayquaza
- Metagross
- Nihilego
- Reshiram
Gym Performance
As a Gym Attacker
Good against:
- Water defenders
- Ground defenders
- Dark/Fighting defenders
But:
- Not the fastest gym clearer
- Flying defenders can stop it
As a Gym Defender
Not ideal because:
- Legendary Pokémon cannot defend gyms in Pokémon GO.
Tapu Bulu Raid Strategy Guide
Tapu Bulu is a Tier 5 Legendary Raid Boss known for its massive Attack stat and dangerous Grass/Fairy typing. While it has several weaknesses, it can still punish unprepared teams very hard.
Raid Difficulty Overview
| Strategy Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Solo | Nearly Impossible |
| Duo | Extremely Hard |
| Trio | Achievable |
| 4-5 Trainers | Comfortable |
| Beginner Groups | Recommended |
Why Tapu Bulu Matters
- Strong Fairy-type attacker
- Valuable for Pokédex & shiny hunters
- Useful in Master League
- Excellent collection Pokémon
- Can hit extremely hard with Grass moves
Best Overall Strategy
Use:
- Poison attackers
- Steel attackers
- Fire attackers
Double Weakness Advantage
Tapu Bulu has a HUGE weakness:
Double Weak To:
- Poison
Solo Strategy
Technically:
- Only under extreme conditions
- Usually unrealistic
Requires:
- Level 50 top Poison counters
- Weather boost
- Best friend boost
- Perfect dodging
- Optimal moveset
Solo Strategy Tips
Use ONLY Top Poison Attackers
- Examples:
- Mega Beedrill
- Nihilego
- Roserade
Dodge Dangerous Charged Moves
- Especially:
- Megahorn
- Grass Knot
Solo Difficulty
| Condition | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Normal Weather | Nearly Impossible |
| Cloudy Weather | Slightly Easier |
| Best Friend Boost | Needed |
Duo Strategy
Very Difficult But Possible:
- Strong high-level players can duo Tapu Bulu.
Trainer Requirements:
- Level 40+
- Powered-up counters
- Friendship bonus preferred
Best Duo Approach
Player 1
- Mega Poison attacker
Player 2
- Full Poison DPS team
Dangerous Raid Boss Moves
| Move | Threat |
|---|---|
| Megahorn | Destroys Psychic counters |
| Solar Beam | Massive one-shot damage |
| Dazzling Gleam | Hurts Dark/Dragon Pokémon |
Duo Tips
- Relobby quickly
- Avoid weak neutral counters
- Focus pure Poison damage
Trio Strategy
Most Efficient Strategy:
- This is the ideal challenge level for experienced players.
Trio Requirements
| Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Trainer Level | 30+ |
| Counters | Strong Poison/Steel |
| Mega Pokémon | Helpful |
Trio Advantages
- Safer timer
- Less relobby pressure
- More room for mistakes
Beginner Strategy
Recommended Group Size:
- 5–7 trainers
Beginner Tips:
- Focus On:
- Staying alive
- Using recommended teams
- Rejoining quickly
Good Beginner Counters
- Roserade
- Excadrill
- Metagross
- Chandelure
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Using Dragon-types | Fairy moves punish them |
| Using Water-types | Grass attacks destroy them |
| Not reviving quickly | Huge DPS loss |
Intermediate Strategy
Recommended Group:
- 3-4 trainers
Intermediate Focus:
- Build proper counters
- Learn move dodging
- Use Mega boosts correctly
Strong Intermediate Team
| Pokémon | Role |
|---|---|
| Mega Beedrill | Mega boost + DPS |
| Nihilego | Top Poison DPS |
| Metagross | Safe Steel damage |
| Roserade | Budget Poison attacker |
Intermediate Goal
Balance:
- Survival
- DPS
- Team synergy
Advanced Strategy
Recommended Group:
- Duo or fast trio
Advanced Techniques
Move Reading
- Identify charged move quickly:
- Solar Beam → dodge
- Megahorn → swap fragile Psychic types
Mega Rotation
- Coordinate Mega boosts:
- Mega Beedrill
- Mega Gengar
Relobby Optimization
- Rejoin instantly
- Pre-build teams
- Avoid healing delays
Expert Strategy
Experts aim for:
- Fastest clear time
- Maximum efficiency
- Minimal fainting
Expert Techniques
Weather Abuse
- Best Weather:
- Cloudy → boosts Poison damage
Team Coordination
- Experts coordinate:
- Mega uptime
- Friendship bonuses
- Simultaneous relobbies
Glass Cannon Strategy
- Use extremely high DPS Pokémon:
- Nihilego
- Shadow Roserade
- Mega Beedrill
Expert Risk
- Experts rely on:
- Perfect dodging
- Fast re-entry
- Optimized move timing
Tapu Bulu Raid Counters Guide
Tapu Bulu is a Grass/Fairy-type Legendary Pokémon.
Main Weaknesses
- Poison
- Steel
- Fire
- Flying
- Ice
Resists
- Water
- Electric
- Grass
- Ground
- Dark
- Dragon
- Fighting
Best Counters Overall
| Pokémon | Why It’s Strong |
|---|---|
| Mega Beedrill | Absolute best counter due to double Poison damage |
| Nihilego | Extremely high Poison DPS |
| Roserade | Strong and accessible |
| Shadow Victreebel | Very high Poison damage |
| Mega Gengar | Massive Poison damage output |
| Metagross | Bulky Steel attacker |
| Mega Rayquaza | Strong Flying damage |
| Reshiram | Excellent Fire attacker |
Top Counters
Poison-Type Counters
| Pokémon | Recommended Moveset | Why It Dominates |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Beedrill | Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb | Highest overall DPS |
| Nihilego | Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb | Amazing damage output |
| Mega Gengar | Lick + Sludge Bomb | Huge offensive pressure |
| Roserade | Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb | Budget-friendly strong option |
| Shadow Victreebel | Acid + Sludge Bomb | Glass cannon DPS |
Why Poison Is Best
Tapu Bulu’s double weakness means:
- Poison attacks hit incredibly hard
- Raid clears become much faster
- Fewer players are needed
Steel-Type Counters
| Pokémon | Recommended Moveset | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Metagross | Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash | Best Steel attacker |
| Dialga | Metal Claw + Iron Head | Good survivability |
| Excadrill | Metal Claw + Iron Head | Fast Steel DPS |
Why Steel Works
Steel resists:
- Grass
- Fairy
This makes Steel Pokémon:
- Very durable
- Safe for beginners
Fire-Type Counters
| Pokémon | Recommended Moveset |
|---|---|
| Reshiram | Fire Fang + Fusion Flare |
| Mega Charizard Y | Fire Spin + Blast Burn |
| Chandelure | Fire Spin + Overheat |
Fire Strategy
Fire counters:
- Grass typing
- Deals consistent damage
But:
- Not as strong as Poison
- Some Fire Pokémon are fragile
Flying-Type Counters
| Pokémon | Recommended Moveset |
|---|---|
| Mega Rayquaza | Air Slash + Dragon Ascent |
| Yveltal | Gust + Hurricane |
| Moltres | Wing Attack + Sky Attack |
Flying Strategy
Flying attacks exploit Grass weakness.
- Flying attackers can struggle vs Fairy moves
Ice-Type Counters
| Pokémon | Recommended Moveset |
|---|---|
| Mamoswine | Powder Snow + Avalanche |
| Weavile | Ice Shard + Avalanche |
Ice Strategy
Ice hits Grass super effectively.
- Ice Pokémon are fragile
- Usually faint quickly
Counter Strategy By Player Type
Beginners
Use:
- Metagross
- Excadrill
- Roserade
Why:
- Easier to obtain
- Good survivability
Intermediate Players
Focus on:
- Poison teams
- Mega evolution boosts
Goal:
- Faster clears
Experts
Use:
- Mega Beedrill
- Nihilego
- Shadow Poison attackers
Goal:
- Duo/trio clears
- Maximum DPS
Dangerous Raid Boss Moves
Most Threatening Moves
| Move | Why Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Megahorn | Destroys Psychic attackers |
| Grass Knot | Heavy Grass damage |
| Dazzling Gleam | Strong Fairy burst |
Why These Work Well
- Raikou / Electivire:
- Strong Electric damage
- Easy to build teams
- Roserade / Zarude:
- Grass-type attackers
- Good balance of DPS + survivability
- Togekiss:
- Fairy typing resists Dark moves
- Safer option
- Machamp:
- Budget-friendly Fighting counter
3. Counters by Type Strength
Now let’s break it down by type:
Electric-Type Counters
Examples
- Zekrom
- Xurkitree
- Raikou
Why Electric is Best
- Hits Water typing directly
- High DPS output
- Consistent performance
Recommended for all players
Grass-Type Counters
Examples
- Kartana
- Roserade
- Zarude
Why Grass Works
- Super effective vs Water
- Good sustainability
Slightly less DPS than Electric but safer
Fighting-Type Counters
Examples
- Lucario
- Conkeldurr
- Machamp
Why Fighting Works
- Hits Dark typing
- Strong neutral damage vs Water
Good alternative option
Fairy-Type Counters
Examples
- Togekiss
- Gardevoir
Why Fairy Works
- Resists Dark-type moves
- Provides stability
Lower DPS but high survivability
Bug-Type Counters
Examples
- Genesect
- Scizor
Why Bug Works
- Strong vs Dark typing
- Limited overall DPS
Only useful if lacking better options
4. What Counters to AVOID
Bad Choices
| Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Fire | Weak to Water |
| Ground | Neutral + slow |
| Psychic | Weak to Dark |
| Ghost | Weak to Dark |
5. Counter Strategy Tips
General Strategy
- Prioritize:
- Electric (best)
- Grass (safe)
Advanced Tips
- Dodge Hydro Pump
- Use Mega Pokémon for boosts
- Build full teams of same type for synergy
Final Counter Summary
| Category | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Overall Best Type | Electric |
| Highest DPS | Zekrom / Xurkitree |
| Best Budget | Machamp / Electivire |
| Safest Option | Togekiss |
Shiny Comparison – Tapu Bulu
Shiny Tapu Bulu is one of the more noticeable Legendary shiny forms because it changes color significantly, not just slightly.
Normal vs Shiny Appearance
Normal Tapu Bulu
- Body: Deep red / maroon shell
- Horns: Black and yellow accents
- Aura: Earthy, grounded “guardian” look
Shiny Tapu Bulu
- Body: Green turns into a bright mint / lime green
- Shell becomes more vibrant and lighter
- Horn accents shift to brighter tones
Visual Difference Summary
| Feature | Normal | Shiny |
|---|---|---|
| Body Color | Dark red | Bright green |
| Mood | Heavy / earthy | Fresh / vibrant |
| Rarity | Standard legendary | Rare shiny form |
| Visibility | Subtle in raids | Very noticeable |
How Easy Is It to Spot?
Very easy in encounters:
- Green glow stands out immediately
- No need to inspect closely
Does Shiny Affect Battle Power?
No gameplay difference:
- Same stats
- Same moves
- Same raid performance
Shiny Value in Raids
Shiny Tapu Bulu is valuable for:
- Collection collectors
- Legendary shiny hunters
- Showcase gyms (if available)
Catch Tip for Shiny Encounters
If you encounter shiny Tapu Bulu:
- Use Pinap Berry (guaranteed catch if you hit)
- Don’t rush throws
- Curve + Excellent still recommended for bonus XP
Tapu Bulu
Images are used for informational and educational purposes only. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Shiny Tapu Bulu
Images are used for informational and educational purposes only. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Evolution & Buddy Distance – Tapu Bulu
Evolution
Tapu Bulu does NOT evolve
- It is a Legendary Pokémon
- Part of the Alolan Guardian Deities
- It has:
- No pre-evolution
- No evolution
- No Mega Evolution
Buddy Distance
20 km per Candy
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Buddy Distance | 20 km |
| Candy per walk | 1 Candy |
What this means in practice
- Tapu Bulu is a very slow candy farmer
- Not ideal for casual walking farming
- Best used with:
- Rare Candy
- Raid catches
- Events
Candy Farming Tips
Best ways to get candy faster:
- Raid Tapu Bulu repeatedly
- Use Rare Candy from raids
- Walk only if you’re actively grinding long distances
Why the distance is so high
Tapu Bulu is:
- A Legendary Guardian Pokémon
- Designed to be rare and hard to power up
Best Mega Pokémon vs Tapu Bulu
Key Weaknesses of Tapu Bulu:
- Steel
- Fire
- Poison
- Ice
Top Mega Counters
Mega Metagross (BEST OVERALL)
Mega Metagross
- Steel typing = double pressure vs Fairy
- Extremely high DPS + bulk
- Survives long in raids
Role:
- Main raid carry Mega
Mega Beedrill (High Poison DPS)
Mega Beedrill
- Poison attacks hit Fairy super effectively
- Very high damage output
Weakness:
- Very fragile (faints quickly)
Role:
- Glass cannon DPS booster
Mega Charizard Y (Fire DPS option)
Mega Charizard Y
- Fire is super effective vs Grass typing
- Great raid-wide Fire boost
Limitation:
- Doesn’t hit Fairy weakness directly
- Less efficient than Steel/Poison
Mega Blaziken (Mixed DPS option)
Mega Blaziken
- Fire + Fighting pressure
- Strong DPS output
Note:
- Fighting is resisted by Fairy typing
- Still useful due to Fire damage
Mega Abomasnow (Situational)
Mega Abomasnow
- Ice attacks hit Grass for super effective damage
Note:
- Doesn’t hit Fairy weakness
- Less efficient overall
Best Raid Strategy
Ideal Setup
- 1 Mega Metagross (core tank DPS boost)
- 2–4 Steel attackers
- 1 Poison attacker for extra damage
Fast Clear Strategy
- Stack Steel attackers (Metagross, Excadrill)
- Use Mega Metagross for team boost
- Dodge Grass charged moves if needed
Boosted Candy Catching – How it helps Tapu Bulu
When you catch Tapu Bulu during raids or encounters, there are ways to increase the amount of Candy you earn per catch, which directly speeds up powering it up and unlocking second moves.
Why Candy Boost Matters
Tapu Bulu is a legendary Pokémon, meaning:
- It needs a lot of Candy to power up
- It is expensive to:
- Level up
- Unlock second Charged Move
Pinap Berry
Effect:
- Doubles the Candy you get from a catch
| Situation | Candy Earned |
|---|---|
| Normal catch | 3 Candy |
| With Pinap Berry | 6 Candy |
When to use Pinap on Tapu Bulu
Use Pinap when:
- You are confident in catching it
- It’s a low IV CP encounter
- You want maximum Candy farming efficiency
Avoid Pinap when:
- It is a high CP / 100% IV potential
- You are low on Premier Balls
Silver Pinap Berry
Effect:
- Gives:
- Increased catch rate (like Razz Berry)
- Bonus Candy (1.5× to 2× effect)
Catch Bonus Stack
Candy gains can stack with:
- Pinap / Silver Pinap
- Events (2× Catch Candy events)
- Mega Evolution bonus
During events, you can get:
- 6–12 Candy per catch
Why Candy Farming is Important for Tapu Bulu
Powering Up
- High Stardust cost + Candy requirement
- Needs Candy XL for max level
PvP Relevance
- Ultra League
- Limited formats
Raid Utility
- Strong Grass/Fairy attacker in certain matchups
- Useful for:
- Water
- Ground
- Dragon counters
Candy Efficiency Strategy
| Situation | Best Berry | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Easy catch | Pinap | Max Candy |
| Hard catch | Silver Pinap | Safe + Candy |
| Shiny encounter | Pinap | Guaranteed catch + bonus Candy |
| High IV hunt | Golden Razz | Secure catch first |
Weaknesses of Tapu Bulu
Tapu Bulu is a Grass / Fairy-type Pokémon, which gives it strong offensive coverage—but also creates some very exploitable weaknesses in raids and PvP.
Main Weaknesses
Poison (Double Weak Focus in Practice)
- Poison deals super effective damage to Fairy
- Tapu Bulu is heavily pressured by Poison attackers
Why it matters:
- Poison is one of the safest and most reliable counters
- Many strong Poison Pokémon can spam fast moves quickly
Best Poison counters:
- Gengar (Lick + Sludge Bomb)
- Roserade (Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb)
- Nihilego(Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb)
Steel (Biggest Raid Threat)
- Steel hits both Grass and Fairy super effectively
Why Steel is dangerous:
- Double advantage (dual typing pressure)
- Very tanky attackers survive longer in raids
Best Steel counters:
- Metagross (Meteor Mash)
- Dialga (Iron Head)
- Excadrill (Iron Head / Drill Run)
Fire (Strong but not double weakness)
- Fire is super effective vs Grass only
Why it still matters:
- Fire attackers have very high DPS
- Can overwhelm Tapu Bulu quickly in raids
Best Fire counters:
- Reshiram
- Chandelure
- Darmanitan
Flying (Situational Weakness)
- Flying hits Grass super effectively
Notes:
- Useful but less optimal than Steel/Poison
- Mostly secondary raid option
Ice (Neutral but Effective in Practice)
- Ice is NOT super effective
- But still used due to very high DPS
Example:
- Mamoswine -style attackers can still perform well
Tapu Bulu – Resistance Guide
Typing
- Grass / Fairy
This typing gives it a mix of strong resistances and some notable weaknesses.
What Tapu Bulu Resists
Strong Resistances (½ damage)
| Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Electric | Grass resistance |
| Rock | Grass resistance |
| Grass | Double resistance advantage |
| Dragon | Fairy resistance |
| Fighting | Fairy resistance |
| Bug | Grass resistance |
| Dark | Fairy resistance |
Important Neutral Interactions
These do normal damage (not strong or weak):
- Fire
- Ice
- Poison
- Psychic
- Water
- Ground
Water, Fire, Ice
- Water typing reduces these
- Common mistake: using Fire Pokémon
Weaknesses (Take Extra Damage)
Double Weakness Area
| Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Fire | Grass weakness |
| Ice | Grass weakness |
| Poison | Fairy weakness |
| Steel | Fairy weakness |
Biggest Threats
Most dangerous matchups:
- Steel attackers (Metagross-type damage)
- Poison attackers (fast Fairy counter damage)
- Strong Fire/Ice raid bosses
Raid & PvP Defensive Insight
Why Tapu Bulu is tanky:
- Resists Fighting + Dark + Dragon
- Has decent bulk in PvP
- Can survive many neutral hits
Why it struggles:
- Weak to common meta types (Steel + Poison)
- Ice and Fire are very common raid attacks
Conclusion – Tapu Bulu
Tapu Bulu is a strong but situational Legendary Pokémon that shines most when used correctly rather than universally.
Overall Performance Summary
Where Tapu Bulu is GOOD
PvP (Limited Use)
- Performs well in:
- Limited cups
- Certain Ultra League matchups
- Can pressure Dragons, Darks, and some Fighters
Strength:
- Good bulk
- Strong Charm + Grass Knot pressure (if used correctly)
Raid Utility
- Useful as a Grass-type attacker
- Can help vs:
- Water raid bosses
- Ground raid bosses
- Rock raid bosses
Defensive Value
- Decent bulk for a Fairy-type Legendary
- Can absorb hits better than many attackers
Where Tapu Bulu is WEAK
Not a Top Grass Attacker
- Outclassed by stronger Grass types like:
- Kartana-style attackers
- Mega Grass Pokémon
Weak Raid Impact Overall
- Doesn’t compete with top meta DPS Pokémon
- Limited raid dominance
Common Weakness Exploits
- Steel moves hit extremely hard
- Poison pressure can shut it down quickly
Tapu Bulu Catch CP (Raid Encounter)
After defeating Tapu Bulu in a raid, its CP depends on:
- IVs (0% → 100%)
- Weather boost (Cloudy / Sunny)
Normal Weather (No Boost)
| IV (%) | CP |
|---|---|
| 100% (hundo) | 1613 CP |
| 98% | 1604 CP |
| 93–96% | 1585 – 1596 CP |
| 80–90% | 1550 – 1575 CP |
| Low IV | ~1500+ CP |
Weather Boosted (Cloudy Weather ☁️)
Tapu Bulu is Fairy/Grass, so it gets boosted in:
- Cloudy weather (Fairy boost)
- Sunny weather (Grass boost)
| IV (%) | CP |
|---|---|
| 100% (hundo) | 2017 CP |
| 98% | 2006 CP |
| 93–96% | 1980 – 1995 CP |
| 80–90% | 1940 – 1970 CP |
| Low IV | ~1900+ CP |
How to Identify a Good Tapu Bulu
Hundo (100% IV)
- 1613 CP (no weather)
- 2017 CP (weather boosted)
Catch Tips
To catch Tapu Bulu easily:
- Use Golden Razz Berries
- Always throw Curve + Excellent
- Wait for attack animation before throwing
Common Mistake
- Thinking high CP = guaranteed high IV
- CP only shows level + IV range
Weather Boost for Tapu Bulu
What is Weather Boost?
In Pokémon GO, weather boost increases a Pokémon’s level and CP in raids and wild spawns, making it:
- Stronger in battle (higher CP)
- Slightly harder to defeat in raids
- Gives better catch CP after raids
Tapu Bulu Weather Boost
Best Weather: Cloudy Weather
Tapu Bulu is:
- Fairy-type
- Grass-type
Cloudy weather boosts:
- Fairy-type moves
- Fairy-type Pokémon
- Fighting & Poison also boosted
What Changes in Cloudy Weather
- Tapu Bulu becomes:
- Higher CP
- Slightly bulkier in raids
- More challenging for unprepared teams
Catch CP Boost
- Encounter CP after raid is higher than normal
- Example:
- Normal: lower CP range
- Cloudy: boosted CP
Strategic Impact
When Pheromosa is weather boosted:
- Higher CP when you encounter it
- Stronger fast moves (Bug/Fighting pressure increases)
- Harder raid difficulty overall
Weather Boost Impact on Counters
When Weather Boost HELPS YOU
If YOU are raiding Tapu Bulu:
- Weather boost = harder raid boss
- You need:
- Strong Steel counters
- Good coordination
When Weather Boost HELPS YOU
If YOU use counters:
- Cloudy weather slightly benefits Fairy-type users
- But Steel-types still dominate
Best Counters in Cloudy Weather
Even in boosted conditions, Tapu Bulu is still weak to:
Steel-types
- Metagross
- Dialga
- Excadrill
Poison-types
- Gengar
- Roserade
Ice-types
- Useful for Grass typing, but Fairy is main concern
Is it worth raiding Tapu Bulu?
PvE (Raids & Gyms Value)
Strengths
- One of the better Grass-type attackers
- Very useful vs:
- Water raid bosses
- Ground raid bosses
- Rock raid bosses
Best Role
- Strong Grass DPS attacker
- Can replace mid-tier Grass Pokémon
Weakness
- Not top-tier like Kartana-level attackers
- No Mega Evolution
PvP Value
Great League / Ultra League
- Bulky
- Spammy with energy moves
- Annoying to deal with
Strengths
- Good vs:
- Water types
- Ground types
- Fighting types
Weakness
- Poison (biggest threat)
- Flying pressure
- Steel matchup can be tricky
Raid Utility Compared to Other Grass Types
Better attackers exist:
- Kartana (much higher DPS)
- Mega Sceptile (team boost + damage)
- Shadow Grass attackers
What makes Tapu Bulu special?
Unique advantages:
- Fairy + Grass typing
- Good bulk compared to most Grass attackers
- Can surprise Dragon teams in PvP
Hidden value:
- Works well in limited cups
- Performs well when Grass is needed but survivability matters
Is it worth raiding?
YES if you want:
- A solid Ultra League PvP Pokémon
- A reliable Grass attacker
- A safe, bulky raid option
NO if you want:
- Top-tier raid DPS (skip if you want meta attackers only)
- Mega-level damage output
- Budget-efficient raid investments
Personal Raid Experience – Tapu Bulu
First Impression
When I first went into a raid against Tapu Bulu, I honestly underestimated it. It looks like a calm, forest-themed Pokémon, but in battle it hits much harder than expected. From the start, I noticed something important: it doesn’t feel like a “glass cannon raid boss.” It’s bulky, and it stays on the field longer than I expected. My team was mostly Dragon and Water attackers at first, and that was my first mistake. Very quickly, I realized Tapu Bulu punishes the wrong matchup hard. Its Fairy + Grass typing means it resists a lot of common raid picks like Water, Fighting, and Ground. My Dragons especially didn’t last long because of Fairy pressure.
What Worked Best in the Raid
Once I switched to better counters, the fight changed completely:
- Steel-types started performing much better
- Poison attackers helped a lot against Fairy typing
- Flying and Fire support added steady damage
When I used proper counters like Metagross-style Steel attackers, the raid became much smoother. The difference was huge — instead of struggling with fainted Pokémon, I was consistently dealing damage.
What Caught Me Off Guard
There were two big surprises:
It survives longer than expected
- Even with decent DPS teams, Tapu Bulu doesn’t go down quickly. You need sustained damage, not burst-only teams.
Charged moves matter a lot
- Some charged attacks can chunk your team if you’re not paying attention. I lost several Pokémon just because I ignored dodging early on.
Tapu Bulu – Unique Insight Guide
Hidden Strength: Double Pressure Typing
Fairy Side
- Counters Dragons (like Rayquaza-type threats)
- Threatens Dark and Fighting types
Grass Side
- Punishes:
- Water types
- Ground types
- Rock types
Unique PvP Insight
Tapu Bulu is NOT a spammer
Unlike many Fairy types (like Gardevoir or Togekiss), it:
- Does NOT rely on fast charged spam
- Instead uses high-impact charged moves
Key behavior:
- Builds energy slowly
- Hits extremely hard when it fires
PvP Trick
Grassy Terrain Effect
- Boosts Grass-type damage
- Slight healing pressure in longer fights
Raid Insight
Tapu Bulu is NOT a top raid attacker
Even though it has strong stats:
- Its moveset is not optimized for DPS racing
But it HAS a niche:
It becomes valuable when:
- Grass boost is needed in group raids
- You want fairy + grass hybrid coverage
Defensive Meta Insight
Tapu Bulu is surprisingly strong because:
It resists key meta threats:
- Water
- Electric
- Ground
- Dark
But struggles vs:
- Steel (biggest weakness)
- Poison (hard counter)
- Flying (pressure weakness)
Team Building Insight
Best role in teams:
- Anti-Dragon backup
- Anti-Ground pivot
- Safe switch in neutral matchups
Bad role:
- Primary DPS attacker
- Steel matchup bait
Tapu Bulu FAQ
What is Tapu Bulu?
Tapu Bulu is a Legendary Grass/Fairy-type Pokémon from the Alola region. It is one of the four Guardian Deities and is known for protecting forests and nature.
Is Tapu Bulu good in Pokémon GO?
Yes, but situationally strong
- Strong in Great League & Ultra League PvP
- Useful as a Fairy attacker in raids
- Not a top Grass attacker compared to meta Pokémon
What type is Tapu Bulu weak to?
Tapu Bulu is weak to:
- Ice
- Fire
- Poison
- Flying
- Steel
Steel and Poison are the most reliable counters in raids
What are the best counters for Tapu Bulu?
Top counters include:
- Metagross (Steel)
- Roserade (Poison)
- Chandelure (Fire)
- Togekiss (Fairy/Flying)
Steel-type Pokémon are the safest choice
What is the best moveset for Tapu Bulu?
PvP / Raid Moves:
- Fast Move: Bullet Seed
- Charged Moves:
- Nature’s Madness (signature move)
- Close Combat or Grass Knot
Nature’s Madness is its signature and most important move
Is Tapu Bulu good in raids?
- Outclassed by stronger Grass attackers like:
- Kartana
- Shadow Grass attackers
Best used as a Fairy-type raid attacker support option
Is Tapu Bulu good in PvP?
Strengths:
- Bulky
- Strong Fairy pressure
- Good against Dragons, Fighters, and Darks
Weaknesses:
- Steel-types dominate it
- Poison types can shut it down
Can Tapu Bulu be shiny?
Yes
- Shiny Tapu Bulu has a pinkish/red color shift
- Usually released during special events or raids
What is Tapu Bulu’s role?
- PvP bulky Fairy attacker
- Grass-type niche attacker
- Anti-Dragon / Anti-Dark specialist
Should I power up Tapu Bulu?
Yes if:
- You play PvP (Ultra League)
- You need a bulky Fairy-type
Skip if:
- You only care about raid DPS meta
Quick Summary
- Strong PvP Pokémon (especially Ultra League)
- Mid-tier raid attacker
- Weak to Steel and Poison
- Best role: bulky Fairy counter specialist
Pokédex Entry – Tapu Bulu
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Type | Grass / Fairy |
| Pokédex Number | #787 |
| Region | Alola |
| Classification | Land Spirit Pokémon |
| Height | 1.9 m |
| Weight | 45.5 kg |
What is Tapu Bulu?
Tapu Bulu is one of the four guardian deities of the Alola region. It protects islands and nature, acting as a powerful spirit tied closely to forests, plants, and the land itself. Unlike many Fairy-type Pokémon, Tapu Bulu is known for:
- Massive physical strength
- Aggressive defensive behavior
- Nature-based powers
It represents the island guardian of:
- Ula’ula Island in Alola
Typing Explanation
Grass / Fairy Typing
- Strong resistance to:
- Water
- Electric
- Grass
- Dark
- Fighting
But it is weak to:
- Poison
- Flying
- Steel
- Fire
- Ice
Biggest Weakness
- Poison attacks are especially dangerous due to a double weakness interaction.
Lore & Design Inspiration
Tapu Bulu’s design is inspired by:
- Polynesian guardian spirits
- Totem-like wooden idols
- Nature guardians
Its large bell-shaped body and wooden horns resemble:
- Ancient tribal protectors
- Forest guardians
Personality & Behavior
Unlike peaceful Fairy Pokémon, Tapu Bulu:
- Can be destructive
- Protects nature aggressively
- Dislikes unnecessary conflict but becomes dangerous when angered
It is known to:
- Manipulate vegetation
- Control plant growth
- Protect forests and sacred lands
Signature Ability & Power
Tapu Bulu uses:
- Nature's Madness - Creates Fairy Terrain automatically
This boosts:
- Grass-type moves
- Healing effects
Role
Tapu Bulu is mainly used as:
- Strong Grass attacker
- Raid counter against Water/Ground/Rock bosses
- Decent PvP option in Master League formats
Strengths
High Attack Power
- Tapu Bulu hits very hard with Grass-type moves.
Unique Fairy Secondary Typing
- Dragons
- Dark-types
- Fighting-types
Strong Raid Utility
- Kyogre
- Groudon
- Swampert -style bosses
Weaknesses
Double Weakness to Poison
- Poison attacks can destroy Tapu Bulu quickly.
Limited Bulk
- Not as tanky as some legendary Pokémon.
Shiny Tapu Bulu
Shiny Tapu Bulu changes:
- Red body accents → darker black coloration
Pokédex Flavor Summary
Tapu Bulu is:
- A guardian spirit
- Protector of nature
- Powerful Grass/Fairy legendary.
- Aggressive defender of Alola’s lands
It combines:
- Ancient guardian themes
- Tribal inspiration
- Natural power
How to Catch Tapu Bulu Easily in Pokémon GO
Catching Tapu Bulu can feel tricky because:
- It moves a lot
- It attacks frequently
- Legendary catch rates are naturally low
But with the right strategy, you can greatly improve your catch chances
Best Catch Strategy
Always Use Golden Razz Berry
This is the MOST important step.
Why?
- Gives the highest catch boost
- Essential for Legendary raids
Best Practice
Use:
- Golden Razz Berry on every throw
Master the Circle Lock Technique
This is the best method used by experienced raiders.
How It Works
- Hold the Poké Ball
- Wait until the circle becomes:
- Small enough for Excellent throw
- Release finger WITHOUT throwing
- Wait for Tapu Bulu attack animation
- Throw during the attack
Why This Helps
- Prevents jumping/attacking interruptions
- Makes Excellent throws easier
Aim for Excellent Throws
Catch Difficulty Improves Greatly With:
| Throw Type | Catch Boost |
|---|---|
| Nice | Small |
| Great | Medium |
| Excellent | HUGE |
Always Throw Curveballs
Curveballs significantly increase catch chance.
Benefits
- Extra XP
- Higher catch rate
- More consistent throws
Be Patient With Movement
Common Mistake
- Players rush throws when Tapu Bulu moves side to side.
Better Strategy
Wait until:
- It returns to center
- Attack animation starts
Know Weather Boost Catch CP
Weather boost changes catch CP.
Sunny / Clear Weather
- Tapu Bulu gets boosted.
Weather Boost CP
- Higher CP range
- Harder to catch sometimes
Tapu Bulu Catch CP
Normal Raid Catch CP
| IV Quality | CP |
|---|---|
| 100% IV | 1953 CP |
| Lowest IV | 1860 CP |
Weather Boosted CP
| IV Quality | CP |
|---|---|
| 100% IV | 2441 CP |
| Lowest IV | 2326 CP |
Common Catch Mistakes
Throwing During Attack
Ball gets knocked away.
Fix
Throw AFTER attack starts.
Using Pinap Berry First
Extra candy is tempting, but risky.
Fix
Secure catch first using Golden Razz.
Rushing Throws
Panicking lowers accuracy.
Fix
Slow down and wait for good timing.
Best Throw Timing
Ideal Moment
Throw when:
- Tapu Bulu finishes attack animation
- Circle is locked for Excellent size
This gives:
- Safe throw
- High accuracy
- Better catch odds
Easy Catch Formula
Best Combo Possible:
- Golden Razz Berry
- Curveball
- Excellent Throw
- Circle Lock Technique
Beginner-Friendly Tip
If Excellent throws are hard:
- Aim for consistent Great throws first
- Consistency matters more than random Excellent attempts
Common Raid Mistakes Against Tapu Bulu
Many trainers underestimate it because it looks bulky rather than aggressive, but its moves can punish bad team choices very quickly.
Using Dragon-Type Pokémon
Why It’s Bad
Tapu Bulu’s Fairy typing completely destroys Dragons.
Common Bad Picks
- Dragonite
- Rayquaza
- Salamence
What Happens
- Fairy moves hit Dragons super effectively
- Your team faints very quickly
- Huge revive waste
Ignoring Poison-Type Counters
Biggest Beginner Error
Many players forget Tapu Bulu has a double weakness to Poison.
Best Strategy
Use strong Poison attackers like:
- Nihilego
- Mega Beedrill
- Roserade
Using Water Types
Why This Fails
Grass attacks destroy Water Pokémon.
Common Mistakes
Using:
- Kyogre
- Swampert
Result
- Fast knockouts
- Low overall damage contribution
Not Checking Raid Boss Moveset
Tapu Bulu can run dangerous moves like:
- Grass Knot
- Dazzling Gleam
- Megahorn
Why It Matters
Different moves destroy different counters.
- Megahorn can punish Psychic-types
- Dazzling Gleam destroys Dragons/Darks
Using Recommended Team Blindly
Auto-Recommendation Trap
The game often suggests:
- Bulky Pokémon
- Neutral tanks
Instead of:
- Actual high DPS counters
No Mega Evolution Support
Missed Team Damage Boost
Mega Pokémon help the entire raid lobby.
Best Megas
- Mega Beedrill
- Mega Gengar
Benefit
- Faster clear times
- More Premier Balls
- Better success in small groups
Dodging Everything
Overdodging Problem
Some players spend too much time dodging.
Result
- Massive DPS loss
- Raid timer becomes dangerous
Correct Strategy
- Dodge only big charged moves
- Keep attacking consistently
Bringing Underleveled Counters
Common Issue
Using low CP Pokémon with correct typing but poor stats.
Better Choice
A powered-up neutral attacker is often better than:
- Weak low-level super effective Pokémon
Poor Weather Planning
Weather Changes Raid Difficulty
Dangerous Weather
- Sunny Weather:
- Boosts Grass attacks
- Makes Tapu Bulu stronger
Helpful Weather
- Cloudy Weather
- Boosts Poison counters
Attempting Small Groups Without Preparation
Tapu Bulu Is Bulkier Than Expected
Duo/trio attempts require:
- Strong counters
- Correct movesets
- High levels
Common Failure
Running out of time rather than fainting.
Related Posts
You may also find these Pokémon GO raid guides helpful: