If you’ve ever wandered through the wilds of Pokémon GO and stumbled upon the name Tapu Bulu, you might have paused and thought, “Who or what is that?” You’re not alone. While Pikachu and Charizard are household names, Tapu Bulu flies a little under the radar—but it’s an absolute powerhouse worth knowing about. Whether you’re a casual trainer or someone trying to up their Raid game, this guide will take you on a journey to understand, catch, and use Tapu Bulu like a pro.
Let’s dive into the lush forests and sacred shrines of the Alola region and get to know this majestic creature better.
What is Tapu Bulu?
Imagine a legendary bull crossed with a nature spirit. Tapu Bulu is one of the Guardian Deities of the Alola region, a protector of Ula’ula Island in the main series Pokémon games. In Pokémon GO, it keeps its mystical aura and adds a whole lot of battle potential to your team.
This Pokémon belongs to the Grass and Fairy types, which makes it a unique blend in terms of strengths and weaknesses. It’s not just another pretty face—Tapu Bulu brings a solid performance to battles and raids alike.
Where Does Tapu Bulu Come From?
Tapu Bulu first made its debut in Pokémon Sun and Moon on the Nintendo 3DS as one of four guardian spirits. Each of these “Tapus” looks after one of Alola’s islands. Bulu is the most stoic and has a deep connection to vegetation, even having the power to make plants grow wildly with a stomp of its hooves.
Think of it as Mother Nature’s horned guardian—equal parts gentle and fierce.
How to Catch Tapu Bulu in Pokémon GO
Now for the real question—how do you get Tapu Bulu in Pokémon GO?
Raid Battles: Your Main Gateway
Tapu Bulu typically appears in 5-star Raid Battles during special events or seasonal rotations. When it’s available, you’ll find it towering in Gyms, waiting for trainers to challenge it.
Watch the Event Calendar
Keep an eye on Niantic’s official Pokémon GO blog, social media pages, or the in-game Today View for announcements. Tapu Bulu doesn’t stick around forever, so time your gameplay right.
Remote Raid Invites
Can’t find one nearby? Use Remote Raid Passes or join online communities (like Discord or Reddit’s Pokémon GO threads) to get invited to a Tapu Bulu raid anywhere in the world.
Best Counters to Beat Tapu Bulu in Raids
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Tapu Bulu can be tough. But every giant has a weakness, and this one’s got a few.
Know Its Weaknesses
Thanks to its Grass/Fairy typing, Tapu Bulu is vulnerable to:
- Poison
- Fire
- Flying
- Steel
- Ice
Top Counter Pokémon
Here are some tried-and-true counters:
- Mega Gengar or Roserade with Poison-type moves
- Moltres with Fire and Flying moves
- Metagross with Steel attacks
- Ho-Oh with Flying and Fire-type charge moves
The key here? Prioritize Poison types—they hit Tapu Bulu the hardest.
Is Tapu Bulu Worth Powering Up?
Let’s say you beat it. Great! But should you actually invest stardust and candies into powering it up?
In PvE (Gyms and Raids)
Tapu Bulu doesn’t shine the brightest here. Its attack stat is solid but not game-changing. You might find other Grass or Fairy types like Roserade or Togekiss more efficient for raw damage output.
In PvP (GO Battle League)
This is where Tapu Bulu starts to show off. It’s especially useful in Ultra League thanks to its Fairy typing (which resists Dragon) and its access to strong moves like Bullet Seed and Grass Knot.
If you’re looking for a slightly off-meta pick that can surprise opponents, Tapu Bulu is a sleeper hit.
Tapu Bulu’s Move Pool and Best Moveset
Moves can make or break a Pokémon in battle. So, what does Tapu Bulu bring to the table?
Fast Moves
- Bullet Seed (Grass)
- Rock Smash (Fighting)
Charge Moves
- Grass Knot (Grass)
- Dazzling Gleam (Fairy)
- Megahorn (Bug)
Recommended Moveset
For PvP and general use:
- Bullet Seed + Grass Knot and Dazzling Gleam
Bullet Seed charges energy quickly, letting you unleash powerful charge moves often.
Shiny Tapu Bulu: Is It Available?
The glittering question every trainer loves to ask—can you catch a shiny Tapu Bulu?
As of early 2025, yes, Shiny Tapu Bulu has been released in Pokémon GO. You’ll need to be lucky to find one during its active Raid rotation. The shiny version features a darker, more dramatic red and black color palette, which adds a layer of mystique to an already majestic Pokémon.
Tapu Bulu’s Stats and IVs: What to Look For
Max CP
- Level 40: 3412
- Level 50 (with XL Candies): 3853
Base Stats
- Attack: 249
- Defense: 215
- Stamina: 172
Perfect IV (100%)
When catching Tapu Bulu from a raid, look for:
- CP 1910 (no weather boost)
- CP 2387 (with sunny/cloudy weather boost)
Weather Boosts: When to Hunt
Weather conditions can boost Tapu Bulu’s stats during Raids. Here’s how that works:
- Sunny Weather boosts its Grass moves
- Cloudy Weather boosts its Fairy moves
These boosts make it hit harder and appear at higher CP when caught. Be strategic—if you’re chasing a high-IV Tapu Bulu, plan your raids around these conditions.
Using Tapu Bulu in Gym Defense
Tapu Bulu isn’t just for battling. You can also place it in Gyms to defend your turf.
While it won’t hold out forever against super-effective types, its unusual typing and decent bulk can force attackers to rethink their strategy. Throw in a berry every so often, and you’ve got a pretty reliable Gym defender that looks cool too.
The Lore Behind Tapu Bulu
Beyond stats and battles, Tapu Bulu has a spiritual side. It’s a guardian spirit, a deity tied to nature and growth. Unlike the other Tapus, Bulu is less aggressive and avoids unnecessary conflict.
It carries a bell-like structure on its head, symbolizing its connection to rituals and protection. Some fans even compare it to a sacred totem—a living embodiment of the land it guards.
Tips for New Trainers Encountering Tapu Bulu
If this is your first Tapu Bulu encounter, don’t stress. Here are a few quick tips:
- Use Golden Razz Berries for easier catches
- Throw Curveballs for bonus catch rate
- Coordinate with friends—Raiding is easier in groups
- Practice your throws—Aim for Excellent if you can
- Check IVs using the appraisal system
Every encounter is a chance to learn. Even if you don’t catch it the first time, you’ll come back stronger.
Conclusion: Tapu Bulu—More Than Just a Raid Boss
Whether you’re chasing its shiny form, building your Ultra League team, or just filling your Pokédex, Tapu Bulu adds depth and beauty to Pokémon GO. It’s more than a raid boss—it’s a protector, a symbol of nature, and a unique Pokémon that deserves a little spotlight.
So the next time Tapu Bulu shows up on your radar, don’t just walk by. Rally your team, stock up on passes, and step into the raid with confidence. Who knows? You might just walk away with one of the most intriguing Pokémon in your collection.
FAQs About Tapu Bulu in Pokémon GO
1. Can Tapu Bulu be caught solo in raids?
No, Tapu Bulu is a Tier 5 raid boss, and it’s not recommended to attempt it alone. You’ll need at least 3–5 high-level trainers using proper counters to defeat it.
2. What is the best time to catch Tapu Bulu?
Aim for sunny or cloudy weather to get a weather-boosted version with higher CP. These conditions also power up your Fire or Poison attackers.
3. Is Tapu Bulu better in raids or PvP?
While it can be used in raids, Tapu Bulu shines more in Ultra League PvP thanks to its Fairy typing and versatile moves.
4. How rare is shiny Tapu Bulu?
Shiny Tapu Bulu is a rare encounter, typically with a 1 in 20 chance during raid events. You’ll need patience and persistence to catch one.
5. What’s the easiest way to find Tapu Bulu raids near me?
Check the in-game nearby radar, join Pokémon GO communities, or use apps like PokéRaid to get invited to ongoing raids worldwide.
