Pokémon GO Kubfu Guide: How to Get & Evolve in Detail
Kubfu, the beloved "Wushu Pokémon," has quickly become one of the most sought-after fighters in Pokémon GO. Unlike typical evolutions in the game, you can't simply tap a button to evolve it. Instead, you must complete specific challenges and make a permanent, one-time choice that determines its final form.
This guide covers how to get Kubfu, how evolve Kubfu in Pokémon GO, and an analysis of which Kubfu evolution is better for your team.
Part 1. How to Get Kubfu in Pokemon GO
Since Kubfu is a Legendary Pokémon, you won’t find it wandering in the wild. Below are 2 possible ways to get Kubfu in Pokémon GO currently.
Method 1. Trade Kubfu with Friends
Right now, trading is the most reliable way to get Kubfu in Pokémon GO if you didn't catch it during its release period. Because Kubfu is a Legendary Pokémon, trading for one (especially if it's not yet registered in your Pokédex) counts as a Special Trade. This means it can cost up to 1,000,000 Stardust unless you have a high Friendship Level with the other Trainer.
Whenever possible, aim for a Lucky Trade, which guarantees your Kubfu will have strong IVs (at least 12/12/12) and will cost significantly less Stardust to power up.
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Method 2. Complete Special Research Tasks
Kubfu was first introduced in Pokémon GO through exclusive Might and Mastery Special Research lines. If you participated during its debut season, you might still have a chance to claim it.
- Might and Mastery: Trainers who logged in between March 5 and June 3, 2025 automatically received this free Special Research. Completing the very first page rewards you with a Kubfu encounter, making it one of the easiest ways to obtain your first Kubfu.
- Fuzzy Fighter: For players who wanted an additional Kubfu, a paid ticket called Fuzzy Fighter was also available. This optional research line allowed dedicated Trainers to secure a second Kubfu - useful if you're aiming for both Urshifu evolutions.
Note
If either of these research lines is still sitting in your Special Research tab, you're in luck! Pokémon GO Special Research never expires, which means you can finish them anytime and still receive your Kubfu encounter.
Part 2. How to Evolve Kubfu in Pokémon GO
To unlock the Kubfu evolution into either of its Urshifu forms, you must complete a set of challenge-based requirements - not just feed it Candy. In this part, you'll learn how to evolve Kubfu in Pokémon GO step by step.
Trainer Tip
Kubfu does not need to fight in Raids or Max Battles for its evolution requirements. It only needs to be your active Buddy walking next to your avatar on the map.
Option 1. Evolve Kubfu into Urshifu (Single Strike Style)
Urshifu Single Strike Style form is Fighting / Dark type. It delivers one powerful, decisive blow - great for burst damage.
How to evolve:
Step 1. Set Kubfu as your buddy Pokémon.
Step 2. Collect 200 Kubfu Candy through Special Research rewards, Rare Candy, or walking (1 Candy for every 20 km).
Step 3. Defeat 30 Dark-type Pokémon in Raids or Max Battles.
Trainer Tip
Target 1-Star Raids with Dark-type bosses for the fastest progress.
Here's all the moves of Urshifu (Single Strike Style) and their performance:
| Fast Attacks | Damage | Energy | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sucker Punch | 5 | 6 | 0.5s |
| Rock Smash | 17 | 12 | 1.5s |
| Counter | 13 | 9 | 1.0s |
| Charged Moves | Damage | Energy | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick Break | 40 | 33 | 1.5s |
| Close Combat | 105 | 100 | 2.5s |
| Dynamic Punch | 85 | 50 | 2.5s |
| Payback | 95 | 100 | 2.0s |
Option 2. Evolve Kubfu into Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style)
This form is Fighting / Water type. It focuses on fast, fluid, multi-hit strikes - ideal for sustained pressure.
How to evolve:
Step 1. Set Kubfu as your buddy Pokémon.
Step 2. Collect 200 Kubfu Candy through Special Research rewards, Rare Candy, or walking.
Step 3. Defeat 30 Water-type Pokémon in Raids or Max Battles.
Trainer Tip
Farm 1-Star Raids that feature Water-type Pokémon to complete this quickly.
Here's all the moves of Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style) and their performance:
| Fast Attacks | Damage | Energy | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Smash | 17 | 12 | 1.5s |
| Counter | 13 | 9 | 1.0s |
| Waterfall | 13 | 7 | 1.0s |
| Charged Moves | Damage | Energy | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | 45 | 33 | 2.5s |
| Brick Break | 40 | 33 | 1.5s |
| Close Combat | 105 | 100 | 2.5s |
| Dynamic Punch | 85 | 50 | 2.5s |
Part 3. Which Kubfu Evolution is Better in Pokémon GO
Choosing Kubfu's evolution is one of the most important decisions you'll make - because once it evolves, the choice is permanent. Overall, Urshifu (Single Strike Style) is generally considered the stronger and more versatile option, especially for players who enjoy PvP battles.
Below is a quick comparison to help you decide which evolution fits your goals:
| Feature | Urshifu (Single Strike Style) | Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style) |
|---|---|---|
| Typing | Fighting / Dark | Fighting / Water |
| Best For | Master League PvP | PvE (Raids) & Specific PvP Niches |
| Weaknesses | Fairy, Flying, Fighting | Fairy, Flying, Grass, Electric, Psychic |
| Top Moveset | Counter + Dynamic Punch | Counter + Dynamic Punch |
Best Pick for PvP: Urshifu (Single Strike Style)
When it comes to Player vs. Player battles, Single Strike Urshifu stands out. Its Fighting/Dark typing gives it excellent coverage and allows it to pressure some of the most dominant Master League Pokémon, including Dialga, Metagross, and Giratina. This makes it a reliable addition to any competitive PvP team.
Best Pick for Raids (PvE): Slight Edge for Single Strike, but Both Are Solid
Both Urshifu forms perform well in PvE content, but they face different levels of competition:
- Rapid Strike Urshifu competes with top-tier Water attackers like Kyogre and Swampert, which limits its overall value.
- Single Strike Urshifu, however, shines as a strong Dark-type attacker, making it useful in more situations - especially against Psychic- and Ghost-type raid bosses.
Because of this broader utility, most Trainers get more long-term value from Urshifu (Single Strike Style).
Part 4. FAQs on Pokémon GO Kubfu
-
1. Can You Trade Kubfu in Pokémon GO?
Yes! Currently, Kubfu and both Urshifu forms can be traded in Pokémon GO. Because Kubfu is a Legendary Pokémon, the trade will count as a Special Trade, which can cost extra Stardust if it's not already in your Pokédex.
-
2. Is Kubfu Good in Pokémon GO?
On its own, Kubfu is not strong in battles due to its low base stats. However, its evolution, Urshifu, is extremely powerful.
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3. Can I Get and Evolve Kubfu into Both Forms of Urshifu?
Yes. To get both forms, you need two Kubfu. Most players only receive one for free, so your second must come from the Fuzzy Fighter paid research (if you bought it) or by trading with another player. Once you have two, you can evolve one into Single Strike and the other into Rapid Strike.
Part 5. Conclusion
Now you know how to evolve Kubfu on Pokémon GO and which evolution is best for your team. Just set Kubfu as your Buddy, keep an eye on local Raids featuring Dark- or Water-type Pokémon, and gather enough Kubfu Candy to trigger its evolution.
And most importantly, don't forget, if you want to shorten your trading distance or find more Raids, especially in rural areas, TunesKit Location Changer can make your Pokémon GO journey much easier and more convenient.
