Kapu-Toro Movesets & Wettbewerbs-Sets

Horn Leech allows Tapu Bulu to gain recovery while still having a strong move to hit Primarina, Crawdaunt, and Lycanroc-D. Dazzling Gleam is able to sometimes OHKO Kommo-o and deals good damage to Zarude and Buzzwole. Toxic punishes switch-ins such as Rotom-H and Salamence. Synthesis is reliable recovery, but it should only be used sparingly due to its low PP. Heavy-Duty Boots is the preferred item, but Rocky Helmet can be used to punish contact moves from Zarude, Krookodile, and Gyarados. The EV spread is to outspeed Choice Specs Primarina while maximizing physical bulk to better check Buzzwole and Lycanroc-D. Defensive Tapu Bulu is mainly found on stall and balance teams, as they appreciate it bringing Grassy Terrain for extra recovery. Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro and SubToxic Aegislash are great partners, as they can deal with Amoonguss and Togekiss, respectively. In return, Tapu Bulu is able to handle Krookodile, Rhyperior, Zarude, and Crawdaunt for these Pokemon. Chansey is able to check non-Dragon Dance Salamence and other special attackers such as Nidoking and Nihilego; Tapu Bulu beats Keldeo, one of the few special attackers that can break through Chansey. Umbreon provides Wish support so that Tapu Bulu does not have to use Synthesis often while also checking Salamence and Aegislash. Fire-types such as Entei and Moltres help deal with Jirachi, Amoonguss, and Aegislash, which wall it.

Horn Leech is the preferred STAB option thanks to its recovery and respectable damage. Stone Edge is crucial coverage to break past Pokemon like Chandelure, Moltres, and Salamence. Close Combat lets Tapu Bulu break through Cobalion and hit other Steel-types like Jirachi and Celesteela harder; however, dropping Stone Edge leaves it unable to punish the common Flying-types, particularly Moltres, which can fish for a burn with Flame Body. Zen Headbutt breaks through Amoonguss, Kommo-o, and Buzzwole. Megahorn can help against Tangrowth; however, its coverage isn't very useful otherwise. Darkest Lariat can be used to hit Pokemon like Jirachi, Aegislash, and Chandelure harder. Life Orb with an Adamant nature gives +2 Tapu Bulu the extra power needed to KO foes like Tangrowth and Celesteela. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed Buzzwole and Timid Volcanion, though Adamant's power is generally valued more. Tapu Bulu fits best on offense and balance teams that appreciate its combination of utility and wallbreaking potential. Rotom-W can lure in foes like Seismitoad, giving Tapu Bulu free opportunities to use Swords Dance. Rotom-W can also remove foes like Moltres and wear down Kommo-o and Amoonguss into KO range of Tapu Bulu's attacks. Other wallbreakers like Conkeldurr and Nidoking can help break through defensive cores that Tapu Bulu struggles with. Keldeo appreciates Tapu Bulu being able to lure in and remove bulky Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Tentacruel is appreciated as another Water-resistant Pokemon, as Tapu Bulu doesn't want to risk a burn from Keldeo's Scald, for example. Although Tapu Bulu is a Fairy-type, it struggles to consistently check a majority of Dragon-types, such as Salamence and Kommo-o, due to its lack of a good Fairy-type attack and its weakness to their common coverage. For this reason, partners like Celesteela and Aegislash are imperative.

Set Description This Tapu Bulu set aims to outspeed and defeat Pokemon that the defensive set struggles against, such as Magnezone and Icy Wind Cresselia, thanks to the combination of Substitute + Disable. Leech Seed alongside Grassy Surge provides Tapu Bulu with reliable recovery, draining health from bulky foes that are not threatened by Tapu Bulu's STAB move, such as Registeel. Leech Seed + Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to defeat Aromatisse. Substitute synergizes well with Leech Seed, as this combination allows Tapu Bulu to defeat slower Pokemon like Assault Vest Registeel. Wood Hammer OHKOes Water-type foes like Primarina and non-stall Azumarill, as well as dealing a decent amount of damage to neutral targets like Urshifu-S and Dracovish thanks to Grassy Surge. EVs Running 160 HP EVs helps Tapu Bulu tank any attack from Choice Specs Tapu Fini, while 28 Defense EVs allow Tapu Bulu to easily survive Blaze Kick from Choice Band Zeraora and Poison Jab from both Choice Scarf Urshifu-S and Choice Scarf Haxorus. The Speed EVs help Tapu Bulu outrun Magnezone and Celesteela. Usage Tips The primary goal of this set is to effectively utilize Substitute + Disable to block and neutralize incoming attacks from slower foes that would otherwise threaten Tapu Bulu with overwhelming damage. Tapu Bulu should use Substitute on the first turn against Magnezone using Flash Cannon, followed by Disable and Leech Seed to secure the win. Substitute on the first two turns is a safe option to scout Magnezone's set if you are not sure about it being Choice Specs, as Metal Sound Magnezone can defeat Tapu Bulu. The same sequence applies to matchups like Choice Band Steelix and Choice Band Aggron. Against faster threats like Choice Scarf Haxorus running Poison Jab, Tapu Bulu should use Disable first and Leech Seed the turn after. Tapu Bulu secures the win against Assault Vest Registeel by using Leech Seed on the first turn, Substitute until it can't use Substitute anymore due to low HP, and then Wood Hammer; the damage on the final turn is enough thanks to Leech Seed wearing Registeel down.

Set Description The combination of Grassy Seed, Grassy Surge, and Tapu Bulu's highly competitive typing allows it to defeat common physical attackers like both Urshifu formes, Azumarill, Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, and Zeraora. Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to defeat Water-types like Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Huge Power Azumarill while also dealing a good amount of damage to neutral targets such as Zeraora thanks to the boost from Grassy Surge. Horn Leech helps in matchups where the provided recovery makes a difference, such as Custap Berry Sawk and some Glastrier sets, although Wood Hammer is a better option to secure rolls such as OHKOing Choice Band Urshifu-R and Choice Specs Tapu Fini. Disable helps against threatening Choice item attackers such as Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan and Choice Band Landorus-T. Leech Seed and Synthesis provide reliable recovery; Leech Seed combined with Wood Hammer allows Tapu Bulu to have a better matchup against Aromatisse, while Synthesis is another option that works well with Disable against foes like non-Choice Scarf Metagross. In the final moveslot, Taunt prevents stall Pokemon like Chansey from using Toxic, and Dazzling Gleam completely shatters Urshifu-S. The combination of Taunt + Disable allows Tapu Bulu to secure the win against common stall threats like Kee Berry Cresselia and Sap Sipper Azumarill, the latter of which is commonly used to defeat Grass-types. Bulk Up boosts allow Tapu Bulu to defeat Custap Berry Aggron and, in conjunction with Taunt, break through bulky Pokemon like opposing Tapu Bulu. EVs The Defense and HP investments allow Tapu Bulu to survive Choice Band Aggron's Heavy Slam. 56 Speed EVs is important to let Tapu Bulu outspeed Adamant Choice Band Aggron and Crustle. Usage Tips This set serves a diverse role in the metagame; for example, it is able to defeat stall Pokemon like Kee Berry and non-Icy Wind Leftovers Cresselia with the combination of using Taunt on the first turn and then using Disable on the only attack Cresselia has, forcing it to use Struggle. Tapu Bulu is also reliable against physical attackers that can't tank multiple Wood Hammer boosted by Grassy Surge, such as Zeraora, while its typing allows it to secure the win against threats like Urshifu-R and Rhyperior. However, there are a few matchups that are not straightforward: Against Crustle, opening with Leech Seed negates its Sturdy ability, ensuring that a follow-up Wood Hammer secures the KO; since Crustle doesn't survive Wood Hammer after using Shell Smash, this sequence guarantees the win. Against Chansey, you should be aware of Counter and Toxic, so Tapu Bulu should use Taunt on the first turn and then Leech Seed + Disable on the Seismic Toss, only clicking Wood Hammer when Chansey is in KO range to avoid Counter. Disable can be used to defeat Choice Band Arcanine and Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan, as the Grassy Seed boost and the EVs in Defense allow Tapu Bulu to tank a Flare Blitz and Icicle Crash, respectively. Using Disable the first turn, followed by a recovery move like Leech Seed or Synthesis, allows Tapu Bulu to win both matchups via forcing them to use Struggle. Tapu Bulu defeats most Urshifu-S sets with Dazzling Gleam. In the case of not running Dazzling Gleam, be aware that Choiced Urshifu-S could lure Tapu Bulu in with Poison Jab, which 2HKOes it. Therefore, if you suspect this kind of lure, use Disable on the first turn to secure the win. Choice Scarf Haxorus also threatens Tapu Bulu with Poison Jab, so Disable on the first turn is the right move in this matchup too. Against Azumarill, Tapu Bulu can safely use Wood Hammer on the first turn, and if it's Sap Sipper, Tapu Bulu wins by using the combination of Taunt + Disable. Tapu Bulu can defeat Aromatisse if running Leech Seed, as it secures the win by using Wood Hammer turn one and Leech Seed turn two.

Swords Dance Tapu Bulu utilizes its great bulk to set up and immensely pressure types such as Ground, Water, Steel, and Electric for Fairy teams. Horn Leech deals with Ground- and Water-types such as Excadrill, Rotom-W, and Slowbro and provides longevity, making Tapu Bulu harder to revenge kill. High Horsepower threatens Steel- and Poison-types such as Aegislash, Dragalge, and Toxapex. Close Combat deals with other Steel-types such as Celesteela, Melmetal, and Ferrothorn, and it also allows Tapu Bulu to pick off weakened defensive Pokemon such as Mandibuzz. Babiri Berry allows it to lure in and remove Excadrill for Fairy teams, while Life Orb allows it to OHKO Toxapex and Melmetal at +2 with High Horsepower and Close Combat, respectively. Alternatively, Leftovers turns Tapu Bulu into a bulky sweeper that can be difficult for teams such as Fairy, Electric, and Water teams to take down, as it stacks with Grassy Terrain and Horn Leech recovery. 232 Speed EVs let it outspeed and remove offensive variants of Celesteela and Tyranitar, as well as common defensive Pokemon such as Rotom-W and specially defensive Heatran. Klefki is an excellent teammate for Tapu Bulu, as it sets dual screens to help Tapu Bulu set up safely, sets Spikes to wear down the opposing team, and can wall and paralyze Poison-types such as Nihilego and Gengar for it. In return, Tapu Bulu provides Grassy Terrain to dampen Earthquake and takes on Ground-types such as Excadrill and Swampert. Calm Mind Clefable is a bulky special setup sweeper that works well with Tapu Bulu, as both wear down defensive Pokemon such as Celesteela, Heatran, and Toxapex, allowing one of them to eventually overwhelm teams such as Steel and Water teams. Azumarill deals with Fire-types such as Victini and Blacephalon, and it can use a Belly Drum set to break down types such as Poison and Steel late-game. Calm Mind Tapu Fini is a bulky special setup sweeper that loves Tapu Bulu's ability to wear down Ferrothorn, Dragalge, and Celesteela, and in return it deals with Heatran, Hydreigon, and Dragonite. Tapu Koko checks fast threats such as Galarian Moltres and Weavile, can pivot Tapu Bulu in against bulky defensive Pokemon that it can threaten such as Swampert, Galarian Slowking, and Ferrothorn, and deals with Flying-types such as Celesteela and Crobat. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele deals with faster Poison- and Dragon-types such as Nidoking and Kyurem, and it appreciates Tapu Bulu dealing with defensive Pokemon such as Celesteela, Tyranitar, and Slowking, as this allows Tapu Lele to clean types like Flying, Dark, and Water late-game. Hatterene is a bulky Calm Mind sweeper that provides entry hazard control in the form of Magic Bounce, which stops Toxapex's Toxic Spikes from wearing down Tapu Bulu, allowing it to pressure teams such as Water and Poison teams more consistently. Hatterene also appreciates Tapu Bulu's ability to remove Pokemon that wall it such as Magnezone and specially defensive Tyranitar, allowing it to sweep types such as Electric and Dark late-game.

Swords Dance allows Tapu Bulu to excel on Grass teams and muscle past Pokemon that it wouldn't normally be able to, such as Ferrothorn and Galarian Weezing, while easing up pressure on its teammates such as Rillaboom and Zarude. Horn Leech allows Tapu Bulu to remain healthy while also taking on Pokemon such as Clefable and Porygon2. Close Combat defeats threatening Steel-type Pokemon after a Swords Dance boost, such as Ferrothorn and specially defensive Heatran, and also heavily pressures Celesteela. Zen Headbutt allows Tapu Bulu to take on Poison-type foes after a Swords Dance boost such as Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Galarian Weezing, allowing it to muscle past Poison teams, which its teammates appreciate. Life Orb gives Tapu Bulu a boost to damage without much drawback, as the recovery from Horn Leech in tandem with Grassy Terrain allows it to ignore the recoil. Grassy Terrain also boosts Horn Leech, and it gives recovery and boosts Grass-type moves for the rest of the team. Maximum Speed EVs outspeed offensive Celesteela, Volcanion, and Adamant Bisharp, which can all be troublesome for Grass teams. Rillaboom provides Grassy Terrain alongside Tapu Bulu for the rest of its team, and it can remove Leftovers from bulky Pokemon that take a +2 hit from Tapu Bulu, such as Celesteela and Corviknight, with Knock Off. Also, its Grassy Glide threatens offensive Pokemon such as Galarian Darmanitan and Nidoking, which can help Tapu Bulu break through teams without being forced out. Choice Scarf Zarude provides valuable revenge killing for Grass teams and defeats Psychic-type Pokemon that threaten Tapu Bulu, such as Victini and Tapu Lele, while pivoting on bulky Pokemon it lures in such as Ferrothorn, which Tapu Bulu can beat. Ferrothorn is great in making the defensive backbone of a Grass team, switching into Ice- and Bug-type moves from Pokemon such as Weavile and Golisopod, as well as setting an entry hazard in either Stealth Rock or Spikes. Cradily is able to switch into special-attacking Pokemon such as Zapdos, Galarian Moltres, and Kyurem, which can all prove troublesome to Grass, while also providing Stealth Rock to help Tapu Bulu break through teams more easily. Amoonguss switches into physical attackers that can threaten the rest of Grass such as Dragon Dance Dragapult and Mimikyu, provides utility in Spore and Clear Smog to stop setup sweepers such as Zarude and Dragonite, and can absorb Toxic Spikes.

Offensive Tapu Bulu is a wallbreaker utilizing its great coverage options to break through Pokemon such as Corviknight, Amoonguss, and Mega Latias, which often stop other offensive Grass-types like Rillaboom and Kartana. Furthermore, its good bulk in tandem with recovery from Grassy Terrain and Horn Leech lets it stay healthy throughout games. However, it struggles to check threats such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko in the long term due to its lack of reliable recovery and non-exemplary bulk, as well as facing competition from Rillaboom and Kartana. Stone Edge lets Tapu Bulu nail Grass-resistant Pokemon such as Zapdos, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona. Close Combat dissuades Pokemon like Heatran, Melmetal, Ferrothorn, and Hydreigon from pivoting into Horn Leech. Rockium Z and Continental Crush let it OHKO Mega Latias and Amoonguss at +2 while significantly damaging Corviknight and Skarmory. Fightinium Z lets Tapu Bulu OHKO Corviknight and Skarmory when boosted after Stealth Rock, as well as OHKOing Heatran and Ferrothorn unboosted, but it is generally not preferred because Continental Crush severely damages Corviknight and Skarmory anyway, and Heatran and Ferrothorn do not want to switch in due to Close Combat. The given EV spread maximizes Tapu Bulu’s recovery from Grassy Terrain, avoids the 2HKO from Ash-Greninja’s Hydro Pump, and outspeeds Magnezone and Tyranitar. Tapu Bulu fits on bulky offense and offensive teams that appreciate its offensive capabilities and decent defensive merits. Mega Latios and Calm Mind Tapu Fini appreciate Tapu Bulu's ability to lure in the likes of Corviknight and Amoonguss. Pokemon such as Melmetal, Kartana, Serperior, and Ash-Greninja enjoy Tapu Bulu pressuring bulky Grass- and Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Corviknight. Kartana and Serperior especially are exceptional partners, as each benefits from Tapu Bulu breaking through their checks like Corviknight, Mega Latias, and Amoonguss, and Grassy Terrain makes their main STAB moves harder to switch into. Pokemon such as Heatran and Galarian Slowking appreciate Grassy Terrain lessening their Earthquake weakness. Due to Tapu Bulu's lack of reliable recovery, secondary checks to Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Ash-Greninja are needed, like Gastrodon and Tapu Fini, as it can easily get overwhelmed. Due to its Fire weakness, it is easily forced out by the likes of Mega Charizard Y and offensive Heatran, so checks to these such as Toxapex and Gliscor are great teammates.

Tapu Bulu's great defensive typing, good bulk, and stellar ability to summon Grassy Terrain let it check many Pokemon: Water-types such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Fini, Ground-types such as Gliscor and non-Flyinium-Z Landorus-T, Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zeraora, and Dragon-types such as Mega Latias, Garchomp, and Hydreigon. Swords Dance and a respectable Attack stat make it an offensive threat as well. However, Tapu Bulu faces competition from more specialized offensive or defensive Grass-types such as Rillaboom, Kartana, Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss. It also struggles to switch into defensive Water-types like Toxapex, Slowbro, and Slowking, as it fears a Scald burn. With Grassy Terrain, Horn Leech hits neutral Pokemon such as Tapu Lele, Garchomp, and Gliscor hard, as well as providing recovery. Superpower lets Tapu Bulu hit Grass-resistant Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Corviknight, and it's chosen over Close Combat due to not reducing Tapu Bulu's Special Defense, letting it check Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko effectively. Synthesis gives Tapu Bulu reliable recovery, which allows it to check Pokemon such as Greninja and Tapu Koko. Protect can be used over Synthesis to scout moves from Tapu Lele and Magnezone, as well as weakening Z-Moves from the likes of Supersonic Skystrike Landorus-T and Continental Crush Garchomp. It's also notably better than Synthesis on sand teams. The given EV spread allows Tapu Bulu to maximize its recovery from Leftovers and Grassy Terrain, survive a boosted Fire Fang from Mega Garchomp, and outspeed Mega Mawile, with the rest left to Special Defense to handle Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko better. Tapu Bulu fits on bulky offense teams that appreciate its defensive and offensive capabilities. Ground-weak partners such as Toxapex and Galarian Slowking greatly enjoy Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain weakening Earthquake. Water-weak Pokemon such as Heatran and Landorus-T are also good partners, as Tapu Bulu's typing lets it consistently check threatening Water-type Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja. Volcarona and Heatran are especially great, as they take advantage of the bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss that Tapu Bulu lures in. The passive recovery from Grassy Terrain gives Pokemon lacking reliable recovery such as Tyranitar and Melmetal vastly increased longevity. However, Tyranitar's summoned sand makes Synthesis less effective. Grass-types such as Kartana and Serperior benefit greatly from Grassy Terrain strengthening their main STAB options, making them much harder to check defensively and overwhelming checks they share with Tapu Bulu such as Corviknight, Volcarona, and Zapdos. Water-types such as Toxapex and Slowking can switch into Fire-types like Mega Charizard Y and Heatran that force Tapu Bulu out; meanwhile, Tapu Bulu is able to switch into Electric-types such as Zeraora and Tapu Koko. As Tapu Bulu is very weak to Flying-types like Corviknight, Zapdos, Skarmory, and Supersonic Skystrike Landorus-T, good checks to these like Heatran, Magnezone, and Corviknight are good partners. Heatran is again exemplary, further having its Earthquake weakness reduced, gaining much needed passive recovery from Grassy Terrain, and checking the Flying- and Fire-types that Tapu Bulu struggles to deal with.

Thanks to Triage and its powerful Horn Leech, Tapu Bulu is a strong cleaner with great power in AAA. +3 priority Horn Leech makes up for Tapu Bulu's poor Speed and outpaces most forms of speed control, allowing it to clean up weakened teams in addition to wallbreaking for teammates. Due to its decent bulk and useful set of resistances, plus the threat of Horn Leech, Tapu Bulu is able to set up with Swords Dance on many prominent attackers including Tapu Koko, Barraskewda, and Zarude. Thanks to Horn Leech's significant recovery, Tapu Bulu is able to utilize Life Orb and even take damage while setting up and still power through opposing teams. Close Combat provides strong coverage, OHKOing Heatran after Stealth Rock and doing significant damage to Corviknight when boosted. The last moveslot is flexible; Stone Edge hits common Grass-resistant Pokemon like Zapdos, Mandibuzz, Talonflame, and Volcarona, while Darkest Lariat beats Dauntless Shield Mew and defense boosters like Bulk Up Corviknight. 132 Speed EVs outspeeds defensive Heatran and Moltres while still maintaining extra bulk to help with setup. A faster spread of 72 HP / 252 Atk / 184 Spe with a Jolly nature is another option to outspeed Modest Heatran. Tapu Bulu is a great choice for balance and offense teams that want a cleaner that can also serve as a wallbreaker. Due to its ability to lure in and weaken common physical walls like Intimidate Corviknight, it pairs well with other strong physical attackers like Terrakion and Barraskewda. Tapu Bulu struggles to beat fast Fire- and Flying-types such as Entei, Cinderace, Talonflame, and Zapdos, as they resist Horn Leech and can OHKO it back. Strong answers to these, like Primordial Sea Zapdos, Flash Fire Corviknight, and Blissey make good partners. Tapu Bulu enjoys coming in on special walls that it can threaten out, giving it a free turn to attack or set up; Tapu Koko is a great option to lure in and pivot out on Blissey and Assault Vest Jirachi. Partners that can set and keep Stealth Rock up like Mold Breaker Heatran help Tapu Bulu clean by chipping foes over time. Mandibuzz and Choice Scarf Regenerator Genesect are both strong checks to Tapu Bulu, so solid switch-ins to these like Corviknight and Heatran can help check these threats. Psychic Surge Azelf is difficult for Tapu Bulu to handle due to it blocking Horn Leech, making partners like Jirachi solid choices.

Moves Wood Hammer helps Tapu Bulu defeat Water-type Pokemon like Mega Gyarados and Primarina. It also turns into a 190-Base Power Bloom Doom with Grassium Z, which enables Tapu Bulu to OHKO bulky Pokemon like Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Clefable. Substitute is used in order to avoid taking fatal damage from Pokemon such as Magearna, Magnezone, and Choice Specs Necrozma. Leech Seed lets Tapu Bulu drain the health from Pokemon such as Magearna and Tapu Lele. Rock Tomb is used for speed control against Pokemon like Tapu Lele and to break through Sturdy on Pokemon like Donphan and Golem while avoiding Counter. Taunt lets it beat setup Pokemon like Scrafty, and Shell Smash Crustle and Carracosta, and also temporarily disables Aegislash's King's Shield. Disable can be used in order to neutralize slower Choice item users, such as Choice Specs Magearna and Necrozma, as well as make the Aegislash matchup more consistent, forcing them to win four mind games in a row. Bulk Up can be run in order for Tapu Bulu to fare better against Pokemon like maximum Defense Mega Sableye and Porygon2. Set Details Running 180 HP and 60 SpD EVs helps Tapu Bulu tank a Tapu Lele's Shattered Psyche in Grassy Terrain, as well as survive a Fake Out followed by Giga Impact from Mega Lopunny. Using 176 Speed EVs lets Tapu Bulu outspeed Modest Magearna as well as maximum Speed Tapu Lele after a Rock Tomb. The remaining EVs are dumped into Attack, which, when coupled with an Adamant nature, allows it to OHKO slow bulky Tapu Lele in Psychic Terrain. Grassium Z turns Wood Hammer into a 190-Base Power Bloom Doom, which OHKOes nearly everything that does not resist Grass. Usage Tips Tapu Bulu can be sent in against Tapu Lele and Magearna; against Tapu Lele, you should either use Bloom Doom against slow variants, which are telegraphed by Psychic Terrain activating after Grassy Terrain, or use Rock Tomb against faster sets, which covers either Shattered Psyche or Z-Reflect. If Tapu Lele sets up Z-Reflect, use Leech Seed the following turn, stall with Substitute until Reflect has worn off, and then finish it off with Bloom Doom. Against Magearna, you should use Substitute immediately, followed by either Leech Seed or Substitute, depending on whether or not the Magearna attacks Tapu Bulu. After two Fleur Cannons, Magearna will no longer be able to break Tapu Bulu Substitute, allowing Tapu Bulu to stall out Magearna, which will not be able to use Pain Split nor damage Tapu Bulu fast enough. Don't send Tapu Bulu against Landorus-T if you think Landorus-T is holding Flyinium Z. Team Options Since Tapu Bulu is weak to Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-type moves, Ground-type Pokemon like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Golem can serve as good teammates. Tapu Bulu helps them in return by covering their Water-type weakness. Since Tapu Bulu cannot hit Flying-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Celesteela very hard, Electric-type Pokemon like Zeraora and Magnezone are also good teammates for Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Bulu helps in return by covering their Ground- and Rock-type weakness, respectively. Since Tapu Bulu has a disadvantage against Ice-type Pokemon like Kyurem, Avalugg, and Weavile, Rock- and Fighting-type Pokemon like Mega Tyranitar and Terrakion can also serve as good teammates. Tapu Bulu also helps in covering any Rock-type teammate's weakness to Ground- and Water-type moves. Since Tapu Bulu does not have naturally high Special Defense, some specially defensive Pokemon like Chansey or Meloetta can serve as teammates for Tapu Bulu.

Moves Grassy Terrain-boosted Wood Hammer helps Tapu Bulu in defeating Water-type Pokemon like Mega Gyarados, Choice Specs Greninja, and Primarina. Rock Slide is run in order to OHKO Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona. Fling is used to break the Sturdy of Pokemon like Donphan without running the risk of falling to Counter or Endeavor. Hidden Power Fire is used to net KOs on Kartana and Durant. Dazzling Gleam can be run in order to beat certain Pokemon severely weak to Fairy-type moves, such as Kommo-o, Hydreigon, and Scrafty. Superpower is used to beat Magneton, which cannot OHKO Tapu Bulu back with Flash Cannon. Taunt can be used after using Fling to shut down stall Pokemon such as Mega Audino. Set Details Running 84 HP allows Tapu Bulu to survive Gigavolt Havoc from Jolly Zeraora after Fake Out and Bulk Up, as well as a Flash Cannon from Magneton. If Tapu Bulu is running Hidden Power Fire or Dazzling Gleam, it should run 52 Special Attack EVs in order to guarantee the OHKO on Durant with Hidden Power Fire, as well as have an 80% chance to OHKO Hydreigon with Dazzling Gleam. Tapu Bulu runs 244 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature in order to outspeed Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Greninja, and Adamant Zeraora. The remaining EVs are invested in its Attack stat to increase its offensive abilities as much as possible. Usage Tips Actively avoid sending Tapu Bulu in against Pokemon it cannot hit super effectively, since this set is a lure set for Pokemon like Greninja, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Lopunny, and it lacks the firepower or the moveset to KO averagely bulky Pokemon hit neutrally. Team Options Ground-type Pokemon like Donphan and Golem can cover Tapu Bulu's Fire-, Steel-, and Poison-type weaknesses while appreciating Tapu Bulu's ability to defeat Water-types. Since Tapu Bulu can hit Flying-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Vivillon with this set, some Pokemon that lure in these like Mega Heracross and Volcarona can be paired with it. Magnezone can draw in Ground-type Pokemon for Tapu Bulu and make up for its mediocre Special Defense by defeating special attackers such as Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Genesect with Mirror Coat.

Moves Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's primary STAB move and used to pick up OHKOs when boosted by Grassy Terrain, while Horn Leech is used as a recovery option to extend its longevity. Both are used on this set to cover both damage and recovery. Superpower is used as a coverage option to deal super effective damage to Magnezone and break Celesteela's Substitute. Stone Edge is often used in the last moveslot to pick up KOs on Alolan Marowak and Arcanine, with the higher critical hit chance coming in handy. Rock Slide may be used instead to fish for flinches when you are in a pinch, giving you some space to plan your next move. Choice Scarf Rock Slide has always been well known for crippling opposing Pokemon with flinches. Set Details Tapu Bulu's ability, Grassy Surge, sets up Grassy Terrain when it is sent out. Grassy Terrain boosts the damage of Grass-type moves by 1.5x and weakens Earthquake, Bulldoze, and Magnitude. Choice Scarf is used to enable Tapu Bulu to outspeed and KO threats such as Garchomp and Nihilego. This allows the user to invest more EVs in bulk and Attack, making Tapu Bulu a fast and effective sweeper. 108 EVs are invested in HP give it greater longevity. 148 Speed EVs ensure that Tapu Bulu outspeeds Timid Nihilego, allowing it to take out the threat before it gets KOed. Alternatively, 196 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed Pokemon from the base 110 Speed tier, and 228 EVs outspeed Timid Salazzle. 252 EVs are put into Attack to make sure Tapu Bulu hits hard as possible with an Adamant nature. This is usually sufficient to OHKO an unsuspecting Garchomp. Usage Tips As a Grass-type Pokemon, Tapu Bulu can easily take down most of the Water-type Pokemon in the metagame. This includes but is not limited to Gastrodon, Milotic, Golduck, and Tapu Fini. Due to its high Speed thanks to Choice Scarf, Tapu Bulu almost always sets up its Terrain before the opponent's Terrain setter. It is advisable to switch in Tapu Bulu later on to turn the Terrain in your favor. With its bulk, Speed, and offensive power, Tapu Bulu can be used to outspeed and OHKO the guardian deities with ease. Tapu Bulu's Fairy typing allows it to be switched into incoming Dragon-type attacks, especially Salamence's Devastating Drake, which can put your opponent at a disadvantage. Grassy Terrain can be utilized against Earthquake users to provide your team with better bulk. It can also be used to boost other Grass-type moves like Grass Knot from Nihilego and Leaf Blade from Kartana. Tapu Bulu also serves as a soft Rain check, easily getting rid of Pelipper and Golduck with Horn Leech, which restores its HP in the process. Poison-immune Pokemon like Celesteela and Magnezone are advised to be used with Tapu Bulu to switch into Poison-type attacks, as this can put your opponent at a disadvantage. Team Options Team members are chosen to take advantage of Tapu Bulu's Grassy Surge. Pokemon weak to Earthquake can fill this role, as they don't have to worry about one of their weaknesses. Such Pokemon include Alolan Muk, Nihilego, Arcanine, and Magnezone. It is essential to have a Poison-immune Pokemon on the team to absorb Poison-type moves directed at Tapu Bulu. Steel-types like Celesteela and Kartana can take down Tapu Bulu if you are not careful; it is advised to use Fire-type Pokemon like Arcanine and Alolan Marowak to deal with those Pokemon. As Garchomp poses a threat to Tapu Bulu due to Poison Jab, a Pokemon like Salamence that can KO Dragon-types is often utilized on such teams to OHKO it and other threats. It can also be used to OHKO Arcanine and deal massive amounts of damage to Alolan Muk. Intimidate users like Arcanine and Gyarados are recommended to be used alongside Tapu Bulu, weakening physical attackers like Kartana and Garchomp that otherwise would be able to OHKO Tapu Bulu with Smart Strike and Poison Jab, respectively. Finally, a Water-type Pokemon like Milotic or Gastrodon can be used to deal with Tapu Bulu's Fire-type weakness.

Moves Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's primary STAB move, deals an enormous amount of damage in Grassy Terrain, and can be converted to Bloom Doom with Grassium Z to take out most of the meta. Horn Leech can also be used in this moveslot for recovery. Superpower can be run on this set to damage Steel-types to an extent after Tapu Bulu has used its Z-Move. Substitute is often used in this slot to allow Tapu Bulu to avoid being OHKOed. The third slot is taken by Nature's Madness to weaken bulky Pokemon like Celesteela, which otherwise completely walls Tapu Bulu. Leech Seed or Toxic works on this set as well, allowing Tapu Bulu to stall out bulky Pokemon like Porygon2. Protect is used in the last slot to scout your opponent for surprises like Poison Jab and to allow Tapu Bulu's teammate to take out specific threats. Set Details As Grassy Terrain boosts Tapu Bulu's offensive power, one can afford to take some Attack EVs and invest them in bulk. Grassium Z allows Tapu Bulu to use Bloom Doom, which when combined with Grassy Terrain becomes one of the strongest Z-Moves in the metagame. Leftovers can be used to create a stall set with Substitute and Leech Seed for recovery, which can allow it to beat what it normally loses to. 252 HP / 36 SpD allows Tapu Bulu to survive Timid Pelipper's Hurricane 97.5% of the time, then use Horn Leech and recover HP. 20 EVs are invested in Speed to Speed creep opposing Tapu Bulu and bulky Pokemon of the same Speed tier. The rest are used in the Attack stat to maximize damage output, allowing Bloom Doom in Grassy Terrain to OHKO most of the Pokemon that don't resist it. It should be noted that a bulky spread of 252 HP / 28 Atk / 84 Def / 140 SpD / 4 Spe can be used with a more defensively oriented set. Usage Tips Tapu Bulu possess enormous offensive capabilities, and can be used to OHKO slow Pokemon quite easily. One has to be careful not to get Tapu Bulu burned, as that significantly reduces its damage output. As Bloom Doom is a one-time option, it should be used carefully. A simple switch from your opponent could waste a potential KO. Bulky Fire-type Pokemon like Arcanine wall this set and should be taken care of before sending in Tapu Bulu. Setting up Grassy Terrain on turn one is often the optimal play when facing another guardian diety, as this allows you to use Bloom Doom and score a KO quickly. Team Options As Tapu Bulu is 4x weak to Poison-type attacks, it is recommended to run a Ground- or Steel-type like Celesteela, Magnezone, or Mudsdale. Since Fire-types like Arcanine pose a threat to Tapu Bulu, Water-type Pokemon like Gastrodon and Milotic work well with it. Rain setters like Politoed can be used to help Tapu Bulu mitigate its Fire weakness, while Tapu Bulu takes out powerful Electric-type Pokemon like Tapu Koko that threaten Politoed. Combined with Tapu Bulu's bulk, Politoed can disrupt your opponent with Encore and even use Perish Song as a last resort due to its low Speed. Using a Fire-type Pokemon like Arcanine can benefit Tapu Bulu as well, with its Intimidate support weakening opposing Garchomp and Celesteela as well as its STAB moves taking out bulky Steel-types. Porygon2 can be used with Tapu Bulu as a Trick Room setter, which helps Tapu Bulu move faster thanks to its middling Speed stat. Since Grassy Terrain weakens Earthquake, it is safe to use Magnezone against Garchomp, although Intimidate may be required to make sure Magnezone survives. Alolan Muk and Nihilego can be used as well, as they take advantage of Grassy Terrain weakening Earthquake, though the former should be wary of Tectonic Rage from Garchomp. These Pokemon help take out hail teams, which otherwise easily threaten Tapu Bulu.

Tapu Bulu’s high Attack stat and access to powerful moves in Wood Hammer and Superpower make it well able to fire off exceptionally strong Z-Moves. Even outside of this role, though, Wood Hammer is often Tapu Bulu’s move of choice, as it’s boosted by Grassy Terrain and the recoil is less of an issue thanks to Terrain recovery and the ability to use Horn Leech later in battle. Good teammates are often those that appreciate Grassy Terrain reducing the damage of Earthquake. Heatran and Tyranitar are particularly good examples of this, as they further appreciate the removal of Water-types and Low Kick Mega Kangaskhan.

Tapu Bulu’s bulk in combination with recovery from Horn Leech and Grassy Terrain makes it an excellent Assault Vest user. The EVs and nature maximize recovery from Grassy Terrain while letting Tapu Bulu take Modest Mega Charizard Y’s Heat Wave and OHKO it back with Rock Slide and outrun uninvested Milotic. Tapu Bulu has limited alternatives for offensive coverage, although Stone Edge is an option over Rock Slide if you’d prefer to trade accuracy for a better chance to OHKO bulky Fire-types. Drizzle Politoed makes a good partner for mitigating Tapu Bulu’s Fire weakness, and Ground-weak allies such as Mega Mawile appreciate Grassy Terrain.

Moves Wood Hammer is Tapu Bulu's strongest STAB attack and boosted by both Grassy Terrain and Choice Band, dealing massive damage to Pokemon that don't resist it at the cost of significant recoil damage. Horn Leech provides Tapu Bulu with a reliable means of recovery while still hitting hard under Grassy Terrain. Superpower hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn, which would otherwise completely wall Tapu Bulu. Stone Edge hits Flying- and Fire-types such as Zapdos and Volcarona, which resist Tapu Bulu's Grass-type attacks. Zen Headbutt can be used instead of Stone Edge to let Tapu Bulu hit Poison-types such as Mega Venusaur. Set Details Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature and Choice Band maximizes Tapu Bulu's damage output, allowing it to bust holes in the opposing team. 252 Speed EVs make Tapu Bulu as fast as possible, outpacing neutral-natured Seismitoad, which would otherwise outspeed it and KO it with Sludge Wave. Grassy Surge summons Grassy Terrain upon switching in, boosting the power of Tapu Bulu's Grass-type moves, decreasing the power of Earthquake, and restoring health each turn. Usage Tips Tapu Bulu should be brought in early-game to weaken foes for its teammates as much as possible. It should use Wood Hammer as often as possible, as Wood Hammer deals the most damage under Grassy Terrain and weakens threats immensely. On the other hand, Horn Leech should be used when Tapu Bulu's HP is low and you want to preserve it, or if Horn Leech would still KO the foe to avoid taking unnecessary recoil damage. Tapu Bulu should attempt to advantage of Wood Hammer and Horn Leech while Grassy Terrain is active. Go for Superpower against Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn, and go for Stone Edge or Zen Headbutt against Fire- and Flying-types or Poison-types, respectively. Aim to keep Grassy Terrain up as much as possible to provide passive healing for teammates and reduce Earthquake damage, especially against Ground teams. Tapu Bulu's typing helps it switch into some attacks for its teammates, such as Garchomp's Earthquake, Xurkitree's Thunderbolt, and Azumarill's Aqua Jet. However, be wary about switching it into Tapu Fini, as Grassy Terrain overriding Misty Surge allows Scald to potentially burn Tapu Bulu. Avoid getting Tapu Bulu worn down by entry hazards, since it needs its HP to tank hits before attacking. Similarly, avoid letting Tapu Bulu get burned, since burns halve Tapu Bulu's Attack stat, making it much less threatening. Lastly, Tapu Bulu's subpar Speed makes it vulnerable to a myriad of revenge killers, so it is best to remove faster threats before bringing Tapu Bulu in. Team Options Almost all Fairy-types appreciate Tapu Bulu's wallbreaking capabilities, ability to take on Ground-type teams, and Grassy Terrain support. Klefki's Steel typing allows it to switch into Poison-type moves for Tapu Bulu, and it can also provide support with dual screens, Thunder Wave, and Spikes, improving Tapu Bulu's longevity, speed control, and ability to KO threats. Klefki also appreciates Grassy Terrain weakening Earthquake from threats like Excadrill and granting it passive recovery. Mega Diancie can also deal with some Poison-types, and Magic Bounce lets it beat down some defensive and support Pokemon. Tapu Koko can gain momentum for Tapu Bulu by letting it come in safely with Volt Switch or U-turn, and it easily checks Celesteela and Skarmory as well as revenge killers such as Landorus. Tapu Fini and Togekiss can provide Defog support for Tapu Bulu, keeping entry hazards off the field. Both of them can also stallbreak effectively with Taunt and Nasty Plot, respectively. The former can also weaken walls with Nature's Madness, whereas the latter can take on Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur. Choice Scarf Togekiss can also revenge kill targets that Tapu Bulu would struggle against, such as Infernape. Togekiss's Babiri Berry set can take hits from Mega Scizor and take it out with Fire Blast. Clefable is another Babiri Berry user that can take out Mega Scizor for Tapu Bulu, and it can even provide Stealth Rock support to pressure opposing teams. Z-Belly Drum Azumarill is able to threaten Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y and Talonflame and appreciates Tapu Bulu's wallbreaking capabilities early-game so that it can sweep late-game. Lastly, Mega Gardevoir can check select Poison-types like Mega Venusaur thanks to its Psychic typing and is a powerful wallbreaker that can punch holes into opposing teams.

Moves STAB Wood Hammer deals massive damage when boosted by Grassy Terrain and is the move Tapu Bulu should use most of the time. Horn Leech is a secondary STAB move that Tapu Bulu should use if it wants to preserve its HP and avoid taking recoil damage, especially if Horn Leech can KO the opposing Pokemon. Superpower is good coverage for taking on Steel-types like Heatran and Magnezone. Stone Edge nails Flying- and Fire-types like Charizard looking to switch into Wood Hammer or Horn Leech. Set Details 252 Attack EVs maximize Tapu Bulu's power. Maximum Speed EVs, a Jolly nature, and a Choice Scarf allow Tapu Bulu to outspeed most unboosted Pokemon in the metagame and fulfill the role of a revenge killer; notable Pokemon it can outspeed are Greninja and Tapu Koko. Grassy Surge is an invaluable ability that boosts the power of Tapu Bulu's STAB attacks, gives its team passive recovery, and weakens Earthquake. Usage Tips Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu should be mostly used as a revenge killer, coming in after a teammate has been KOed to land a hard-hitting Wood Hammer on the opposing team. It is best to revenge kill fast, frail Pokemon like Greninja. Wood Hammer is also a very spammable attack in general and should be used to wallbreak as much as possible. On the other hand, use Horn Leech when Tapu Bulu is low on HP; you should also use Horn Leech when it is sufficient to KO the foe to avoid taking unnecessary recoil. It is helpful to use VoltTurn users to pivot out into Tapu Bulu to attack so it doesn't take unnecessary damage. Tapu Bulu can also be used as an emergency check to some setup sweepers that it outspeeds such as +1 Gyarados and Dragonite. You should aim to keep Grassy Terrain active as often as possible to weaken Earthquake and heal teammates. Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu has an easy time sweeping Water, Rock, and Ground teams with Horn Leech or Wood Hammer, since it is able to outspeed almost everything and its Grassy Terrain-boosted attacks hit very hard. Against Ground teams specifically, be wary of using Wood Hammer if there are no entry hazards on the opposing side, as Focus Sash Dugtrio can sometimes trap and remove Tapu Bulu, and Garchomp is able to survive Wood Hammer without hazard damage and chip away at Tapu Bulu with Rough Skin. However, against other teams, Tapu Bulu has a hard time breaking through physical walls like Porygon2 and Zapdos, so they should be removed before Tapu Bulu starts spamming Wood Hammer to avoid taking unnecessary recoil damage and giving those Pokemon free opportunities to switch in. Use the appropriate coverage move when predicting certain threats to switch into Tapu Bulu, such as Stone Edge when predicting a Flying-type to switch in. Avoid getting Tapu Bulu inflicted with status; burns diminish its power, paralysis ruins its Speed, and poison wears it down so that it is more easily revenge killed. Team Options Clefable can absorb troublesome status ailments for Tapu Bulu thanks to Magic Guard. It also provides entry hazard support in Stealth Rock and can weaken Steel-types with Fire-type coverage. Mega Diancie can also block status and is a great wallbreaker that can assist Tapu Bulu; in particular, it can check Poison-types, appreciates Tapu Bulu breaking down Steel-types with Superpower, and benefits from Grassy Terrain giving it recovery and weakening Earthquake. Tapu Koko and Mega Gardevoir can deal with the physical walls that trouble Tapu Bulu. Tapu Koko can also continually pivot into Tapu Bulu with U-turn and Volt Switch, weaken foes for Tapu Bulu to revenge kill, and deal with the Flying-types that resist Tapu Bulu's Wood Hammer, especially Skarmory and Celesteela. Tapu Bulu deals with Ground-types and other Electric-types in return. Azumarill can clean teams with +6 Aqua Jet after Tapu Bulu has weakened opposing Pokemon. Klefki can set up Spikes and dual screens, provide further support with Thunder Wave, switch into Poison- and Steel-types attacks aimed at Tapu Bulu thanks to its Steel typing, and act as an emergency check to some sweepers with Foul Play. Klefki heavily appreciates Grassy Terrain support as well, which halves Earthquake damage and gives it passive recovery. Babiri Berry Togekiss and Clefable can check Steel-types and deal sizeable damage to Skarmory, Celesteela, and Mega Scizor, all of which wall Tapu Bulu. Togekiss also checks Mega Venusaur thanks to its Flying typing and Serene Grace Air Slash.

Moves Wood Hammer is insanely powerful under Grassy Terrain and is Tapu Bulu's strongest move and most reliable way to break past walls such as Mega Sableye, though it comes at the cost of being worn down due to recoil. Horn Leech, although weaker, provides Tapu Bulu with a way to recover its HP while still dealing considerably high damage. This is especially useful against weakened or frailer Pokemon that Horn Leech can KO, such as Diggersby, in order to preserve its longevity. Superpower offers useful coverage that can deal with certain Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn, which otherwise wall Tapu Bulu. Lastly, Stone Edge's main purpose is to offer coverage against Flying-, Fire-, and Bug-types that resist Tapu Bulu's other coverage moves such as Zapdos, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona. Set Details Maximum EVs in Speed, a Jolly nature, and Choice Scarf allow Tapu Bulu to compensate for its unimpressive Speed stat and outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame. Maximum investment in Attack allows Tapu Bulu to hit as hard as possible. Grassy Surge grants Tapu Bulu and the entire team a boost to their Grass-type moves as well as passive recovery for all grounded Pokemon, enabling Tapu Bulu to become Grass's most threatening offensive option while offering a huge benefit to its teammates as well. Usage Tips It is quite important to be selective when deciding whether to use Wood Hammer or Horn Leech during the game. Wood Hammer should be used early-game more often, as it's Tapu Bulu's main way of effectively revenge killing and punching holes in the opposing team, while Horn Leech can serve as a serviceable option against weakened teams late-game for it to clean. Additionally, while Wood Hammer's recoil can wear Tapu Bulu down quickly, it ensures that bulkier Pokemon like Chansey and Toxapex are 2HKOed. Tapu Bulu is best utilized as a great revenge killer, coming in on fast Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny that it can KO while simultaneously serving as a solid wallbreaker. It is imperative for Tapu Bulu to avoid all kinds of status, as a potential paralysis or burn can cripple its Speed or Attack stat. Tapu Bulu also dislikes being poisoned, as it becomes easily worn down in tandem with Wood Hammer recoil. When faced against common Choice Scarf revenge killers that can KO Tapu Bulu like Greninja and Nihilego, it is important to make use of its bulkier teammates in order to check these Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn. Tapu Bulu requires Grassy Terrain being up in order to KO certain common defensive Pokemon such as Toxapex, so it is important to keep this in mind before attempting to break past these Pokemon. Do not use Superpower outside of hitting select Steel- and Normal-types, as it locks Tapu Bulu into a move that lowers its Attack and Defense and opens the door for many setup sweepers and walls such as Volcarona and Porygon2 to simply come in on it. Be wary of Protect users like Celesteela that can scout for Tapu Bulu's move, waste Grassy Terrain turns, and give teammates a potential switch in. Team Options The residual recovery offered by Tapu Bulu's Grassy Surge makes defensive Pokemon ideal partners for it. Mega Venusaur's fantastic defensive utility makes it a vital team option for Tapu Bulu. Mega Venusaur's great typing allows it to switch into physical attackers such as Mega Scizor, while Tapu Bulu can eliminate stronger wallbreakers such as Mega Diancie with ease. Ferrothorn helps Tapu Bulu by taking on many bulkier threats such as Skarmory and Porygon2. It also possesses an amazing defensive typing with a useful immunity to Poison, allowing it to check Poison-types such as Nihilego for Tapu Bulu. Ferrothorn can also provide entry hazard support in the form of Spikes to enhance Tapu Bulu's ability to wallbreak. Cradily completes a great defensive core between it, Ferrothorn, and Mega Venusaur, checks certain Fire- and Flying-types such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y with Rock Slide, and provides Stealth Rock support for Tapu Bulu and the rest of the team. Cradily can also cripple problematic walls for Tapu Bulu such as Porygon2 with Toxic. Celebi is a good offensive partner for Tapu Bulu, mainly taking on threatening Poison-types such as Mega Venusaur while pressuring bulkier teams thanks to its access to Nasty Plot. On the other hand, Tapu Bulu shines more against offensively oriented types such as Psychic that Celebi may struggle with. Breloom is another offensive setup threat that pairs well with Tapu Bulu, offering strong priority and access to Spore to shut down problematic Pokemon such as Toxapex. Additionally, Tapu Bulu's Grassy Surge gives Breloom an easier time preserving its Focus Sash while making its Bullet Seed an even stronger STAB move.

Moves Swords Dance turns Tapu Bulu into a very threatening wallbreaker, allowing it to collect some important OHKO such as on Toxapex after Stealth Rock chip with Horn Leech. Horn Leech is Tapu Bulu's strongest attack and its STAB move, giving it a form of pseudo-recovery and allowing it to take on Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Swampert and Hippowdon. Zen Headbutt allows Tapu Bulu to nail Poison-type threats such as Mega Venusaur for super effective damage. Substitute allows Tapu Bulu to dodge status attacks such as Mega Sableye's Will-O-Wisp. Set Details Maximum Speed and maximum Attack investment alongside an Adamant nature allows Tapu Bulu to hit as hard and fast as possible. Life Orb boosts Tapu Bulu's Attack allowing it to pick up important OHKOs such as against Chansey with +2 Horn Leech. Grassy Surge sets Grassy Terrain, boosting the power of its Horn Leech while also weakening the power of Earthquake for teammates such as Mega Diancie and Klefki. Usage Tips Since this Tapu Bulu is meant to be used as a wallbreaker, it should be preserved for specifically that purpose. Take advantage of walls such as Mega Sableye, as Tapu Bulu can easily set up a Substitute on them, which allows it to avoid status and gives it a free turn to set up Swords Dance. This will allow Tapu Bulu to immensely pressure said walls and do serious damage to them. Use Tapu Bulu to switch into predicted Ground-type attacks, as its natural resistance and Grassy Surge allow it to switch into Earthquake fairly easily for its teammates such as Mega Diancie, Klefki, and Tapu Koko. Tapu Bulu naturally pressures any type weak to Grass attacks such as Ground or Water, which Tapu Bulu can easily set up and sweep against. Since both teams rely on defensive walls such as Hippowdon on Ground and Toxapex on Water it can easily set up a Substitute against them and set up a Swords Dance, or just nail them for lots of damage with Horn Leech. In matchups like Water and Poison, where Toxic Spikes are present, Tapu Bulu should try to get in before they are set as it becomes very easily weakened and picked off with the extra chip damage. Since Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu is a fairly common set, it can bluff Choice Scarf against faster Pokemon such as Mega Gallade, set up a Substitute, and proceed to use the Substitute to easily set up Swords Dance. Lastly, just like every other setup sweeper, Tapu Bulu absolutely hates every status condition and should avoid them at all costs because they hinder its ability to sweep. Team Options Tapu Koko can break past Flying-type Pokemon for Tapu Bulu such as Celesteela, prevent walls such as Chansey from using their status moves with Taunt, and constantly bring Tapu Bulu in with its pivoting moves. Klefki can set up screens for Tapu Bulu, allowing it to set up Swords Dance with ease, as well as provide Spikes support to chip foes, allowing Tapu Bulu to pick up OHKOs more easily. Klefki's Foul Play can also check threatening physical setup sweepers such as Mega Scizor that resist both of Tapu Bulu's attacks. Klefki also provides a solid Poison-type immunity for Tapu Bulu, being able to switch into such threats as Nihilego for it. Mega Diancie can break past Dragon-type Pokemon such as Kyurem-B and Kommo-o for Tapu Bulu as well as pressure Poison-type Pokemon with Diamond Storm and Psychic, which can 2HKO every Pokemon of the type. Mega Diancie can also pressure Flying teams with Diamond Storm and Moonblast, as only Celesteela can switch into both attacks. It can also set up Stealth Rock allowing Tapu Bulu to clean more easily and pick off threats such as Mega Venusaur with boosted Zen Headbutt after Stealth Rock chip. Mega Diancie is also capable of keeping hazards such as Toxic Spikes off the field for Tapu Bulu thanks to Magic Bounce. Azumarill is another physical setup sweeper on Fairy teams and can take on Fire-type Pokemon for Tapu Bulu such as Blacephalon while also providing Knock Off support to cripple walls such as Porygon2 and Toxapex. Mimikyu is the last of the viable physical setup sweepers that Fairy teams have access to and is extremely useful in the Psychic-type matchup, being able to easily break any Pokemon that can give Tapu Bulu trouble, such as Jirachi, while also being able to take on Dragon-types such as Kyurem-B and Mega Latias for it. Clefable can compress the role of a Stealth Rock setter and a Steel-type check, as with Fire Blast and a Babiri Berry it can act as an effective check to Pokemon such as Mega Scizor, which easily comes in and takes advantage of Tapu Bulu.

Moves Swords Dance allows Tapu Bulu to raise its Attack stat and become a fearsome wallbreaker. Horn Leech is Tapu Bulu's main wallbreaking STAB attack that heals it, letting it beat walls such as Clefable and Toxapex along with even faster Pokemon like Mega Gallade. Superpower alongside Fightinium Z allows Tapu Bulu to hit Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Heatran, which would otherwise wall it. Stone Edge alongside Rockium Z is another option to hit Mega Charizard X and Y, Tornadus-T, Mandibuzz, and Torkoal. Substitute allows Tapu Bulu to avoid status, take advantage of switches, and safely set up a Swords Dance Set Details Maximum Speed and Attack investment with an Adamant nature ensures Tapu Bulu hits as hard and as fast as possible. Fightinium Z allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Ferrothorn and Chansey with All-Out Pummeling after Stealth Rock Damage even without a Swords Dance, as well as OHKO Celesteela at +2. Rockium Z allows Tapu Bulu to OHKO Zapdos with Continental Crush and even Torkoal after a Swords Dance. Grassy Surge immediately sets Grassy Terrain for Tapu Bulu, allowing it to wallbreak with Horn Leech and offset Substitute damage, alongside supporting its teammates by giving them passive recovery and halving the damage from Earthquake. Usage Tips Tapu Bulu should be used as a physical wallbreaker and should take advantage of a passive Pokemon looking to spread status by setting up a Substitute or when forcing a switch. When under a Substitute, Tapu Bulu can look to boost with Swords Dance for free. This allows Tapu Bulu to be a very troublesome wallbreaker to slower teams. Switch in Tapu Bulu on predicted Ground-, Water-, and Electric- type attacks, allowing it to then force the opposing Pokemon out and gain a chance to set up. If Fightinium Z is used, go for All-Out Pummelling against faster threats like Heatran, Excadrill, and Kyurem-B when behind a Substitute to immediately eliminate them; the same goes for Continential Crush against Mega Charizard X and Y, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T if Rockium Z is used, as Tapu Bulu usually lures these Pokemon in expecting to wall it. Tapu Bulu should also preserve its Z-Move for certain Pokemon such as Celesteela and Mandibuzz, as it can OHKO them after a Swords Dance boost. Tapu Bulu can always play around Protect by going for an additional Swords Dance, as there is a possibility that they will scout for the Z-Move. Tapu Bulu cannot afford to take any status, as they all hinder Tapu Bulu's ability to set up effectively. Tapu Bulu can avoid status ailments by setting up a Substitute on an incoming Will-O-Wisp from Mega Sableye, Toxic from Chansey, or Scald from Mantine and begin to pressure them. In addition, Tapu Bulu should be wary switching into Scald, as that has a chance to burn it permanently. Team Options Almost all Fairy-types, such as Mega Diancie and Klefki, can appreciate Tapu Bulu halving the damage of Earthquake and giving passive recovery to them. Mega Diancie gets rid of Fire- and Flying-types that prevent Tapu Bulu from sweeping and can bounce back Toxic Spikes and status so that they do not hit Tapu Bulu. Mega Diancie can also set Stealth Rock for Tapu Bulu. Tapu Koko can eliminate Pokemon like Skarmory and Celesteela that can give Tapu Bulu a hard time. Tapu Koko can also pivot on Pokemon such as Gastrodon, Hippowdon, and Swampert, allowing Tapu Bulu to get in safely with U-Turn as they switch into Tapu Koko. Klefki provides dual screen support, Spikes to wear down the opposing team, Foul Play to check Mega Scizor, and Thunder Wave to cripple the Speed of faster Pokemon like Kyurem-B so that Tapu Bulu can outspeed them. Klefki is also a Steel-type that can switch into Poison-type moves such as Gunk Shot and Sludge Bomb, which are huge threats to Tapu Bulu. Clefable sets up Stealth Rock to chip away at the opposing team and can absorb a Toxic or Scald burn thanks to Magic Guard. Azumarill thrives as a teammate, being able to pressure Fire-types and appreciating Tapu Bulu's ability to switch into Electric- type attacks and get rid of its checks such as Seismitoad, Mantine, and Rotom-Wash. Both Azumarill and Tapu Bulu weaken each others checks, as they are both physical setup sweepers. Mimikyu can get rid of Celebi, Victini, Latios, and Jirachi so that Tapu Bulu can pressure Psychic teams, or Tapu Bulu can weaken the entire team so Mimikyu can clean up at the end.

Moves Wood Hammer is superbly powerful with the Grassy Terrain boost, OHKOing all Grass-weak targets as well as some frailer neutral foes. Superpower offers Tapu Bulu coverage on some of the more common Grass-resistant Pokemon like Incineroar, Ferrothorn, and Kyurem-B. Alternatively, Horn Leech offers a secondary Grass move that makes up for its lower Base Power through healing, making it a valuable option when the power of Wood Hammer isn't needed or Tapu Bulu is low on health. Swords Dance helps counteract the many Intimidate users in Doubles, easing Tapu Bulu's job of breaking through the opposition or cleaning up late-game. If Taunt support would be more useful to its teammates, Tapu Bulu can instead use the move to prevent some slower Pokemon like Amoonguss, Tapu Fini, and Trick Room setters like Gothitelle from using their status moves. Protect scouts the opponent's move, shielding Tapu Bulu while you work the positioning game to garner momentum. For Tapu Bulu, it's an especially nice move to have, as it can be used to stall for Grassy Terrain recovery and get Tapu Bulu out of range of a potential knockout. Set Details The given EVs and nature ensure Tapu Bulu will OHKO Kingdra with Grassy Terrain-boosted Wood Hammer, outspeed Tapu Fini, and be as specially defensive as possible to counteract its lower base Special Defense stat. Many other Speed benchmarks are viable on Tapu Bulu—minimum investment works best on Trick Room builds, teams with Tailwind may opt to run 136 Speed EVs to outpace Deoxys-A, and teams with a tough Volcanion matchup may instead choose 216 Speed EVs to outrun Modest Volcanion. Grassium Z provides Tapu Bulu a nuke in Bloom Doom, which circumvents the issue in a different way by boosting Wood Hammer's power and removing its recoil effect. Alternatively, a Figy Berry gives Tapu Bulu a boost of life when its health gets low, which fixes some of the issues in relying on a recoil-heavy attack. Usage Tips Tapu Bulu's bulk and summoned Terrain make it an effective pivot on weak or resisted attacks, especially as Tapu Bulu is almost guaranteed 1/16 recovery after it takes the hit. Once switched in, Tapu Bulu can threaten many foes with a strong Grass-type attack, so take advantage of its power by breaking through important Pokemon on the other side of the field. If Tapu Bulu's Attack is lowered due to Intimidate, Superpower, or a removal of its Terrain, don't be afraid to switch it out, as it will often be considerably more useful later without these reductions. For Figy Berry sets, Wood Hammer recoil can act as a method of recovery, knocking Tapu Bulu into activation range if it's already damaged. Grassium Z sets must be careful to use Bloom Doom at the right time. This could mean ensuring Tapu Bulu knocks out a threat or preventing it from taking recoil that would prevent it from acting as a check to certain threats. Team Options Tapu Bulu benefits greatly from reliable users of speed control; this could mean Tailwind users like Zapdos and Suicune or Trick Room setters like Diancie and Stakataka, but whichever you pick should be able to set speed control multiple times over the course of the match. Fire-types, such as Incineroar and Volcanion, are important teammates for taking on Grass- and Bug-types like Amoonguss and Genesect that easily defeat Tapu Bulu; they also benefit from Grassy Terrain's weakening of Earthquake. Volcanion is particularly notable for also taking on opposing Fire-types, a role that could also be filled by Zygarde or Mega Camerupt. Life Orb Kyurem-B and Incineroar are naturally bulky Pokemon that can't take full advantage of their bulk due to their attacks causing recoil, so Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain recovery helps them perform throughout the match. Though it shares weaknesses with Tapu Bulu, Kartana becomes incredibly powerful under Grassy Terrain and may be a viable teammate.

Substitute gives Tapu Bulu temporary protection against status while also pairing well with Leech Seed and Disable. Leech Seed provides a method of recovery which can chip away at threats that this set otherwise cannot break, including Celesteela and Porygon2. Disable improves Tapu Bulu's chances against Pokemon that carry Toxic or super effective coverage such as Porygon2, Celesteela, Mamoswine, and Aegislash. Horn Leech provides a STAB attack and more recovery along with Grassy Terrain, Leech Seed, and Leftovers. The given EV spread allows Tapu Bulu to put pressure on slower threats with Substitute / Leech Seed, ensuring that Tapu Bulu can set up a Substitute before Bulky Rotom-Wash can burn it, or use Substitute + Disable to avoid bulky Rotom-Heat's Overheat. Investment can also be taken away from HP for some Attack EVs. Faster Pokemon carrying super effective coverage such as Mega Salamence are extremely threatening, so be sure to bring Pokemon which can take on these threats.

Horn Leech is the STAB move of choice over Wood Hammer, as having Wood Hammer wears down Tapu Bulu far too quickly. Zen Headbutt helps deal with Flying- and Poison-type threats, able to OHKO Mega Gengar and Salazzle on the switch, and has a 53% chance to 2HKO Calm Mega Venusaur. Stone Edge OHKOes Tornadus and Thundurus while also providing a 2HKO on Specially Defensive Arcanine and Salamence. Superpower can OHKO Excadrill on the switch and has a chance to OHKO Mega Kangaskhan while also providing a 2HKO on Heatran. Megahorn can be used to hit opposing Tapu Bulu and OHKO Serperior. The given EV spread allows for maximum damage output while also assisting both physical and special bulk. Despite the Assault Vest, Tapu Bulu struggles against strong Poison-, Ice- and Fire-type special attackers, so an answer for those is a must. Physical variants of these threats such as Mega Salamence, Alolan Muk, and Blaziken are also threatening and need to be accounted for.

Wood Hammer is the primary Grass-type STAB option, which only 4x resistant Pokemon such as Celesteela and Heatran can switch into. Superpower provides an OHKO on Heatran while also providing an OHKO on Excadrill and Mega Kangaskhan without having to worry about Wood Hammer recoil. Zen Headbutt is the main way for Tapu Bulu to deal with Mega Venusaur, Buzzwole, and Mega Gengar if hit on the switch. Horn Leech can be used in a situation where Tapu Bulu's longevity needs to be increased, but still hits hard under Grassy Terrain. Stone Edge provides a guaranteed OHKO on Thundurus, Thundurus-T, and Tornadus-T, while giving a 25% chance to OHKO Salamence on the switch even after Intimidate. The given spread allows Tapu Bulu to outspeed Modest Choice Specs Magnezone, while the remaining EVs help to achieve maximum damage output and bulk. Steel- and Poison-resists are a must, as Mega Gengar and Celesteela are serious problems for Tapu Bulu, as are offensive Flying-types, most notably Mega Salamence.