BubbleStrat++ LEGACY

This page is outdated due to the CP Update and no longer maintained.

For Bubblestrat post CP-update, see the updated Bubblestrat article. For new Bubblestrat matchup options, checkout the new Bubblestrat Calculator.

Bubblestrat is a wonderfully optimized gym and trainer powerleveling strategy that is capable of:

• Maxing a gym to level 10 in less than 10 minutes.
• Earning 1.5 million XP per day with minimum use of Potions or Revives.
• Making it impossible to wear down a gym, no matter the attackers, when actively training it.

However, it had one fundamental weakness: the difficulty of finding the right Pokemon match-up.

Since unleashing Bubblestrat, GamePress has been extensively researching to mitigate this weakness. Testing by /u/jamesn01 and /u/rollingcode of Mystic Team Pride in Seattle shown that the window to defeat a defender Pokemon before it attacks is a bit longer than expected, meaning that a few moves quicker than Bubble can be defeated before they land!

We're pleased to announce that our dedicated researchers, with help from the wonderful GamePress and r/thesilphroad userbases, have discovered many more Pokemon that are Bubblestrat-compatible. With so many options to choose from, there truly is a Bubblestrat variant for everyone in every region!

To be considered viable, all Bubblestrat match-ups must satisfy the following 3 conditions:

• Resource-free: the attacker must win before the defender's first attack hits. This means that no Potions or Revives are required.
• 500+ prestige gain: the attacker's CP must be equal to or lower than the defender's CP. The most ideal Bubblestrat match-ups gain 1000 prestige per fight.
• Reliable: the match-up should have a high chance of success.

Bubblestrat attackers and defenders are usually caught at level 1, then powered up or evolved to the specifications listed in our tables.

The defender should be caught at level 1, with 10 HP, and have a long duration quick move such as Bubble, Confusion, Razor Leaf, Mud Slap, Ice Shard, Rock Throw, Quick Attack, or Splash.  

While hunting for your Bubblestrat defender, you should also look out for attacker candidates. The attacker should be caught at level 1, with 10 CP.  It needs to be able to do at least 20 damage to the defender in under 3 seconds. This usually requires a fast quick move with STAB and type advantages.  

Whether a particular attacker vs. defender match-up works can also depend on their IVs. The only way to find out whether your particular combination has the right IVs is to field test your Bubblestrat defender with the catalog of attackers listed below until one of them works!

The remainder of this page tabulates every known Bubblestrat defender ordered by # of compatible attackers.

Having trouble with Bubblestrat?  Ask for help at GamePress Q&A.  We're here to help!

Tested a Bubblestrat variant? We would love to hear from you! Let us know here!

Horsea is the most versatile Bubblestrat defender, with many optimal matchups at both Level 1.5 and Level 2. Field test your Horsea at level 1.5 first before powering it up further.

Level 1.5 Horsea with Bubble

Level 2 Horsea with Bubble

Krabby is the second most versatile Bubblestrat defender, with many optimal matchups with Krabby at both Level 1.5 and Level 2. Field test your Krabby at Level 1.5 first before powering it up further.

Level 1.5 Krabby with Bubble

Level 2 Krabby with Bubble

Note: Poliwag can have 11 HP (8 stamina IV) at level 1.5 and still be viable.

Note: Tentacool can be powered up to level 1.5 if it has 0 stamina IV.

Note: Squirtle can be powered up to level 1.5 if it has 0 stamina IV.

Note: Poliwhirl's viability depends heavily on its stamina IV.

Graveler works with both quick move options - Rock Throw and Mud Slap:

Pidgey has very strict IV requirements, making it a challenge to defeat before the first attack lands.

Tested a Bubblestrat variant? We would love to hear from you and add the confirmation! Let us know here!