Buneary / Lopunny - A Late Game Monster
BruceKicklee · 25 days ago(edited)Overview
One of the best mid-to-late game Normal-types available. Once evolved, Fake Out combined with heavy STAB moves virtually guarantees KOing non-resistant, non-boss Pokémon. It remains a reliable cleaner late in runs even without its Mega Stone.
Strengths
Powerful mid-to-late game damage output, especially once evolved into Lopunny. Fake Out chunks non-boss encounters for roughly 1/3 HP, setting up easy follow-up KOs with Headbutt or Return. Excellent late-game cleaning potential.
Weaknesses
Very weak early game due to low base stats and a poor early level-up movepool. Subpar Speed stat in base form can cause issues in late waves if you do not hit the Mega Stone before wave 180. Completely reliant on passive EXP gain (Rare Candies / EXP Share) until reaching higher levels.
Recommended build
Ability: Run Away / Cute Charm (base abilities provide minimal value, making passive unlock far more critical). Items: Silk Scarf, Wide Lens, Golden Punch, Soothing Bells (to scale Return power quickly).
Moves & abilities
Fake Out: Core utility move to flinch and deal huge initial damage. Return: Primary STAB move, outclassing Headbutt once friendship scales via Soothing Bells. High Jump Kick: Mandatory Fighting coverage for Normal resists. Thunder Punch: Elemental coverage slot (can swap to Fire Punch or Ice Punch depending on pathing/biomes). Quick Attack: Keep temporarily until ~wave 130 for trainer priority, then replace once Carbos/X-Speed scale base speed. Relearn late only if missing Mega Stone and team lacks priority. Moves to skip: Swords Dance (unnecessary overkill power), Lovely Kiss, and Wicked Blow (Adaptability + Silk Scarf STAB outclasses them).
Strategy
Early Game: Keep Buneary off the field. Feed it Rare Candies and let EXP Share level it safely to 46 for Headbutt. Mid Game: Once evolved into Lopunny, lead with Fake Out into Headbutt to wipe roughly 90% of wild/trainer encounters. Keep Quick Attack active through wave 130 for trainer bosses. Late Game: Drop Quick Attack around wave 130 in favor of Carbos and X-Speed buffs. Prioritize obtaining the Lopunnite Mega Stone before wave 180.
Synergies
Another Fake Out user for double flinch setup on Turn 1 in double battles. Generally self-sufficient and carries battles on its own, so specific teammates are not strictly required beyond early EXP Share carries.
Tips for beginners
Do not attempt to battle with Buneary in early waves; treat it as an EXP leach until it evolves. Collect Soothing Bells early so Return reaches max power immediately upon evolution.
Tips for advanced players
Shift stat items to Speed (Carbos) mid-run so you can drop Quick Attack for full move coverage without losing tempo against high-speed late-game bosses.