Mastering Kubfu and Urshifu in Pokémon GO: Complete Evolution Guide for Both Styles

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Valencia

Guide Curator at GladiatorBoost

I’m the voice behind the blogs here at GladiatorBoost—diving deep into the gaming world to bring you guides, updates, and stories that actually help (and maybe even entertain a little). Whether it's breaking down the latest boosts or highlighting cool moments in your favorite games, I’m here to make the digital grind a little more fun.

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As part of the exciting Final Strike: GO Battle Week event in May 2025, Pokémon GO introduced two highly anticipated Legendary Pokémon: Urshifu – Single Strike Style and Urshifu – Rapid Strike Style, along with their pre-evolution, Kubfu. These additions not only shook up the PvP meta but also offered players a unique challenge in acquiring and evolving a rare, event-bound Pokémon.

If you’re looking to add both Urshifu styles to your Pokédex and want to understand Kubfu’s role in the process, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every requirement and opportunity available for success.

How to Get Kubfu in Pokémon GO

Currently, the only way to obtain Kubfu is through specific Special Research tasks tied to event-based content. For its debut, Niantic included Kubfu as a reward in the “Might and Mastery” and “Fuzzy Fighter” Special Research lines during the Final Strike: GO Battle Week event.

Unlike many wild or raid-available Pokémon, Kubfu is exclusive to these limited-time Research lines, making it crucial to complete them while they’re active. Once you complete the corresponding research steps, you’ll encounter and can catch Kubfu. These special research tasks also yield Kubfu Candies, essential for its evolution.

Evolving Kubfu into Urshifu – All Requirements Explained

Once Kubfu is secured, evolving it into either form of Urshifu requires more than just candies. Each evolution style demands both a large candy investment and specific event-related tasks involving your Kubfu.

Urshifu (Single Strike Style) – Evolution Requirements:

• 200 Kubfu Candies

• Win 30 Dark-type Raids or 30 Max Battles with Kubfu as your Buddy

Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style) – Evolution Requirements:

• 200 Kubfu Candies

• Win 30 Water-type Raids or 30 Max Battles with Kubfu as your Buddy

Important: Kubfu doesn’t need to participate in the battles themselves; it only needs to be set as your Buddy Pokémon when you complete the victories.

You can earn Kubfu Candies through:

• Special Research rewards

• Using Rare Candies

• Walking with Kubfu as your buddy (you’ll need persistence due to the high candy requirement)

Can You Get Both Urshifu Styles?

Technically, no. Each Kubfu can evolve into only one of the two Urshifu styles. If you want both Single Strike and Rapid Strike forms in your Pokédex, you will need to acquire at least two Kubfu—meaning participating in multiple event research lines when they are available.

What About Shiny Kubfu?

As of now, Shiny Kubfu is not available in Pokémon GO. This also means that Shiny Urshifu (both styles) cannot be obtained either. While the future introduction of shiny variants is likely (considering the trend with Legendary Pokémon), there’s currently no confirmed release window for their debut.

Maximize Your Progress with Pokémon GO Boosting Services

Acquiring Kubfu and evolving it into either style of Urshifu requires significant time and dedication—especially with raid victories and buddy-based requirements. If you’re low on time or looking to fast-track the grind, GladiatorBoost’s Pokémon GO Boosting Services offer expert assistance.

Our professional team can help you:

• Complete complex Special Research lines

• Grind through dozens of raids efficiently

• Earn candies and XP quickly

• Prepare your Kubfu for a seamless evolution

With 100% account safety and experienced boosters, GladiatorBoost makes it easier to meet event goals and power up your legendary roster.

Tips to Prepare for Future Kubfu Events

Since Kubfu is currently event-exclusive, proactive players should:

• Stock up on Raid Passes for Dark- and Water-type raids

• Maintain an active Buddy system with high-activity Pokémon

• Save Rare Candies for fast candy conversions

• Keep an eye on Pokémon GO’s upcoming events for possible reruns

Final Thoughts

Kubfu’s evolution into Urshifu (either form) is a rewarding challenge for dedicated Pokémon GO players. With time-sensitive research, strategic battle victories, and a heavy candy cost, this isn’t a task to take lightly. However, the payoff—two powerful new Legendaries—makes it more than worth the effort.

Whether you’re looking to bolster your battle team or simply fill your Pokédex, planning ahead and using boosting services like GladiatorBoost can make a significant difference in reaching your goals.