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Choosing Kubfu’s Path: Which Tower is Best?

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The decision of which tower to send your Kubfu through in the Isle of Armor DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield is a pivotal one, shaping its evolution into either Single Strike Style Urshifu or Rapid Strike Style Urshifu. While both forms possess the same base stats and the Unseen Fist ability, their type matchups, movepools, and strategic roles differ significantly. Generally speaking, Kubfu performs better in the Tower of Darkness, due to its Fighting-type giving it an advantage over the Dark-type Pokémon within.

Understanding the Towers and Their Implications

The Isle of Armor presents players with two distinct paths for evolving their Kubfu: the Tower of Darkness and the Tower of Waters. Each tower is populated with trainers specializing in their respective types – Dark and Water, respectively. Upon successfully conquering a tower with Kubfu, it gains the ability to evolve into the corresponding Urshifu form. This choice is permanent within a single save file, adding a layer of strategic depth to your Pokémon journey.

The Tower of Darkness: A Path of Offense

The Tower of Darkness favors a more aggressive playstyle. Inside, you will be facing Dark-type Pokémon. Kubfu’s Fighting-type moves are super effective against these opponents, making the climb somewhat easier from a type-advantage perspective. Successfully completing this tower allows Kubfu to evolve into Single Strike Style Urshifu, a Fighting/Dark-type Pokémon. This Urshifu is known for its powerful physical attacks and its signature move, Wicked Blow, which always results in a critical hit.

The Tower of Waters: A Path of Balance

The Tower of Waters presents a different set of challenges, featuring Water-type Pokémon trainers. While Kubfu’s Fighting-type moves are neutral against Water, the tower still requires strategic thinking and careful planning. Overcoming this tower leads to the evolution of Rapid Strike Style Urshifu, a Fighting/Water-type Pokémon. This form is more versatile, utilizing swift, consecutive strikes with its signature move, Surging Strikes, which hits three times and always results in a critical hit on each strike.

Factors Influencing Your Decision

Choosing the right tower depends on several factors, including your team composition, preferred playstyle, and the current competitive metagame.

Team Synergy: Consider which Urshifu form would best complement your existing team. Single Strike Style Urshifu fits well on offensive teams that benefit from a strong physical attacker, while Rapid Strike Style Urshifu is better suited for balanced teams that require a versatile sweeper.
Personal Playstyle: If you enjoy a straightforward, hard-hitting approach, Single Strike Style Urshifu might be the better choice. If you prefer a more tactical playstyle that involves outspeeding and overwhelming opponents with multiple strikes, Rapid Strike Style Urshifu could be more appealing.
Metagame Trends: Keeping an eye on the competitive scene can provide valuable insights into which Urshifu form is currently more effective. Metagame trends shift over time, so staying informed can help you make the most optimal decision.

Detailed Analysis of Each Urshifu Form

Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics of each Urshifu form to provide a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

Single Strike Style Urshifu: The Critical Hit Master

Single Strike Style Urshifu excels as a physical attacker with a focus on dealing massive damage with a single, powerful blow. Its Dark typing grants it access to strong moves like Sucker Punch, providing valuable priority. The unique ability to land guaranteed critical hits with Wicked Blow makes it a formidable opponent. It excels at breaking down walls and can severely cripple the other team.

Pros: High Attack stat, guaranteed critical hits, good type coverage.
Cons: Lower Speed, vulnerable to status conditions, Fighting/Dark typing offers mixed defensive value.

Rapid Strike Style Urshifu: The Swift Striker

Rapid Strike Style Urshifu is a versatile and agile attacker that specializes in delivering consecutive blows. Its Water typing grants it access to powerful moves like Aqua Jet, offering another valuable priority option. The signature move, Surging Strikes, is a powerful and reliable attack that also always critically hits, dealing consistent damage over three strikes. This Urshifu is better equipped to handle Focus Sashes and Sturdy abilities.

Pros: Good Speed stat, versatile movepool, strong priority options.
Cons: Slightly lower Attack stat compared to Single Strike Style, reliant on multi-hit moves, Fighting/Water typing offers mixed defensive value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kubfu and Urshifu

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kubfu and its evolutions to help you make informed decisions:

Which form of Kubfu is better? Both Single Strike and Rapid Strike forms of Urshifu have the exact same Ability–Unseen Fist–and base stats, so neither is inherently more powerful than the other. The biggest difference between the two forms is their potential movesets and, consequently, their strategic roles.
Who should I evolve Kubfu into? You must evolve into Urshifu to complete Isle of Armor. If you want to have a Kubfu to keep, you can start a new game on a new profile and transfer the Kubfu you get from that through Pokémon HOME.
What is the better version of Urshifu? Generally, the Rapid Strike Urshifu is best on more balanced cores (fire, water, grass), whereas the Single Strike is used on more offensive teams – especially since it fills the role as a breaker.
Is Urshifu a legendary or mythical? Kubfu and Urshifu are Legendary Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield’s first Expansion Pack (DLC): The Isle of Armor.
Can I capture Eternatus? Yes, you can catch Eternatus after defeating it in battle. Eternatus has a 100% catch rate, so you can use any Poké Ball.
Who can defeat Urshifu? Some of the best Pokémon GO Urshifu counters are Mega Rayquaza, Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Alakazam, Mega Gardevoir, Mewtwo & Mega Gallade. The best counters will depend on the specific moveset Urshifu is using.
Can Kubfu be shiny? Unfortunately, Kubfu cannot be shiny in the main game. It is technically a legendary Pokémon, so it cannot be bred. The Kubfu you receive in the Isle of Armor DLC is shiny locked.
What does Kubfu evolve into? Kubfu evolves into Urshifu after completing one of the Towers of Darkness or Waters. Each tower will give the ability to learn the form specific move to then evolve Kubfu.
Is Kubfu a DLC Pokémon? Yes, Kubfu is a central part of the Isle of Armor DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Does Kubfu need to be level 70? While it is not strictly required, it’s advisable to level Kubfu to around level 70 before challenging the towers. This will ensure it has sufficient stats and move options to handle the trainers within.
Is Kubfu always female? No, even though Kubfu/Urshifu are classified as Legendary Pokémon, they can be either male or female.
Can you stop Kubfu from evolving? Yes, you can prevent Kubfu from evolving by giving it an Everstone to hold during the final phase of your tower excursion.
Is Urshifu a DLC Pokémon? Yes, Players can obtain both Strike Styles for Urshifu in the Pokémon: Isle of Armor DLC
Does Urshifu have a hidden ability? Unseen Fist is a new Ability introduced with this expansion and one that only Single Strike Style Urshifu and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu have. This Ability lets the Pokémon deal damage when it attacks with moves that make direct contact, even if the target defends itself by using moves like Protect.
Are there any special Shiny Pokémon distributions? Yes, there may be a special SHINY Eternatus distribution available for Pokemon Sword and Shield before Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the “best” tower for Kubfu depends on your individual preferences and strategic goals. The Tower of Darkness offers a type advantage due to Kubfu’s Fighting-type moves, potentially leading to an easier playthrough. By carefully considering your team composition, playstyle, and the current metagame, you can make the most informed decision for your Kubfu’s evolutionary journey. Embrace the challenge, explore the possibilities, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Isle of Armor!

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