So, you've heard about Kubfu, that adorable yet powerful Fighting-type Pokémon, and you're wondering how to get your hands on one, right? It's a journey that's less about a simple 'catch' and more about a rewarding in-game progression. Think of it as earning your partner.
Getting Kubfu isn't like stumbling upon a wild Pokémon in tall grass. It's a story-driven event. You'll need to progress through the Isle of Armor expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield. The key lies in completing the three dojo trials. These trials are designed to test your skills and your bond with your Pokémon, and once you've conquered them, you'll be presented with Kubfu.
Now, if you're like me, you probably want the best Kubfu possible. This is where the concept of 'rerolling' comes in. It sounds a bit technical, but it's essentially a way to try for a Kubfu with specific traits. The most sought-after traits for Kubfu, especially if you're thinking about its powerful evolution, Urshifu, are its Nature and IVs (Individual Values). For a physical attacker like Kubfu, an Adamant Nature (boosting Attack and lowering Special Attack) or a Jolly Nature (boosting Speed and lowering Special Attack) are generally considered top-tier. These natures really help capitalize on its strong attack stat, which is crucial for competitive play.
Here's the practical side of rerolling: after you complete the trials and are about to receive Kubfu from Master Mustard, make sure you save your game before you talk to him. This is your crucial checkpoint. Once you receive Kubfu, check its Nature and IVs. If you're not happy with what you see, you simply reset your game and try again from that save point. It might take a few tries, but the satisfaction of getting a Kubfu with the Nature you want is pretty great.
It's worth noting that while rerolling for Nature and IVs is a thing, shiny Kubfu isn't currently available through this method. Shiny-locked Pokémon, like those received as in-game gifts or starters, can't be obtained in their shiny forms even with repeated resets. So, if a shiny Kubfu is your dream, you'll likely need to wait for a special event.
What about getting both of Kubfu's evolutions, Single-Strike Style and Rapid-Strike Style Urshifu? Since you can only choose one path per save file, the clever workaround is to create a separate user profile on your Nintendo Switch. You can then play through the early part of the game on this new profile until you reach the point where you receive Kubfu. After obtaining it, you can evolve it into the form you didn't choose on your main save file. Then, using Pokémon HOME, you can transfer this Kubfu (or its evolved form) to your main save file. It's a bit of a process, but it allows you to experience both powerful Urshifu forms without needing two full copies of the game.
And don't worry too much about the IVs if rerolling feels like too much of a hassle. Modern Pokémon games offer items like Mints to change Natures and Bottle Caps to boost IVs. So, even if your initial Kubfu isn't 'perfect,' you have ways to fine-tune it later on. The most important thing is the journey and the bond you build with your Pokémon.
