You’ve seen it in the shop. That $8 ticket staring back at you with a name that sounds more like a plushie store than a legendary combat trial. Fuzzy Fighter special research isn't just another filler quest to keep you tapping your screen until your thumb goes numb. It’s the primary gateway to one of the most unique Legendaries in the game: Kubfu.
Niantic has a habit of locking the coolest Galar-region monsters behind these paywalls, and honestly, the community is always split. Is it a cash grab? Or is it a shortcut to a competitive powerhouse? Well, it's a bit of both. But if you're serious about your Master League roster or just want to fill that frustrating hole in your Pokédex, you need to know exactly what you're signing up for before you drop the credits.
What is Fuzzy Fighter Special Research Anyway?
Basically, this research story debuted during the Powerful Potential event in March 2025. It was designed to run alongside the seasonal "Might and Mastery" free research, but with much better loot. While the free version gave everyone a shot at the Wushu Pokémon, the Fuzzy Fighter special research ticket allows for a second encounter.
Why do you need two? Evolution.
Kubfu isn't like your average Pidgey. It evolves into Urshifu, which has two distinct forms: Single Strike Style (Fighting/Dark) and Rapid Strike Style (Fighting/Water). If you only have one Kubfu, you’re forced to choose. If you want both forms—especially the Dynamax versions—this ticket is pretty much the only way to make that happen without waiting years for a repeat event.
The Gritty Details: Tasks and Rewards
Let’s be real, some of these tasks are a total slog. You can't just click a button and get your legendary bear; you have to work for it. The research is broken down into five distinct stages.
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Stage 1 starts off easy. You’ll need to catch 30 Pokémon and spin 10 stops. The real kicker here is collecting 500 Max Particles. If you haven't been keeping up with Power Spots, this might take you a localized afternoon of walking. You get a Stufful encounter out of it, which fits the "fuzzy" theme, I guess.
Stage 2 gets a little more specific. You’re looking at a 5km walk. That’s standard Niantic. But you also have to power up Fighting-type Pokémon 10 times. I usually just find a low-level Mankey or Machop and dump a few hundred Stardust into them to clear this quickly. The reward is a Teddiursa, which is fine, but the real prize is the Premium Battle Pass tucked into the completion rewards.
Stage 3 and Stage 4 are where the theme really shines. You’ll be powering up Water-type and Dark-type Pokémon respectively. This mirrors the two paths Urshifu can take. You get 10 Kubfu Candy in each of these stages. Trust me, do not spend those candies on a whim. You’ll need every single one for the evolution later.
Stage 5 is the finish line.
- Earn 5 Candies walking your buddy.
- Make 2 Excellent Throws (this is the part that usually tilts people).
- Level up a Max Move.
Once you’ve cleared those, you finally get the Dynamax Kubfu encounter.
The Evolution Dilemma: Single Strike vs. Rapid Strike
Once you finish the Fuzzy Fighter special research, you're standing there with a legendary cub and a choice to make. Honestly, it’s a tough one. In the current 2026 meta, both forms of Urshifu have their place, but they play very differently.
Single Strike Urshifu is a glass cannon that hits like a freight train. With its signature move, Wicked Blow, it can tear through Psychic and Ghost types in the Master League. However, the Rapid Strike Style is often seen as the more "versatile" pick for raids. Surfing through a boss's HP with Surging Strikes is incredibly satisfying.
The evolution process itself is a bit of a chore. You have to set Kubfu as your buddy and then defeat 30 Dark-type or 30 Water-type Pokémon in raids or Max Battles. It doesn't matter which one you're fighting, as long as it's the right type. You don't even have to use Kubfu in the fight; he just needs to be "watching" from your buddy slot.
Is the $8 Price Tag Justified?
Look, I’m not here to tell you how to spend your money. But let’s look at the math. A standard Premium Battle Pass is about a dollar. You get two in this research. You also get an Incense, a Star Piece, and enough Rare Candy to actually make the Kubfu usable.
If you were to buy these items individually, you’re already halfway to the ticket price. The "premium" you're paying is essentially for the guaranteed high-IV encounter and the Dynamax capability. Since Dynamaxing is the core mechanic of the current season, having a Legendary that can go big in Max Battles is a significant advantage.
Pro Tips for Clearing the Research Faster
Don't just wander around aimlessly. If you want to finish this in a weekend, you need a plan.
- Stack Your Tasks: Don't power up your Fighting types until you reach Stage 2. If you do it early, it won't count.
- The Buddy Trick: For the "Earn 5 Candies" task, swap your buddy to something like a Magikarp or Pidgey. They earn candy every 1km. If you stick with Kubfu, you'll be walking 100km just for that one task. No thanks.
- Excellent Throws: If you struggle with these, find a Pokémon with a large catch circle like Wailmer, Ponyta, or even Slowpoke. It makes the "2 Excellent Throws" feel like a breeze instead of a nightmare.
- Max Particles: Make sure your Max Particle storage isn't full before you try to collect the 500 for Stage 1. If you're at the cap, the research won't progress when you visit a Power Spot.
The Verdict on the Fuzzy Fighter
At the end of the day, Fuzzy Fighter special research is for the collectors and the competitive grinders. It’s not a "must-have" for a casual player who just wants to catch a few Pikachu on their lunch break. But for those of us who spent the last year building the perfect team, the chance to secure a second Kubfu with potentially better stats is too good to pass up.
Just remember that once you buy the ticket, the research doesn't expire. You can take your sweet time. If you’re stuck on the 5km walk because it’s snowing outside, don't sweat it. The Kubfu will still be there in the spring.
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To get the most out of your new legendary, start hoarding Fighting-type Mega Energy now. You’re going to want a strong support team to back up your Urshifu once it hits the raid circuit. Check your current inventory for Sinnoh Stones and Rare Candies as well—you'll need a mountain of resources to get this bear to Level 40 or 50.