vullaby #629
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
vullaby
Generation V · #0629 — Diapered Pokémon
Vullaby, known as the Diapered Pokémon, is a Dark and Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V that has captured the imagination of trainers with its unusual yet endearing design. As National Pokédex entry #629, this small but feisty creature stands only 0.5 meters tall and weighs a mere 9.0 kilograms, making it one of the lighter Pokémon available to trainers in the Unova region. Despite its diminutive size and inability to fly due to underdeveloped wings, Vullaby compensates with a unique personality and an intriguing characteristic that sets it apart from other avian Pokémon. With a base stat total of 370, Vullaby presents an interesting defensive profile, boasting decent Defense and Special Defense stats of 75 and 65 respectively, though its offensive capabilities remain modest with Attack and Special Attack bases of 55 and 45. This female-only species represents an unusual entry in the Pokédex, carrying cultural significance through its distinctive appearance and behavior patterns that foreshadow its evolution into the powerful Mandibuzz.
Base Stats
Height
0.5m
Weight
9.0kg
Category
Diapered Pokémon
Gender
100% Female
Color
brown
Shape
wings
Abilities
Protects against Defense drops.
Protects against damage from weather.
Raises Speed and lowers Defense by one stage each upon being hit by a physical move.
Vullaby Biology & Physical Characteristics
Vullaby's physical appearance draws inspiration from young vultures, featuring a plump, stout body covered in dark gray feathers with a round, featherless pink head crowned by a distinctive crest. The Pokémon's tiny wings, tipped in gray, are far too underdeveloped to permit flight, a trait consistently mentioned across multiple Pokédex entries from Black Version onward. Its most striking characteristic is the cracked, upside-down skull that serves as a diaper-like undergarment protecting its rear, a feature both humorous and practical within the species' biology. This bone is either discovered by Vullaby itself or provided by elder Mandibuzz, establishing an interesting social hierarchy within the species. Vullaby's pink feet feature three clawed toes suitable for gripping, while its short neck supports a small gray beak and distinctive red eyes that convey an alert, somewhat mischievous expression. The creature's fluffy collar of light gray feathers around its neck provides insulation and visual distinction, contributing to its overall endearing appearance despite its predatory nature.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Vullaby Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Vullaby represents one of the franchise's female-only species, a design choice that establishes unique breeding mechanics and gameplay implications. With a gender ratio of 0% male and 100% female, all Vullaby encountered in the wild or obtained through normal gameplay methods are invariably female, making them impossible to breed with each other under standard breeding mechanics. Instead, female Vullaby must be bred with Pokémon from the appropriate egg group—in this case, the Flying egg group—to produce offspring, typically resulting in Vullaby eggs when paired with compatible males. This breeding restriction has made Vullaby somewhat challenging to obtain in multiple copies for competitive players, though their relatively high capture rate of 190 and availability in various games have mitigated this concern somewhat. The female-only status adds narrative and ecological interest to the species, potentially suggesting that male Vullaby either follow a drastically different developmental path or that the species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism. The base happiness of 35, lower than the franchise standard of 50, reflects Vullaby's naturally somewhat hostile demeanor and predatory instincts, requiring trainers to invest additional effort in bonding with captured specimens. Egg cycles number 20, placing Vullaby within the moderate hatching timeframe that encourages player engagement without excessive grinding.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
red green japan
tm04
blue japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
tm06
black 2 white 2
tm06
xd
tm06
black white
tm06
heartgold soulsilver
+596 more TMs/HMs
vullaby's Evolution Chain
Vullaby Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Vullaby evolves into the formidable Mandibuzz upon reaching level 54, a transformation that represents a dramatic shift from helpless youth to apex predator. As Vullaby approaches this evolutionary threshold, it undergoes a profound behavioral change, discarding the bones it has worn throughout its juvenile stage as documented in multiple Pokédex entries. This shedding of protective gear marks a critical developmental milestone, signaling that the young vulture's wings have finally matured sufficiently for flight. Upon evolution, Vullaby's modest base stat total of 370 increases significantly, with Mandibuzz achieving a base stat total of 530, representing substantial gains across multiple statistical categories. The evolution process also facilitates access to a considerably expanded movepool and improved ability effects, allowing the evolved form to function as a formidable special wall and defensive pivot in competitive scenarios. This transition from ground-bound scavenger to airborne predator is one of the most visually and mechanically dramatic transformations in the series, justifying the 54-level investment required for trainers seeking to harness Vullaby's full potential.
Where to Find
unova victory road
unova
+1 more
village bridge
unova
unova route 10
unova
+5 more
unova route 11
unova
unova route 23
unova
+1 more
poke pelago
alola
alola route 3
alola
Vullaby Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Vullaby displays the aggressive, opportunistic hunting behavior typical of scavenger species, actively pursuing weaker Pokémon as noted in White Version's Pokédex entry. These young vultures possess remarkably large appetites that result in visible growth spurts, requiring them to frequently replace the bones they wear as their bodies expand. Interestingly, Vullaby exhibit social behaviors centered around their protective gear, often engaging in petty disputes with their own kind regarding which bones provide the greatest comfort, as documented in Sword Version's entry. Older Vullaby pass down bones that have become too small to younger members of the nest, creating a fascinating inter-generational dynamic within Vullaby communities. Despite their flightless status, young Vullaby possess a playful nature, hopping around energetically as mentioned in Moon Version's Pokédex entry, demonstrating dreams of one day soaring through the skies. The species inhabits areas favored by Mandibuzz, their evolved form, typically dwelling in regions where carrion and weaker prey are readily available, establishing them as important scavengers within their ecosystems.
Pokedex Entries
Generation V
Its wings are too tiny to allow it to fly. As the time approaches for it to evolve, it discards the bones it was wearing.
Their wings are too tiny to allow them to fly. They guard their posteriors with bones that were gathered by Mandibuzz.
They tend to guard their posteriors with suitable bones they have found. They pursue weak Pokémon.
Generation VI
Its wings are too tiny to allow it to fly. As the time approaches for it to evolve, it discards the bones it was wearing.
Their wings are too tiny to allow them to fly. They guard their posteriors with bones that were gathered by Mandibuzz.
Its wings are too tiny to allow it to fly. As the time approaches for it to evolve, it discards the bones it was wearing.
Their wings are too tiny to allow them to fly. They guard their posteriors with bones that were gathered by Mandibuzz.
Generation VII
It protects its plump posterior with the bones of prey it has consumed. As it grows, it replaces the bones.
Mandibuzz gives it the bones it wears. Vullaby’s wings are short, so it can’t fly yet, but it jumps around, dreaming of wide open skies.
It can’t fly yet and must wait until its wings have developed more. Since it’s still at a playful age, it hops around friskily.
Its healthy appetite leads to visible growth spurts. It often has to replace the bones it wears as its size increases.
Generation VIII
It wears a bone to protect its rear. It often squabbles with others of its kind over particularly comfy bones.
Vullaby grow quickly. Bones that have gotten too small for older Vullaby to wear often get passed down to younger ones in the nest.
Vullaby Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Vullaby combines 'vulture' with 'baby,' directly referencing the Pokémon's status as a juvenile vulture species while emphasizing its underdeveloped state. The Japanese name Valchai similarly derives from 'vulture' and 'chai,' the latter suggesting infancy or youth in certain contexts. The genus designation as the Diapered Pokémon directly references Vullaby's most distinctive visual characteristic, the bone serving as a posterior covering that functions similarly to a diaper. This humorous yet oddly fitting descriptor has become iconic to the species' identity within the franchise. The design itself appears inspired by the biological reality of vulture species, which possess significant size differences between juveniles and adults, and are known for their scavenging behavior and social hierarchies. The skull-as-diaper concept, while seemingly absurd, actually demonstrates creative problem-solving within the Pokémon design philosophy, combining biological plausibility with distinctive visual character that makes Vullaby instantly recognizable. The color palette of dark grays and browns with accents of pink reflects typical vulture coloration patterns, grounding the otherwise fantastical concept in avian reality.
Learnable Moves
Vullaby can learn 73 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flatter | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mirror move | flying | Status | — | — | 20 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| punishment | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
Vullaby Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Vullaby rarely sees direct usage, as trainers typically prefer to evolve it immediately to Mandibuzz upon reaching level 54 to access superior stats and movepool options. However, Vullaby's base defensive stats of 75 Defense and 65 Special Defense provide a solid foundation for defensive strategies if utilized in lower-tier competitive formats or niche team compositions. Its abilities offer interesting defensive utility: Big Pecks prevents Defense drops from opposing moves, Overcoat provides immunity to weather-based damage including sandstorm and hail effects, and its hidden ability Weak Armor creates interesting momentum trade-offs by raising Speed while lowering Defense upon physical contact. The Speed stat of 60 is notably unimpressive at this stage, making Vullaby generally too slow to function effectively even in lower competitive tiers without significant Speed control support. Vullaby's offensive movepool remains limited, with relatively modest Attack and Special Attack bases of 55 and 45 respectively, constraining its ability to threaten opponents meaningfully. The species benefits from access to moves like Brave Bird, Taunt, and Dark Pulse through leveling and TM tutelage, but the power and accuracy of these moves are handicapped by its poor offensive statistics. Competitive players universally recommend evolving to Mandibuzz at level 54, where the species transforms into a legitimate special wall capable of functioning effectively in competitive environments.
Commonly Asked Questions About Vullaby
What type is Vullaby?
Vullaby is a dark and flying type Pokemon.
What does Vullaby evolve into?
Vullaby evolves into mandibuzz.
What are Vullaby's weaknesses?
Vullaby is weak to rock, electric, ice and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Vullaby?
Vullaby can be found in unova victory road (unova), village bridge (unova) and unova route 10 (unova) and 4 other locations.
Vullaby Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Vullaby has become a beloved member of the Pokédex since its introduction in Generation V, earning particular affection for its distinctive appearance and the humorous concept of bone-wearing as a central character trait. The Pokémon's unusual design—specifically its bone diaper—has made it a memorable talking point among fans and newcomers alike, contributing to the overall charm of the Unova region's Pokédex. Its representation in the anime and trading card game has further cemented its cultural presence within the franchise, appearing in various episodes that explore its behavior and social dynamics. The gender-exclusive nature of the species added narrative intrigue to the broader Pokémon world, prompting discussions among fans regarding the biological and evolutionary implications of such a design choice. Vullaby's evolution into Mandibuzz represents one of the more striking transformations in the series, and the entire line has become synonymous with scavenger ecology within the Pokémon universe. The species' predatory behavior and opportunistic nature, combined with its endearing juvenile appearance, create a compelling character archetype that resonates with trainers who appreciate both cute and slightly mischievous Pokémon designs. Fan communities have created extensive content celebrating Vullaby, including artwork, fiction, and competitive analyses exploring the species' potential across various game generations.
Where to Find Vullaby in Every Pokémon Game
Vullaby was first introduced in Generation V, appearing as a catchable Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White with National Pokédex number 629 and local Unova Pokédex number 135 (or 111 in Black 2 and White 2). The species has maintained availability in subsequent generations, appearing in Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and continuing through Sun and Moon where it receives local Alola Pokédex entries. In the Generation VII titles, Vullaby appears as number 77 in the standard Alola Pokédex and number 91 in the updated Alola Pokédex for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. The species continues to appear in Sword and Shield with multiple local Pokédex placements, including entries in the base game, The Isle of Armor, and The Teal Mask expansions, demonstrating consistent developer commitment to maintaining the species' availability. More recent generations including Scarlet and Violet have also included Vullaby within their Pokédex, ensuring that trainers across all modern game iterations have access to this distinctive Pokémon. Trading between generations and Pokémon Home integration have further facilitated Vullaby's transfer between versions, allowing long-term players to maintain their preferred specimens throughout their competitive and casual play experiences. Vullaby's consistent availability across nearly two decades of Pokémon games underscores its status as a beloved and integral member of the franchise's monster roster.