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How to get Urshifu in Pokémon: Single Strike vs Rapid Strike explained
If you're a true Pokémon fan - or a proud collector of Japanese figures - chances are you've heard of Urshifu, the legendary Wushu Pokémon introduced in Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor. But with two powerful forms and multiple games to play across, the real question becomes: how to get Urshifu - and which version should you choose?
Whether you're a strategic battler or a figure collector browsing Japan Figure, this guide will help you unlock Urshifu’s full potential in Pokémon Sword & Shield, Pokémon GO, and beyond.
1. What Is Urshifu?
Urshifu is a Legendary Fighting-type Pokémon that evolves from Kubfu, a cub-like martial artist given to you during the Isle of Armor storyline.
If you're wondering how to get Urshifu, it all depends on the path you choose—because this powerful Pokémon has two distinct forms.
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Single Strike Style Urshifu
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Type: Fighting/Dark
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Signature Move: Wicked Blow – a guaranteed critical hit.
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Style: Powerful one-hit knockouts
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Rapid Strike Style Urshifu
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Type: Fighting/Water
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Signature Move: Surging Strikes – hits three times, all critical.
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Style: Combo-focused, tactical pressure.
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Both forms are fan favorites in the competitive scene and have appeared in Pokémon TCG and anime. If you're into collectibles, Urshifu figures in both styles are highly sought after - especially when featured in Japanese exclusive lines.
2. How to Get Urshifu
Getting Urshifu varies depending on which game you're playing. Below, we break it down for Pokémon GO, Pokémon Sword & Shield, and Scarlet & Violet (if applicable in the future).
2.1. How to Get Urshifu in Pokémon GO
As of recent Pokémon GO updates, Urshifu is available only through special research - often tied to limited-time events like GO Fest.
Method:
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Complete event-exclusive Special Research Tasks to receive Kubfu.
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Tasks typically involve catching Fighting-type Pokémon, winning raids, or battling in GO Battle League.
Steps:
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Participate in events such as GO Fest 2023, where Kubfu was first released.
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Complete all timed challenges.
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Receive Kubfu and evolve it into either Single Strike or Rapid Strike Urshifu (depending on the event).
Key Notes:
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You cannot choose Urshifu’s form in GO - it's tied to the event version.
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Evolution requires completing all tasks; no towers are involved.
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Not currently possible to get both forms unless Niantic reruns events in the future.
If you missed a past event, don’t worry - stay tuned for updates. Knowing how to get Urshifu in PoGO will help you be ready when the next opportunity arrives.
2.2. How to get Urshifu in Pokémon Sword & Shield
Urshifu’s original appearance was in Pokémon Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor. To get it, you must own the DLC and complete the dojo trials.
Method:
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Urshifu evolves from Kubfu, given by Mustard, the dojo master on Isle of Armor.
Steps:
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Purchase and install the Isle of Armor DLC.
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Complete early dojo challenges and receive Kubfu.
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Increase friendship with Kubfu by visiting scenic spots.
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Choose one of two towers:
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Tower of Darkness → evolves into Single Strike Urshifu
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Tower of Waters → evolves into Rapid Strike Urshifu
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Defeat the five trainers inside the chosen tower using Kubfu only.
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Upon victory, Kubfu will evolve based on the tower selected.
Key Notes:
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You can only choose one tower, and thus, one Urshifu form.
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Once evolved, you cannot change its style.
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After evolution, you can feed Urshifu Max Soup to unlock its Gigantamax form - one of the most epic animations in the Galar region.
Whether you aim for brute force or tactical combos, knowing how to get Urshifu and choosing the right form makes all the difference in your Pokémon journey.
2.3. How to get Urshifu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
At the time of writing, Urshifu is not available natively in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. However, it may become available in the future through:
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Home transfer (from Sword & Shield)
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Event raids
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Upcoming DLCs or updates
Keep your eyes on official announcements and updates on Pokémon Home compatibility!
3. Which Urshifu is better: Single strike or rapid strike style?
Choosing between Single Strike and Rapid Strike Urshifu depends on your playstyle.
>>> Single Strike Urshifu (Fighting/Dark) is all about power. Its move Wicked Blow always lands a critical hit, making it perfect for players who like direct, high-damage attacks. It’s simple, strong, and especially good in one-on-one battles.
>>> On the other hand, Rapid Strike Urshifu (Fighting/Water) is more tactical. Its move Surging Strikes hits three times - each one a critical hit - making it excellent for breaking through defenses and shields. It shines in longer battles or team fights where strategy matters.
If you like fast, aggressive battles, go with Single Strike. If you enjoy smarter plays and outlasting your opponent, Rapid Strike might be your best pick.
Either way, once you understand how to get Urshifu rapid strike and single strike, and pick the form that matches your style, you’ll have one of the most dynamic and powerful Pokémon in recent memory.
4. FAQs – People also ask about how to get Urshifu to drink max soup and more
Besides the steps and key notes to get Urshifu, many trainers still have questions about the process. Check out our FAQ section below for quick answers and extra tips to help you make the right choice.
4.1. Can I get both Urshifu?
In Pokémon Sword & Shield, you can only get one Urshifu per save file. To have both forms, you’d need to trade or start a new game. In Pokémon GO, the availability of both forms depends on special event timing, and currently, only one form is typically offered at a time.
4.2. Can I change my Urshifu’s form?
No, you can’t. Once Kubfu evolves into Urshifu, the form is locked in permanently. In Pokémon Sword & Shield, your choice between the Tower of Darkness or Tower of Waters determines whether you get Single Strike or Rapid Strike Urshifu. There’s no way to switch forms afterward, so be sure you know how to get Urshifu in the style that suits your playstyle. In Pokémon GO, the form is pre-determined by the event and also cannot be changed.
4.3. Which tower is Single Strike Urshifu?
To evolve into Single Strike, take Kubfu to the Tower of Darkness in Isle of Armor. This route unlocks the Dark/Fighting version.
4.4. How to get Rapid Strike Urshifu in Shield?
To get Rapid Strike Urshifu in Pokémon Shield, first purchase and install the Isle of Armor DLC. Complete the dojo challenges to receive Kubfu, then raise its friendship. Next, take Kubfu to the Tower of Waters and defeat all five trainers using only Kubfu. Upon victory, it will evolve into Rapid Strike Urshifu, the Fighting/Water-type form. This process works the same in both Sword and Shield versions, so choosing the right tower is key if you want this tactical, multi-hit powerhouse.
4.5. How to get Urshifu to drink Max Soup?
After evolution, bring Urshifu back to the dojo and use Max Soup (crafted from Max Mushrooms) to unlock its Gigantamax form. Note: this works only in Sword & Shield, not Pokémon GO.
Urshifu is one of the most iconic Pokémon in recent generations - powerful, stylish, and uniquely split into two forms. Now that you know how to get Urshifu, the real question is: will you choose Single Strike or Rapid Strike to match your battle style?
>>> Check out authentic figures and plushies at Japan Figure - where your Pokémon journey continues.
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