You get TM08 Bulk Up as a gift from Sage Giallo, who can be found on Route 14. Sage Giallo is one of six Sages that you’re asked to find after beating the main story. So you can only obtain this TM in the post-game.
This means you have to defeat N and the Elite Four to reach Sage Giallo. HM05 Waterfall is also required here, as Giallo is waiting at the top of one of Route 14’s waterfalls.
The best way to reach Route 14 is from White Forest/Black City. These two areas are version-specific – Black has Black City, while White has White Forest.
Each town has its differences, but both have the same northern tunnel that leads to Route 14.
For the purposes of this guide, we’ll be using step-by-step images from Pokémon Black. But once you reach Route 14, the screenshots will be identical for both versions of the game.
TM08 Bulk Up Location (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Starting at the Black City Pokémon Center (or starting in White Forest in Pokémon White), head north on the city’s main road.
Step 2: Continue along the road and enter the northern tunnel leading to Route 14.
Step 3: Now on Route 14, head down the stairs leading east.
Step 4: From the bottom of the stairs, continue east past the Trainer Tips sign and climb down the smaller set of stairs.
Step 5: Directly ahead is another set of stairs. Continue making your way east down the stairs.
Step 6: From the bottom of the stairs, walk north past the NPC and Trainer Tips sign.
Step 7: Continue north onto the bridge ahead, and then use Surf facing west towards the waterfall.
Step 8: Use Waterfall to climb up the cliff ahead.
Step 9: From the top of the waterfall, surf west a bit. Then climb the next waterfall you see (it should have you facing up to the north).
Step 10: After you climb this second waterfall, you’ll spot Sage Giallo at the top on a small strip of land.
Hop onto the land to the west and speak with him.
Step 11: After a brief conversation, Giallo will give you TM08 Bulk Up.
Bulk Up Details + Uses
| Bulk Up Move Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fighting |
| Category | Status |
| Power | – |
| Accuracy | – |
| PP | 20 |
Bulk Up is a Fighting-type Status move that increases the Attack and Defense of the user by one stage each. For Pokémon that depend on their Physical traits, Bulk Up can be a gamechanger in battle.
To get an idea of how both Attack and Defense are modified per stage, take a look at the chart below:
| Stage | Stat modifier |
|---|---|
| 1 | Attack/Defense 1.5x |
| 2 | Attack/Defense 2x |
| 3 | Attack/Defense 2.5x |
| 4 | Attack/Defense 3x |
| 5 | Attack/Defense 3.5x |
| 6 | Attack/Defense 4x |
Just one use of Bulk Up provides a 50% increase in the user’s Attack and Defense.
While the move is tailored to the often-Physical Fighting types, Bulk Up can be taught to several non-Fighting Pokémon.
For example, the Normal-type Slaking features some of the best Attack/Defense stats in Pokémon. And it’s a great candidate for a Bulk Up user in your party.
Other Pokémon like Braviary and Beartic are also options that feature great Physical stats.
Pokémon like the ones mentioned above are often the best ones to teach TM08 Bulk Up, since many Fighting types learn the move naturally via level-up.
Note: Some dual-type Fighting Pokémon like Gallade and Heracross can only learn the move via TM, so they can benefit greatly from being taught Bulk Up as well.
Guide Navigation
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Pokémon BW
- How To Get TM08 Bulk Up in Pokémon Black & White
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