Free switch-ins on Poison moves make Empoleon useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 3 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Can go either physical or special depending on the set. Part of the Gen 4 roster.
Nothing fancy in Empoleon's spread. It leans special with Sp. Atk out front. And you'll get 3 Sp. Atk EVs per KO for it. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
Since ancient times, it has been revered by the people of Hisui, who call it the Master of the Waves. Its wings are a match for even master-crafted blades.
Empoleon Weakness
FortressEmpoleon's Water/Steel typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Fighting, and Ground moves. It shrugs off Poison-type attacks completely. It resists 10 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. With 84 HP and balanced defenses, Empoleon can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
The three-stage chain from Piplup through Prinplup ends here at Empoleon. Want more? Breed for Piplup eggs. A massive partner pool available via two egg groups. The evolution from Piplup pushed Empoleon to 530 total stats. Sp.Atk saw the largest single gain at +50.
How to Evolve
Breed with Empoleon to get Piplup eggs easily using 278 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups.
Empoleon's built to absorb hits. Calm nature leans into special wall duty, Leftovers gives it passive recovery each turn, and Roost handles sustain. Competitive and max HP and Sp. Def EVs tie the defensive profile together.
Best Build
Best Empoleon Moveset
- Roost
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Flip Turn
Recommended Teammates
STAB runs through Hydro Cannon and Steel Beam for the basics, but Empoleon's real strength is the 10-type coverage spread. Normal and Flying hit common defensive types, and the movepool keeps going.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The offense anchors on Steel Beam and Wave Crash, with coverage across 7 types adding reach. It's a workable movepool for Empoleon that handles most situations. Double-Edge and Hydro Pump give it enough punch where it matters.
You'll want to breed for Agility and Aqua Ring on Empoleon. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Cannon and Hydro Pump, they expand what Empoleon can actually threaten in practice.
STAB runs through Hydro Cannon and Hydro Pump for the basics, but Empoleon's real strength is the 10-type coverage spread. Normal and Flying hit common defensive types, and the movepool keeps going.
Empoleon isn't available in the wild in Scarlet & Violet. Start by transferring Piplup from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus. The evolution path from Piplup to Empoleon is covered in the steps below.
How to Obtain Empoleon in Scarlet & Violet
1 encounter spots for Empoleon at decent spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Empoleon in Legends: Arceus
To get Empoleon, start by catching Piplup through walking encounters at walking. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch PiplupEASYSpring PathGrassUncommonRoute
Step 3Empoleon ✓EASYIslespy ShoreGrassUncommonor evolve from Prinplup (Step 2)
No wild encounters for Empoleon. The 3-stage chain runs through Piplup, which you can catch at moderate rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 36 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Empoleon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
To get Empoleon, start by catching Piplup through walking encounters at Lv. 58-63. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch PiplupFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-game
Step 2Evolve into Prinplup
Step 3Empoleon ✓
Can't catch Empoleon directly. Start with Piplup in the wild from the locations below, then evolve at level 36. The 3-stage chain from Piplup to Empoleon is where the leveling time goes.
Empoleon works as an attacker with 530 BST behind it. B-Tier on our list — a solid choice for the right team. That 111 base Sp. Atk does the heavy lifting.
Torrent strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Empoleon. Competitive is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Empoleon is leaning toward the special side (base 111 Sp. Atk). Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — at base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. Fits the attacker role.
Empoleon appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Debuting in Diamond & Pearl, Empoleon appears in 12 games across 6 generations. A reliable presence in a solid number of games, typically found through wild encounters.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A