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.
If anyone were to hurt its pride, it would slash them with wings that can cleave through an ice floe.
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 11 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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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 180 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Agility, Aqua Ring, Bide and 10 more.
Surf is the main STAB option after a Agility boost. Leftovers gives Empoleon passive recovery each turn to survive the setup turn, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs make the boosted hits count. The remaining moves catches resists.
Best Build
Best Empoleon Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Agility
- Grass Knot
Recommended Teammates
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Empoleon isn't available in the wild in Black & White. 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 Black & White
Empoleon works as a setup sweeper with 530 BST behind it. C-Tier on our list — a situational pick that fills a niche. 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 a special attacker with 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 setup sweeper 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