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. Plenty of partners 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 69 partners from the Ground and Water1 egg groups.
Empoleon doesn't rely on pure speed. Leftovers gives it passive recovery each turn to stay healthy, and Modest nature still pushes offense. Scald and the remaining moves keep the pressure on while max HP and Sp. Atk EVs balance power and survivability.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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)
Empoleon works as an attacker 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 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