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.
It swims as fast as a jet boat. The edges of its wings are sharp and can slice apart drifting ice.
The three horns that extend from its beak attest to its power. The leader has the biggest horns.
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. No compatible 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 from the Ground and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Agility, Aqua Ring, Bide and 10 more.
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 utility options keep the pressure on while flexible EVs EVs balance power and survivability.
Best Build
Best Empoleon Moveset
- Scald
- Defog
- Flash Cannon
- Ice Beam
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
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.
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