Mankey sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Annihilape as fast as possible. Part of the Gen 1 roster. Only weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy.
Nothing fancy in Mankey's spread. It leans physical with Attack out front. And you'll get 1 Attack EV per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It lives in groups in the treetops. If it loses sight of its group, it becomes infuriated by its loneliness.
It is extremely quick to anger. It could be docile one moment, then thrashing away the next instant.
Mankey Weakness
AvgMankey is weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type moves. Not too many gaps in the chart, 3 weaknesses to account for.
Mankey kicks off a three-stage evolution line through Primeape all the way to Annihilape. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 230 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Mankey easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
You commit to a move every time Mankey comes in. Choice Scarf gives speed patching through item lock, and Defiant adds to that. A spread EV build EVs make sure the locked move actually hurts. Ground coverage covers the rest.
Best Build
Best Mankey Moveset
- U Turn
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
Recommended Teammates
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 13 types means almost nothing walls Mankey cleanly, with Focus Punch and Close Combat anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 12 types means almost nothing walls Mankey cleanly, with Close Combat and Focus Blast anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 11 types means almost nothing walls Mankey cleanly, with Focus Punch and Close Combat anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
The level-up pool tells the story here. Mankey learns Thrash and Outrage naturally, plus enough variety that TMs feel like bonuses. Coverage across 10 types extends the reach beyond that.
Mankey is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 8 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
Mankey's encounter pool splits between Scarlet and Violet. You've got 8 walking spots at Lv. 15-19 total, but your version determines which ones actually show up.
Mankey doesn't appear in Legends: Z-A. Transfer it from Red, Yellow, or Brilliant Diamond to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
10 encounter spots for Mankey at moderate rates starting from mid-game routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations
10 spots to find Mankey at Lv. 22-63 via walking and special. Not all of them exist in both Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl versions, so filter by your copy below.
decent spawn rates for Mankey across 2 locations in early-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Best Locations
At 305 BST, Mankey is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Primeape before bringing it to any serious fight.
Mankey evolves into Primeape at level 28. Mankey is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Vital Spirit is the go-to ability for Mankey. It prevents sleep. Its hidden ability Defiant can work in specific setups. Anger Point is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Mankey is a physical attacker with base 80 Attack. Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Mankey appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Present since Red & Blue, Mankey appears in 20 games spanning 9 generations. Gen 1 originals like Mankey have the longest track record of availability in the series.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
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 IVDP
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