Piplup Best Moveset
Water at 61 Sp. Atk and 40 Speed with AbilityCompetitive boosting Sp. Atk when a stat drops. Pre-evolution stats can't use the boost. The moveset builds toward Empoleon for Water/Steel TermStab at 111 Sp. Atk and the unique defensive typing that resists 10 types.
Piplup saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). This was Piplup's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Torrent with Focus Sash, favoring a Timid nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Piplup best EVs are Speed and Sp. Atk
Utility Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Surf
- Hidden Power Grass
- Icy Wind
Recommended Teammates
Piplup saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Piplup maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Torrent with Eviolite, favoring a Modest nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Blizzard
- Drill Peck
- Hydro Pump
- Bubble Beam
Recommended Teammates
Piplup saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Piplup maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Torrent with Leftovers, favoring a Hardy nature.
Utility Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Scald
- Blizzard
Recommended Teammates
Piplup saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Piplup maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Torrent with Eviolite, favoring a Calm nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Defog
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Piplup saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Piplup maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Torrent with Rocky Helmet, favoring a Calm nature.
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Roost
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Agility
Recommended Teammates
Piplup Weakness
Electric and Grass moves hit Piplup for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
What is Piplup Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Piplup
Raikou can KO Piplup with Thunderbolt (238-281%). Breloom's Bullet Seed hits Piplup for 56-67%.
 Raikou Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityInnerfocus ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Piplup View Raikou builds →Scald35-42% Thunderbolt 2x238-281%KO Volt Switch 2x185-218%KO | ||
 Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemLoaded Dice NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Piplup View Breloom builds →Mach Punch44-52% Bullet Seed 2x56-67% | ||
Evolution
Piplup is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Prinplup first, then eventually reaches Empoleon. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via two egg groups. The evolved forms gain up to 216 total stats over Piplup. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Piplup
Piplup starts showing up in endgame routes at moderate rates across 2 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Piplup starts showing up in late-game routes at decent spawn rates across 1 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Piplup in PLA
Piplup is your first catch on the way to Piplup. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 40-47 across 3 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Piplup ✓Spring PathLv.41-44GrassRate 15%
Step 3Catch or Evolve into EmpoleonIslespy ShoreLv.40-47GrassRate 15%or evolve from Prinplup (Step 2)
moderate rates for Piplup across 6 locations in endgame routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Piplup in BDSP
The path to Piplup starts with Piplup at Lv. 58-63 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
No wild encounters for Piplup. The 3-stage chain runs through Piplup, which you can catch in the wild from the locations below. Evolve at level 36 once you've got the levels.
Base Stats
Piplup's stats barely vary. None sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 1 Sp. Atk EV, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.
Prefers cold climes and appears along coasts. It’s an adorable little thing—as cute as any child—but it’s also prideful, unwilling to accept handouts from people.
Piplup Guide
Piplup does the job early-game if you need a Water type on your team. Evolve it into Prinplup before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Piplup first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 12 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves