While most trainers evolve Primeape into Annihilape immediately, the unevolved form has a niche with Eviolite boosting its defenses. Only weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. Sits at a decent but contested Speed tier. Known as the Pig Monkey Pokemon.
Primeape's built around physical offense. Attack leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Moderately hard to find, worth 2 Attack EVs. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It has been known to become so angry that it dies as a result. Its face looks peaceful in death, however.
Some researchers theorize that Primeape remains angry even when inside a Poké Ball.
Primeape Weakness
AvgFlying, Psychic, and Fairy-type moves hit Primeape for super-effective damage. Primeape leans offensive (base 105 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
Primeape is partway through a three-stage line between Mankey and Annihilape. The chain involves an evolution item, so it's not a straightforward grind. So far, HP got the biggest boost (+25 from Mankey). The final form adds another 80 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Primeape to get Mankey eggs easily from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Close Combat, Counter and 10 more.
The recommended build leans into Primeape's strengths as a physical attacker. Adrenalineorb provides extra utility, and max Attack and Speed EVs back that up. Defiant rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Primeape Moveset
- Close Combat
- Ice Punch
- Rock Slide
- Fire Punch
Recommended Teammates
Coverage runs deep. Primeape can hit 10 types beyond STAB, including Dark and Normal. The offense anchors on Focus Punch and Close Combat while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
2 encounter spots for Primeape at high spawn rates starting from endgame routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Primeape in Sun & Moon
To get Primeape, start by catching Mankey through walking encounters at Lv. 9-57. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch MankeyEASYRoute 3 - NorthMoonGrassLv.9-1220%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 3 - NorthSunGrassLv.9-1220%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 3 - SouthMoonGrassLv.9-1220%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 3 - SouthSunGrassLv.9-1220%EarlyRoute
Step 2Primeape ✓EFFORTLESSPoni Plains - WestSunGrassLv.54-5780%PostShaking spotEFFORTLESSPoni Plains - WestMoonGrassLv.54-5780%PostShaking spotor evolve from Mankey (Step 1)
Primeape isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Annihilape to unlock its full potential. At 455 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Watch for Aerodactyl (Flying), Alakazam (Psychic), and Clefable (Fairy) when using Primeape. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB.
Mankey evolves into Primeape at level 28. Primeape evolves into Annihilape using a Rage Fist 20 Times. Primeape is a middle-stage evolution in the Mankey line.
Vital Spirit prevents sleep — that's the one you want on Primeape. Defiant is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Anger Point works too if your team needs something different.
Primeape fills the attacker role. It's a physical attacker with base 105 Attack. Base 95 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Primeape appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Primeape has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- 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