Stats & Training
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 stops being angry only when nobody else is around. To view this moment is very difficult.
It is always outrageously furious. If it gives chase, it will tenaciously track the target no matter how far.
Primeape Weakness
Flying, Psychic, and Fairy moves hit Primeape for super-effective damage. Primeape leans offensive (base 105 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Bug, Rock, Dark |
In X & Y, Clefable can KO Primeape with Moonblast (97-115%). Zapdos's Thunderbolt hits Primeape for 58-68%. Latios's Psyshock also KOs at 169-199%.
 Clefable Fairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Clefable builds →Moonblast 2x97-115%KO | ||
 Zapdos Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemSitrus Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Zapdos builds →Heat Wave41-48% Thunderbolt58-68% | ||
 Latios DragonPsychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Latios builds →Draco Meteor136-160%KO Psyshock 2x169-199%KO | ||
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMoxie ItemLum Berry NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Salamence builds →Earthquake69-81% Outrage123-145%KO | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Alakazam builds →Psychic 2x150-176%KO Focus Blast67-78% Shadow Ball44-52% Dazzling Gleam 2x89-104%KO | ||
X & Y Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Primeape to get Mankey eggs easily using 200 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Close Combat, Counter and 9 more.
X & Y Primeape Best Moveset
Prediction matters here. Choice Scarf means Primeape can't change moves after clicking, but the payoff is speed patching through item lock. Max Attack and Speed EVs with Defiant back that up. Ground coverage prevents free switches.
Best Build
Primeape best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Revenge Killer Moveset
- Close Combat
- Gunk Shot
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Don't skip the egg moves. Primeape picks up Beat Up and Close Combat only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Focus Punch and Close Combat while coverage across 9 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Primeape in X & Y
Primeape can't be caught in X & Y. Transfer Mankey from Red, Yellow, or Brilliant Diamond and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
Primeape Guide
In X & Y, 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.
In X & Y, watch for Aerodactyl (Flying), Alakazam (Psychic), and Clefable (Fairy) when using Primeape. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB.
In X & Y, 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.
In X & Y, 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.
Game Availability
Primeape has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves