Prinplup bridges to S-Tier Empoleon in HeartGold and SoulSilver. Torrent triggers below 1/3 HP, and evolution at level 36 adds Steel typing for incredible defensive bulk.
Ability 1TorrentAbility 1Strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
405HP64Attack66Defense68Speed50Sp.Def76Sp.Atk81
Piplup
Prinplup
Empoleon
Weak to
Special
Balanced
50Speed · Slow

Is Prinplup Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Piplup evolves at level 16. AbilityTorrent boosts Water. Empoleon at 36 is the destination. Breed-only from Sinnoh.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGGETSETGTETEEGEEEEEEFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2WhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16PrinplupTradeWillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4LanceChamp*
Falkner
Gym 1
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Falkner's team.

You Win
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Even
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleRoostGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Good

Prinplup has the type edge here and should clean up Bugsy's team.

Even
Scyther
Lv 17
BugFlying
Technician
Quick AttackLeerU TurnFocus Energy
You Win
Kakuna
Lv 15
BugPoison
Shed Skin
Poison Sting
You Win
Metapod
Lv 15
Bug
Shed Skin
Tackle
Whitney
Gym 3
Good

Prinplup has the type edge here and should clean up Whitney's team.

You Win
Clefairy
Lv 17
Normal
Cute Charm
Double SlapMimicEncoreMetronome
Even
Miltank
Lv 19
Normal
Scrappy
RolloutAttractStompMilk Drink
Morty
Gym 4
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Morty's team.

You Win
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
Even
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseNightmare
Even
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookSucker Punch
You Win
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
CurseMean LookSucker PunchNight Shade
Chuck
Gym 5
Tough

Chuck's typing presses Prinplup's defenses.

Even
Primeape
Lv 29
Fighting
Vital Spirit
LeerDouble TeamFocus PunchRock Slide
Risky
Poliwrath
Lv 31
WaterFighting
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
HypnosisSurfFocus PunchBody Slam
Jasmine
Gym 6
Strong

Prinplup resists most of Jasmine's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
Easy KO
Steelix
Lv 35
SteelGround
Sturdy
ScreechSandstormRock ThrowIron Tail
Pryce
Gym 7
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Pryce's team.

Even
Seel
Lv 30
Water
Thick Fat
SnoreHailIcy WindRest
Risky
Dewgong
Lv 32
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Sleep TalkIce ShardAurora BeamRest
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 34
IceGround
Snow Cloak
HailIce FangMud BombBlizzard
Clair
Gym 8
Tough

Clair's typing presses Prinplup's defenses.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 38
WaterFlying
Intimidate
TwisterDragon RageBiteDragon Pulse
Even
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveFire BlastSlamDragon Pulse
Even
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveAqua TailSlamDragon Pulse
Avoid
Kingdra
Lv 41
WaterDragon
Sniper
SmokescreenHydro PumpHyper BeamDragon Pulse
Brock
Gym 9
Good

Prinplup has the type edge here and should clean up Brock's team.

Easy KO
Graveler
Lv 51
RockGround
Sturdy
Defense CurlRock SlideRolloutEarthquake
Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 51
GroundRock
Rock Head
SandstormScary FaceEarthquakeHorn Drill
Even
Omastar
Lv 53
RockWater
Shell Armor
Ancient PowerBrineProtectSpike Cannon
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Sturdy
Iron TailRock SlideScreechSandstorm
Even
Kabutops
Lv 52
RockWater
Battle Armor
Rock SlideAqua JetEndureGiga Drain
Misty
Gym 10
Tough

Misty's typing presses Prinplup's defenses.

Risky
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsych UpPsychic
Risky
Quagsire
Lv 49
WaterGround
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
Water PulseAmnesiaEarthquakeRain Dance
Risky
Lapras
Lv 52
WaterIce
Shell Armor
Water PulseSingIce BeamBody Slam
Risky
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Natural Cure
Water PulseConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Raichu
Lv 51
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveQuick AttackShock WaveDouble Team
Even
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveDouble TeamShock WaveLight Screen
You Win
Magneton
Lv 47
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
SupersonicDouble TeamShock WaveMirror Shot
Even
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
ScreechDouble TeamSelf DestructCharge Beam
Even
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Tough

Erika's team hits Prinplup's weaknesses hard.

Even
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
U TurnLeech SeedSunny DayGiga Drain
Risky
Tangela
Lv 52
Grass
Chlorophyll
Ancient PowerWring OutGiga DrainSleep Powder
Risky
Victreebel
Lv 56
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGrass KnotLeaf Storm
Risky
Bellossom
Lv 56
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGiga DrainSolar Beam
Janine
Gym 13
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Janine's team.

You Win
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
Even
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Double HitSludge BombToxicExplosion
You Win
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Scary FacePoison JabPin MissilePsychic
You Win
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Pin MissilePoison JabSwaggerNight Shade
Even
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

Even
Espeon
Lv 53
Psychic
Synchronize
Shadow BallSkill SwapCalm MindPsychic
Even
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Filter
MimicLight ScreenSkill SwapPsychic
Even
Alakazam
Lv 55
Psychic
Inner Focus
Skill SwapPsychicEnergy BallReflect
Blaine
Gym 15
Good

Prinplup has the type edge here and should clean up Blaine's team.

Easy KO
Magcargo
Lv 54
FireRock
Flame Body
Sunny DaySmogOverheatRock Slide
You Win
Magmar
Lv 54
Fire
Flame Body
Thunder PunchOverheatSunny DayConfuse Ray
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 59
Fire
Flash Fire
Quick AttackFlare BlitzBounceOverheat
Blue
Gym 16
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Blue's team.

Risky
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtreme Speed
Easy KO
Rhydon
Lv 58
GroundRock
Rock Head
MegahornStone EdgeThunder FangEarthquake
Even
Gyarados
Lv 52
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Ice FangWaterfallDragon DanceReturn
Even
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
No Guard
Dynamic PunchEarthquakeStone EdgeThunder Punch
Even
Pidgeot
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Tangled Feet
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Will's team.

Even
Xatu
Lv 40
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
U TurnMe FirstConfuse RayPsychic
Even
Jynx
Lv 41
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Double SlapLovely KissIce PunchPsychic
Risky
Exeggutor
Lv 41
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
ReflectHypnosisEgg BombPsychic
Even
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Own Tempo
CurseAmnesiaWater PulsePsychic
Even
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Early Bird
Aerial AceOminous WindConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Koga's team.

You Win
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Insomnia
Poison JabSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
Even
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
SupersonicGustPsychicToxic
Even
Forretress
Lv 43
BugSteel
Sturdy
ProtectSwiftExplosionToxic Spikes
Even
Muk
Lv 42
Poison
Sticky Hold
MinimizeScreechGunk ShotToxic
Even
Crobat
Lv 44
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Double TeamQuick AttackWing AttackPoison Fang
Bruno
Elite Four
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Bruno's team.

Even
Hitmontop
Lv 42
Fighting
Technician
CounterQuick AttackDigTriple Kick
Even
Hitmonlee
Lv 42
Fighting
Reckless
SwaggerFocus EnergyHigh Jump KickBlaze Kick
Even
Hitmonchan
Lv 42
Fighting
Iron Fist
Thunder PunchIce PunchFire PunchBullet Punch
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Sturdy
Dragon BreathEarthquakeSandstormRock Slide
Even
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
No Guard
Rock SlideForesightRevengeCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Karen's team.

Even
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Double TeamConfuse RayFeint AttackPayback
Risky
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidMoonlightPetal Dance
Even
Gengar
Lv 45
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
LickSpiteFocus BlastDestiny Bond
You Win
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Super Luck
PluckWhirlwindSucker PunchFeint Attack
You Win
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Flash Fire
Nasty PlotDark PulseFlamethrowerCrunch
Lance
Champion
Even

Prinplup trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
Risky
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushThunderHyper Beam
Even
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushBlizzardHyper Beam
You Win
Aerodactyl
Lv 48
RockFlying
Pressure
Aerial AceCrunchRock SlideThunder Fang
You Win
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
Risky
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Trade

Transfer-only
Type
Water
Tier
D

Prinplup cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four. Alternatively, transfer the pre-evolution and level it up to Lv 16.

View Prinplup locations

How to Get Prinplup in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Prinplup can't be caught in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Transfer Piplup in from Diamond & Pearl or Platinum, then evolve it into Prinplup. The step cards below show each evolution.

How to Obtain Prinplup in HGSS

  1. Piplup
    Step 1Obtain Piplup
    CARTRIDGE TRADE
    Available
    Catch in Diamond & Pearl via Gift · Lake Verity · Starter Pokémon, then trade to the current game via link cable.
    CARTRIDGE TRADE
    Available
    Catch in Platinum via Gift · Route 201 · Starter Pokémon, then trade to the current game via link cable.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire via Gift · Route 101 · Post-Elite Four second time. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl via Gift · Lake Verity. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Legends: Arceus via Walking · Spring Path. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Scarlet & Violet via Overworld · Polar Biome. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
  2. Prinplup
    Step 2Prinplup ✓
  3. Empoleon
    Step 3Evolve into Empoleon

How to Get Shiny Prinplup in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Prinplup does not appear in HGSS, so evolve a shiny Piplup in a Sinnoh game and send it in. See every game where Shiny Prinplup can be hunted

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Prinplup in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Prinplup in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftBlue
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Prinplup Evolution

3 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Prinplup Weakness

Type-wise, Prinplup takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Just 2 weak spots to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.

Prinplup Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Electric, Grass
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Steel
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Prinplup Weak Against

Good
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Prinplup Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Prinplup

Roserade
Roserade
GrassPoison
B
B
Parasect
Parasect
BugGrass
C
Cacturne
Cacturne
GrassDark
B
C

Prinplup Evolutions

Partway through Piplup's chain. Prinplup still has another evolution ahead before reaching Empoleon. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via two egg groups. Sp.Atk has grown the most so far (+20), but there's still another 125 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Piplup
#393Piplup
16
Transfer Only
Prinplup
#394Prinplup
36
Transfer Only
Empoleon
#395Empoleon
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Piplup
Water
Prinplup
Water
Empoleon
WaterSteel
HP
53
64+11
84+20
ATK
51
66+15
86+20
DEF
53
68+15
88+20
SP.ATK
61
81+20
111+30
SP.DEF
56
76+20
101+25
SPE
40
50+10
60+10
BST
314E-Tier
405D-Tier+91
530S-Tier+125
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Attacker
TYPE
Utility
Special
Special

Breeding

Easy

Breed with Prinplup to get Piplup eggs easily using 131 partners from the Field and Water 1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Agility, Aqua Ring, Double Hit and 8 more.

Egg Groups
FieldWater 1
Gender
♂87.5%♀12.5%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
11moves
Breed With (best first)
raichuazumarillpikachunidokinggolduckampharosblastoiseferaligatrkingdraswampertrhydonslowbro

HGSS Prinplup Best Moveset

81 Sp. Atk firing decent special Water attacks with 50 Speed and thin defenses limiting the role. Empoleon's Water/Steel typing is the prize. One evolution away.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Setup Sweeper
Ability
Torrent
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Prinplup
Modest+SPA

Prinplup best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

Special Setup Sweeper Moveset

  • SurfSTAB
  • AgilitySetup
  • Grass Knot
  • Ice Beam

Moves List

The egg pool carries weight here. Agility and Aqua Ring aren't available any other way for Prinplup, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Hydro Pump and Surf for solid options.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Growl
D—10040Normal
Lv 1
Tackle
D3510035Normal
Lv 4
Growl
D—10040Normal
Lv 8
Bubble
—3010030Water
Lv 11
Water Sport
———15Water
Lv 15
Peck
D3510035Flying
Lv 16
Metal Claw
—509535Steel
Lv 19
Bubble Beam
—9710020Water
Lv 24
Bide+1
———10Normal
Lv 28
Fury Attack
D158520Normal
Lv 33
Brine
C9710010Water
Lv 37
Whirlpool
D528515Water
Lv 42
Mist
———30Ice
Lv 46
Drill Peck
D8010020Flying
Lv 51
Hydro Pump
C180805Water

TM Moves

All 26 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceMt. Mortarnot until badge 8
D60—20Flying
TM45——10015Normal
TM14C120705Ice
TM28
DigNational Parkbadge 2
D8010010Ground
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D6010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
S9510010Ice
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM88
PluckRoute 40badge 4
D6010020Flying
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombUnion Cavebadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—7010020Normal
TM65
Shadow ClawRoute 42badge 3
D7010015Ghost
HM04D8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
HM07
WaterfallItem ball on Ice Path 1Fnot until badge 7
C12010015Water
HM05D528515Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Agility
S——30Psychic
Egg
Aqua Ring
D——20Water
Egg
Double Hit
D359010Normal
Egg
Feather Dance
——10015Flying
Egg
Flail
D—10015Normal
Egg
Hydro Pump
C180805Water
Egg
Mud Sport
———15Ground
Egg
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Egg
Snore
D4010015Normal
Egg
Supersonic
——5520Normal
Egg
Yawn
D——10Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Dive
C12010010Water
Tutor
Headbutt
D7010015Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Signal Beam
C7510015Bug
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Pound
—4010035Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP64
C
Attack66
C
Defense68
C
Sp. Atk81
C
Sp. Def76
C
Speed50
D
Total405
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height0.8 m
Weight23.0 kg
Base XP142
Abilities
Torrent
Strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpA+2SpDSpe
Special Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

It lives a solitary life. Its wings deliver wicked blows that can snap even the thickest of trees.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Prinplup HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • No. Prinplup isn't catchable in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Obtain one in Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, then trade it over.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Prinplup has 405 BST and evolves into Empoleon. Compare the two forms before you give either one a team slot.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Prinplup pairs best with Vibrava, Kirlia, and Graveler. Vibrava has Excellent synergy and covers what Prinplup can't handle on its own.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Prinplup plays as a balanced. Not the fastest, so pick your spots carefully. Surf is the primary attack. Set up with Agility when you get a free turn.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Modest is the go-to nature for Prinplup. That's +Sp. Atk / -Attack. Pair it with 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe EVs. Fits the balanced role.

Game Availability

Available in 12 titles since its debut in Diamond & Pearl, Prinplup spans 6 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in a solid number of games.

Explore

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Want to tell us more?
What was most useful?
What could be improved?
Thanks for your feedback