empoleon #395
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
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Immune to (0x damage):
empoleon
Generation IV · #0395 — Emperor Pokémon
Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokémon and the final evolution in the Piplup line, introduced in Generation IV. As the Emperor Pokémon, it stands 1.7 meters tall and weighs 84.5 kilograms, representing the apex of aquatic avian evolution. With a base stat total of 530, Empoleon excels in Special Attack (111) and Special Defense (101), making it a formidable special attacker despite its modest Speed stat of 60. The Pokédex has consistently highlighted Empoleon's pride and martial prowess, describing how it will decimate anything that threatens its honor, yet it prefers to avoid unnecessary disputes. Its distinctive three-horned crest serves as both a symbol of leadership and a testament to its individual power, with the largest horns marking the strongest members of its kind.
Base Stats
Height
1.7m
Weight
84.5kg
Category
Emperor Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
blue
Shape
upright
Abilities
Strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Raises Special Attack by two stages upon having any stat lowered.
Empoleon Biology & Physical Characteristics
Empoleon is a large, navy-blue penguin-like Pokémon adorned with striking gold and white markings that give it a regal appearance. Its most distinctive feature is the yellow, trident-shaped crest formed by three pointed horns extending from its beak, which frames blue eyes positioned beneath a blue crown-like marking. A white, lacy pattern runs down its chest, complemented by a blue fin-like collar that extends along its underside. The creature possesses two large, flipper-like wings rimmed with blue and tipped with three golden claws—these wings are the Pokémon's primary weapons, with edges comparable to master-crafted blades capable of slicing through ice floes. Its back features two raised gold bumps and a second blue fin forming its tail, while its webbed feet have three toes each, wrapped in feathered ruffs. When examining its physical composition, Empoleon's Water/Steel typing is reflected in its sleek, metallic-looking features that blend seamlessly with its aquatic form, allowing it to move through water as swiftly as a jet boat.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Empoleon Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Empoleon exhibits a pronounced male bias in its gender distribution, with approximately 87.5% of the species being male and only 12.5% being female. This gender skew is notably characteristic of the Piplup evolution line and is shared across all three stages of evolution. Both males and females belong to the Water 1 and Field egg groups, allowing for diverse breeding possibilities with compatible Pokémon species. The species hatches from eggs that require approximately twenty cycles to develop, translating to roughly 4,884 to 5,140 steps in-game before a new Piplup emerges ready to begin its journey toward becoming an Empoleon. The base friendship value of 70 (or 50 in later generations) indicates that newly hatched Empoleon maintain a moderate level of friendliness toward their trainers, though this can be significantly increased through proper care, battle participation, and affection-building activities. The breeding mechanics of Empoleon allow it to pass down moves and characteristics from parent Pokémon, enabling trainers to customize their Empoleon with specific movesets and competitive advantages before it even reaches full evolution.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
sun moon
tm01
x y
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
red blue
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
+884 more TMs/HMs
empoleon's Evolution Chain
Empoleon Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Empoleon evolves from Prinplup starting at level 36, completing the three-stage evolution line that begins with Piplup, the popular Sinnoh starter Pokémon. This evolution represents a dramatic transformation from a small, timid penguin into a powerful, commanding water-type warrior. The Piplup line follows a medium-slow experience growth rate, meaning trainers must invest considerable time and effort to bring their Prinplup to the level required for this significant transformation. Upon evolution, Empoleon's base stats shift dramatically toward Special Attack and Special Defense, trading some of Piplup's physical balance for superior special offense and improved defensive capabilities. The addition of the Steel typing upon reaching Empoleon stage introduces ten resistances and one immunity, fundamentally altering its defensive profile and strategic role in battle. This evolution line has been featured prominently in the Sinnoh region since its introduction, with notable trainer characters like Barry and Kenny utilizing Empoleon as key members of their competitive teams, cementing its status as one of Generation IV's most iconic Pokémon.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Empoleon Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Empoleon is a principled Pokémon that demonstrates a careful balance between aggression and restraint. According to multiple Pokédex entries, it avoids unnecessary disputes and confrontation, preferring peaceful coexistence with its environment and other Pokémon. However, this peaceful demeanor should not be mistaken for weakness; Empoleon will respond with devastating force to any perceived slight against its pride or dignity. Its wings serve as both a symbol of status and a lethal weapon, capable of devastating any challenger that provokes it. In its natural aquatic habitats, Empoleon is an exceptional swimmer, possessing jet-like speed that allows it to navigate water with remarkable agility and precision. In the ancient region of Hisui, Empoleon has been revered since ancient times as the Master of the Waves, earning deep respect from the people who recognized its mastery over aquatic domains. The species exhibits hierarchical social structures, with larger horns indicating superior rank and strength within their groups, suggesting that Empoleon populations maintain organized societies.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
The three horns that extend from its beak attest to its power. The leader has the biggest horns.
It swims as fast as a jet boat. The edges of its wings are sharp and can slice apart drifting ice.
If anyone were to hurt its pride, it would slash them with wings that can cleave through an ice floe.
It avoids unnecessary disputes, but it will decimate anything that threatens its pride.
Generation V
If anyone were to hurt its pride, it would slash them with wings that can cleave through an ice floe.
If anyone were to hurt its pride, it would slash them with wings that can cleave through an ice floe.
Generation VI
It swims as fast as a jet boat. The edges of its wings are sharp and can slice apart drifting ice.
The three horns that extend from its beak attest to its power. The leader has the biggest horns.
It swims as fast as a jet boat. The edges of its wings are sharp and can slice apart drifting ice.
The three horns that extend from its beak attest to its power. The leader has the biggest horns.
Generation VIII
Since ancient times, it has been revered by the people of Hisui, who call it the Master of the Waves. Its wings are a match for even master-crafted blades.
Empoleon Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Empoleon is derived from 'emperor' and 'napoleon,' reflecting its regal, military-like appearance and commanding presence. The English name captures the Pokémon's imperial bearing, while its Japanese name, Emperte, combines these same thematic elements with a more concise phonetic approach. The design itself draws inspiration from real-world penguins, particularly the emperor penguin, the largest and most authoritative penguin species, while incorporating fantastical elements like the golden trident crest and steel-tipped wings. The three-horned crest serves as a direct visual reference to both a crown and a trident, symbols of both royalty and power—this design choice ensures that Empoleon is immediately recognizable as the dominant form of its evolutionary line. The color scheme of navy blue with gold and white accents mirrors formal military dress uniforms, reinforcing the emperor motif. The transformation from Piplup's cute, innocent appearance to Empoleon's stern, powerful visage represents a thematic journey from youthful potential to seasoned authority, mirroring the personal growth many trainers experience on their Pokémon journey.
Learnable Moves
Empoleon can learn 118 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| aqua jet | water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| avalanche | ice | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| disarming voice | fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drill peck | flying | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hydro cannon | water | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| metal sound | steel | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| power trip | dark | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quash | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snowscape | ice | Status | 0 | — | 10 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| triple axel | ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| vacuum wave | fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pledge | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| wave crash | water | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| yawn | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
Empoleon Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Empoleon has established itself as a reliable special attacker and mixed defensive wall, appreciated for its excellent Special Attack stat of 111 and solid Special Defense of 101. Its Water/Steel typing provides ten useful resistances including resistance to Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice, and Psychic-type moves, alongside a complete immunity to Poison, making it capable of switching into numerous threatening opponents. The dual-type combination does leave Empoleon with notable vulnerabilities to Ground (4x weakness), Electric, and Fighting-type moves, which must be carefully managed in team building and matchup selection. Empoleon's signature ability Torrent activates when its health drops to one-third or below, amplifying Water-type moves by 1.5x—this allows for devastating late-game sweeping when properly positioned. Its hidden ability Competitive, available in Generation V onwards, raises Special Attack by two stages whenever any of its stats are lowered, creating opportunities for stat-lowering opponents to inadvertently empower it. With access to moves like Surf, Hydro Pump, Flash Cannon, Ice Beam, and Grass Knot through both leveling and technical machines, Empoleon maintains excellent coverage against its common switchin targets. Its modest Speed stat of 60 means it typically requires support from teammates to outspeed threats, but its defensive capabilities and special bulk allow it to take hits and respond with powerful attacks rather than relying on speed advantage.
Commonly Asked Questions About Empoleon
What type is Empoleon?
Empoleon is a water and steel type Pokemon.
What does Empoleon evolve from?
Empoleon evolved from prinplup that evolved from piplup.
What are Empoleon's weaknesses?
Empoleon is weak to fighting, ground and electric type moves.
Empoleon Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Empoleon has become one of Generation IV's most recognizable and beloved Pokémon since its introduction in Diamond and Pearl versions. The character Barry, a major rival in the Sinnoh region storyline, uses an Empoleon as his ace Pokémon and signature team member, cementing the species' importance to the generation's narrative and making it a familiar sight to players worldwide. In the Pokémon anime, multiple trainers have featured Empoleon in significant roles, with Kenny being particularly notable for his partnership with this imperial Pokémon, showcasing its dignity and combat prowess through memorable battles. The species has been featured in the TCG with numerous card variants representing different strategic archetypes, from special attackers to mixed threats, reflecting its competitive versatility and player appreciation. Empoleon's design has proven sufficiently iconic that it remains instantly recognizable even to casual Pokémon fans, serving as the visual mascot for the Water-type starter experience in Sinnoh. Its popularity has been reinforced through appearances in competitive tournaments where it has enjoyed consistent usage, strategic respect from professional players, and inclusion in various Pokémon media beyond games, from trading cards to movies and spin-off titles like Pokémon UNITE.
Where to Find Empoleon in Every Pokémon Game
Empoleon is primarily available in Sinnoh-based games as the final evolution of Piplup, the region's Water-type starter Pokémon, making it accessible early in the player's journey through natural progression. In Diamond and Pearl, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, players can evolve their Prinplup into Empoleon once reaching level 36, placing this evolution well within the normal game progression timeline. Pokémon Platinum similarly features Empoleon availability through the Piplup starter line. In more recent generations, Empoleon has been featured in post-game content and DLC expansions, including appearances in Pokémon Legends: Arceus where it serves as a wild encounter available in specific water-based areas, and in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk DLC where it can be obtained through various methods. The species has occasionally appeared in special distribution events through Poké Portal News and other official channels, offering Empoleon with unique move sets or competitive training values for motivated players. With a capture rate of 45, Empoleon presents a moderate challenge for trainers attempting to catch one in the wild, though evolved Pokémon are generally more difficult to encounter than their base forms. Trading between generations remains a reliable method for obtaining Empoleon if players missed the Sinnoh region games or prefer to access it in newer titles where it may not appear naturally in normal gameplay.