piplup #393
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
piplup
Generation IV · #0393 — Penguin Pokémon
Piplup, known in Japan as Pochama, is a Water-type Pokémon that made its debut in Generation IV as one of the three starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh region alongside Turtwig and Chimchar. It represents National Pokédex entry #393 and serves as an iconic first partner for trainers beginning their journey in Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl. Despite its small stature of just 0.4 meters and modest weight of 5.2 kilograms, Piplup possesses a personality far larger than its frame, marked by an almost stubborn sense of pride and self-reliance. This penguin-like creature evolves into Prinplup at level 16, which subsequently transforms into the powerful Steel/Water-type Empoleon at level 36, creating a formidable final evolution line that appeals to trainers seeking both design elegance and competitive viability.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
5.2kg
Category
Penguin Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
blue
Shape
humanoid
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.
Piplup Biology & Physical Characteristics
Piplup exhibits the classic characteristics of a penguin adapted for aquatic life, featuring a striking pale cyan coloration with a predominantly white face and distinctive blue head plumage that extends down its back like a flowing cape. Its thick down feathers serve as crucial insulation against the frigid waters of northern climates where it naturally inhabits. The Pokémon possesses flipper-like arms perfectly suited for diving and swimming, along with three-toed yellow feet that contrast against its cooler body tones. A small pale cyan marking resembling a crown sits prominently above its short, yellow beak, adding to its regal appearance. Two white ovals mark its chest area, creating a distinctive pattern that becomes more pronounced as it evolves. With base stats totaling 314, Piplup emphasizes Special Attack with a respectable 61, supported by moderate defenses of 53 HP and 53 Defense, though its Speed stat lags significantly at only 40, reflecting its acknowledged clumsiness on land as mentioned throughout various Pokédex entries.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Piplup Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Piplup exhibits a significant gender skew with an 87.5% male to 12.5% female ratio, a bias common to starter Pokémon that encourages trading and interaction between players seeking to complete their collections. The species belongs to both the Water 1 and Ground egg groups, providing breeding flexibility that allows trainers to produce Piplup through various parental combinations. Eggs containing Piplup require 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of gameplay traversal. The catch rate of 45 indicates moderate difficulty in capturing wild specimens, making obtained Piplup valuable to trainers who acquire them without selecting the starter option. Base friendship rests at 70, reflecting its independent nature while remaining sufficient for trainers willing to invest time and effort in developing deeper bonds. These breeding mechanics have remained largely consistent throughout Piplup's appearances, with minor adjustments to experience yields and friendship values across different generations, though the core mechanics supporting breeding and egg production remain stable.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
+628 more TMs/HMs
piplup's Evolution Chain
Piplup Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Piplup's evolution line follows a medium-slow growth rate, transforming into Prinplup upon reaching level 16, marking the beginning of its transition from standalone Water-type to a more versatile warrior. The final evolution into Empoleon occurs at level 36, fundamentally shifting the line's typing by introducing a secondary Steel component that dramatically alters its strategic positioning and type matchups in competitive play. This evolution line has remained consistent across all Sinnoh remakes and subsequent games, maintaining its relevance through successive generations without the need for Mega Evolution or alternative forms. The Prinplup intermediary stage serves as an important bridge, gradually introducing the Steel-type resistance and increasing stat distribution that culminates in Empoleon's formidable presence. Unlike many Pokémon that gained alternate forms or Mega Evolutions in later generations, Piplup's straightforward three-stage evolution chain represents a deliberate design philosophy emphasizing tradition and the classic starter experience.
Where to Find
lake verity
sinnoh
sinnoh route 201
sinnoh
hoenn route 101
hoenn
Piplup Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Piplup is renowned throughout the Pokédex for its remarkable pride and independence, characteristics that define its temperament across multiple game generations. According to Diamond version's entry, this prideful penguin actively dislikes accepting food from people, making it notoriously difficult to bond with trainers who attempt conventional care methods. The species thrives in cold northern regions, living along coastal shores where it demonstrates exceptional swimming prowess, capable of diving for extended periods exceeding ten minutes to hunt for sustenance. Despite its aquatic excellence, Piplup proves to be a particularly poor walker on land, frequently stumbling and losing its footing—yet its substantial pride prevents any visible embarrassment, as it invariably puffs out its chest without hesitation regardless of mishaps. This contradiction between aquatic mastery and terrestrial clumsiness, combined with its stubborn refusal to accept assistance, creates a personality that trainers find both endearing and challenging. Heart Gold and Soul Silver entries emphasize its reluctance to listen to trainers, positioning bonding with Piplup as an achievement requiring patience and understanding rather than simple obedience training.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
Because it is very proud, it hates accepting food from people. Its thick down guards it from cold.
It lives along shores in northern countries. A skilled swimmer, it dives for over 10 minutes to hunt.
A poor walker, it often falls down. However, its strong pride makes it puff up its chest without a care.
It doesn’t like to be taken care of. It’s difficult to bond with since it won’t listen to its Trainer.
Generation V
A poor walker, it often falls down. However, its strong pride makes it puff up its chest without a care.
A poor walker, it often falls down. However, its strong pride makes it puff up its chest without a care.
Generation VI
It doesn’t like to be taken care of. It’s difficult to bond with since it won’t listen to its Trainer.
Because it is very proud, it hates accepting food from people. Its thick down guards it from cold.
It doesn’t like to be taken care of. It’s difficult to bond with since it won’t listen to its Trainer.
Because it is very proud, it hates accepting food from people. Its thick down guards it from cold.
Generation VIII
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Piplup's design origins trace directly to real-world penguin species, particularly the small penguin varieties found in cold climate zones, with its Japanese name Pochama deriving from onomatopoeia associated with splashing water sounds. The English name combines 'pip' (suggesting a small chirping sound) with 'plup' (evoking aquatic movement), creating an onomatopoetic representation that captures both its vocal nature and aquatic habitat. The distinctive crown-like marking above its beak suggests both royalty and the species' inherent pride and dignity, while its cape-like dorsal plumage creates an almost regal silhouette reminiscent of formal attire. The design philosophy emphasizes contrast between cuteness and haughtiness, visual softness through its round features counterbalanced by sharp color definition between cyan, white, and blue. This creates a Pokémon simultaneously endearing to casual players and visually striking to competitive enthusiasts, a balance that has contributed substantially to its enduring popularity across the franchise spanning nearly two decades.
Learnable Moves
Piplup can learn 87 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| 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 |
| 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 hit | normal | Physical | 35 | 90 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drill peck | flying | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| 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 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mud sport | ground | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 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 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| triple axel | ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pledge | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| yawn | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
Piplup Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon play, Piplup rarely sees direct usage due to its modest base stats and slow speed, though its evolution line gains considerable viability through Empoleon's improved stat distribution and Steel typing. Piplup's ability Torrent activates when its health drops to one-third or below maximum, boosting Water-type move damage by 50%, creating a potential desperation strategy for determined trainers in lower-tier competitive formats. Its hidden ability Competitive, introduced in Generation V, offers an intriguing alternative that raises Special Attack by two stages whenever any stat is lowered, potentially transforming an opponent's stat manipulation strategies into Piplup's advantage. For casual play and early-game progression, Piplup's Special Attack base of 61 provides a solid foundation for Water-type moves, supplemented by the Torrent ability ensuring threatening final maneuvers. However, trainers seeking competitive relevance typically evolve Piplup as quickly as possible into Prinplup, with the ultimate goal of reaching Empoleon, whose Steel typing adds crucial defensive resistances and offensive coverage that Piplup alone cannot achieve. The modest stat totals of 314 demonstrate that Piplup functions primarily as a stepping stone rather than a standalone competitive threat, its value residing in its evolutionary potential and the foundation it provides for developing tournament-ready strategies.
Commonly Asked Questions About Piplup
What type is Piplup?
Piplup is a water type Pokemon.
What does Piplup evolve into?
Piplup evolves into prinplup, then into empoleon.
What are Piplup's weaknesses?
Piplup is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Piplup?
Piplup can be found in lake verity (sinnoh), sinnoh route 201 (sinnoh) and hoenn route 101 (hoenn).
Piplup Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Piplup achieved remarkable cultural prominence through its starring role in the Pokémon anime series, most notably as the signature Pokémon of character Dawn, whose Piplup became central to numerous storylines and character development arcs spanning multiple seasons. This partnership elevated Piplup's visibility among television audiences globally, introducing the species to millions of viewers who might not have engaged with the games directly. The character's display of personality—stubbornness, independence, and eventual warming to its trainer—mirrored Piplup's established lore and created resonance between the games and animated adaptation. Beyond television, Piplup has appeared in various Pokémon media including trading card games, movies, and spin-off titles, establishing itself as a franchise staple. Its penguin design appeals to general audiences beyond traditional Pokémon enthusiasts, contributing to merchandise sales and broader popular culture recognition. The Pokédex entries emphasizing Piplup's pride and difficulty bonding have inspired fan communities to create elaborate theories about its psychology and training methods, fostering detailed discussions about proper care and understanding of independent starter Pokémon.
Where to Find Piplup in Every Pokémon Game
Piplup remains available across numerous Pokémon games as a starter selection in Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl, placing it in the primary storyline experiences of the Sinnoh region. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Piplup can be obtained as a starter Pokémon, maintaining its traditional role as a beginning partner while fitting the game's historical setting and mechanics. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet include Piplup in their National Pokédex through DLC content, ensuring continued accessibility for modern players seeking complete collections. HeartGold and SoulSilver included Piplup through gift distribution or post-game availability, allowing trainers in the Johto region to diversify their teams. Piplup appears in various side games and promotional events throughout the franchise's history, with periodic distributions through Pokémon Global Link and official channels ensuring regular opportunities for players to obtain specimens. The consistent availability across multiple generations and games demonstrates Piplup's status as a foundational franchise Pokémon, with starter designation ensuring it remains perpetually accessible to trainers beginning new adventures in the Sinnoh region across all official games supporting that geographical setting.