popplio #728
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
popplio
Generation VII · #0728 — Sea Lion Pokémon
Popplio, known as the Sea Lion Pokémon, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII and serves as one of the three first partner Pokémon available to trainers beginning their adventure in the Alola region. With National Pokédex number 728, Popplio represents the Water-type starter option alongside Rowlet and Litten, offering players a balanced introduction to Pokémon training. This diminutive pinniped, standing merely 0.4 meters tall and weighing 7.5 kilograms, belies its potential for growth and evolution into the elegant Brionne at level 17, and ultimately the majestic Primarina at level 34. Renowned for its hardworking nature and dedication to self-improvement, Popplio exemplifies the perseverance required to master its unique bubble-based combat techniques, making it a fan-favorite starter choice since its public reveal on May 10, 2016.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
7.5kg
Category
Sea Lion Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
blue
Shape
fish
Abilities
Strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Sound-based moves become Water-type.
Popplio Biology & Physical Characteristics
Popplio is a pinniped Pokémon that presents a striking primarily blue coloration with distinctive anatomical features characteristic of sea lions. Its most recognizable features include large, expressive eyes, an elongated white snout adorned with black whiskers, and a rounded pink nose from which it performs its signature bubble-generation ability. A light blue ruff encircles its neck, extending gracefully past its shoulders and contributing to its elegant appearance even at this early evolutionary stage. The Pokémon possesses four flippers—two larger front flippers with white toe markings and two smaller hind flippers—that facilitate movement both in water and on land. Popplio demonstrates remarkable hydrodynamic capability, swimming at speeds exceeding 25 mph (40 km/h) in aquatic environments. The most extraordinary aspect of Popplio's biology is its complete mastery over water bubble creation, which it snorts from its nose through a specialized nasal mechanism. These bubbles possess remarkable elasticity and structural integrity, allowing Popplio to use them both as offensive weapons and as launching platforms for acrobatic maneuvers, with their bursting force delivering considerable damage to opponents.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Popplio Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Popplio exhibits a notable gender skew within its species, with approximately 87.5 percent of individuals being male and only 12.5 percent being female, making female Popplio significantly rarer in the wild and more valuable to collectors and competitive breeders. This gender distribution reflects common patterns observed in many pinniped species in nature, where males often outnumber females in observable populations. Despite this numerical imbalance, both genders possess identical base statistics and movepool capabilities, ensuring that gender choice presents no competitive disadvantage. Popplio belongs to both the Water 1 and Ground egg groups, providing considerable breeding flexibility for trainers seeking to pass specific moves or characteristics to offspring. The species demonstrates a baseline friendship value of 70 in Generation VII, with some variation in later generations, indicating that Popplio readily bonds with trainers and responds positively to care and attention. Breeding two compatible Popplio or using a compatible parent from the same egg groups will produce Popplio eggs that hatch after 15 cycles (approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps), allowing dedicated breeders to develop competitive individuals with optimal natures and individual values.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
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
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
+473 more TMs/HMs
popplio's Evolution Chain
Popplio Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Popplio's evolutionary line represents a striking transformation from humble sea lion to graceful performer. At level 17, Popplio evolves into Brionne, which retains the Water typing but gains increased physical prowess and maintains the species' signature bubble-based combat abilities. The final evolution occurs at level 34, when Brionne transforms into Primarina, a Water/Fairy-type Pokémon that represents the culmination of years of dedicated practice. This final form dramatically shifts the species' aesthetic and capabilities, evolving from a sea lion into a more elegant, performance-oriented creature that emphasizes special attack and special defense. The evolutionary progression mirrors the Pokédex philosophy of continuous improvement and personal development, with each stage reflecting greater mastery of water manipulation and combat techniques. Throughout this evolution chain, Popplio's base Special Attack stat of 66 grows substantially, reaching 116 in Primarina, while its signature ability Torrent—which increases Water-type move power to 1.5 times when HP drops to one-third or below—becomes increasingly valuable as the Pokémon gains access to more powerful water-based moves.
Where to Find
iki town
alola
alola route 1
alola
Popplio Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Popplio exhibits a notably industrious temperament, consistently engaging in daily practice regimens to refine its bubble-creation abilities and enhance their potency in battle. According to numerous Pokédex accounts, this Pokémon is particularly famous for its hard-working nature, approaching its training with dedication that often exceeds that of many other starter Pokémon. In aquatic environments, Popplio demonstrates superior agility and comfort compared to terrestrial settings, though it has adapted remarkably well to land-based training through its innovative use of water balloons as jumping platforms. The species practices with progressively larger bubbles, systematically developing greater control and power through persistent, methodical effort—a behavioral pattern that reflects the patience and discipline valued in Alolan culture. Popplio inhabits coastal regions and freshwater environments throughout the Alola region, and has been recently documented living in the Terarium of Blueberry Academy, suggesting its adaptability to varied aquatic conditions. Young Popplio often gather in small groups to practice their bubble techniques together, supporting one another's development and creating a communal learning environment.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VII
This Pokémon snorts body fluids from its nose, blowing balloons to smash into its foes. It’s famous for being a hard worker.
The balloons it inflates with its nose grow larger and larger as it practices day by day.
This Pokémon can control water bubbles. It practices diligently so it can learn to make big bubbles.
Popplio gets on top of its bouncy water balloons to jump higher. It’s quite the acrobatic fighter!
Generation VIII
It creates special bouncy balloons to send at its opponents. When the balloons pop, the sheer force of their bursting is what deals damage.
If Popplio want to create big, powerful balloons, they must be persistent. It takes daily practice for these Pokémon to develop their skills.
Popplio Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Popplio derives from a combination of "pop," referencing the bursting action of its water balloons, and "sea lion," directly indicating its biological classification within the pinniped family. This naming convention reflects the creature's primary battle mechanism and its fundamental aquatic nature. The Japanese name, Ashimari, combines "ashi" (足, foot) and "mari" (毬, ball), literally describing its characteristic action of creating ball-shaped projections from its body. The design philosophy emphasizes youth and inexperience contrasted with determination and work ethic—Popplio appears small and somewhat ungainly on land, yet possesses an inherent grace in water that hints at its evolutionary potential. The distinctive light blue ruff around its neck serves both aesthetic and thematic purposes, suggesting the "performer" aspect that becomes increasingly prominent in its evolutions, while the white snout and contrasting coloration create visual clarity that communicates the Pokémon's bubble-generating ability. The large, rounded eyes convey innocence and eagerness, perfectly encapsulating the starter Pokémon archetype of potential awaiting development through trainer partnership.
Learnable Moves
Popplio can learn 67 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| aqua jet | water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| aromatic mist | fairy | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baby doll eyes | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| disarming voice | fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double slap | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| draining kiss | fairy | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| life dew | water | Status | — | — | 10 |
| misty terrain | fairy | Status | — | — | 10 |
| moonblast | fairy | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| perish song | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| play rough | fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sing | normal | Status | — | 55 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| triple axel | ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| wonder room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Popplio Competitive Battle Guide
Within competitive battling environments, Popplio faces significant limitations due to its modest base stats totaling only 320, with particularly low Speed (40) and Attack (54) statistics that restrict its effectiveness in higher-level play. However, its Special Attack base of 66 represents its most viable offensive avenue, suggesting a special-based moveset emphasizing Water-type coverage moves available through leveling and technical machines. The ability Torrent, which amplifies Water-type move damage to 1.5 times when Popplio's health drops below one-third of its maximum, offers a potential salvage mechanic for late-game scenarios, though this typically indicates a Pokémon near defeat. The hidden ability Liquid Voice presents a unique niche by converting sound-based moves into Water-type attacks, potentially opening unorthodox strategies using moves like Hyper Voice or Uproar—though Popplio's limited movepool in these categories restricts such approaches. Most competitive players recognize Popplio's primary value as an early-game Pokémon for casual or in-game content rather than serious competitive tournaments, though evolved forms, particularly Primarina, demonstrate substantially improved viability in higher tiers. For competitive purposes, trainers typically utilize Popplio only during early campaign phases, transitioning to its evolved forms at the earliest opportunity to access superior statistics and movepool diversity.
Commonly Asked Questions About Popplio
What type is Popplio?
Popplio is a water type Pokemon.
What does Popplio evolve into?
Popplio evolves into brionne, then into primarina.
What are Popplio's weaknesses?
Popplio is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Popplio?
Popplio can be found in iki town (alola) and alola route 1 (alola).
Popplio Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Popplio achieved significant cultural prominence as one of the Generation VII starters, representing the Water-type option that appealed to trainers seeking a performer-type character with distinctive bubble-based mechanics fundamentally different from previous water starters. The character design resonated particularly strongly with fans who appreciated its sea lion aesthetic and its narrative of dedicated self-improvement, positioning Popplio as an underdog character despite its starter status. In the Pokémon animated series, Lana's Popplio became a major character, developing a significant relationship with its trainer that showcased the species' capacity for emotional bonding and demonstrated its combat capabilities in televised battles. The species gained further recognition through various trading card game expansions featuring Popplio artwork and evolution lines, establishing itself as a collectible presence within the TCG competitive and casual communities. Fan communities frequently celebrate Popplio's design aesthetics and its evolutionary line's transformation into Primarina, with Primarina particularly achieving widespread admiration for its elegant final form design. The bubble-creation mechanic inspired fan art, creative fiction, and competitive strategy discussions, contributing meaningfully to broader Generation VII discourse and establishing Popplio as more culturally significant than many typical starter Pokémon.
Where to Find Popplio in Every Pokémon Game
Popplio is available as a first partner Pokémon in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, where trainers must select it alongside Rowlet and Litten at the beginning of their Alolan adventure. This designation as a starter Pokémon ensures that every player engaging with Generation VII mainline titles encounters Popplio during initial gameplay, though selection remains optional. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Popplio became available through expansion content, specifically accessible through the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions, allowing players in these games to obtain the species despite it not being natively available in the base Galar region. The Pokémon's presence in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the upcoming Paldean generation entries, and presence in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet confirms its continued availability across modern Nintendo Switch titles. Pokémon Blueberry Academy's Terarium in The Indigo Disk DLC features Popplio encounters, enabling players to obtain additional individuals beyond starter selections. The species maintains a capture rate of 45, classified as a standard catch difficulty that makes wild encounters moderately challenging but achievable with basic Poké Balls during early-game scenarios. Trading and breeding remain viable methods for obtaining Popplio across various games, though its starter classification in Generation VII games ensures accessibility without external acquisition methods for players undertaking those specifically.