prinplup #394
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
prinplup
Generation IV · #0394 — Penguin Pokémon
Prinplup is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV that serves as the middle evolution in the Sinnoh starter line. As the evolved form of Piplup, Prinplup represents a significant step in the penguin Pokémon's development, gaining increased stat distribution and a more imposing appearance befitting its role as an intermediate evolutionary stage. With a National Pokédex number of #394, Prinplup occupies an important position in the Generation IV experience, typically available early in the Sinnoh adventure for trainers who selected Piplup as their starter. This Water-type reaches its final and most powerful form as Empoleon at level 36, completing a three-stage evolution that transitions from a cute chick-like penguin into an elegant, proud oceanic creature.
Base Stats
Height
0.8m
Weight
23.0kg
Category
Penguin 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.
Prinplup Biology & Physical Characteristics
Prinplup is a distinctly penguin-like Pokémon characterized by its predominately dark blue coloration with striking light blue facial markings, wing tips, and lower body segments. Standing at 0.8 meters tall and weighing 23.0 kilograms, Prinplup maintains a compact yet sturdy build. Its most distinctive features include two large yellow ridges that extend from its short yellow beak over the back of its head, meeting just above the nape of its neck, and four large white spots on its body resembling buttons on formal attire. Instead of traditional arms, Prinplup possesses long, sturdy, flipper-like wings that have evolved into formidable weapons capable of delivering devastating blows powerful enough to snap even the thickest of trees, as documented in multiple Pokédex entries. Its lower body features short legs equipped with yellow, three-toed feet adapted for icy terrain, while its blue eyes convey an expression of dignified confidence.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Prinplup Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Prinplup exhibits a significant gender bias toward males, with approximately 87.5 percent of the species being male and only 12.5 percent being female, reflecting common patterns found among Sinnoh starter Pokémon. This substantial gender ratio disparity makes female Prinplup considerably rarer in both wild encounters and breeding programs, contributing to their desirability among collectors and competitive trainers. Prinplup belongs to the Water 1 and Field egg groups, allowing it to breed with a diverse array of Pokémon across both categories, enabling creative breeding strategies for move coverage and stat optimization. The species requires twenty egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, making breeding projects involving Prinplup moderately time-intensive. With a base friendship value that reaches 70 and a medium-slow growth rate, Prinplup develops into a dependable partner for trainers willing to invest time in its cultivation, though the rarity of female individuals may necessitate careful breeding planning for trainers seeking specific characteristics.
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
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
+683 more TMs/HMs
prinplup's Evolution Chain
Prinplup Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Prinplup exists as the intermediate stage in a straightforward three-stage evolution line that begins with Piplup and culminates in Empoleon. The evolution from Piplup to Prinplup occurs at level 16, marking a substantial increase in the Pokémon's stats and abilities, particularly in Special Attack which increases to 81, making it the standout stat for this evolutionary stage. When Prinplup reaches level 36, it undergoes its final evolution into Empoleon, gaining the Steel-type to become a Water/Steel dual-type Pokémon of considerable strength and complexity. This evolution sequence represents a progression from youthful dependency through adolescent independence to imperial authority, with Prinplup serving as the bridge between the vulnerable young starter and the dignified final evolution. The transformation retains Prinplup's core penguin design elements while refining and emphasizing its features through each stage.
Where to Find
alola route 16
alola
Prinplup Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Prinplup is a notably solitary creature, with every individual possessing an overwhelming sense of self-importance that prevents the species from forming cohesive social groups. According to Pokédex entries spanning multiple generations, because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they cannot organize into communities, instead living isolated lives away from their own kind. This proud and independent nature is reflected in their behavior, as they spend their lives hunting for prey in the frigid icy seas where they have adapted to thrive. Despite their solitary temperament, Prinplup demonstrates remarkable grace and agility in cold water environments, swimming with elegant fluidity through their aquatic habitat. Their vocalizations have been poetically compared to a roaring tide, suggesting that these lone penguins may express their solitary confidence through distinctive calls that echo across the frozen waters they inhabit.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
It lives alone, away from others. Apparently, every one of them believes it is the most important.
Its wings deliver wicked blows that snap even the thickest of trees. It searches for prey in icy seas.
Because every PRINPLUP considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group.
It lives a solitary life. Its wings deliver wicked blows that can snap even the thickest of trees.
Generation V
Because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group.
Because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group.
Generation VI
It lives alone, away from others. Apparently, every one of them believes it is the most important.
It lives a solitary life. Its wings deliver wicked blows that can snap even the thickest of trees.
It lives alone, away from others. Apparently, every one of them believes it is the most important.
It lives a solitary life. Its wings deliver wicked blows that can snap even the thickest of trees.
Generation VIII
It swims gracefully through the frigid sea and sings with a voice like the roaring tide. It has powerful, sturdy wings and dignity to match.
Prinplup Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Prinplup is derived from a combination of "prince" and "plump," reflecting the Pokémon's regal bearing and rounded physique that suggests youthful obesity or plumpness compared to its more streamlined final evolution. The Japanese designation Pottaishi (ポッタイシ) follows similar naming conventions from the Sinnoh generation. Visually, Prinplup draws direct inspiration from real-world penguins, particularly in its flipper-like wings and aquatic lifestyle, though enhanced with fantastical elements like the distinctive yellow facial ridges and button-like white spots that give it a more formal, quasi-military appearance. This design choice creates a deliberate aesthetic progression within the evolutionary line: Piplup appears as a young, innocent chick-like creature, Prinplup adopts a more structured and self-important demeanor through its formal markings, and Empoleon achieves a crown-like appearance befitting its imperial evolution. The white spots and yellow ridge markings evoke the appearance of formal naval or military dress uniforms, reinforcing the regal connotations embedded in its species concept.
Learnable Moves
Prinplup can learn 90 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 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 |
| 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 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 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 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| 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 |
Prinplup Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Prinplup occupies a niche role as a transitional Pokémon rarely seen in serious tournaments due to its intermediate stats with a total base stat value of 405. However, its stat distribution reveals strategic possibilities: with a Special Attack of 81 paired with a respectable Special Defense of 76, Prinplup functions as a special-oriented Water-type that can leverage its offensive capabilities in mid-tier battles before evolution into the far superior Empoleon. The Torrent ability activates when Prinplup's health drops to one-third or lower, intensifying Water-type moves to 1.5 times their normal damage, providing clutch offensive potential during crucial moments in close battles. Prinplup's hidden ability, Competitive, grants it unique strategic applications by raising Special Attack by two stages whenever any of its stats are lowered, potentially transforming opposing stat-reducing tactics into liability for the opponent. With a moderate Speed stat of only 50, Prinplup typically acts after most opponents, making it better suited to defensive switching strategies or roles where it can pressure opponents with powerful special attacks rather than outspeeding threats. The low HP of 64 and defense of 68 require careful team building to ensure Prinplup receives adequate support.
Commonly Asked Questions About Prinplup
What type is Prinplup?
Prinplup is a water type Pokemon.
What does Prinplup evolve into?
Prinplup evolves into empoleon.
What are Prinplup's weaknesses?
Prinplup is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Prinplup?
Prinplup can be found in alola route 16 (alola).
Prinplup Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Prinplup gained significant prominence through its appearance in the Pokémon anime series, particularly through Kenny's Prinplup, which became a memorable character in the main series narrative and showcased the Pokémon's personality and combat abilities to millions of viewers. The species represents an important cultural touchstone for Generation IV enthusiasts, as it was one of the first Pokémon many players encountered as they began their Sinnoh journey, creating nostalgic connections to the fondly remembered Diamond and Pearl era. In competitive Pokémon communities, while Prinplup itself rarely appears in high-level play, its final evolution Empoleon achieved considerable prominence in various metagames, elevating the entire evolutionary line's status within competitive discourse. The penguin design resonates strongly with Pokémon fans due to its appeal as an aquatic creature combining familiar real-world animal characteristics with fantastical elements, contributing to Prinplup's enduring popularity in fan art and community discussions. The species' characterization as an arrogant, solitary creature also provided interesting narrative material for anime episodes and game storylines, giving Prinplup a distinct personality that differentiated it from other Water-type starters across different generations.
Where to Find Prinplup in Every Pokémon Game
Prinplup is primarily obtainable by evolving Piplup, the Water-type starter Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl, making it accessible very early in the Sinnoh campaign for trainers who select this starter. In the original Generation IV games, Piplup reaches Prinplup at level 16, placing its evolution well before significant progression obstacles, allowing players to utilize this form throughout most of their adventure before its final evolution into Empoleon at level 36. Prinplup also appears in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where it remains available as part of the Sinnoh-based gameplay, though with modified mechanics reflecting that game's distinct approach to Pokémon encounters and capture. The species may occasionally appear in the Pokédex entries for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through various methods, though it is not natively found in those games' overworld areas. For players seeking to obtain Prinplup outside of the traditional starter evolution path, trading remains the primary method, as the species does not appear as a wild encounter in locations outside the immediate starter availability period, making starter selection the most direct route to obtaining this particular Pokémon for most trainers.