Pokemon Guide
Prinplup is a Water-type Pokemon known for its proud personality, strong wing strikes and evolution from Piplup. This guide covers Prinplup’s stats, best moves, abilities, evolution, shiny form, typing, weaknesses, locations and general competitive information.
Normal Form
Shiny Form
Last Updated: May 2026 | Page Status: This Prinplup guide supports current Pokemon games, Pokemon Champions and future updates. Location, moves and availability details will be updated as new Pokemon game data becomes available.
| Description | Quick Facts |
| Stats | Best Moves |
| All Moves | Weaknesses |
| Evolution | Locations |
| Abilities | FAQ |
Prinplup is the middle evolution in the Piplup line. It evolves from Piplup starting at Level 16 and evolves into Empoleon starting at Level 36.
Competitive Overview
Prinplup is usually more useful during story playthroughs than in high-level competitive play, but it can still provide solid Water-type pressure and decent bulk before evolving into Empoleon.
Prinplup’s strengths include reliable Water-type moves, useful resistances and access to support options. Its main issues are average Speed and less overall power than its final evolution.
Here are the key facts to know about Prinplup, including its type, abilities, height, weight and species information.
Name
Prinplup
National Dex
#0394
Type
Water
Species
Penguin Pokemon
Height
2’07” / 0.8 m
80 cm
Weight
50.7 lbs / 23.0 kg
23 kg
Abilities
Torrent, Competitive
Prinplup has balanced middle-stage stats with usable Special Attack and defenses. It becomes much stronger after evolving into Empoleon.
Prinplup can use Water, Ice, Flying, Normal and support moves across Pokemon games. These are some of Prinplup’s most useful and recognizable moves.
![]()
A reliable Water-type attack that gives Prinplup consistent damage across many games.
![]()
A high-power Water-type attack with strong damage potential.
![]()
A useful Water-type move that can burn opponents in games where it is available.
![]()
A priority Water-type move that can help Prinplup finish weakened opponents.
![]()
Coverage against Grass, Dragon, Flying and Ground-type Pokemon.
![]()
Flying-type coverage that can hit Grass and Fighting-type Pokemon.
![]()
A flexible defensive move that helps Prinplup scout attacks or stall for extra turns.
![]()
A setup move that can raise Prinplup’s offensive pressure.
Prinplup can learn Water, Ice, Flying, Normal, Steel and support moves across different Pokemon games. Use the section below to view Prinplup’s move list by learn method.
Move data shown from: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Prinplup is a Water-type Pokemon. This gives it useful resistances to Steel, Fire, Water and Ice-type moves, but it is weak to Grass and Electric-type attacks.
Type
Water
Weaknesses
Grass and Electric
Resistances
Steel, Fire, Water and Ice
Immunity
None
Prinplup’s abilities support its Water-type attacks or punish opposing stat drops depending on the game and format.
Powers up Prinplup’s Water-type moves when its HP is low. This can help Prinplup finish battles with stronger Water attacks.
Raises Prinplup’s Special Attack when an opposing Pokemon lowers one of its stats. This can punish Intimidate and other stat-lowering effects in supported games.
Prinplup evolves from Piplup starting at Level 16 and evolves into Empoleon starting at Level 36.
Stage 1
Starting form
Stage 2
Evolves from Piplup at Level 16
Stage 3
Evolves from Prinplup at Level 36
Prinplup availability changes depending on the Pokemon game.
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Red |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon Blue |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon Yellow |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Gold |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon Silver |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon Crystal |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Ruby |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon Sapphire |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon Emerald |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon FireRed |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
Pokemon LeafGreen |
Not available because Prinplup had not been introduced yet. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Diamond |
Evolve Piplup. |
Pokemon Pearl |
Evolve Piplup. |
Pokemon Platinum |
Evolve Piplup. |
Pokemon HeartGold |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon SoulSilver |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Black |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon White |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon Black 2 |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon White 2 |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon X |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon Y |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon Omega Ruby |
Evolve Piplup. |
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire |
Evolve Piplup. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Sun |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon Moon |
Trade, transfer or migrate from another game. |
Pokemon Ultra Sun |
Route 16. |
Pokemon Ultra Moon |
Route 16. |
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu |
Not available in this game. |
Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee |
Not available in this game. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Sword |
Not available in this game. |
Pokemon Shield |
Not available in this game. |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond |
Evolve Piplup. |
Pokemon Shining Pearl |
Evolve Piplup. |
Pokemon Legends: Arceus |
Spring Path. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Scarlet |
Evolve Piplup in The Indigo Disk or transfer from Pokemon HOME. |
Pokemon Violet |
Evolve Piplup in The Indigo Disk or transfer from Pokemon HOME. |
Pokemon Legends Z-A |
Location data not yet available. |
| Game | Where to Find Prinplup |
|---|---|
Pokemon Winds and Waves |
Coming soon once official location, encounter or transfer information is confirmed. |
Prinplup is part of The Game Haus Pokemon coverage, including Pokemon guides, Pokedex pages, Pokemon Champions coverage and future Pokemon game updates.
| Pokemon Hub | Full Pokemon Pokedex |
| Pokemon Champions Hub | Best Pokemon Champions Builds and Guides |
Pokemon Pokedex
Looking for another Pokemon? Visit the full The Game Haus Pokedex to browse every Pokemon by National Dex number.
Stay up to date with the latest Pokemon news, guides, updates and coverage from The Game Haus.
Here are quick answers to common questions about Prinplup. This FAQ is visible on-page content only and does not use FAQ schema markup.
Prinplup is a Water-type Pokemon.
Prinplup is weak to Grass and Electric-type moves.
Prinplup evolves from Piplup starting at Level 16 and evolves into Empoleon starting at Level 36.
Prinplup’s abilities are Torrent, Competitive.
Prinplup’s best moves often include Surf, Hydro Pump, Scald, Aqua Jet, Ice Beam, Aerial Ace, Protect and Work Up.
Prinplup is usually more useful during story playthroughs than in high-level competitive play, but it can still provide solid Water-type pressure and decent bulk before evolving into Empoleon.
Prinplup availability changes depending on the Pokemon game.
No, Prinplup does not have a Mega Evolution, Gigantamax form or major alternate form in the main Pokemon games.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.