Empoleon Pokemon GO sprite
#0395

Empoleon

Max CP
3,279
Best
Steel Wing
Hydro Cannon
Rainy Snow

Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Sinnoh region (#395, Generation 4). With a max CP of 3,279 and base stats of 210/186/197 (Atk/Def/Sta), Empoleon has a total stat product of 593.

Empoleon is weak to Electric, Fighting, Ground-type moves. It resists Ice, Poison, Steel, Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Rock, Water-type attacks. Empoleon is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
3,279
Lv.40: 2,900 Lv.50: 3,279
Attack 210
Defense 186
Stamina 197
Total 593
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 4 · Sinnoh 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Steel
Metal Claw STAB
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 5 EN 0.5s DUR 10 EPS Snow
Steel
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Snow
Steel
Steel Wing STAB
14
DPS
14.0 PWR 8 EN 1.0s DUR 8 EPS Snow
Water
Waterfall STAB
13
DPS
13.0 PWR 7 EN 1.0s DUR 7 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Ice
43.3
DPS
130.0 PWR 100 EN 3.0s DUR
Flying
28
DPS
70.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR
Steel
40
DPS
100.0 PWR 100 EN 2.5s DUR
Water
Hydro Pump STAB
38.6
DPS
135.0 PWR 100 EN 3.5s DUR
Water
Hydro Cannon STAB Elite
45
DPS
90.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Steel Wing (14 DPS), while Metal Sound generates energy the fastest (12 EPS). Note that Hydro Cannon is an Elite TM move and cannot be obtained through regular TMs.

Evolution

Raid Guide

Empoleon as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Empoleon is not currently available as a raid boss. When Empoleon returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Empoleon from raids would have 1657 CP at level 20, or 2072 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Empoleon

Empoleon is weak to Electric, Fighting, Ground-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Empoleon

Empoleon evolves from Prinplup using 100 Candy.

A Shadow version of Empoleon is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Empoleon knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 3,000 Stardust and 3 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Empoleon as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Empoleon Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Empoleon in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
73 – 2,507 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
73 – 2,714 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,621 – 1,699 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
2,016 – 2,113 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,621 – 1,699 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,225 – 1,284 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,621 – 1,699 CP

A 100% IV Empoleon from raids or eggs will show 1,657 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokemon with a stat total of 593. With its high Attack stat (210), Empoleon is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Electric, Fighting, Ground-type moves when using Empoleon. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Empoleon's performance.

Empoleon's moves get a damage boost in Rainy and Snow weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Empoleon much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Empoleon?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokemon with base stats of 210/186/197 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 3,279. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Empoleon may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Empoleon deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Empoleon in Pokemon GO?
Empoleon has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Empoleon's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Empoleon is weak to Electric, Fighting, Ground-type moves. On the other hand, Empoleon resists Ice, Poison, Steel, Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Rock, Water-type attacks.
What is Empoleon's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Empoleon's maximum CP is 3,279 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,900 at level 40. A 100% IV Empoleon caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,657 CP, or 2,072 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Empoleon?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Empoleon has the following CP at key levels: 1,243 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,657 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 2,072 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 3,279 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Empoleon better than regular?
Shadow Empoleon deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Empoleon is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Empoleon comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Empoleon in Pokemon GO?
Empoleon is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Prinplup with 100 Candy). Empoleon can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 41 CP
L5 391 CP
L10 829 CP
L15 1,243 CP
L20 1,657 CP
L25 2,072 CP
L30 2,486 CP
L35 2,693 CP
L40 2,900 CP
L50 3,279 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #395
Generation Gen 4
Region Sinnoh
Height 1.70 m
Weight 84.50 kg
Buddy Distance 3.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy