Piplup Pokemon GO sprite
#0393

Piplup

Max CP
1,215
Best
Pound
Drill Peck
Rainy

Piplup is a Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Sinnoh region (#393, Generation 4). With a max CP of 1,215 and base stats of 112/102/142 (Atk/Def/Sta), Piplup has a total stat product of 356.

Piplup is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. It resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks. Piplup is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon. Piplup can currently be hatched from 1km eggs.

Stats

Max CP
1,215
Lv.40: 1,075 Lv.50: 1,215
Attack 112
Defense 102
Stamina 142
Total 356
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 4 · Sinnoh 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Water
Bubble STAB
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 12 EN 1.0s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Normal
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 5 EN 0.5s DUR 10 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Water
Bubble Beam STAB Buff
22.5
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Flying
28
DPS
70.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR
Ice
Icy Wind Buff
18.6
DPS
65.0 PWR 33 EN 3.5s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Pound (12 DPS), while Bubble generates energy the fastest (12 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Piplup as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Piplup is not currently available as a raid boss. When Piplup returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Piplup from raids would have 614 CP at level 20, or 767 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Piplup

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

How to Get Piplup

Piplup can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

Piplup can currently be hatched from 1km eggs, and the hatched Piplup has a chance to be shiny.

A Shadow version of Piplup is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Piplup 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 Piplup as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Piplup Catch CP

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

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
24 – 929 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
24 – 1,005 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
582 – 629 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
724 – 783 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
582 – 629 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
440 – 476 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
582 – 629 CP

A 100% IV Piplup from raids or eggs will show 614 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Piplup is a Water-type Pokemon with a stat total of 356. With its bulk spread of 102 Defense and 142 Stamina, Piplup has solid survivability in battles.

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

Piplup's moves get a damage boost in Rainy 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 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Piplup much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Piplup?

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
Piplup is a Water-type Pokemon with base stats of 112/102/142 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 1,215. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Piplup 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 Piplup 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 Piplup in Pokemon GO?
Piplup has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Piplup's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Piplup is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. On the other hand, Piplup resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks.
What is Piplup's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Piplup's maximum CP is 1,215 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,075 at level 40. A 100% IV Piplup caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 614 CP, or 767 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Piplup?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Piplup has the following CP at key levels: 460 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 614 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 767 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 1,215 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Piplup better than regular?
Shadow Piplup deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Piplup 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 Piplup comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Piplup in Pokemon GO?
Piplup can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. It is also available from 1km eggs. Piplup can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 15 CP
L5 145 CP
L10 307 CP
L15 460 CP
L20 614 CP
L25 767 CP
L30 921 CP
L35 998 CP
L40 1,075 CP
L50 1,215 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #393
Generation Gen 4
Region Sinnoh
Height 0.40 m
Weight 5.20 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
Egg Distance 1 km · Shiny Eligible