Prinplup (Pokémon)

← #393: Piplup	Pokémon	#395: Empoleon →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Prinplup (disambiguation).

Prinplup ポッタイシ Pottaishi #394
Art by Ken Sugimori from Diamond and Pearl
Type Water Unknown Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Penguin Pokémon
Abilities Torrent ----- Blue-Striped ----- Defiant Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto — Hoenn — Sinnoh #008 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R-207 Oblivia R-084 N-002
Height 2'07" Imperial 0.8 m Metric 2'07"/0.8 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 50.7 lbs. Imperial 23.0 kg Metric 50.7 lbs./23.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 87.5% male, 12.5% female
Breeding Water 1 and Field groups 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 2 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 143 Battle Exp.: 1431*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Prinplup (Japanese: ポッタイシ Pottaishi) is a Water-type Pokémon.

It evolves from Piplup starting at level 16 and evolves into Empoleon starting at level 36.

Biology

Physiology

Prinplup resembles a blue penguin. It has yellow three-toed feet. Its body is mostly light-blue, with a dark-blue 'mantle' and tail. There are four button-like white spots on its stomach. Its wings are dark-blue with light-blue tips. It has an owl-like face with blue irises and two yellow crests running across the top of its head.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Prinplup's wings have the power to snap a tree trunk in two. Prinplup is also stronger at anything that Piplup is capable of and can learn Metal Claw and Shadow Claw.

Behavior

Prinplup tend to have a very high sense of self-pride. Each Prinplup believes itself to be the most important; this prevents them from forming groups.

Habitat

Prinplup live in drifting ice near freezing water.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

It searches for prey in icy seas.

In the anime

Prinplup in the anime

Major appearances

Kenny's Prinplup

Prinplup also appeared in Getting the Pre-Contest Titters under the ownership of Kenny. In the following episode, it battled against Dawn's Piplup. It was later shown to have evolved by the Sinnoh Grand Festival.

Minor appearances

In Dawn Of A New Era!, three young Trainers stopped by with their starter Pokémon. However, the girl that was in this group had a Prinplup.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP004 Prinplup Dawn's Pokédex Prinplup, the Penguin Pokémon, and the evolved form of Piplup. A strike of its wings can be harmful as it searches the oceans for prey. DP026 Prinplup Ash's Pokédex Prinplup, the Penguin Pokémon, and the evolved form of Piplup. One blow from its wings is strong enough to knock down trees.

In the manga

Platinum's Empoleon as a Prinplup

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Platinum's Empoleon

Platinum had a Prinplup after her Piplup evolved in Eterna City. It has since evolved into an Empoleon.

In the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! manga

Prinplup makes a brief appearance after Hareta's Piplup evolves after its Everstone is removed. It then quickly evolves into Empoleon.

In the TCG

Main article: Prinplup (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold {{{golddex}}} Silver {{{silverdex}}} Crystal {{{crystaldex}}} Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III Ruby {{{rubydex}}} Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald {{{emeralddex}}} FireRed {{{firereddex}}} LeafGreen {{{leafgreendex}}}
Generation IV Diamond It lives alone, away from others. Apparently, every one of them believes it is the most important. Pearl Its wings deliver wicked blows that snap even the thickest of trees. It searches for prey in icy seas. Platinum Because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group. HeartGold It lives a solitary life. Its wings deliver wicked blows that can snap even the thickest of trees. SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black Because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 Because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group. White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Trade Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Evolve Piplup Platinum None Evolve Piplup HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park None Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Evolve Piplup Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Crevice Cave (B1-B10) Lower Crevice Cave (B1-B4) Mt. Avalanche (B1-B19)
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Hia Valley
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Mt. Sorbet
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Beach: Sunny Seashore
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Iceberg Zone

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 64		124 - 171	238 - 332
Attack: 66		63 - 129	123 - 254
Defense: 68		65 - 132	126 - 258
Sp. Atk: 81		77 - 146	150 - 287
Sp. Def: 76		72 - 140	141 - 276
Speed: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Total: 405	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/4 ★★★☆	Power 3/4 ★★★☆
Skill 3/4 ★★★☆	Stamina 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Jump 3/4 ★★★☆	Total 15/21 ★★★☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Tackle Normal Physical 05050 100100% 35 00Start Growl Normal Status 0000— 100100% 40 044 Growl Normal Status 0000— 100100% 40 088 Bubble Water Special 02020 100100% 30 1111 Water Sport Water Status 0000— ——% 15 1515 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 1616 Metal Claw Steel Physical 05050 09595% 35 1919 BubbleBeam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 2424 Bide Normal Physical 0000— ——% 10 2828 Fury Attack Normal Physical 01515 08585% 20 3333 Brine Water Special 06565 100100% 10 3737 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 08585% 15 4242 Mist Ice Status 0000— ——% 30 4646 Drill Peck Flying Physical 08080 100100% 20 5151 Hydro Pump Water Special 120120 08080% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Prinplup Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Prinplup Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM01	Hone Claws	Dark	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM07	Hail	Ice	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM13	Ice Beam	Ice	Special	09595	100}}100%	10
	TM14	Blizzard	Ice	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM28	Dig	Ground	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM31	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	07575	100}}100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM39	Rock Tomb	Rock	Physical	05050	080}}80%	10
	TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	06060	—}}—%	20
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM49	Echoed Voice	Normal	Special	04040	100}}100%	15
	TM55	Scald	Water	Special	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM56	Fling	Dark	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	10
	TM60	Quash	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM65	Shadow Claw	Ghost	Physical	07070	100}}100%	15
	TM86	Grass Knot	Grass	Special	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM88	Pluck	Flying	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM94	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	04040	100}}100%	15
	HM01	Cut	Normal	Physical	05050	095}}95%	30
	HM03	Surf	Water	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	HM04	Strength	Normal	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	HM05	Waterfall	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	HM06	Dive	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Prinplup Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Prinplup Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Agility	Psychic	Status	—	—%	30
	Aqua Ring	Water	Status	—	—%	20
	Bide	Normal	Physical	—	—%	10
	Double Hit	Normal	Physical	35	90%	10
	FeatherDance	Flying	Status	—	100%	15
	Flail	Normal	Physical	—	100%	15
	Hydro Pump	Water	Special	120	80%	5
	Icy Wind	Ice	Special	55	95%	15
	Mud-Slap	Ground	Special	20	100%	10
	Mud Sport	Ground	Status	—	—%	15
	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
	Supersonic	Normal	Status	—	55%	20
	Yawn	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Prinplup in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Prinplup in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Prinplup Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Prinplup Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Covet	Normal	Physical	60	100%	40
B	W	B2	W2	Icy Wind	Ice	Special	55	95%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Signal Beam	Bug	Special	75	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Stealth Rock	Rock	Status	—	—%	20
B	W	B2	W2	Water Pledge	Water	Special	50	100%	10
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Prinplup can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Prinplup cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Prinplup Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Prinplup Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Pound	Normal	Physical	40	100%	35
†	Sing	Normal	Status	—	55%	15
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Prinplup Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Prinplup Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!  N/A  Not available
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0% Friend Area: Beau Plains Phrases 51%-100% HP My HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP My HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP My HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up. Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -10% IQ group: F
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Water  Poké Assist: ( Water ) Field move: (Cut ×2) Browser entry   It hurls blobs of water. It also attacks by ramming.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Water  ( Water ) Past ( Normal ) (Cut ×2) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: Prinplup guards the Chairlift in the Iceberg Zone. His favorite Attractions are Gyarados's Aqua Dash and Empoleon's Snow Slide.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: ★★★ Move: BubbleBeam Attack: ★★ Ability 1: Torrent Defense: ★★★ Ability 2: Wave Rider Speed: ★★ Ability 3: Pride Evolves from Piplup when its Attack is 51 or higher Evolves into Empoleon when its Attack is 102 or higher Range: 3 Perfect Links: Gō and Ina

Evolution

Unevolved Piplup  Water

Level 16 →

First Evolution Prinplup  Water

Level 36 →

Second Evolution Empoleon  Water  Steel

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation III.
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Prinplup images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• While Prinplup's pre-evolved form, Piplup, can learn Pound, Prinplup and Empoleon learn Tackle instead.

Origin

Prinplup is seemingly based on a macaroni penguin.

Name origin

Prinplup is a combination of prince and plup (sound of hitting the water).

Pottaishi is a combination of ぽちゃぽちゃ pochapocha (splashing in water or having a plump appearance) and 皇太子 kōtaishi (crown prince).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ポッタイシ Pottaishi From ぽちゃぽちゃ pochapocha and 皇太子 kōtaishi French Prinplouf From prince and plouf Spanish Prinplup Same as English name German Pliprin From plip and Prinz Italian Prinplup Same as English name Korean 팽태자 Pengtaeja From penguin and 황태자 hwangtaeja Mandarin Chinese 波皇子 Bōhuángzǐ From 波 bō, 皇子 huángzǐ, and 皇太子 huángtàizǐ Cantonese Chinese

More languages

Related articles

• Kenny's Prinplup
• Platinum's Prinplup

← #393: Piplup

Pokémon

#395: Empoleon →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.