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Master Empoleon in Pokemon UNITE with this best builds guide! Learn the best Held & Battle items, best moveset, gameplay tips, nerfs, buffs, counters and key matchups for Nintendo Switch & Mobile.
| Empoleon Pages | |
|---|---|
Release Date |
Best Builds |
List of Contents
| Empoleon Changes | |
|---|---|
|
Standard Attack |
• HP recovery reduced from 25% to 15% of damage dealt. |
|
Metal Claw |
• Damage decreased by 10%. • Shield amount decreased by 25%. |
|
Hydro Cannon |
• Damage decreased by 12%. • HP recovery decreased by 20%. |
|
Whirlpool |
• Damage decreased by 12%. |
|
Sovereign Slide |
• Damage decreased by 25%. |
| 1.20.1.5 | Damage reduced by 35%. |
|---|
| 1.20.1.5 | Damage reduced by 35%. |
|---|
| 1.20.1.5 | Damage reduced by 24%. Enhanced recovery amount reduced by 20%. |
|---|---|
| 1.20.3.10 | Damage decreased by 12%. HP recovery decreased by 20%. |
| 1.20.1.5 | Damage reduced by 12%. Recovery amount reduced by 33%. Enhanced recovery amount reduced by 38%. |
|---|---|
| 1.20.3.10 | Damage decreased by 12%. |
| 1.20.3.10 | Damage decreased by 10%. Shield amount decreased by 25%. |
|---|
| 1.20.3.10 | Damage decreased by 25%. |
|---|
| Empoleon | ||
|---|---|---|
![]() |
Role: All-Rounder Attack Type: Melee Damage Type: Special Difficulty: Intermediate Cost: |
|
| "Rule the battlefield with this sovereign All-Rounder." | ||
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Tips & Strategies for Every Lane
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
✔︎ High mobility ✔︎ High sustain ✔︎ Strong crowd control |
✖︎ Highly dependent on Torrent gauge |
| Empoleon Builds | |
|---|---|
| - | |
Jet-Pool Build
|
Moveset | Held Items | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Item | |||||
| Item Effects (at Level 30) |
Recommended Lane | ||||
|
Attack: +15 Sp. Atk: +54 Attack Speed: +7.50% HP: +210 Cooldown: -4.50% |
|
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| Emblem Color Combination | Target Emblem Stats | ||||
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Positive Stats: • HP • Sp. Atk Free Negative Stats: • Attack • Defense • Sp. Def |
||||
| Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems. |
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This build revolves around utilizing the attack speed buff and Sp. Def. reduction effect of Aqua Jet, and using Whirlpool to sustain HP.
| Metal-Cannon Build | Moveset | Held Items | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Item | |||||
| Item Effects (at Level 30) |
Recommended Lane | ||||
|
Sp. Atk: +30 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 HP: +660 HP Recovery: +18 |
|
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| Emblem Color Combination | Target Emblem Stats | ||||
|
|
Positive Stats: • HP • Sp. Atk Free Negative Stats: • Attack • Defense • Sp. Def |
||||
| Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems. |
|||||
This build is centered on prolonging Empoleon's life during fights using Metal Claw's shield and Hydro Cannon's healing effect.
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
Focus Band
|
Focus Band improves Empoleon's durability and survivability via increased defenses and healing. |
Muscle Band
|
Muscle Band improves Empoleon's attacks via increased damage and attack speed, which works well with Aqua Jet's attack speed buff. |
Slick Spoon
|
Slick Spoon provides Empoleon with Sp. Atk., HP, and partial Sp. Def. penetration, which synergizes well with the Pokemon's role and gameplay. |
Resonant Guard
|
Resonant Guard provides Empoleon with HP, HP recovery, and a shield when it deals damage, which works well with the Pokemon's gameplay. |
Drive Lens
|
Drive Lens provides Empoleon with a large amount of Sp. Atk. and a bit of cooldown reduction. |
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
Full Heal
|
Full Heal gives Empoleon a tool to purge hindrances and become immune to it for a while, allowing it to continue attacking targets while fighting. |
Eject Button
|
Eject Button provides Empoleon with a reliable repositioning tool for many situations. |
X Speed
|
X Speed improves Empoleon's overall mobility via increased movement speed which can be used offensively and defensively. |
| Move | Explanation |
|---|---|
Whirlpool
|
Whirlpool deals high damage in an area while also healing Empoleon. |
Aqua Jet
|
Aqua Jet is a mobility move that also gives an attack speed buff, which can translate to more damage. |
This moveset is more in line with Empoleon's All-Rounder role, putting more emphasis on hand-to-hand combat.
Aqua Jet allows Empoleon to quickly get to melee range and beat its target down with melee attacks. Whirlpool acts as another source of damage, but its main purpose is to heal Empoleon during fights.
Much of Empoleon's gameplay and strength comes from Torrent. When the Torrent gauge is filled, its moves get an additional effect that makes them more effective during fights.
It's best to play around filling up the Torrent gauge and utilizing the additional effects given to Empoleon's moves. It's important to note that Empoleon needs 50 Torrent gauge for the additional effects to trigger.
| Move | Additional Effect |
|---|---|
Water Gun
|
Deals increased damage. |
Whirlpool
|
Increased damage and HP restored, and throws opposing Pokemon before ending with a slash. |
Hydro Cannon
|
Creates a whirlpool that deals damage over time and heals Empoleon when it's on it. |
Peck
|
Also applies a slowing effect. |
Aqua Jet
|
Reduces Sp. Def. of Pokemon from the opposing team. |
Metal Claw
|
Grants a shield. |
Remember that the only way to fill up the Torrent gauge is to attack enemies. However, attacking Pokemon from the opposing team will fill up the gauge faster compared to attacking wild Pokemon.
When using Aqua Jet, it's best to take advantage of the attack speed buff and follow up with melee attacks. This is especially true when going against brawlers like Garchomp or Ceruledge as the faster Empoleon can attack, the better chances you'll win the fight.
Additionally, if you managed to trigger Aqua Jet's boosted effect, you can get more aggressive since it reduces the Sp. Def. of opposing Pokemon, allowing Empoleon to deal more damage.
When there's 50 Torrent gauge, Hydro Cannon creates a whirlpool on the ground upon collision or reaches the maximum range. This whirlpool deals damage to enemies who are on it but also heals Empoleon when it's inside. Use this effect to either sustain HP while fighting or quickly heal up when out of combat.
Similarly, Whirlpool deals damage to nearby enemies and also heals Empoleon. However, the healing only triggers when the move hits enemies, making it more for close combat.
Sovereign Slide is a dash move with an extremely long range and can throw opponents upon impact. The move is great for initiating fights as it can be used as a setup for your allies' moves.
It's important to note that Empoleon can't move through obstacles during Sovereign Slide, meaning that if the Pokemon hits an obstacle like a wall, the move will end.
With that in mind, it's best to make sure that there are no obstacles in the path before using Sovereign Slide, especially if you want to use it from afar.
| Aqua Brawler Combo | |
|---|---|
| Initiate by dashing in with Aqua Jet, making sure that the Torrent gauge is fiiled, then follow up with a flurry of melee attacks to take advantage of the move's attack speed buff and Sp. Def. reduction effect. Use Whirlpool to deal more damage and recover HP to stay alive. | |
| Sovereign Surge Combo | |
|---|---|
| Start by using Sovereign Slide from afar. Upon impact, follow up immediately with Whirlpool or Hydro Cannon. | |
| Matchup Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Empoleon. 2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered 3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation. |
||
Empoleon relies mostly on its moves to take out targets. Pokemon with strong disabling moves can completely stop Empoleon from doing its combos.
| Pokemon | Explanation |
|---|---|
Slowbro
|
Rating: ★★★★★ • Can easily disable Empoleon using Telekinesis, Surf, and Slowbeam. |
Mimikyu
|
Rating: ★★★★ • Can lock down Empoleon and take it out quickly using Play With Me... and Play Rough. |
Alolan Ninetales
|
Rating: ★★★★ • Can disable and burst down Empoleon using Blizzard and Avalanche. |
Utilizing the boosted effects of its moves will allow Empoleon to get the upper hand against these Pokemon.
| Ranged, Fragile Pokemon with High Damage |
|---|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon prefer to keep their distance from opponents when fighting. They also have high damage potential that can be dangerous for Empoleon. • Use Aqua Jet, Metal Claw, or Sovereign Slide to quickly get to melee range, then beat them down with attacks and Whirlpool or Hydro Cannon. • Make sure the Torrent gauge is filled to trigger your moves' additional effects. |
| All-Rounders |
|---|
| How to Beat |
|
• Much like Empoleon, these Pokemon excel in close combat and rely mostly on their attacks or combos to deal damage. They are also durable enough to tank Empoleon's damage. • Utilize the attack speed buff from Aqua Jet to beat them down with quick attacks or the shield from Metal Claw to outlast them in a brawl. • Heal up using Whirlpool or Hydro Cannon. • As a last resort, use Sovereign Slide to knock them up and deal additional damage. |
| Speedster |
|---|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon are incredibly agile and deal high burst damage. However, they become vulnerable when they miss their burst damage attempt. • Dodge their moves, then counter with Aqua Jet or Metal Claw and Whirlpool or Hydro Cannon to punish them. • Alternatively, you can use Sovereign Slide to strike first, then quickly knock them down with moves and attacks. |
| Highly Durable Pokemon |
|---|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon are extremely durable, making it hard for Empoleon to take them out alone. With that, it's best to group up with allies to bring them down with the help of Empoleon. • Use Aqua Jet or Metal Claw to stay on top of them, then follow up with melee attacks and Whirlpool or Hydro Cannon for more damage. |
These Pokemon are easy targets for Pawmot and fall quickly to its combos.
| Ranged, Fragile Pokemon with High Damage |
|---|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon prefer to keep their distance from opponents when fighting. They also have high damage potential that can be dangerous for Empoleon. • Use Aqua Jet, Metal Claw, or Sovereign Slide to quickly get to melee range, then beat them down with attacks and Whirlpool or Hydro Cannon. • Make sure the Torrent gauge is filled to trigger your moves' additional effects. |
| Supporters |
|---|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon usually stick with their allies and rarely venture alone. Although they themselves pose no threat to Empoleon, their support capabilities makes them valuable during fights. • Take them out first by bursting them down with attacks and moves. |
| Pokemon | Explanation |
|---|---|
Slowbro
Wigglytuff
|
Disablers |
| Pokemon with strong disabling moves allow Empoleon to easily hit its moves and keep enemies in place to beat them down with melee attacks. | |
Blissey
Eldegoss
Comfey
|
Supporters |
| Pokemon that can continuously heal and/or buff Empoleon allow it to stay longer in fights. |
Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!
Water Gun
(Lv. 1 or 3) |
Move Type: Range Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7s Starting Damage: 472 Final Damage: 690 |
|---|---|
| Has the user blast a forceful shot of water in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it hits. When this move is boosted by Torrent, it deals increased damage. (Torrent gauge consumed: 50) | |
Whirlpool
(Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13 |
Move Type: Area Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 6.5s Starting Damage: 1080 Damage per instance: 270, Number of instances: 4 Final Damage: 2692 Damage per instance: 673, Number of instances: 4 |
|
Has the user create a violent, swirling whirlpool around itself, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it hits and restoring the user's HP. When this move is boosted by Torrent, the amount of damage dealt and HP restored are increased, and the move also throws opposing Pokemon before ending with a slash, dealing damage. (Torrent gauge consumed: 50)
Upgrade: Increases the damage the whirlpool deals. |
|
Hydro Cannon
(Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13 |
Move Type: Range Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7s Starting Damage: 1020 Whirlpool damage per instance: 203 Final Damage: 2106 Whirlpool damage per instance: 420 |
|
Has the user launch a watery blast in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon it hits and leaving them unable to act. When this move is boosted by Torrent, a whirlpool appears and deals damage over time. The user also recovers HP when in contact with the whirlpool. (Energy cost consumed: 50)
Upgrade: Reduces this move's cooldown when it hits Pokemon from the opposing team. |
|
Peck
(Lv. 1 or 3) |
Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 8s Starting Damage: 429 Final Damage: 504 |
|---|---|
| Has the user jab its sharply pointed beak in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it hits. When this move is boosted by Torrent, it also applies a slowing effect. (Torrent gauge consumed: 50) | |
Aqua Jet
(Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11 |
Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7.5s Starting Damage: 682 Final Damage: 1794 |
|
Has the user lunge at blinding speed in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it hits and increasing the user's basic attack speed for a short time. When this move is boosted by Torrent, it decreases the Sp. Def of Pokemon from the opposing team. (Torrent gauge consumed: 50)
Upgrade: Reduces this move's cooldown. |
|
Metal Claw
(Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11 |
Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7.5s Starting Damage: 703 Final Damage: 1850 |
|
Has the user charge in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon with wings of steel and shoving them. When this move is boosted by Torrent, the user receives a shield effect. (Torrent gauge consumed: 50)
Upgrade: Strengthens the effect of the shield granted by this move. |
|
Sovereign Slide
(Lv. 9) |
Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 112s Starting Damage: 1760 Final Damage: 3152 |
|---|---|
| Has the user slide at high speed in the designated direction and form a whirlpool on impact, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it hits and throwing them. The whirlpool remains centered on the user for a short time, applying a slowing effect to opposing Pokemon. While the whirlpool remains, the amount the Torrent gauge increases is greater. | |
|
|
Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, dealing increased damage and greatly increasing the Torrent gauge. |
|---|
Torrent
|
When the Pokémon deals damage to opposing Pokémon, or when a set amount of time passes, the Torrent gauge increases (max 100). If a move is used when the Torrent gauge exceeds a certain amount, the Torrent gauge is consumed, and that move becomes boosted. If the Pokémon's HP is below a certain percentage, the amount the Torrent gauge increases is greater. |
|---|
| 1st Evolution | 2nd Evolution | Final Evolution |
|---|---|---|
Piplup(Lv. 1) |
Prinplup(Lv. 5) |
Empoleon(Lv. 7) |
| Level | HP | Defense | Special Defense | Attack Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3250 | 80 | 65 | 168 |
| 2 | 3325 | 86 | 70 | 172 |
| 3 | 3415 | 94 | 76 | 178 |
| 4 | 3523 | 103 | 83 | 186 |
| 5 | 4047 | 147 | 116 | 221 |
| 6 | 4204 | 160 | 126 | 232 |
| 7 | 4786 | 209 | 163 | 271 |
| 8 | 5011 | 228 | 177 | 286 |
| 9 | 5281 | 251 | 194 | 304 |
| 10 | 5605 | 278 | 215 | 325 |
| 11 | 5994 | 311 | 240 | 352 |
| 12 | 6461 | 350 | 270 | 384 |
| 13 | 7021 | 397 | 306 | 421 |
| 14 | 7693 | 453 | 349 | 467 |
| 15 | 8500 | 520 | 400 | 522 |
Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.
| Offense | Endurance | Mobility | Scoring | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Holowear | |
|---|---|
Regal Style
Zirco Trading:
|
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| Ability | |
|---|---|
| Pokemon | Move |
Empoleon
|
|
| Mission: Hit Pokemon from the opposing team with moves boosted by Torrent (200/400/800 times total). |
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| Medals & Points | Rewards |
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List of All-Rounder Pokemon Achievements

| Mega Evolved Pokemon | |
|---|---|
Mega Lucario |
Mega Charizard X |
| All Pokemon Roles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Attackers |
All-Rounders |
Defenders |
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Speedsters |
Supporters |
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| Attack Type | |
|---|---|
Melee Pokemon |
Ranged Pokemon |
Physical Pokemon |
Special Pokemon |
| Stat Rankings | |
HP Ranking |
Defense Ranking |
Sp. Def. Ranking |
Basic Attack Ranking |
Build suggestion from PenguinTM: Slick Spoon, Drive Lens, and Sp. Atk Specs. Battle item: Full heal, Slow Smoke, Eject Button or Shedninja Doll (yes shedninja doll).
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OH and it's Aqua Jet and Hydro Cannon for the moves.