Empoleon — Abilities, Weaknesses & Best Builds
"Empoleon is a bulky attacker built around special attacks (111 Sp. Atk). It can take hits and hit back, and it's commonly used because its water/steel typing resists 10 attack types but you'll need to play around 3 weaknesses."
✅ Strong against
Resisted or immune to these attack types
⚠️ Watch out for
These attack types deal extra damage
How to actually play it
- 1
Empoleon can come in on resisted hits — use it as a pivot, not a sweeper.
- 2
Trade hits patiently. You don't need to win every interaction immediately.
- 3
Save it for when its teammates need a safety net.
What new players get wrong
- ✕
Switching Empoleon into electric and fighting attacks — it's a fast way to lose half your team's plan.
- ✕
Trying to outspeed faster threats. Pair it with a slow pivot or speed control instead.
- ✕
Locking into the wrong move. Always read the opponent's switch-in before clicking.
Why we rate Empoleon the way we do
- Dual typing — more weaknesses to track
Base Stats
Total: 530Use EVs to amplify the highest two — that's usually where this Pokémon's job lives.
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| Move | Type | Cat | Pwr | Acc | PP | How |
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Where Empoleon shows up
#93
Usage ~2.28% · Win rate ~52.67%
#128
Usage ~1.68% · Win rate ~51.8%
Empoleon FAQ
- What are Empoleon's abilities in Pokémon Champions?
- Empoleon can run torrent, competitive. The competitive default is usually torrent — see the abilities section above for the trade-offs.
- What is Empoleon weak to in Pokémon Champions?
- Empoleon takes extra damage from electric, fighting, ground. The full weakness breakdown is in the Weaknesses section, including any 4× type matchups.
- What is the best moveset for Empoleon?
- The best moveset for Empoleon depends on whether you're running it in Singles or Doubles. The Best Moveset section above lists the standard competitive set used at the top of the Pokémon Champions ladder.
- What counters Empoleon in Pokémon Champions?
- The most reliable counters to Empoleon are Pokémon with strong electric, fighting, ground attacks that outspeed it. See the Best Counters section for specific picks.
- Is Empoleon good in the current Pokémon Champions meta?
- Empoleon's usage and win rate in M-B Singles and Doubles are shown in the Format Snapshot section. Cross-reference with the Champions Lab tier list for full context.