Empoleon is a large, navy-blue, penguin-like Pokémon. It has a wide, yellow beak that extends upward into three pointed horns that form a trident-shaped crest bracketing blue eyes. Large horns are a symbol of leadership and strength for Empoleon. There is a blue marking resembling a crown over its eyes and a white, lacy marking running down its chest. A blue, fin-like projection forms a collar around its throat and runs down the length of its chest and belly. On its back are two raised, gold bumps and a second blue fin that forms its tail. Its yellow feet are webbed with three toes each and its feathers form ruffs above its feet. It has wide, flipper-like wings rimmed with blue along the tips, and three golden claws.
The edges of these wings are comparable to master-crafted blades, capable of slicing through ice floes, and this Pokémon will use them to attack anyone or anything that damages its pride. However, it prefers to avoid unnecessary disputes at times. When swimming in the water, Empoleon can move as fast as a jet boat. In Hisui, people have revered Empoleon since ancient times, referring to it as the Master of the Waves.
Evolution
Empoleon evolves from Prinplup and is the final form of Piplup.
Empoleon, the Emperor Pokémon. A Water and Steel type. Empoleon can swim as fast as a jet boat. The edges of its wings are sharp and can slice through an iceberg with ease.
In Great Gible, Platinum's Empoleon evolved in the Veilstone Department Store while her two companions and the bodyguards assigned to protect her were fighting off Team Galactic. It proved to be an invaluable ally in the Pastoria Gym challenge and has continued as an integral part of her team.
Since ancient times, it has been revered by the people of Hisui, who call it the Master of the Waves. Its wings are a match for even master-crafted blades.
Due to this unique type combination, Empoleon is also the only fully-evolved first partner Pokémon which neither resists nor takes double damage from the moves of the other first partner Pokémon types (Fire and Grass).
In Pokémon Black and White, a Biker gang called the Black Empoleon will gather along the Tubeline Bridge on Friday nights. If the player defeats their leader, they will rename themselves after the player's lead Pokémon.
Origin
Empoleon appears to be based on an emperor penguin and an emperor, in reference to its royal appearance. Based on its names in various languages, Empoleon may specifically take inspiration from Napoleon Bonaparte, an emperor of France. Empoleon's beak has the appearance of both a crown and a trident, a fishing tool and the weapon of choice for the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. Empoleon also bears some resemblance to the royal penguin. Its ability to cut through ice with its sharp wings could be a reference to an icebreaker.
Name origin
Empoleon may be a combination of emperor penguin, South Pole, and Napoleon.
Emperte may be a combination of emperor penguin and Bonaparte (Napoleon's surname).
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.