Empoleon was first seen as a Piplup when Platinum let it out of its Poké Ball to choose it as her starter. Later on at Oreburgh City, Piplup had lost its ego when it failed to protect Platinum at the Oreburgh Mine, but regained it after winning the battle against Roark. While training in Eterna City for Platinum's Gym Battle with Gardenia, Piplup evolves along with the other starters as Cynthia walks past them.
