Physiology
Empoleon is a large penguin-like Pokémon. In terms of color, it has a closer resemblance to a "real-world" penguin than its pre-evolved forms have because it is mostly black or navy blue as opposed to being a light blue. Its feet actually appear to have webbing on them. Its wings are tipped with blue metal and have three golden claws sticking out at the bottom. It has a short, blue, metal tail sticking out of its back and fin that's on the front of its body that extends to where its chin would be then splits to form a sort of collar. This collar is probably because real penguins are said to be wearing "tuxedos," due to their black and white appearance. If one looks at Empoleon, it has a tie like fin in the middle of its belly, and the collar coming off it, this relates to the tuxedo of a penguin. There is a lace-like pattern of white coloration on its front, and it has two gold-colored spots on its upper-back. Its most prominent feature is the three-horned trident-like crest that extends from its beak. This crest represents an Empoleon's power and the leader of a colony of Empoleon, Prinplup, and Piplup will have the largest horns.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Empoleon can swim faster than a jet boat and, by using its razor sharp wings, can cut huge glaciers in a matter of seconds. As seen in the anime, Empoleon can jump and glide in the air like a penguin would on ice. It can also learn any attack that its pre-evolutions can learn, but Empoleon's attacks are stronger. As a fully-evolved Pokémon (and the final evolution of a Water-type starter Pokémon), Empoleon can learn Hyper Beam, Giga Impact, and Hydro Cannon.
Behavior
Given their immense pride, Empoleon are surprisingly social creatures. They live in colonies led by a leader, which is the Empoleon that has the largest horns on its head. Empoleon will often attack anyone who hurts their pride by slashing them with wings that are capable of splitting an ice floe.
Habitat
Wild Empoleon live in ice shelves in very cold climates. Although this is the climate they are used to, Empoleon can live in warmer climates too.
Diet
- Main article: Pokémon food
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
- Main article: Platinum's Empoleon
Platinum owns an Empoleon that evolved in the Veilstone Department Store while her two companions and the bodyguards assigned to protect her were fighting off Team Galactic. This Empoleon then proved to be an invaluable ally in the Pastoria Gym challenge, and has continued as an integral part of her team.
In the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! manga
- Main article: Hareta's Empoleon
In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!, Hareta owns an Empoleon that evolved after the effects of the Everstone Mitsumi gave it wore off, which caused Piplup to evolve straight into an Empoleon, only being Prinplup for a moment. His Empoleon was valuable in the Mt. Coronet battle and risked its life to stop Cyrus.
In the Pocket Monsters Platinum: Aim to Be Battle King!! manga
Shin has an Empoleon which was first seen in the beginning chapter of the series.
- No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Empoleon.
- Empoleon is the only starter Pokémon that loses both its weakness and resistance against the initial types of the other two starter Pokémon in its final evolution, having no weakness or resistance against Grass- and Fire-type attacks. It instead gains weakness to both Torterra (a Ground-type Pokémon) and Infernape (a Fighting-type Pokémon).
- Empoleon has the highest base Special Attack of any final-form starter Pokémon, while being just one point above Blaziken's.
- Empoleon is the only Steel-type Pokémon related to a starter Pokémon.
- Empoleon can learn seven HM moves, the most of any starter Pokémon. The only HM move it cannot learn is Fly.
- Empoleon is roughly the same height as its namesake Napoleon Bonaparte.
Origin
Empoleon is based on an emperor penguin and an emperor-in reference to its crown and royal appearance. Also, the crown has the appearance of a trident, a fishing tool and supposed weapon of choice for the Greek god Poseidon. It also bears some resemblance to the royal penguin.
Name origin
Empoleon is a combination of emperor (as in emperor penguin), pole (as in the South Pole), and Napoleon (a famous emperor of France).
Emperte is a combination of emperor and Bonaparte (Napoleon's surname).