Empoleon will be playable in Pokémon Unite from September 19

Bryan Francis Published September 15, 2025

Since the announcement of the return of Mega Evolution within Pokémon Unite, the community has been buzzing. To capitalize on and sustain this hype momentum, Pokémon Unite has announced that Pokémon Empoleon will be playable in the game. The Pokémon is slated to be released worldwide on September 19. Here we look at Pokémon Empoleon, its history, and impact in the game.

Empoleon coming to Pokémon Unite

Empoleon is the final stage evolution of the Pokémon Piplup. Piplup was the water-type starter Pokémon from the games Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Within the anime, it was the primary Pokémon of Dawn. Empoleon was the first and only Pokémony  to have a water and steel type. The Pokémon has gone on to become one of the most popular Pokémons within the community and among fans.

Empoleon evolves from Prinplup at level 36 in the video games. The launch of Empoleon was announced during the Pokémon World Championships this year. Alongside it, even Pokémon like Dhelmise and Vaporeon were announced without a confirmed launch day. Empoleon will be available on Android, iOS, and the Nintendo Switch version of the game simultaneously. Empoleon will be an all-around type of character within the game. Below are the stats of the Pokémon in the video game:

• HP: 84
• Attack: 86
• Defense: 88
• Sp. Attack: 111
• Sp. Defense: 101
• Speed: 60
• Base Stat Total: 530

More details about Empoleon

Within Pokémon Unite, Piplup will evolve into Prinplup at Level 5. Piplup will start with the basic attacks of Peak and Water Gun. Once evolved, it will have the option between Aqua Jet and Metal Claw. Both of these moves are dash or contact-based moves in the game. Prinplup evolves into Empoleon at Level 7. Following this, it gets to choose between the moves Whirlpool and Hydro Cannon.

The Pokémon will get its Unite move at level 9. The Pokémon will side in a given direction. The first enemy hit by the Pokémon will receive damage, and a whirlpool will be formed. Following this, all enemies around the whirlpool will be hit for constant damage. If we take a look at traditional games, it does feel like Empoleon will be a special attacker.

Recently, the Pokémon Company announced the Mega Evolution of the Pokémon Malamar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Featured image credit: Pokémon Company