Selecting the right moveset for Empoleon in Pokémon Platinum is essential for transforming this Water/Steel starter into a dominant force on the Battle Tower. As the final evolution of Piplup, Empoleon possesses a stellar defensive profile and a versatile offensive toolkit, but without careful move selection, it can be outclassed by other Water-types. This guide breaks down every aspect of building an effective set, from understanding base stats to navigating the complex rules of Platinum's move tutor system.
Understanding Empoleon's Core Stats and Role
Before diving into specific moves, it is important to analyze why Empoleon is uniquely qualified for its role. With a base Defense of 88 and a base Special Defense of 101, it serves as a reliable physical and special wall, capable of absorbing hits that would KO lesser Pokémon. Its 61 base Speed, however, means it often moves after threats like Staraptor or Garchomp, necessitating a strategic approach. The primary role for Empoleon in Platinum is that of a bulky attacker or a status-support pivot, utilizing its Steel typing to resist common threats like Fairy, Ice, and Dragon moves that plague pure Water-types.
Recommended Movesets and Strategy
The most successful Empoleon builds in Platinum focus on maximizing damage output while preserving its defensive strengths. The standard "Wallbreaker" set leverages STAB moves like Surf and Flash Cannon, combined with powerful neutral attacks like Ice Beam and Earthquake. Alternatively, a "Support" set utilizes moves like Stealth Rock and Toxic to wear down opponents, allowing teammates to sweep. The key to success lies in the synergy between moves; a move that covers a specific weakness should complement a move that exploits the opponent's resistances.
The Standard Wallbreaker Set
This is the most common and generally the most effective set for competitive play. It balances raw power with coverage to ensure Empoleon can handle a variety of opponents. This set allows Empoleon to threaten nearly every section of the Platinum metagame, providing reliable damage without requiring excessive investment to OHKO or 2HKO key targets.
Recommended Moves
For the Wallbreaker set, the move distribution is as follows:
Surf: The primary STAB move. It offers excellent base power and accuracy, making it the cornerstone of Empoleon's offense.
Flash Cannon: The secondary STAB move. This is crucial for dealing with Fairy-types like Lopunny and Gardevoir, as well as other Steel-types that resist Water.
Ice Beam: The coverage move of choice. It targets Grass-types that resist Surf, such as Roserade, as well as Dragon and Flying types.
Earthquake: The Fighting move. This hits Stealth Rock setters like Hippowdon and Gliscor super effectively, removing hazards that would chip away at Empoleon's health.
Alternative Moves and Coverage Options
While the standard set is reliable, there are specific scenarios where alternative moves can provide a strategic edge. Move Tutors in Platinum offer powerful options that are not available through leveling up or TMs. These moves can help Empoleon overcome specific walls that resist its standard STAB combination. However, using these moves requires sacrificing one of the four moves in the standard set, so the choice must be calculated.
Powerful Move Tutor Options
The following moves can be learned from Move Tutors located in the Fight Area, but they replace one of the standard moves:
