Happy New Year, Trainers! While 2020 may be a few weeks old by now, there’s a lot going on in the world of Pokemon GO and this is our first Community Day of the decade!
This month’s featured ‘Mon is Piplup, the penguin Pokemon from Generation 4. We also get all these bonuses:
Without further ado, let’s get in-depth with this deep diving bird from the Sinnoh region.
Spotlight on Piplup
Piplup is the Water Type starter from Generation 4. Just like the other two Starters, we liberate this funny little bird from a briefcase dropped by the surly Professor Rowan. The Pokedex informs us that Piplup is a very proud, stubborn Pokemon. It dislikes being cared for, is reluctant to take offered food and is willfully disobedient. Sounds like an awful lot of trouble, huh? It comes from northern areas where the weather is particularly cold and its thick coat of down keeps it warm. It is a poor walker, presumably due to that huge head and flat feet, but even if it falls its pride prevents it from acting as though it cares.
To be honest, this is my least favorite of the Sinnoh Starter trio. You go from World Turtle to Monkey King to Emperor Penguin based on Napoleon with shades of Triton/Poseidon. It’s an odd combination and doesn’t seem to gel with the other two.
I mean… not trying to downplay this guy’s role in history. But he’s no world turtle.
Anyway, my concerns aside, when Piplup evolves all the way into Empoleon, it gains the Steel Typing to go along with the Water Type. It’s the only Pokemon thus far with this typing. The Pokedex tells us that this Pokemon is still extremely prideful – if you insult it, you had better be ready because it will slash at you with wings sharp enough to cleave ice. It can swim at speeds rivaling those of jet boats and the horns on its head are an important status symbol as the biggest horns in the flock denote which Empoleon is leader.
So, how does the Penguin General work out in Pokemon GO?
With a Max CP of 2900, Attack of 210, Defense of 186 and Stamina of 197, it’s okay! That Attack Stat isn’t awful and it has medium bulk so can hang out for a while. With its unique typing, it’s strong against a whole bunch of types; it’s especially resistant to Steel, Ice and Poison. It has regular resistances to a whole gaggle of types too; Fairy, Dragon, Bug, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Water and Rock. So, its adequate bulk pairs up nicely with a host of strengths. Its weaknesses are Electric, Ground and Fighting. Ground and Fighting are both semi-common types in the greater game as far as good battlers go, so, your mileage may vary in regards to Gym defense.
As for Attacks, it has some good options. Waterfall and Metal Claw are both STAB. For charged moves it has Blizzard, Hydro Pump and Flash Cannon with the latter two being STAB. Hydro Cannon is your Community Day move and will be the best option.
Shiny Piplup is a very slightly different shade of blue. It’s just a little lighter. You’re going to have to be SUPER observant when Shiny hunting, folks – remember that there’s a little symbol next to the Pokemon’s name on the catch screen to let you know if it’s Shiny or not, also the Pokemon’s name is a yellow color instead of white.
And there you have it, Trainers! Are you excited for your own Shiny Piplup? Do you think I’m too harsh in my assessment of this Pokemon’s design? Feel free to let me know in the comments! As per usual, I wish you the absolute best of luck on your adventures!
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