Stats & Training
Primeape's built around physical offense. Attack leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Moderately hard to find, worth 2 Attack EVs. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It grows angry if you see its eyes and gets angrier if you run. If you beat it, it gets even madder.
It grows angry if you see its eyes and gets angrier if you run. If you beat it, it gets even madder.
Primeape Weakness
Flying and Psychic moves hit Primeape for super-effective damage. Its Fighting typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. Primeape leans offensive (base 105 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Flying, Psychic |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Bug, Rock, Dark |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
In Black 2 & White 2, Dragonite can KO Primeape with Outrage (123-145%). Alakazam's Psychic also KOs at 149-176%.
 Dragonite Dragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMultiscale ItemLum Berry NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Dragonite builds →Extreme Speed55-65% Outrage123-145%KO | ||
 Jirachi SteelPsychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySerenegrace ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Jirachi builds →U Turn14-17% | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Alakazam builds →Focus Blast66-78% Psychic 2x149-176%KO Shadow Ball44-52% | ||
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMoxie ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Salamence builds →Earthquake63-74% Outrage113-133%KO | ||
Black 2 & White 2 Evolution
Primeape is partway through a three-stage line between Mankey and Annihilape. The chain involves an evolution item, so it's not a straightforward grind. So far, HP got the biggest boost (+25 from Mankey). The final form adds another 80 stats on top. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Primeape to get Mankey eggs easily using 181 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Close Combat, Counter and 8 more.
Black 2 & White 2 Primeape Best Moveset
Primeape leads with Focus Sash insurance. Even if it can't take a hit naturally, it'll survive long enough to deal early damage. Max Attack and Speed EVs go all-in on offense since bulk doesn't matter here.
Best Build
Primeape best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Vacuum Wave
- Brick Break
- Endeavor
- Ice Punch
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Coverage runs deep. Primeape can hit 13 types beyond STAB, including Dark and Normal. The offense anchors on Focus Punch and Close Combat while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Primeape in Black 2 & White 2
No wild encounters for Primeape in Black 2 & White 2. Bring Mankey over from Red, Yellow, or Brilliant Diamond, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
Primeape Guide
In Black 2 & White 2, Primeape isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Annihilape to unlock its full potential. At 455 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
In Black 2 & White 2, watch for Aerodactyl (Flying) and Alakazam (Psychic) when using Primeape. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
In Black 2 & White 2, Mankey evolves into Primeape at level 28. Primeape evolves into Annihilape using a Rage Fist 20 Times. Primeape is a middle-stage evolution in the Mankey line.
Vital Spirit prevents sleep. That's the one you want on Primeape. Defiant is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Anger Point works too if your team needs something different.
In Black 2 & White 2, Primeape fills the attacker role. It's a physical attacker with base 105 Attack. Base 95 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many.
Game Availability
Primeape has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves