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 becomes wildly furious if it even senses someone looking at it. It chases anyone that meets its glare.
Some researchers theorize that Primeape remains angry even when inside a Poké Ball.
Primeape Weakness
Flying, Psychic, and Fairy moves hit Primeape for super-effective damage. Primeape leans offensive (base 105 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Bug, Rock, Dark |
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Flying is super effective against PrimeapeView Salamence → | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Psychic is super effective against PrimeapeView Alakazam → | ||
In Legends: Z-A, Ting-Lu's Earthquake hits Primeape for 59-70%. Heatran deals 44-51% with Flash Cannon.
 | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityVesselofruin ItemSitrus Berry NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Ting-Lu builds →Earthquake59-70% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Alomomola builds →Flip Turn20-23% | ||
 Heatran FireSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemAir Balloon NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Heatran builds →Flash Cannon44-51% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNatural Cure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves View Blissey builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Primeape View Clodsire builds →Earthquake32-38% | ||
Legends: Z-A 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
Legends: Z-A Primeape Best Moveset
One boost from Bulk Up and Primeape gets dangerous fast. The Jolly nature targets max Attack and Speed, and Defiant backs the whole approach. Ragefist and utility options handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Primeape best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Rage Fist
- Drain Punch
- Bulk Up
- Taunt
Support Moveset
- Rage Fist
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Drain Punch
- Rage Fist
- Protect
- Bulk Up
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Rage Fist
- Drain Punch
- Bulk Up
- Protect
Moves
Coverage runs deep. Primeape can hit 12 types beyond STAB, including Normal and Rock. The offense anchors on Close Combat and Focus Blast while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Primeape in Legends: Z-A
Primeape can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Transfer Mankey from Red, Yellow, or Brilliant Diamond and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
Primeape Guide
In Legends: Z-A, 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 Legends: Z-A, watch for Aerodactyl (Flying), Alakazam (Psychic), and Clefable (Fairy) when using Primeape. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB.
In Legends: Z-A, 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 Legends: Z-A, Primeape fills the attacker role. It's leaning toward the physical side (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