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Damn, this one hurts. As a certified Empoleon enjoyer™, I really wanted this one to be good. Unfortunately, Empoleon is stuck being a worse Milotic across the board. It not only has a less efficient base stat spread, wasting more in the lower physical attack, but it is less bulky, slower, has an additional weakness and has fewer stats overall. Granted, the bulk isn’t awful considering how great steel is as a defensive type; that one extra weakness is balanced by gaining a TON of extra resistances. ‘Competitive’ is also still a great ability even if there are far fewer pokemon with intimidate in gen 4. It is also unfortunate given its move pool. Most of the moves you would want use its lower physical attack stat and it gets access to swords dance but not nasty plot. The special move options aren’t great, mostly just the standard water pokemon moves. It gets access to very few supportive options but notably gets access to the rare move ‘Snowscape.’ If you are building a snow-based team, this could be an option. Overall, Empoleon is simply outclassed as a tank, as a support, and as a damage dealer. As a late round pick up, it is usable but not worth anything above 5th round.

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