First introduced as a starter evolution in Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl, Empoleon's stern looks and sharp edges couldn't be in further contrast from its original form as Piplup with its rounded head and body and generally bubbly demeanor, besides them both being modeled after penguins. With it being evolved from what would have been the first Pokemon that many players received in the game, the Emperor Pokemon holds a special place in the hearts of many players. But the water-type also has a distinction among the whole of the Pokemon franchise, with it being the only one to be both a Water and Steel-type.
Being the starter Pokemon for the character of Dawn in the Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl anime series, Piplup and its trainer's Super Contest competitions were the introduction to the Pokemon for many fans. But they would not get to see the final evolution of the Penguin Pokemon until the episode Barry's Busting Out All Over!. The Pokemon would continue to appear in every generation since it's debut in gen 4, and its enduring popularity is likely due to its strength and versatility as a water type, with the Pokemon being able to learn most of the technical and hidden machines in its first game. However, what makes this Pokemon stand out is its type combination, which it alone holds the distinction of.
The Power of the Water and Steel Type Pokemon
The world of Pokemon now has over one thousand entries in its Pokedex, a far cry from the original 151 that premiered in the first game in 1996, and with DLC likely coming for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, that number is likely to grow. With this in mind, it may seem unusual to some fans of the franchise that there is still only one Pokemon to be a combination Water and Steel-type.
Due to this unique combination, the Pokemon is weak only to Ground, Fighting, and Electric-type moves and is immune to Poison, but with most of its moves being Water based and it being able to learn some Flying-type moves - likely due to it being modeled after a bird - the only type this Pokemon really needs to worry about is Electric.
Due to stats gained from its type combo, it having the most powerful Hydro-Pump, and it being a strong competitor against the otherwise hard to beat Jirachi, Empoleon has remained a popular party member among players since its debut, with the Pokemon even being so strong that it makes an appearance in the fighting game Pokken Tournament. The starter evolution also holds interest for the choices made with its design, while the ridges at its shoulders and the edges at its white belly add to the appearance of high-end wear like a tuxedo, very well aligned with its real life animal counterpart. The use of a trident shape for the horns on its head are a clever way of working its Steel-type designation into its look.
Water types are always popular among trainers since they can learn the moves needed to help players travel across water to different areas on the map. They are also one of the three base types for starters, meaning they are among the first Pokemon fans are introduced to in a new game and possibly the first they befriend. Empoleon's unique status in the Pokedex means that it holds a special place in the games' catalog of creatures, but it's the nostalgia of seeing it evolve to that final form after being with Pokemon players throughout their adventure that makes Empoleon truly beloved.