What Does Primeape Evolve Into And Evolution Requirements

Posted on 7 October 2026 | 62
News

For decades, Primeape was known as the final stage in the Mankey evolutionary line, serving as a pure Fighting-type classic from the first generation of Pokémon. However, the introduction of recent games expanded this iconic family by introducing a powerful new ghost-infused form. Trainers looking to upgrade their team often wonder what Primeape evolves into and how to fulfill its unique evolution criteria.

The Next Stage: Annihilape

Primeape evolves into Annihilape, a formidable Fighting and Ghost dual-type creature. This evolutionary form represents a lore-rich transformation where Primeape's legendary rage becomes so intense that it transcends its physical body. Visually, Annihilape features a shadowy aura and broken restraints, reflecting its newfound ethereal power.

By acquiring the Ghost typing, Annihilape gains valuable immunities to Normal and Fighting-type attacks. This unique type combination makes it a competitive powerhouse in both story campaigns and player-versus-player battles. It retains high physical Attack stats while acquiring access to a broader utility movepool.

How to Learn Rage Fist

Unlike standard Pokémon evolutions that occur purely through reaching a specific level, evolving Primeape requires performing a distinct action in battle. Primeape must first learn its signature move, Rage Fist, which naturally unlocks once it reaches level 35. If your Primeape is already above level 35, you can easily teach it the move using the move memory menu.

Rage Fist is a Ghost-type attack that increases in base power each time the user takes damage in combat. It starts with a base physical power that scales up significantly as the battle continues. Ensuring Primeape keeps this move in its active battle set is the mandatory first step toward evolution.

Fulfilling the Evolution Requirement

To trigger the transformation into Annihilape, Primeape must use Rage Fist at least 20 times during combat. These 20 uses do not need to occur within a single battle, allowing players to accumulate the requirement across multiple encounters. Additionally, the move does not actually need to land or deal damage to count toward the total count.

Since Rage Fist has a base pool of 10 PP, trainers will need to restore PP using items like Ethers or visit a healing center mid-way through the process. A popular efficiency strategy involves battling low-level Normal-type Pokémon, as Normal types are immune to Ghost damage. This strategy allows Primeape to safely expend all required move uses without knocking out opponent targets prematurely.

Final Step to Complete Evolution

Once you have used Rage Fist 20 times, the final step is to level up your Primeape once more. You can achieve this level increment by winning another battle, using a Rare Candy, or feeding it Experience Candies. Upon gaining the new level, the evolution sequence will immediately trigger and transform Primeape into Annihilape.

Following these steps ensures a quick transition from a standard Primeape into one of the strongest Fighting/Ghost hybrids in the game. Understanding these specific requirements saves time and allows you to add Annihilape to your active roster with minimal grinding.