For generations, Mankey’s evolution line ended with Primeape, until Annihilape was introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Gen 9 mainline games.
In the mainline games, evolving Primeape required using Rage Fist in battle 20 times before it could evolve.
So naturally, PokeRogue players are left won dering if the same rule applies. After all, PokeRogue doesn’t really hold your hand that much.
Many assume there’s a hidden mechanic or usage condition, but the reality is actually much simpler. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about evolving Primeape and how to get that badass Annihilape in your run.
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Where to Get Primeape in PokeRogue
Let’s start by getting ourselves a Primeape. In PokeRogue, you can encounter both Mankey and Primeape in two different biomes depending on your team level and the in-game time.
Dojo Biome:
This is the most reliable spot. Primeape has a Common spawn rate and can appear at any time of day. In the early stages of your run, you’ll mostly see Mankey, but as your team levels up, Primeape becomes more likely to spawn.
Plains Biome:
Primeape can also appear here, but only as an Uncommon spawn, and only during dusk or night. While the chances are not the best, this is where I caught my first Mankey.
Whether you start with a Mankey and evolve it or catch a wild Primeape directly, both paths work for unlocking Annihilape.
Why You Should Evolve Primeape
Evolving Primeape into Annihilape is a massive power spike that turns a decent fighter into a near-pseudo-legendary threat.
Here’s a side-by-side stat breakdown:
| Stat | Primeape | Annihilape |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 65 | 110 |
| Attack | 105 | 115 |
| Defense | 60 | 80 |
| Special Attack | 60 | 50 |
| Special Defense | 70 | 90 |
| Speed | 95 | 90 |
| Total | 455 | 535 |
That’s an 80-point stat boost overall, putting Annihilape just shy of pseudo-legendary (600) power levels.
New Typing and Move Access
Evolving also gives you access to the Fighting/Ghost dual typing, which is rare and strategically useful. This grants immunity to Normal and Fighting moves, making Annihilape their biggest nightmare.
You’ll also unlock Ghost-type STAB moves like:
- Shadow Punch – A reliable physical Ghost move with no accuracy check
- Rage Fist – Signature move that scales with damage taken
Overall, evolving Primeape makes your team more durable, more versatile, and far harder to counter.
How to Evolve Primeape in PokeRogue
Now let’s move on to the main event, evolving Primeape into Annihilape in PokeRogue. Many players assume there’s a hidden requirement like in the mainline games, but PokeRogue simplifies the evolution process. Here’s all you need to do:
Step 1: Catch a Primeape or Evolve a Mankey
You can either catch a wild Primeape (found in the Dojo or Plains biome) or evolve a Mankey at level 28.
Step 2: Level Primeape to 35
Once Primeape hits level 35, it will automatically learn the move Rage Fist. This is the key to unlocking its evolution.
Step 3: Level Up One More Time
After Primeape knows Rage Fist, simply level it up one more time (to level 36). No need to use Rage Fist in battle. No need to deal enough damage like in Scarlet and Violet.
That’s it! Once you level it up again, Primeape will automatically evolve into Annihilape.
How to Use Annihilape in PokeRogue
Now that you have Annihilape, what do you do with it? Well, there are various ways to use this Pokemon, but what always worked for me is a bulky offense set.
Evolving Primeape into Annihilape boosts what is already a strong physical attacker, but the biggest upgrade lies in its bulk and survivability.
Its HP jumps from 65 to 110, which is almost double, and both its Defense and Special Defense stats receive significant boosts. Combine this with the Ghost typing, which grants immunity to Normal and Fighting moves, and you get a tanky damage dealer that’s hard to take down.
That’s why one of the best ways to use Annihilape in PokeRogue is to turn it into a bulky offensive mon that absorbs hits and hits back harder with Rage Fist. Great moves you can teach it are:
- Drain Punch for recovery and STAB.
- Slack Off to stay alive between boss fights and take more hits.
- Coverage moves like Shadow Punch and Earthquake.
If you’re running Classic mode, this kind of setup allows Annihilape to be a carry from its early Mankey days up to its late-game rampage. It works best when supported by status-spreading or hazard-setting teammates.
What Is Rage Fist?
Rage Fist is a unique Ghost-type move that is key to evolving Primeape into Annihilape. In the main series (Scarlet and Violet), Rage Fist powers up the more times your Pokemon is hit before using it, and Primeape only evolves into Annihilape after using Rage Fist 20 times in battle.
But in PokeRogue, after Primeape learns Rage Fist at Level 35, you only need to level it up once to make it evolve into Annihilape.
Rage Fist in PokeRogue:
- Power: 50
- Type: Ghost
- Category: Physical
- Special Effect: Deals more damage the more hits your Pokemon has endured.
Conclusion
And that’s everything you need to know to evolve Primeape in PokeRogue! While it may seem like a tricky or secret evolution at first, especially if you’re familiar with how it works in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the truth is that PokeRogue keeps it simple.
Learn Rage Fist at level 35, level up once more, and boom– you’ve got yourself a powerful Annihilape.
With its solid stats, dual typing, and Ghost-type coverage, Annihilape can be one of the strongest members of your team. You can even choose it as a starter, raise it, and see how far it can carry your run!
