Pokemon Scarlet and Violet brings back some Pokemon from older generations as well as introducing new ones, so fans of Mankey and Primeape were likely thrilled to find out that the iconic generation one Pokemon would be in the game. To make things even better, Primeape now has a third evolution, putting the evolution line on par with other three evolution Pokemon. Annihilape is the name of this new evolution, a Pokemon that is full of so much rage it managed to transcend its physical body and become a Ghost type Pokemon. Players can evolve Primeape into Annihilape rather easily too.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet seem to be embracing the idea of evolving certain Pokemon through unique conditions rather than simply by leveling up. This idea has been around for a while, but Annihilape's evolution condition seems to draw inspiration from the recent Pokemon Legends: Arceus, as some Pokemon in that game like Wyrdeer evolve by using a certain move enough times.
How To Evolve Primeape Into Annihilape
In order to evolve Primeape into Annihilape, players simply need to have their Primeape use the move Rage Fist 20 times. Primeape learns Rage Fist, a physical Ghost-type move, at level 35, just seven levels after it evolves into Primeape from Mankey at level 28. Since Rage Fist only has 10 PP, players will need to rest at the Pokemon Center at least once in order to complete this requirement. After using the move 20 times, simply level up Primeape once and it will evolve into the new Annihilape Pokemon.
Evolving grants the Pokemon Ghost typing, so Rage Fist now becomes an even better move for the Pokemon thanks to its STAB bonus. Though its Power is only 50, the move increases its power by 50 each time the Pokemon is hit during a battle. If the player's Annihilape is able to withstand a few hits from enemy Pokemon in a single battle, this move can become an absolute powerhouse in no time. Compare this move to Shadow Punch, which has a Power of 60 and always hits, but has no way of increasing in Power over the course of a battle.
This is certainly an interesting direction for the Mankey evolution line. This Pokemon has always been characterized by its rage, but few could have predicted the creature would get so angry that it becomes a literal ghost. Thanks to its unique move, Annihilape will certainly make a great addition to any Pokemon team in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on Switch.