Pokémon GO: How to Evolve Primeape into Annihilape – Detailed Guide

Sep 20 2025

In this article, you will be given full instructions on how to evolve Primeape into Annihilape in Pokémon GO, including evolution conditions, how to learn Shadow Punch, tips for optimizing missions, as well as why Annihilape is a Pokémon you should not miss in your battle lineup.

Introducing Primeape and Annihilape in Pokémon GO

Primeape is a first-generation Fighting-type Pokémon, famous for its ferocious personality and ability to deal strong physical damage. However, since the release of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Primeape has had an impressive new evolutionary form: Annihilape, a Ghost and Fighting-type Pokémon. Its mysterious design, flexible moveset, and formidable combat stats have helped Annihilape quickly become a sought-after Pokémon in both PvP and PvE.

However, the process of evolving Primeape into Annihilape is not simple and requires players to master some special conditions.

Is Annihilape worth evolving?

Evolving Primeape into Annihilape is completely worth it, especially for players who love both PvP and PvE. With the Ghost and Fighting dual-type, Annihilape is capable of countering many popular opponents in the meta such as Snorlax, Registeel or Psychic-type Pokémon. Annihilape's strengths lie in its fast attack speed, stable damage output and flexibility in its skill set.

In PvP battles, it can take on the role of a main Pokémon, putting great pressure on the opponent thanks to the Shadow Punch and Close Combat combo. In Raid or Gym Battle, Annihilape is also an effective choice thanks to its ability to deal continuous damage and good resistance to normal attacks. Not only is it strong in terms of tactics, Annihilape also has an "evolution exclusive" element that helps increase the collection value of your account. Therefore, if you have invested effort to complete the conditions, then evolving Primeape is a step that cannot be ignored.

Conditions to evolve Primeape into Annihilape in Pokémon GO

Unlike many other Pokémon that only need Candy to evolve, Primeape requires you to complete a specific series of tasks to be able to transform into Annihilape. Specifically:
Primeape must know the move Shadow Punch - this is the most important condition. If Primeape does not know this move, the evolution button will not appear even if you have enough Candy.

Complete 20 battles using Primeape - you need to use Primeape in the formation and win 20 times. These battles can take place in Raid, PvP, or against Team Rocket. The result will be recorded if Primeape participates in the battle and launches Shadow Punch in the battle.

Own 100 Mankey Candy - after completing the above two conditions, you need enough candy to complete the evolution.

The special thing is that these three conditions can be done over time, not required in a single session. This gives players more flexibility in planning their training and completing their goals.

How to teach Primeape Shadow Punch

This is the most difficult part for many players. Shadow Punch is a special move that cannot be learned through a regular TM.

Using Elite Charged TM

This is the only and most certain way for Primeape to learn Shadow Punch. You just need to use Elite Charged TM, select Primeape and choose the right Shadow Punch move. Elite TM is often given away in major events, rewards from PvP League or purchased in the seasonal shop.

Wait for Niantic events to reopen

In some limited events, Niantic can re-unlock Shadow Punch, allowing players to evolve Mankey into Primeape with this move. This is your chance to own a “proper” Primeape without TM, but you have to keep an eye on upcoming events.

Important note

If you are trying to “spin” Shadow Punch with a regular Charged TM – it will not work. Shadow Punch is a move that can only be learned with Elite TMs or through events, so don't waste your precious items.

Tips for completing the evolution quest faster

To speed up the process of evolving Primeape into Annihilape, you can apply some of the following tips:

Use Primeape in PvP training or Rocket Grunt: These battles are easier to win and still count towards progress.

Walk with Mankey or Primeape as a Buddy: You will get more Candy based on the distance traveled, which is very useful if you are short on Candy.

Use Rare Candy: If you have Rare Candy available, invest it to quickly reach 100 Candy instead of waiting to catch Mankey in the wild.

Conclusion

Evolving Primeape into Annihilape is not simple, but it is the challenge that makes the process special and memorable. Once you own Annihilape, you not only have a powerful Pokémon, but also the result of effort and smart strategy.
Get ready: teach Shadow Punch properly, fight 20 battles and accumulate enough Candy. A Ghost warrior is waiting for you to join your team.

Don't forget to follow the upcoming events so you don't miss the chance to unlock the move and quickly complete the evolution. And if you need more PvP team guides suitable for Annihilape, leave a comment - we will share more specific strategies for you soon.