How to Evolve Primeape into Annihilape in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The Pokémon franchise has introduced countless evolutions over the years, giving classic Pokémon new forms and stronger abilities. Among the most exciting additions in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is Annihilape, a powerful Fighting/Ghost-type Pokémon that expands the long-running Mankey evolutionary line.

For generations, players knew the progression as Mankey → Primeape. However, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet finally added a third evolution, transforming the furious Primeape into the intimidating Annihilape. This new evolution not only gives Primeape a significant power boost but also introduces a unique typing combination that has quickly made it a fan favorite.

If you’re wondering how to evolve Primeape, you’re not alone. Many trainers are confused by the special evolution requirements because evolving Primeape into Annihilape is very different from standard level-based evolutions.

This guide explains everything you need to know, including where to find Mankey and Primeape, how to teach Fury Fist, how many times you must use the move, and the exact steps required to evolve Primeape into Annihilape successfully.

Primeape and Annihilape Evolution Overview

Before diving into the evolution process, it’s helpful to understand how this Pokémon line works.

The evolutionary chain is:

• Mankey
• Primeape
• Annihilape

Mankey and Primeape have existed since the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Blue. For many years, Primeape was the final stage of the evolution line.

With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Game Freak introduced Annihilape, giving Primeape a third evolution for the first time.

Annihilape stands out because it combines Fighting and Ghost typing, creating a unique battle style that differs significantly from its predecessors.

What Is Annihilape?

Annihilape is the final evolution of Primeape and one of the most notable additions introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Unlike Primeape, which is purely a Fighting-type Pokémon, Annihilape gains Ghost typing, making it a Fighting/Ghost Pokémon.

This change gives it access to additional battle strategies and makes it one of the more distinctive evolutions introduced in recent Pokémon games.

Because of its unique evolution method, many players struggle to unlock it on their first attempt.

Fortunately, once you understand the requirements, evolving Primeape becomes relatively straightforward.

Where to Find Primeape in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Before evolving Primeape, you’ll first need to obtain one.

According to available in-game locations, Primeape can be found southwest of the town of Medali.

Many players encounter Primeape while exploring the surrounding areas.

When catching a Primeape, check its moves immediately.

Some Primeape may already know Rage Fist, while others may require you to adjust their moveset or have the Pokémon remember the move later.

Obtaining a Primeape that already knows Rage Fist can save time during the evolution process.

Where to Find Mankey

If you don’t already have a Primeape, you can begin with Mankey instead.

Mankey is one of the easier Pokémon to locate in Scarlet and Violet.

Players can encounter it relatively early in the game, making it accessible even before reaching the later stages of the story.

Although the Pokédex indicates that Mankey and Primeape prefer living in trees, they can often be spotted wandering around nearby areas as well.

If you’re having trouble finding one, explore the recommended locations and interact with the surrounding trees.

Many trainers discover Mankey through these encounters.

Mankey Evolution Requirement

Before reaching Annihilape, you’ll need to evolve Mankey into Primeape.

Fortunately, this step is simple.

Mankey Evolves at Level 28

Mankey evolves into Primeape beginning at Level 28.

Simply train your Mankey through battles and experience gains until it reaches Level 28.

Once it levels up, the evolution will occur automatically.

After obtaining Primeape, you can begin working toward Annihilape.

How to Evolve Primeape into Annihilape

The evolution from Primeape to Annihilape is much more complex than the evolution from Mankey to Primeape.

Unlike most Pokémon that evolve through leveling alone, Primeape requires a specific move-related condition to be met first.

Evolution Requirements

To evolve Primeape into Annihilape, you must:

1. Teach Primeape the move Rage Fist.
2. Use Rage Fist 20 times in battle.
3. Level up Primeape afterward.

Once these requirements are completed correctly, Primeape will evolve into Annihilape.

While the process sounds simple, there are several important details that many players overlook.

Understanding Rage Fist

Rage Fist is the key to Primeape’s evolution.

This Ghost-type move plays a central role in unlocking Annihilape.

Without using Rage Fist the required number of times, Primeape will not evolve regardless of its level.

Because of this, teaching the move to Primeape is the first priority.

When Does Primeape Learn Rage Fist?

Primeape learns Rage Fist at Level 35.

If your Primeape is below Level 35, continue leveling it until it learns the move naturally.

Once Rage Fist is added to its moveset, you can begin tracking its usage.

What If Your Primeape Is Already Above Level 35?

Many trainers catch or train a Primeape beyond Level 35 before realizing they need Rage Fist.

Fortunately, this is not a problem.

If your Primeape no longer has the move, you can simply revisit its move list and teach it Rage Fist again.

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players can access previous moves directly from a Pokémon’s summary page.

This means you no longer need a Move Reminder or Move Tutor to relearn the move.

Simply:

• Add Primeape to your party.
• Open its summary page.
• Review available moves.
• Relearn Rage Fist.

Once Rage Fist is equipped, you’re ready to start the evolution process.

Using Rage Fist 20 Times

The next requirement involves using Rage Fist in battle a total of 20 times.

This is the most important step in the entire evolution process.

Many players mistakenly assume that simply having the move is enough.

However, Primeape must actively use Rage Fist 20 times before evolution becomes available.

Successful Uses Count

The move must successfully connect with an opponent.

If Rage Fist misses or fails to affect the target, it will not count toward the requirement.

For example:

• Missed attacks do not count.
• Targets protected by certain conditions may not count.
• Pokémon using moves such as Dig can cause the attack to fail.
• Failed connections are not recorded.

Only successful uses contribute toward the total.

Easy Method to Use Rage Fist 20 Times

Fortunately, completing the requirement is easier than it sounds.

Since Rage Fist is a Ghost-type move, many players choose to battle low-level Normal-type Pokémon.

A common choice is Lechonk.

You can repeatedly use Rage Fist during battles to quickly build progress toward the required 20 uses.

Because the battles are relatively easy, this method minimizes risk and allows you to finish the requirement efficiently.

Important Evolution Warning

One detail that catches many players off guard is how the evolution process tracks Rage Fist usage.

It’s important to complete the entire process correctly.

Some trainers have reported issues when visiting a Pokémon Center after using Rage Fist 20 times and before leveling up Primeape.

For this reason, many players recommend completing the sequence continuously.

Recommended Preparation

Before beginning the process, make sure you have:

• Several Potions or healing items
• A few Ether items
• Enough battles available to gain experience

This preparation helps you avoid interruptions while working toward evolution.

Managing Rage Fist PP

Rage Fist has only 10 PP.

Since you need to use the move 20 times, you’ll eventually run out.

To continue using Rage Fist, you’ll need to:

• Use Ether items to restore PP, or
• Visit a Pokémon Center to replenish the move

Having Ether available allows you to complete the process more smoothly.

Without additional PP recovery, you’ll be forced to stop halfway through.

Level Up Primeape After 20 Uses

Once Rage Fist has been used successfully 20 times, the final step is simple.

Level up Primeape.

You can do this through:

• Wild Pokémon battles
• Trainer battles
• Experience items
• Any normal leveling method

As soon as Primeape gains a level after meeting the Rage Fist requirement, the evolution sequence will begin.

Primeape Evolves into Annihilape

After leveling up, Primeape will finally evolve into Annihilape.

The evolution animation will play automatically.

Congratulations—you now have one of the newest and most powerful Pokémon introduced in Scarlet and Violet.

Why Players Love Annihilape

Annihilape quickly became one of the most popular Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.

Several factors contribute to its popularity.

Unique Fighting/Ghost Typing

The Fighting/Ghost combination is relatively uncommon and provides interesting battle opportunities.

Strong Evolution Design

Many fans appreciate how Annihilape expands the Mankey line while staying true to Primeape’s aggressive personality.

Memorable Evolution Method

Unlike simple level-based evolutions, evolving Primeape requires trainers to actively use a signature move.

This makes obtaining Annihilape feel more rewarding.

Common Mistakes When Evolving Primeape

Many players encounter issues because of a few common mistakes.

Forgetting Rage Fist

Primeape cannot evolve without knowing Rage Fist.

Always verify the move is equipped before starting.

Not Reaching 20 Uses

The move must be used 20 times.

Stopping early prevents evolution.

Counting Failed Attacks

Only successful connections count toward the requirement.

Missed or ineffective attacks do not contribute.

Leveling Up Too Soon

Primeape must first meet the Rage Fist requirement before the level-up triggers evolution.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for how to evolve Primeape, the process in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet requires more than simply gaining levels. First, obtain a Primeape, either by catching one southwest of Medali or by evolving Mankey at Level 28. Next, make sure Primeape knows Rage Fist, a move it learns at Level 35. Then use Rage Fist successfully 20 times in battle and level up Primeape afterward.

While the evolution method may seem unusual at first, it becomes straightforward once you understand the requirements. By preparing a few healing items, restoring PP with Ether when necessary, and carefully tracking your Rage Fist uses, you’ll have Annihilape on your team in no time.

With its unique Fighting/Ghost typing and powerful presence, Annihilape is a worthy final evolution for one of Pokémon’s oldest evolutionary lines and a valuable addition to any trainer’s roster in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.