Best Movesets for Starters in Pokémon Platinum (Infernape, Empoleon & Torterra)
Pokémon Platinum remains one of the most beloved Nintendo DS Pokémon games, thanks to its challenging battles, improved Pokédex, and memorable story. Choosing the right starter is important—but using the best moveset is what truly unlocks their full potential.
In this guide, you’ll find the best competitive and in-game movesets for Infernape, Empoleon, and Torterra, optimized for the Pokémon Platinum main story, Elite Four, and post-game content.
🔥 Infernape – Best Moveset (Fire/Fighting)
Infernape is widely considered the best starter in Pokémon Platinum due to its incredible Speed, strong mixed attacking stats, and wide movepool.
✅ Recommended Moveset
Flamethrower – Reliable STAB Fire move with high accuracy
Close Combat – Extremely powerful Fighting-type STAB
Grass Knot – Coverage against Water, Ground, and Rock types
Thunder Punch – Handles Flying and Water Pokémon
📊 Why This Works
Excellent type coverage
Dominates Gym battles and Elite Four
Can sweep teams with proper setup
🧠 Optional Moves
Mach Punch (priority)
Fire Blast (higher damage, lower accuracy)
U-turn (hit-and-run strategy)
💧 Empoleon – Best Moveset (Water/Steel)
Empoleon offers amazing defensive typing and strong Special Attack, making it perfect for players who prefer balanced and tanky Pokémon.
✅ Recommended Moveset
Surf – Best Water-type STAB for consistency
Flash Cannon – Strong Steel-type STAB move
Ice Beam – Covers Dragon, Grass, and Flying types
Grass Knot – Great against heavy Water and Ground Pokémon
📊 Why This Works
Only two weaknesses (Electric & Fighting)
Excellent against Cynthia’s Garchomp with Ice Beam
Perfect for long battles and Elite Four runs
🧠 Optional Moves
Aqua Jet (priority)
Drill Peck (physical coverage)
Earthquake (if running mixed build)
🌱 Torterra – Best Moveset (Grass/Ground)
Torterra is a physical powerhouse with great bulk, ideal for players who like slow but powerful Pokémon.
✅ Recommended Moveset
Earthquake – One of the strongest Ground-type moves in the game
Wood Hammer – Massive Grass-type STAB damage
Crunch – Coverage against Psychic and Ghost types
Stone Edge – Handles Flying, Ice, and Bug Pokémon
📊 Why This Works
Strong physical attacker
Destroys Electric, Rock, and Steel types
Excellent synergy with defensive teams
🧠 Optional Moves
Leech Seed (sustain)
Synthesis (healing)
Seed Bomb (safer Grass STAB)
🏆 Best Starter Overall in Pokémon Platinum
| Starter | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Infernape | Speed & offense | Easy–Medium |
| Empoleon | Defense & balance | Medium |
| Torterra | Power & bulk | Medium–Hard |
⭐ Top Pick: Infernape is generally the best choice for most players due to its speed, versatility, and matchup advantages throughout the game.
🔎 Final Thoughts
Using the right moveset can completely change how effective your starter Pokémon is in Pokémon Platinum. Whether you choose the fast and deadly Infernape, the resilient Empoleon, or the powerful Torterra, these optimized movesets will help you dominate Gyms, Elite Four, and post-game challenges.
If you enjoy Pokémon Platinum guides, battle tips, and ROM hack content, feel free to explore more articles on this blog.
Happy training, Champion! 🏆