Monkey Pokémon are inspired by real-life primates, showcasing diverse personalities and traits that resonate with fans.
These playful creatures often embody traits like mischief, agility, and intelligence, drawing parallels to their real-life counterparts.
With each Pokémon generation introducing new monkey-like species, their unique designs and abilities add depth to the expansive Pokémon universe.
From their energetic antics to their clever battle strategies, Monkey Pokémon captures the essence of their animal inspiration while providing a delightful blend of fun and challenge for trainers.
In this article, we’ll explore every Monkey Pokémon from each generation.
A Look at All Primate Pokémon

Some Pokémon closely resemble monkeys and gorillas. This article will explore the various primate Pokémon found across different generations.
Mankey
Type: Pig Monkey Pokémon
Mankey is a monkey-type Pokémon known for its energetic nature. In the anime, a wild Mankey snatched Ash’s hat. Its abilities include Vital Spirit and Defiant.
Primeape
Evolution: Mankey
Mankey evolves into Primeape, which Ash eventually captures after it steals his cap. Primeape shares the same abilities as Mankey.
Aipom
Type: Simian Pokémon
Aipom is a Simian Pokémon with a unique feature: a three-fingered hand at the end of its tail. An Aipom also takes Ash’s hat and later joins his team. Eventually, Ash catches it.
Ambipom
Evolution: Aipom
Ash’s Aipom evolves into Ambipom. It has abilities like Technician and Skill Link.
Slaking
Type: Lazy Pokémon
Slaking is a large Pokémon resembling a gorilla. Ash defeats Slaking using his Grovyle. Its unique ability is Truant.
Chimchar
Type: Chimp Pokémon
Chimchar is a Fire-type Pokémon resembling a chimpanzee. Ash catches it from the wild and later evolves it. Its abilities are Blaze and Iron Fist.
Monferno
Evolution: Chimchar
Ash evolves his Chimchar into Monferno. Monferno shares the same abilities as Chimchar.
Infernape
Evolution: Monferno
Monferno evolves into Infernape when it saves Ash’s team from Team Rocket. It retains the same abilities as Chimchar.
Pansage
Type: Grass Monkey Pokémon
Cilan owns a Pansage with a head adorned with a broccoli-like sprout. Its abilities include Gluttony and Overgrow.
Simisage
Evolution: Pansage
Ash faces a Simisage in a tournament with his Scraggy but ultimately loses. Simisage has the same abilities as Pansage.
Water Monkey Pokémon

Panpour
Type: Spray Pokémon
Panpour is a Water-type Pokémon. In the episode “Thrash of the Titans!”, Goh captures a Panpour while Ash and Ash visit Opelucid City. Its abilities are Gluttony and Torrent, with a hidden ability.
Simipour
Type: Water Pokémon
Simipour, another Water-type Pokémon, first appeared in “Search for the Clubultimate!” under the trainer Betty.
It shares the abilities of Gluttony and Torrent, along with a hidden ability.
Fire Monkey Pokémon

Pansear
Type: High Temp Pokémon
Pansear is a Fire-type Pokémon and one of the three elemental monkeys, alongside Grass-type Pansage and Water-type Panpour.
Its abilities include Gluttony and Blaze, with a hidden ability.
Simisear
Evolution: Pansear
Simisear is a Fire-type Pokémon that evolves from Pansear. In “Search for the Clubultimate!”, Getty used Simisear in a match against Betty’s Simipour during the Clubsplosion tournament, where it was defeated. Its abilities are Gluttony and Blaze, including a hidden ability.
Fire and Psychic Monkey Pokémon

Darmanitan
Type: Blazing Pokémon
Darmanitan is a Fire-type Pokémon known for its ability to change forms in battle, depending on its Ability and current HP.
In Zen Mode, it becomes a Fire/Psychic-type. Its abilities include Sheer Force (Standard Mode), Gorilla Tactics (Galarian Standard Mode), and a hidden Zen Mode ability.
Grass Monkey Pokémon

Grookey
Type: Chimp Pokémon
Grookey is a Grass-type Pokémon. Its green fur harnesses sunlight to generate energy, similar to how plants use their leaves for photosynthesis.
Its abilities are Overgrow and Grassy Surge, including a hidden ability.
Thwackey
Evolution: Grookey
Thwackey evolves from Grookey and is also a Grass-type Pokémon. It can cheer up its friends by grooming them, symbolizing friendship and trust.
Its abilities are Overgrow and Grassy Surge, with a hidden ability.
Rillaboom
Evolution: Thwackey
Rillaboom evolves from Thwackey and is a Grass-type Pokémon. It features a Gigantamax form that was introduced in The Isle of Armor.
Its abilities include Overgrow and Grassy Surge, along with a hidden ability.
Unique Dark and Grass Monkey Pokémon

Zarude
Type: Rogue Monkey Pokémon
Zarude is a Dark/Grass-type Pokémon. It is the only known Pokémon that can learn the move Jungle Healing. Its ability is Leaf Guard.
Wise Pokémon

Oranguru
Type: Sage Pokémon
Oranguru is classified as a Normal/Psychic-type Pokémon. It is unique in its ability to comprehend the move instructions.
Its capabilities include inner focus or telepathy, a hidden ability called symbiosis.
Cooperative Pokémon

Passimian
Type: Teamwork Pokémon
Passimian is a Fighting-type Pokémon that resembles a robust lemur with broad shoulders and a striking black-and-white appearance.
Its abilities include a Receiver and a hidden ability known as Defiant.
Summary
In summary, Monkey Pokémon offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of primate-inspired creatures within the Pokémon universe.
From the energetic antics of Mankey to the wise nature of Oranguru, these Pokémon showcase a range of abilities and traits that resonate with fans.
Each generation introduces unique designs and evolutions, enriching the gameplay experience for trainers.
Whether engaged in playful battles or forming bonds with their trainers, Monkey Pokémon embody the essence of agility, intelligence, and teamwork.
As we continue to explore this whimsical world, these captivating creatures remain a beloved aspect of the Pokémon franchise.