Sp. Atk and HP carry most of Ampharos's stat budget. Speed's the obvious dump stat. Tough to catch and yields 3 Sp. Atk EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
The bright light on its tail can be seen far away. It has been treasured since ancient times as a beacon.
When it gets dark, the light from its bright, shiny tail can be seen from far away on the ocean’s surface.
Ground moves hit Ampharos for super-effective damage. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. With 90 HP and balanced defenses, Ampharos can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Electric, Flying, Steel |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemRocky Helmet NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Slowbro builds →Scald30-35% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves View Talonflame builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Corviknight builds →U Turn16-19% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Zapdos builds →Hurricane25-29% Volt Switch16-19% Heat Wave28-33% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves View Toxapex builds →
| ||
End of the line. Ampharos caps a three-stage chain that started at Mareep. Breeding produces the base form, and eggs are average hatch time. Sp.Atk grew the most through evolution (+50 over Mareep), and Ampharos peaks at 510 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Ampharos to get Mareep eggs easily using 278 partners from the Ground and Monster egg groups.
The build revolves around Volt Switch for safe pivoting. Static and Power Herb support Ampharos's hit-and-run approach, with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs making sure each pivot actually threatens. The remaining moves adds versatility.
Best Build
Ampharos best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Meteor Beam
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Discharge
- Dragon Tail
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Recommended Teammates
Special Tank Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dragon Pulse
- Discharge
- Power Gem
Recommended Teammates
Special Wallbreaker Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Power Gem
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Tank Moveset
- Dragon Pulse
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Meteor Beam
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Discharge
- Dragon Tail
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Recommended Teammates
Special Tank Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dragon Pulse
- Discharge
- Power Gem
Recommended Teammates
Special Wallbreaker Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Power Gem
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Tank Moveset
- Dragon Pulse
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Volt Switch
Special Tank Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dragon Pulse
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Ice
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Tank Moveset
- Power Gem
- Thunderbolt
- Signal Beam
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Special Tank Moveset
- Hidden Power Ice
- Volt Switch
- Focus Blast
- Discharge
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Need something that threatens multiple types? Ampharos's movepool delivers. Coverage across 10 types plus STAB from Zap Cannon and Thunder gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Need something that threatens multiple types? Ampharos's movepool delivers. Coverage across 10 types plus STAB from Zap Cannon and Thunder gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.
Without breeding, Ampharos misses out on After You and Agility. That's 10 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Zap Cannon and Thunder, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.
Without breeding, Ampharos misses out on After You and Agility. That's 12 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Zap Cannon and Thunder, with coverage across 9 types rounding things out.
Ampharos sits at low spawn rates across 18 spots in late-game routes. Pick one from the sorted list and commit to it. Jumping between areas wastes more time than waiting in the right location.
Where To Catch Ampharos in Scarlet & Violet
To get Ampharos, start by catching Mareep through walking encounters at Lv. 9-60. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch MareepSouth Province (Area Two) - GrassVioletOverworld Lv.9-19 Route30%EarlySouth Province (Area Two) - GrassScarletOverworld Lv.9-19 Route30%EarlySouth Province (Area Two) - Olive GroveVioletOverworld Lv.9-19 Route15%EarlySouth Province (Area Two) - Olive GroveScarletOverworld Lv.9-19 Route15%EarlyEast Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateEast Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateGlaseado MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateGlaseado MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateGlaseado MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateGlaseado MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateNorth Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateNorth Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateWest Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateWest Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%Late
Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyWest Province (Area Two) - GrassScarletOverworld Lv.22-29 Route9%MidWest Province (Area Two) - GrassVioletOverworld Lv.22-29 Route9%MidSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.37-40 Route6%LateSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.37-40 Route6%Lateor evolve from Mareep (Step 1)
Step 3Ampharos ✓East Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateEast Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateGlaseado MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateGlaseado MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateGlaseado MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateGlaseado MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Cave1%LateNorth Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateNorth Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateWest Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%LateWest Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworld Lv.42-60 Route1%Lateor evolve from Flaaffy (Step 2)
Ampharos can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Transfer Mareep from Gold, Emerald, or Scarlet and evolve through the 3-stage chain to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
How to Obtain Ampharos in Legends: Z-A
- Step 3Ampharos ✓
You're catching Mareep first, not Ampharos. Mareep appears at decent rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 3-stage chain with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Ampharos in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
To get Ampharos, start by catching Mareep through walking and special encounters at Lv. 7-63. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch MareepValley WindworksShining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.7-9 Power-plant22%EarlyValley WindworksBrilliant DiamondUsing PokeRadar Lv.7-9 Power-plant22%EarlyGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameGrassland CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameWhiteout CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameWhiteout CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-game
Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyRoute 222Brilliant DiamondUsing PokeRadar Lv.41-42 Route22%LateRoute 222Shining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.41-42 Route22%LateGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameGrassland CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameWhiteout CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameWhiteout CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameor evolve from Mareep (Step 1)
Step 3Ampharos ✓
You're catching Mareep first, not Ampharos. Mareep appears at solid rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 3-stage chain with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Ampharos in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
The path to Ampharos starts with Mareep at Lv. 12-55 via gift and walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch MareepPaniola RanchUltra SunGrass Lv.12-15 Facility30%EarlyPaniola RanchUltra MoonGrass Lv.12-15 Facility30%Early
Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedUltra SunGift from NPC Lv.21-273%MidPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedUltra MoonGift from NPC Lv.21-273%MidPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedUltra MoonGift from NPC Lv.37-433%LatePoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedUltra SunGift from NPC Lv.37-433%LatePoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedUltra MoonGift from NPC Lv.49-552%PostPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedUltra SunGift from NPC Lv.49-552%Postor evolve from Mareep (Step 1)
Step 3Ampharos ✓
We rate Ampharos C-Tier: a situational pick that fills a niche. At 510 BST, it fits the wallbreaker role. Base 115 Sp. Atk stands out.
Ampharos can Mega Evolve into Mega Ampharos. That's 610 BST, up from 510. The stat redistribution often changes its best role. Mega Stone required, one per battle.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground) when using Ampharos. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Static has a 30% chance of paralyzing attacking Pokémon on contact. That's the one you want on Ampharos. Plus is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
At base 55 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Ampharos is a special attacker with base 115 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.
Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Ampharos has appeared in 17 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORASMega
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves