Ampharos Best Moveset
115 Sp. Atk at 90 HP on Electric with AbilityStatic threatening paralysis. Held ItemLeftovers with NatureCalm runs defensive Electric TermStab from behind solid special bulk at 90 Sp. Def. 55 Speed means going second against most threats. The moveset tanks hits and retaliates with strong special damage, trading pace for durability.
One of the best Electric-types in Gen II (Gold & Silver). 115 Sp. Atk hit hard with Thunderbolt, and its bulk was respectable for a pure Electric-type.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Punch
- Hidden Power Ice
Recommended Teammates
Static paralyzed on contact, adding defensive utility in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Two gens of solid performance built on raw Sp. Atk and decent bulk.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Substitute
- Focus Punch
- Hidden Power Grass
Recommended Teammates
55 Speed was a real problem in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl) as faster Electric-types emerged. Jolteon, Raikou, and Electivire all outpaced it effortlessly.
Special Tank Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder Wave
- Focus Blast
- Signal Beam
Recommended Teammates
Same Speed problem in Gen V (Black & White). 115 Sp. Atk was still good but being slower than everything meant Ampharos always took a hit before attacking.
Special Wallbreaker Moveset
- Signal Beam
- Focus Blast
- Discharge
- Hidden Power Grass
Recommended Teammates
Mega Ampharos gained Dragon-typing and 165 Sp. Atk in Gen VI (X & Y), but base Ampharos without Mega Evolving had nothing to offer.
Special Tank Moveset
- Hidden Power Ice
- Thunderbolt
- Power Gem
- Cotton Guard
Recommended Teammates
Mega Ampharos was decent in lower tiers of Gen VII (Sun & Moon), but the base form continued its decline without the Mega boost.
Special Tank Moveset
- Hidden Power Ice
- Volt Switch
- Focus Blast
- Discharge
Recommended Teammates
No Mega form in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet). Ampharos returned to being a slow Electric-type with no competitive identity.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Dragon Pulse
- Meteor Beam
Recommended Teammates
Ampharos Weakness
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 |
What is Ampharos Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Ampharos
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Alomomola builds →Flip Turn10-12% Scald6-7% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Corviknight builds →U Turn13-16% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Zapdos builds →Hurricane10-11% Volt Switch6-7% Heat Wave17-20% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemLeftovers NatureCalm Moves View Toxapex builds →
| ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemDamprock NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Ampharos View Pelipper builds →Hurricane8-9% U Turn9-10% | ||
Evolution
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
How to Get Ampharos
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 SV
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) - GrassLv.9-19OverworldRate 30%South Province (Area Two) - Olive GroveLv.9-19OverworldRate 15%East Province (Area One) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%Glaseado MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area One) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Five) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Two) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%West Province (Area One) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%
Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyWest Province (Area Two) - GrassLv.22-29OverworldRate 9%South Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.37-40OverworldRate 6%or evolve from Mareep (Step 1)
Step 3Ampharos ✓East Province (Area One) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%Glaseado MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area One) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Five) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Two) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%West Province (Area One) - MountainLv.42-60OverworldRate 1%or evolve from Flaaffy (Step 2)
2 encounter spots for Ampharos at moderate rates starting from late-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Ampharos in LZA
To get Ampharos, start by catching Mareep through walking encounters at Lv. 3-53. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
- Step 1Catch MareepWild Zone 1Lv.3-5OverworldLegends: Z-A
- Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyWild Zone 6Lv.19-20OverworldLegends: Z-AWild Zone 16Lv.40-41OverworldLegends: Z-Aor evolve from Mareep (Step 1)
- Step 3Ampharos ✓Wild Zone 16Lv.42-43OverworldLegends: Z-AWild Zone 16Lv.52-53OverworldLegends: Z-Aor evolve from Flaaffy (Step 2)
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 BDSP
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 WindworksLv.7-9Using PokeRadarRate 22%Grassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameWhiteout CaveLv.58-63CavePost-game
Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyRoute 222Lv.41-42Using PokeRadarRate 22%Grassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameWhiteout CaveLv.58-63CavePost-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 USUM
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.
Base Stats
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.
Ampharos Guide
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.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Ampharos has appeared in 17 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 6, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORASMega
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves