As an Electric-type, Ampharos fills a straightforward role. Only weak to Ground. Known as the Light Pokémon. Introduced in Gen 2. Relies on priority moves or Scarf to keep up.
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.
When it gets dark, the light from its bright, shiny tail can be seen from far away on the ocean’s surface.
Ampharos Weakness
GoodGround-type 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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
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.
How to Evolve
Breed with Ampharos to get Mareep eggs easily using 66 partners from the Ground and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Body Slam, Reflect, Safeguard and 3 more.
Start with flexible EVs EVs. A nature nature gives Ampharos the right balanced lean, Leftovers adds passive recovery each turn, and an ability works in the background. Thunderbolt is the main damage option.
Best Build
Best Ampharos Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Punch
- Hidden Power Ice
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Ampharos misses out on Body Slam and Reflect. That's 6 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Zap Cannon and Thunder, with Normal and Fighting coverage and more rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
No wild encounters for Ampharos in Crystal. Bring Mareep over from Gold, Emerald, or Scarlet, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
How to Obtain Ampharos in Crystal
- 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.
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.
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.
Ampharos appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Ampharos has appeared in 17 titles over 8 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORASMega
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A