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.
The tail’s tip shines brightly and can be seen from far away. It acts as a beacon for lost people.
The bright light on its tail can be seen far away. It has been treasured since ancient times as a beacon.
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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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 131 partners from the Ground and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Body Slam, Charge, Flatter and 6 more.
This build takes hits and hits back. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Static supports the gameplan, and max HP and Sp. Atk EVs mean Ampharos doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus the remaining moves backing it up.
Best Build
Best Ampharos Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder Wave
- Focus Blast
- Signal Beam
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Ampharos misses out on Body Slam and Charge. That's 9 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Thunder and Thunderbolt, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Can't catch Ampharos directly. Start with Mareep at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 30. The 3-stage chain from Mareep to Ampharos is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Ampharos in HeartGold & SoulSilver
The path to Ampharos starts with Mareep at Lv. 6-17 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch MareepEFFORTLESSRoute 42HeartGoldGrassLv.13CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 42SoulSilverGrassLv.13-15CommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 32HeartGoldGrassLv.6UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 32SoulSilverGrassLv.6UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 43SoulSilverGrassLv.15UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYRoute 43HeartGoldGrassLv.15UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayCHALLENGINGRoute 43SoulSilverGrassLv.16RareMidRouteNightCHALLENGINGRoute 43HeartGoldGrassLv.16RareMidRouteNight
Step 2Catch or Evolve FlaaffyEFFORTLESSRoute 43HeartGoldGrassLv.15-17CommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSRoute 43SoulSilverGrassLv.15CommonEarlyRouteMorning/nightEFFORTLESSRoute 43SoulSilverGrassLv.15-17CommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSRoute 43HeartGoldGrassLv.15CommonEarlyRouteMorning/nightEASYRoute 42HeartGoldGrassLv.15-17UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 42SoulSilverGrassLv.15-17UncommonEarlyRouteor 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.
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.
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