In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked A-Tier as a wallbreaker. Waterfall with Leftovers is the standard set.

Does Gyarados mega evolve?

Mega Evolution isn't available in HeartGold & SoulSilver, but Gyarados does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Gyarados hits 640 BST.

What is Gyarados weak to?

In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Gyarados's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Jolteon is the most dangerous since Electric moves deal 4x damage. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

What is the best ability for Gyarados?

Intimidate is what you want on Gyarados. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Moxie) work on paper but Intimidate is what makes Gyarados worth using. Intimidate synergizes with Gyarados's base 100 Sp.Def, letting it soak special attacks as a pivot.

What role does Gyarados play in battle?

Base 81 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Gyarados is a physical attacker with base 125 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.

Gyarados - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Physical

Wallbreaker

ATier

81Speed · Above Avg

Stats & Training

Attack and Sp. Def carry most of Gyarados's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Tough to catch and yields 2 Attack EVs. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.

Base Stats

High

HP95

Attack125

Defense79

Sp. Atk60

Sp. Def100

Speed81

Total540

Details

Catch Rate

Challenging45 / 255

Growth Rate

Slow1.25M XP

Height6.5 m

Weight235.0 kg

Base XP189

Abilities

IntimidateTop Pick

Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.

MoxieHANot in game

Raises Attack one stage upon KOing a Pokémon.

EV Yield

HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe

Attack training target

Pokedex Entries

They say that during past strife, GYARADOS would appear and leave blazing ruins in its wake.

Gyarados Weakness

Type-wise, Gyarados takes extra damage from Electric and Rock. Watch out for Electric attacks, those deal 4x damage. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. With 95 HP and balanced defenses, Gyarados can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Gyarados Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
4x (Critical)	Electric
2x (Weak)	Rock
0.5x (Resist)	Fire, Water, Fighting, Bug, Steel
0x (Immune)	Ground

Type ChartExcellent

2Weak

5Resist

1Immune

Score+2

Gen IV Type Chart

Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

4xCritical

Electric

2xWeak

Rock

½xResist

Fire Water Fighting Bug Steel

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

Ground

STAB (6)

Fire Ground Rock Grass Fighting Bug

How to Beat Gyarados in HeartGold & SoulSilver (Best Counters)

Electrode Electric	C
Obtain MethodTeam Rocket Hq Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 12 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 129-152%KO Thunderbolt 4x 107-126%KO Spark 4x 66-78% Charge Beam 4x 62-74% View Electrode builds →
Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 133-157%KO Thunderbolt 4x 111-130%KO Spark 4x 66-78% Charge Beam 4x 62-74% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 122-143%KO Thunderbolt 4x 99-117%KO Spark 4x 59-70% Charge Beam 4x 59-70% View Minun builds →
Flaaffy Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 31 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 129-152%KO Thunderbolt 4x 107-126%KO Discharge 4x 96-113%KO Charge Beam 4x 62-74% View Flaaffy builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Thunder FangLv. 29 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 81-96% Thunderbolt 4x 66-78% Spark 4x 81-96% Thunder Fang 4x 81-96% View Shinx builds →

HeartGold & SoulSilver Evolution

Evolved from Magikarp. Gyarados is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are hatches fast. Attack grew the most through evolution (+115 over Magikarp), and Gyarados peaks at 540 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms

#129Magikarp

Level 20

#130Gyarados

Stat Comparison 2 Stages

Magikarp

Water

Gyarados

WaterFlying

95+75

ATK

125+115

DEF

79+24

SP.ATK

60+45

SP.DEF

100+80

SPE

81+1

BST

200D-Tier

540A-Tier+340

ROLE

Balanced

Wallbreaker

TYPE

Utility

Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Gyarados to get Magikarp eggs easily using 30 partners from the Dragon and Water2 egg groups.

Egg Groups

DragonWater2

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

5 cycles·1,285 steps

Fast~1 min with Flame Body

Breed With (best first)

HeartGold & SoulSilver Gyarados Best Moveset

Find one free turn for Dragon Dance and Gyarados can run through teams. Adamant nature leans physical, Intimidate supports the sweep, and Ground coverage stops anything from walling it cleanly.

Best Build

Highly recommended

Physical Setup Sweeper

Ability

Intimidate

Item

LeftoversSUSTAIN

Best Nature for Gyarados

Adamant+ATK

Gyarados best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Atk

Def

Spe

Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset

WaterfallSTAB
Dragon Dance
EarthquakeCoverage
Ice Fang

Recommended Teammates

TyranitarGood

MetagrossDecent

JirachiDecent

Moves

Hard to wall, honestly. Gyarados threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Dark standing out. Pair that with Hydro Pump and Aqua Tail and switchins need to think twice.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Thrash

—12010020Normal

Lv 20

Bite

C6010025Dark

Lv 23

Dragon Rage

——10010Dragon

Lv 26

Leer

——10030Normal

Lv 29

Twister

—4010020Dragon

Lv 32

Ice Fang

A659515Ice

Lv 35

Aqua Tail

B909010Water

Lv 38

Rain Dance

C——5Water

Lv 41

Hydro Pump

C120805Water

Lv 44

Dragon Dance

S——20Dragon

Lv 47

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

——10015Normal

TM72

Avalanche-4

C6010010Ice

TM14

Blizzard

D120705Ice

TM55

Brine

D6510010Water

TM78

Captivate

——10020Normal

TM79

Dark Pulse

D8010015Dark

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM59

Dragon Pulse

D9010010Dragon

TM26

Earthquake

S10010010Ground

TM58

Endure+4

———10Normal

TM42

Facade

C7010020Normal

TM38

Fire Blast

D120855Fire

TM35

Flamethrower

D9510015Fire

TM21

Frustration

D—10020Normal

TM68

Giga Impact

B150905Normal

TM07

Hail

D——10Ice

TM10

Hidden Power

—6010015Normal

TM15

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TM13

Ice Beam

D9510010Ice

TM83

Natural Gift

D—10015Normal

TM66

Payback

C5010010Dark

TM17

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM18

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM27

Return

D—10020Normal

TM05

Roar-6

C——20Normal

HM06

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM37

Sandstorm

———10Rock

TM43

Secret Power

—7010020Normal

TM82

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM71

Stone Edge

C100805Rock

HM04

Strength

C8010015Normal

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

HM03

Surf

C9510015Water

TM87

Swagger

——9015Normal

TM12

Taunt

C—10020Dark

TM25

Thunder

D1207010Electric

TM73

Thunder Wave

C—10020Electric

TM24

Thunderbolt

D9510015Electric

TM41

Torment

——10015Dark

TM06

Toxic

C—8510Poison

TM03

Water Pulse

D6010020Water

HM07

Waterfall

S8010015Water

HM05

Whirlpool

D358515Water

Egg Moves

Gyarados doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut

Tutor

Aqua Tail

B909010Water

Tutor

Bounce

B85855Flying

Tutor

Dive

B8010010Water

Tutor

Headbutt

C7010015Normal

Tutor

Icy Wind

D559515Ice

Tutor

Iron Head

C8010015Steel

Tutor

Outrage

B12010010Dragon

Tutor

Snore

D4010015Normal

Tutor

Spite

——10010Ghost

Tutor

Twister

—4010020Dragon

Tutor

Uproar

—9010010Normal

Reminder Moves

Rem

Flail

——10015Normal

Rem

Splash

———40Normal

Rem

Tackle

—3510035Normal

Transfer Moves

Gen

Gen 3

Body Slam

C8510015Normal

Gen 3

Double-Edge

B12010015Normal

Gen 3

Mimic

———10Normal

How to Get Gyarados in HeartGold & SoulSilver

high spawn rates in early-game fishing spots across 20 locations. Gyarados's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.

Where To Catch Gyarados in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Magikarp is your first catch on the way to Gyarados. You'll find fishing, surfing, and more encounters from Lv. 2-50 across 340 total spots in the chain.

Step 1Catch Magikarp
Blackthorn City
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.2-20 City
100%Early
Blackthorn City
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.2-20 City
100%Early
Dark Cave - East
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.2-20 Cave
100%Early
Dark Cave - East
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.2-20 Cave
100%Early
Dark Cave - West
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.2-20 Cave
100%Early
Dark Cave - West
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.2-20 Cave
100%Early
Route 45
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.2-20 Route
100%Early
Route 45
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.2-20 Route
100%Early
Route 43
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.5-50 Route
100%Early
Route 43
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.5-50 Route
100%Early
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Water
100%Early
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Water
100%Early
Cerulean Cave - 1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
100%Early
Cerulean Cave - 1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
100%Early
Cerulean Cave - B1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
100%Early
Cerulean Cave - B1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
100%Early
Fuchsia City
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-20 City
100%Early
Fuchsia City
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-20 City
100%Early
Fuchsia City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
100%Early
Fuchsia City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
100%Early
Cinnabar Island - Gym
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Water
95%Early
Cinnabar Island - Gym
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Water
95%Early
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.5-20 Water
90%Early
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.5-20 Water
90%Early
Blackthorn City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Blackthorn City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Dark Cave - East
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Dark Cave - East
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Dark Cave - West
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Dark Cave - West
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Ecruteak City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Ecruteak City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Ilex Forest
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Forest
85%Early
Ilex Forest
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Forest
85%Early
Mt. Mortar - 1F South
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Mt. Mortar - 1F South
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Mt. Mortar - 2F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Mt. Mortar - 2F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Mt. Mortar - B1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Mt. Mortar - B1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
New Bark Town
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
New Bark Town
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Route 30
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 30
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 31
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 31
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 32
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 32
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 35
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 35
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 41
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 41
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 42
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 42
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 43
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 43
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 44
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 44
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 45
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 45
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Ruins of Alph - Outside
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Ruins
85%Early
Ruins of Alph - Outside
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Ruins
85%Early
Slowpoke Well - 1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Slowpoke Well - 1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Slowpoke Well - B1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Slowpoke Well - B1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Union Cave - 1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Union Cave - 1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Union Cave - B1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Union Cave - B1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
85%Early
Violet City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Violet City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Whirl Islands - 1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Whirl Islands - 1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Whirl Islands - B2F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Whirl Islands - B2F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Cerulean City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Cerulean City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Pallet Town
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Pallet Town
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Route 24
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 24
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 25
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 25
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 26
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 26
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 27
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 27
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 28
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Route 28
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
85%Early
Seafoam Islands - B4F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Seafoam Islands - B4F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Tohjo Falls
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Tohjo Falls
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Water
85%Early
Vermilion City - City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Vermilion City - City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Viridian City
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Viridian City
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City
85%Early
Dragon's Den
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.5-20
CommonEarly
Dragon's Den
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.5-20
CommonEarly
Cliff Edge Gate
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10
CommonEarly
Cliff Edge Gate
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10
CommonEarly
Dragon's Den
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10
CommonEarly
Dragon's Den
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10
CommonEarly
Mt. Silver - 1F
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
CommonEarly
Mt. Silver - 1F
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
CommonEarly
Mt. Silver - Base
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
CommonEarly
Mt. Silver - Base
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
CommonEarly
Route 47
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 47
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
CommonEarly
Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Cave
CommonEarly
Route 10
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 10
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 12
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 12
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 13
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 13
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 20
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 20
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 21
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 21
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 22
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 22
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 6
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 6
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 9
SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Route 9
HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route
CommonEarly
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
90%Mid
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
90%Mid
Fuchsia City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
90%Mid
Fuchsia City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
90%Mid
Blackthorn City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
60%Mid
Blackthorn City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
60%Mid
Route 30
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 30
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 31
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 31
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 35
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 35
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Ruins of Alph - Outside
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Ruins
60%Mid
Ruins of Alph - Outside
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Ruins
60%Mid
Cerulean City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
60%Mid
Cerulean City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
60%Mid
Route 25
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 25
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 28
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Route 28
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
60%Mid
Tohjo Falls
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
60%Mid
Tohjo Falls
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
60%Mid
Dark Cave - East
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Dark Cave - East
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Dark Cave - West
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Dark Cave - West
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Ecruteak City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Ecruteak City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Ilex Forest
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Forest
40%Mid
Ilex Forest
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Forest
40%Mid
Mt. Mortar - 1F South
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Mt. Mortar - 1F South
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Mt. Mortar - 2F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Mt. Mortar - 2F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Mt. Mortar - B1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Mt. Mortar - B1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
New Bark Town
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
New Bark Town
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Route 32
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 32
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 41
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 41
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 42
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 42
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 43
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 43
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 44
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 44
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 45
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 45
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Slowpoke Well - 1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Slowpoke Well - 1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Slowpoke Well - B1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Slowpoke Well - B1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Union Cave - 1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Union Cave - 1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Union Cave - B1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Union Cave - B1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
40%Mid
Violet City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Violet City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Whirl Islands - 1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Whirl Islands - 1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Whirl Islands - B2F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Whirl Islands - B2F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Cinnabar Island - Gym
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Cinnabar Island - Gym
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Pallet Town
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Pallet Town
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Route 24
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 24
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 26
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 26
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 27
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Route 27
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
40%Mid
Seafoam Islands - B4F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Seafoam Islands - B4F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
40%Mid
Vermilion City - City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Vermilion City - City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Viridian City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Viridian City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
40%Mid
Cliff Edge Gate
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20
CommonMid
Cliff Edge Gate
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20
CommonMid
Dragon's Den
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20
CommonMid
Dragon's Den
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20
CommonMid
Mt. Silver - 1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
CommonMid
Mt. Silver - 1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
CommonMid
Mt. Silver - Base
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
CommonMid
Mt. Silver - Base
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
CommonMid
Route 47
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 47
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
CommonMid
Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
CommonMid
Route 10
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 10
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 12
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 12
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 13
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 13
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 20
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 20
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 21
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 21
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 22
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 22
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 6
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 6
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 9
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Route 9
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route
CommonMid
Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.30-35 Cave
CommonMid
Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.30-35 Cave
CommonMid
Cerulean Cave - 1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
15%Mid
Cerulean Cave - 1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
15%Mid
Cerulean Cave - B1F
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
15%Mid
Cerulean Cave - B1F
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave
15%Mid
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
70%Late
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
70%Late
Fuchsia City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
70%Late
Fuchsia City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
70%Late
Cliff Edge Gate
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40
CommonLate
Cliff Edge Gate
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40
CommonLate
Dragon's Den
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40
CommonLate
Dragon's Den
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40
CommonLate
Blackthorn City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Blackthorn City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Dark Cave - East
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Dark Cave - East
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Dark Cave - West
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Dark Cave - West
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Ecruteak City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Ecruteak City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Ilex Forest
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Forest
20%Late
Ilex Forest
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Forest
20%Late
Mt. Mortar - 1F South
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Mt. Mortar - 1F South
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Mt. Mortar - 2F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Mt. Mortar - 2F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Mt. Mortar - B1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Mt. Mortar - B1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Route 30
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 30
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 31
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 31
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 32
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 32
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 35
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 35
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 42
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 42
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 43
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 43
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 44
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 44
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 45
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 45
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Ruins of Alph - Outside
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Ruins
20%Late
Ruins of Alph - Outside
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Ruins
20%Late
Slowpoke Well - 1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Slowpoke Well - 1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Slowpoke Well - B1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Slowpoke Well - B1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Union Cave - 1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Union Cave - 1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Union Cave - B1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Union Cave - B1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
20%Late
Violet City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Violet City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Cerulean City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Cerulean City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Route 24
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 24
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 25
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 25
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 28
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Route 28
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
20%Late
Tohjo Falls
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
20%Late
Tohjo Falls
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
20%Late
Viridian City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Viridian City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
20%Late
Mt. Silver - Base
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
RareLate
Mt. Silver - Base
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
RareLate
Route 10
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 10
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 12
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 12
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 13
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 13
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 22
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 22
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 6
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 6
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 9
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Route 9
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route
RareLate
Train until Level 20
Step 2Gyarados ✓
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-20 Water
10%Early
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-20 Water
10%Early
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Water
10%Mid
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Water
10%Mid
Fuchsia City
HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City
10%Mid
Fuchsia City
SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City
10%Mid
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldInteract with Pokemon Lv.30 Water
LimitedMid
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverInteract with Pokemon Lv.30 Water
LimitedMid
Seafoam Islands - B4F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
40%Late
Seafoam Islands - B4F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
40%Late
Lake of Rage
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
30%Late
Lake of Rage
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Water
30%Late
Mt. Silver - 1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
CommonLate
Mt. Silver - 1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
CommonLate
Cerulean Cave - 1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
30%Late
Cerulean Cave - 1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
30%Late
Cerulean Cave - B1F
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
30%Late
Cerulean Cave - B1F
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave
30%Late
Fuchsia City
HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City
30%Late
Fuchsia City
SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City
30%Late
or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

Gyarados Guide

In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked A-Tier as a wallbreaker. Waterfall with Leftovers is the standard set.
Mega Evolution isn't available in HeartGold & SoulSilver, but Gyarados does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Gyarados hits 640 BST.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Gyarados's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Jolteon is the most dangerous since Electric moves deal 4x damage. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Intimidate is what you want on Gyarados. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Moxie) work on paper but Intimidate is what makes Gyarados worth using. Intimidate synergizes with Gyarados's base 100 Sp.Def, letting it soak special attacks as a pivot.
Base 81 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Gyarados is a physical attacker with base 125 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.

Game Availability

Since debuting in Red & Blue, Gyarados has appeared in 22 titles over 10 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

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Plusle Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 15 Damage vs Gyarados Spark 4x 74-89% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 15 Damage vs Gyarados Spark 4x 66-79% View Minun builds →
Mareep Electric	D
Available Move Moves Thunder ShockLv. 10 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder Shock 4x 49-59% View Mareep builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Gyarados Spark 4x 84-98% View Shinx builds →
Pichu Electric	D
Obtain MethodIlex Forest Interact Encounter Available Move Moves Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder Shock 4x 41-49% View Pichu builds →

Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 145-170%KO Thunderbolt 4x 116-138%KO Spark 4x 76-89% Charge Beam 4x 69-81% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 130-154%KO Thunderbolt 4x 109-130%KO Spark 4x 69-81% Charge Beam 4x 69-81% View Minun builds →
Mareep Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 10 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 116-138%KO Thunderbolt 4x 103-122%KO Charge Beam 4x 61-73% Thunder Shock 4x 47-57% View Mareep builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 89-105%KO Thunderbolt 4x 76-89% Spark 4x 89-105%KO Charge Beam 4x 47-57% View Shinx builds →
Pichu Electric	D
Obtain MethodIlex Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 82-97% Thunderbolt 4x 69-81% Charge Beam 4x 41-49% Thunder Shock 4x 34-41% View Pichu builds →

Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 141-167%KO Thunderbolt 4x 119-140%KO Spark 4x 73-87% Charge Beam 4x 68-80% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 130-153%KO Thunderbolt 4x 107-127%KO Spark 4x 62-73% Charge Beam 4x 62-73% View Minun builds →
Mareep Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 10 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 119-140%KO Thunderbolt 4x 96-113%KO Charge Beam 4x 57-67% Thunder Shock 4x 44-53% View Mareep builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 84-100%KO Thunderbolt 4x 73-87% Spark 4x 84-100%KO Charge Beam 4x 44-53% View Shinx builds →
Pichu Electric	D
Obtain MethodIlex Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 79-93% Thunderbolt 4x 68-80% Charge Beam 4x 39-47% Thunder Shock 4x 33-40% View Pichu builds →

Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 135-160%KO Thunderbolt 4x 112-132%KO Spark 4x 70-83% Charge Beam 4x 65-77% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 121-143%KO Thunderbolt 4x 103-121%KO Spark 4x 61-72% Charge Beam 4x 61-72% View Minun builds →
Flaaffy Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 31 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 126-149%KO Thunderbolt 4x 107-127%KO Discharge 4x 94-110%KO Charge Beam 4x 61-72% View Flaaffy builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Thunder FangLv. 29 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 79-94% Thunderbolt 4x 65-77% Spark 4x 79-94% Thunder Fang 4x 79-94% View Shinx builds →
Pichu Electric	D
Obtain MethodIlex Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 74-88% Thunderbolt 4x 61-72% Charge Beam 4x 37-44% Thunder Shock 4x 32-39% View Pichu builds →

Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 138-162%KO Thunderbolt 4x 112-133%KO Spark 4x 66-79% Charge Beam 4x 66-79% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 15 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 125-148%KO Thunderbolt 4x 104-123%KO Spark 4x 58-69% Charge Beam 4x 58-69% View Minun builds →
Flaaffy Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 31 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 130-152%KO Thunderbolt 4x 108-128%KO Discharge 4x 96-113%KO Charge Beam 4x 62-74% View Flaaffy builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Thunder FangLv. 29 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 79-93% Thunderbolt 4x 66-79% Spark 4x 79-93% Thunder Fang 4x 79-93% View Shinx builds →
Pichu Electric	D
Obtain MethodIlex Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 75-89% Thunderbolt 4x 62-74% Charge Beam 4x 37-44% Thunder Shock 4x 33-39% View Pichu builds →

HippowdonThreatens with Stealth Rock, walls physical sets Ground	B
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves EarthquakeSTAB Slack Off Stealth Rock RoarUtility View Hippowdon builds →
GliscorRecovers with Roost, outspeeds, walls physical sets GroundFlying	B
Recommended Build AbilityHypercutter ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves EarthquakeSTAB RoostRecovery TauntUtility Ice Fang Damage vs Gyarados Ice Fang 17-20% View Gliscor builds →
TentacruelResists Water, outspeeds, walls special sets WaterPoison	B
Recommended Build AbilityLiquidooze ItemBlack Sludge NatureCalm Moves Rapid Spin SurfSTAB Toxic Spikes Sludge Bomb Damage vs Gyarados Rapid Spin 9-11% Surf 12-15% Sludge Bomb 24-29% View Tentacruel builds →
CharizardRecovers with Roost, outspeeds FireFlying	C
Recommended Build AbilityBlaze ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves Air Slash FlamethrowerSTAB Solar Beam Hidden Power Grass Damage vs Gyarados Air Slash 43-50% Flamethrower 26-30% View Charizard builds →
Hariyama Fighting	C
Recommended Build AbilityGuts ItemToxic Orb NatureAdamant Moves Close Combat Payback Ice Punch Fake Out Damage vs Gyarados Close Combat 37-44% Payback 21-25% View Hariyama builds →