Physical
Wallbreaker
540High
81Moderate
ATier

Ground moves don't affect Gyarados at all — that's the advantage of Water/Flying typing. Intimidate lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in. An original Gen 1 pick. It needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.

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
540High
HP95
B
Attack125
A
Defense79
C
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def100
B
Speed81
C
Total540
Low <60
Avg 60-89
High 90-149
Top 150+
EV YieldDefeating Gyarados yields +2 Atk
HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe
Details
Catch45Challenging•Slow1.25M XP•6.5m / 21'04"•235kg / 518.1 lbs•189Base XP
Pokedex Entries

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

Heart Gold

Once it appears, it goes on a rampage. It remains enraged until it demolishes everything around it.

Soul Silver

Gyarados Weakness

Excellent

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.

Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
4xCriticali
Electric
2xWeaki
Rock
½xResisti
FireWaterFightingBugSteel
¼xResisti
None
0xImmunei
Ground
STAB (6)i
FireGroundRockGrassFightingBug
2Weak
5Resist
1Immune
Scorei+2
Stealth Rock25% on switch
4x Electric — Thunderbolt, Volt Switch, Thunder
Abilities
IntimidateLowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
MoxieHARaises Attack one stage upon KOing a Pokémon.

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.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Magikarp
#129Magikarp
20
Level 20
Gyarados
#130Gyarados
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Magikarp
Water
Gyarados
WaterFlying
HP
20
95+75
ATK
10
125+115
DEF
55
79+24
SP.ATK
15
60+45
SP.DEF
20
100+80
SPE
80
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)
gyaradoscharizardkingdrasceptileflygonmiloticaltariaoctilleryarbokseadrasevipercharmeleon
12 of 30·

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

Physical Setup Sweeper
Ability
Intimidate
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Nature
Adamant+ATK
EVs

Best Gyarados Moveset

  • WaterfallSTAB
  • Dragon Dance
  • EarthquakeCoverage
  • Ice Fang

Recommended Teammates

Tyranitar
TyranitarGood
Metagross
MetagrossDecent
Jirachi
JirachiDecent

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
6010025Dark
Lv 23
Dragon Rage
—10010Dragon
Lv 26
Leer
—10030Normal
Lv 29
Twister
4010020Dragon
Lv 32
Ice Fang
659515Ice
Lv 35
Aqua Tail
909010Water
Lv 38
Rain Dance
——5Water
Lv 41
Hydro Pump
120805Water
Lv 44
Dragon Dance
——20Dragon
Lv 47
Hyper Beam
150905Normal

TM Moves

Src
TM45
Attract
—10015Normal
TM72
Avalanche-4
6010010Ice
TM14
Blizzard
120705Ice
TM55
Brine
6510010Water
TM78
Captivate
—10020Normal
TM79
Dark Pulse
8010015Dark
TM32
Double Team
——15Normal
TM59
Dragon Pulse
9010010Dragon
TM26
Earthquake
10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4
——10Normal
TM42
Facade
7010020Normal
TM38
Fire Blast
120855Fire
TM35
Flamethrower
9510015Fire
TM21
Frustration
—10020Normal
TM68
Giga Impact
150905Normal
TM07
Hail
——10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper Beam
150905Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
9510010Ice
TM83
Natural Gift
—10015Normal
TM66
Payback
5010010Dark
TM17
Protect+4
——10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
——5Water
TM44
Rest
——10Psychic
TM27
Return
—10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6
——20Normal
HM06
Rock Smash
4010015Fighting
TM37
Sandstorm
——10Rock
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep Talk
——10Normal
TM71
Stone Edge
100805Rock
HM04
Strength
8010015Normal
TM90
Substitute
——10Normal
HM03
Surf
9510015Water
TM87
Swagger
—9015Normal
TM12
Taunt
—10020Dark
TM25
Thunder
1207010Electric
TM73
Thunder Wave
—10020Electric
TM24
Thunderbolt
9510015Electric
TM41
Torment
—10015Dark
TM06
Toxic
—8510Poison
TM03
Water Pulse
6010020Water
HM07
Waterfall
8010015Water
HM05
Whirlpool
358515Water

Egg Moves

Gyarados doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Src
Tutor
Aqua Tail
909010Water
Tutor
Bounce
85855Flying
Tutor
Dive
8010010Water
Tutor
Headbutt
7010015Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
559515Ice
Tutor
Iron Head
8010015Steel
Tutor
Outrage
12010010Dragon
Tutor
Snore
4010015Normal
Tutor
Spite
—10010Ghost
Tutor
Twister
4010020Dragon
Tutor
Uproar
9010010Normal

Reminder Moves

Src
Rem
Flail
—10015Normal
Rem
Splash
——40Normal
Rem
Tackle
3510035Normal

Transfer Moves

Src
Gen 3
Body Slam
8510015Normal
Gen 3
Double-Edge
12010015Normal
Gen 3
Mimic
——10Normal

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.

  1. Magikarp
    Step 1Catch Magikarp
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Dark Cave - East
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - East
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - West
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - West
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Route 45
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.2-20CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.5-20CommonEarly
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.5-20CommonEarly
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.5-20CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.5-20CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Route 43
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.5-50CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.5-50CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Cliff Edge Gate
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarly
    EASY
    Cliff Edge Gate
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarly
    EASY
    Dark Cave - East
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - East
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - West
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - West
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarly
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarly
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyForest
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyForest
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 1F South
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 1F South
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 2F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 2F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - B1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - B1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - 1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - 1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    New Bark Town
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    New Bark Town
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Route 30
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 30
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 32
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 32
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 41
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 41
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 42
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 42
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 47
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 47
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRuins
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRuins
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - 1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - 1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - B1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - B1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Violet City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Violet City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - 1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - 1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - B2F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - B2F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Cerulean City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Cerulean City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Cinnabar Island - Gym
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Cinnabar Island - Gym
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-20CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-20CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCave
    EASY
    Pallet Town
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Pallet Town
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Route 10
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 10
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 12
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 12
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 13
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 13
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 20
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 20
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 21
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 21
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 24
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 24
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 25
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 25
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 26
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 26
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 27
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 27
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 9
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 9
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Tohjo Falls
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Tohjo Falls
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyWater
    EASY
    Vermilion City - City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Vermilion City - City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Cliff Edge Gate
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMid
    EASY
    Cliff Edge Gate
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMid
    EASY
    Dark Cave - East
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - East
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - West
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Dark Cave - West
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMid
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMid
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidForest
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidForest
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 1F South
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 1F South
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 2F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - 2F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - B1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Mortar - B1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - 1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - 1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    New Bark Town
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    New Bark Town
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Route 30
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 30
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 32
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 32
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 41
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 41
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 42
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 42
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 47
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 47
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRuins
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRuins
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - 1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - 1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - B1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Slowpoke Well - B1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Union Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Violet City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Violet City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - 1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - 1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - B2F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Whirl Islands - B2F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Cerulean City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Cerulean City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Cinnabar Island - Gym
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Cinnabar Island - Gym
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Pallet Town
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Pallet Town
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Route 10
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 10
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 12
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 12
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 13
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 13
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 20
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 20
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 21
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 21
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 24
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 24
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 25
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 25
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 26
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 26
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 27
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 27
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 9
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 9
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Tohjo Falls
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Tohjo Falls
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidWater
    EASY
    Vermilion City - City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Vermilion City - City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.30-35CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.30-35CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20RareMidCave
    HARD
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20RareMidCave
    HARD
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20RareMidCave
    HARD
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20RareMidCave
    HARD
    Cliff Edge Gate
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLate
    EASY
    Cliff Edge Gate
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLate
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLate
    EASY
    Dragon's Den
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLate
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateWater
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateWater
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Dark Cave - East
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Dark Cave - East
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Dark Cave - West
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Dark Cave - West
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Ilex Forest
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateForest
    EXTREME
    Ilex Forest
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateForest
    EXTREME
    Mt. Mortar - 1F South
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Mortar - 1F South
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Mortar - 2F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Mortar - 2F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Mortar - B1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Mortar - B1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Route 30
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 30
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 31
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 31
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 32
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 32
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 35
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 35
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 42
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 42
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 43
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 43
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 44
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 44
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 45
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 45
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRuins
    EXTREME
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRuins
    EXTREME
    Slowpoke Well - 1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Slowpoke Well - 1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Slowpoke Well - B1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Slowpoke Well - B1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Union Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Union Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Union Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Union Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCave
    EXTREME
    Violet City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Violet City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Cerulean City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Cerulean City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Route 10
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 10
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 12
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 12
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 13
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 13
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 22
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 22
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 24
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 24
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 25
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 25
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 28
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 28
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 6
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 6
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 9
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Route 9
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateRoute
    EXTREME
    Tohjo Falls
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateWater
    EXTREME
    Tohjo Falls
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateWater
    EXTREME
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateCity
    EXTREME
  2. Gyarados
    Step 2Gyarados ✓
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-20UncommonEarlyWater
    MODERATE
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-20UncommonEarlyWater
    MODERATE
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20RareMidWater
    HARD
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20RareMidWater
    HARD
    Fuchsia City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20RareMidCity
    HARD
    Fuchsia City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20RareMidCity
    HARD
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldInteract with PokemonLv.30LimitedMidWater
    HARD
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverInteract with PokemonLv.30LimitedMidWater
    HARD
    Mt. Silver - 1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - 1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Fuchsia City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateWater
    EASY
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateWater
    EASY
    Lake of Rage
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40UncommonLateWater
    MODERATE
    Lake of Rage
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40UncommonLateWater
    MODERATE
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40UncommonLateCave
    MODERATE
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40UncommonLateCave
    MODERATE
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40UncommonLateCave
    MODERATE
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40UncommonLateCave
    MODERATE
    or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

  • Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked A-Tier as a wallbreaker.

  • 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.

  • Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. Gyarados is the fully evolved form. At 540 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.

  • 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.

  • Gyarados appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.

Since debuting in Red & Blue, Gyarados has appeared in 22 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.