In Ruby & Sapphire, Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as a wallbreaker. Earthquake with Leftovers is the standard set.

Does Gyarados mega evolve?

Mega Evolution isn't available in Ruby & Sapphire, 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 Ruby & Sapphire, 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 mixed attacker with base 125 Attack and 60 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.

Gyarados - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Mixed

Wallbreaker

BTier

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

When MAGIKARP evolves into GYARADOS, its brain cells undergo a structural transformation. It is said that this transformation is to blame for this POKéMON’s wildly violent nature.

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 III Type Chart

Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

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 Ruby & Sapphire (Best Counters)

Electrode Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 21 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 124-146%KO Thunderbolt 4x 103-122%KO Spark 4x 76-89% Shock Wave 4x 72-85% View Electrode builds →
Manectric Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 155-182%KO Thunderbolt 4x 127-150%KO Spark 4x 93-109%KO Shock Wave 4x 86-101%KO View Manectric builds →
Pikachu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Shock WaveTM34 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 89-105%KO Thunderbolt 4x 76-89% Shock Wave 4x 51-61% Thunder Shock 4x 34-41% View Pikachu builds →
Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 19 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 130-154%KO Thunderbolt 4x 107-126%KO Spark 4x 79-93% Shock Wave 4x 72-85% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 19 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder 4x 117-138%KO Thunderbolt 4x 96-114%KO Spark 4x 72-85% Shock Wave 4x 65-77% View Minun builds →

Ruby & Sapphire 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 27 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)

Ruby & Sapphire 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 Stallbreaker

Ability

Intimidate

Item

LeftoversSUSTAIN

Best Nature for Gyarados

Adamant+ATK

Gyarados best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Atk

Spe

Physical Stallbreaker Moveset

EarthquakeCoverage
Dragon Dance
Hidden Power FlyingSTAB
TauntUtility

Recommended Teammates

MetagrossDecent

MagnetonDecent

TyranitarDecent

Moves

TMs carry this one. Gyarados learns Hydro Pump and Surf naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Normal and Dark and beyond give it real matchup play.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Thrash

—12010020Normal

Lv 20

Bite

C6010025Dark

Lv 25

Dragon Rage

——10010Dragon

Lv 30

Leer

——10030Normal

Lv 35

Twister

—4010020Dragon

Lv 40

Hydro Pump

C120805Water

Lv 45

Rain Dance

C——5Water

Lv 50

Dragon Dance

S——20Dragon

Lv 55

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

——10015Normal

TM14

Blizzard

D120705Ice

HM08

Dive

—6010010Water

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM26

Earthquake

S10010010Ground

TM42

Facade

C7010020Normal

TM38

Fire Blast

D120855Fire

TM35

Flamethrower

D9510015Fire

TM21

Frustration

——10020Normal

TM07

Hail

———10Ice

TM10

Hidden Power

—6010015Normal

TM15

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TM13

Ice Beam

D9510010Ice

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

—2010015Fighting

TM37

Sandstorm

———10Rock

TM43

Secret Power

—7010020Normal

HM04

Strength

—8010015Normal

HM03

Surf

C9510015Water

TM12

Taunt

A—10020Dark

TM25

Thunder

D1207010Electric

TM24

Thunderbolt

D9510015Electric

TM41

Torment

D—10015Dark

TM06

Toxic

C—8510Poison

TM03

Water Pulse

—6010020Water

HM07

Waterfall

B8010015Water

Egg Moves

Gyarados doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Gyarados can't learn any Tutor moves

How to Get Gyarados in Ruby & Sapphire

A few locations for Gyarados with decent spawn rates across early-game fishing spots. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.

Where To Catch Gyarados in Ruby & Sapphire

To get Gyarados, start by catching Magikarp through fishing and surfing encounters at Lv. 5-45. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

Step 1Catch Magikarp
Route 104
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
100%Early
Route 104
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
100%Early
Sootopolis City
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
100%Early
Sootopolis City
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
100%Early
Sootopolis City
SapphireSurfing on water Lv.5-35 City
100%Early
Sootopolis City
RubySurfing on water Lv.5-35 City
100%Early
Route 104
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
100%Early
Route 104
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
100%Early
Sootopolis City
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
100%Early
Sootopolis City
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
100%Early
Abandoned Ship - B1F
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10
70%Early
Abandoned Ship - B1F
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10
70%Early
Abandoned Ship - B2F
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10
70%Early
Abandoned Ship - B2F
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10
70%Early
Dewford Town
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Dewford Town
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Ever Grande City
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Ever Grande City
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Lilycove City
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Lilycove City
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 1
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 1
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 2
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 2
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 1
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 1
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 2
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 2
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Water
70%Early
Mossdeep City
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Mossdeep City
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Pacifidlog Town
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Pacifidlog Town
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Petalburg City
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Petalburg City
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Route 102
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 102
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 103
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 103
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 105 - Outside
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 105 - Outside
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 106
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 106
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 107
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 107
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 108
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 108
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 109
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 109
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 110
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 110
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 111 - South
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 111 - South
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 114
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 114
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 115
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 115
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 117
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 117
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 118
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 118
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 119
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 119
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 120
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 120
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 121
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 121
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 122
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 122
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 123
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 123
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 124
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 124
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 125
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 125
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 126
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 126
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 127
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 127
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 128
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 128
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 129
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 129
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 130
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 130
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 131
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 131
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 132
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 132
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 133
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 133
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 134
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Route 134
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Route
70%Early
Safari Zone - Northwest
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Facility
70%Early
Safari Zone - Northwest
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Facility
70%Early
Safari Zone - Southwest
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Facility
70%Early
Safari Zone - Southwest
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Facility
70%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Entrance
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Entrance
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 6
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 6
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 7
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 7
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 1, High Tide
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 1, High Tide
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 2, High Tide
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 2, High Tide
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Slateport City
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Slateport City
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 City
70%Early
Victory Road - B2F
SapphireOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Victory Road - B2F
RubyOld Rod Lv.5-10 Cave
70%Early
Abandoned Ship - B1F
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30
60%Early
Abandoned Ship - B1F
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30
60%Early
Abandoned Ship - B2F
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30
60%Early
Abandoned Ship - B2F
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30
60%Early
Dewford Town
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Dewford Town
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Ever Grande City
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Ever Grande City
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Lilycove City
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Lilycove City
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 1
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 1
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 2
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - 1F Room 2
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 1
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 1
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 2
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Meteor Falls - B1F Room 2
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Water
60%Early
Mossdeep City
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Mossdeep City
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Pacifidlog Town
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Pacifidlog Town
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Petalburg City
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Petalburg City
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Route 102
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 102
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 103
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 103
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 105 - Outside
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 105 - Outside
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 106
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 106
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 107
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 107
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 108
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 108
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 109
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 109
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 110
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 110
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 111 - South
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 111 - South
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 114
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 114
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 115
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 115
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 117
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 117
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 118
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 118
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 119
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 119
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 120
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 120
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 121
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 121
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 122
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 122
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 123
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 123
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 124
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 124
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 125
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 125
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 126
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 126
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 127
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 127
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 128
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 128
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 129
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 129
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 130
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 130
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 131
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 131
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 132
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 132
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 133
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 133
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 134
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Route 134
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Route
60%Early
Safari Zone - Northwest
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Facility
60%Early
Safari Zone - Northwest
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Facility
60%Early
Safari Zone - Southwest
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Facility
60%Early
Safari Zone - Southwest
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Facility
60%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Entrance
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Entrance
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 6
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 6
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 7
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Seafloor Cavern - Room 7
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 1, High Tide
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 1, High Tide
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 2, High Tide
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Shoal Cave - 1F Room 2, High Tide
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Slateport City
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Slateport City
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 City
60%Early
Victory Road - B2F
SapphireGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Victory Road - B2F
RubyGood Rod Lv.10-30 Cave
60%Early
Route 104
SapphireSuper Rod Lv.20-45 Route
100%Mid
Route 104
RubySuper Rod Lv.20-45 Route
100%Mid
Sootopolis City
SapphireSuper Rod Lv.30-35 City
80%Mid
Sootopolis City
RubySuper Rod Lv.30-35 City
80%Mid
Train until Level 20
Step 2Gyarados ✓
Sootopolis City
SapphireSuper Rod Lv.5-45 City
20%Early
Sootopolis City
RubySuper Rod Lv.5-45 City
20%Early
or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

Gyarados Guide

In Ruby & Sapphire, Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as a wallbreaker. Earthquake with Leftovers is the standard set.
Mega Evolution isn't available in Ruby & Sapphire, but Gyarados does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Gyarados hits 640 BST.
In Ruby & Sapphire, 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 mixed attacker with base 125 Attack and 60 Sp. Atk. 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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Anorith RockBug	D
Obtain MethodRustboro City Gift TM Move Moves Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 57-67% View Anorith builds →
Lileep RockGrass	D
Obtain MethodRustboro City Gift Upcoming Move Moves Ancient PowerLv. 43 Learns Ancient Power at Level 43 View Lileep builds →

Geodude RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Rock TombTM39 Rock ThrowLv. 11 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 47-56% Rock Throw 2x 40-47% View Geodude builds →
Anorith RockBug	D
Obtain MethodRustboro City Gift TM Move Moves Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 50-60% View Anorith builds →
Aron SteelRock	D
TM Move Moves Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 40-47% View Aron builds →
Lileep RockGrass	D
Obtain MethodRustboro City Gift Upcoming Move Moves Ancient PowerLv. 43 Learns Ancient Power at Level 43 View Lileep builds →

Geodude RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Rock TombTM39 Rock ThrowLv. 11 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 46-54% Rock Throw 2x 40-47% View Geodude builds →
Plusle Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 19 Damage vs Gyarados Spark 4x 86-101%KO View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 19 Damage vs Gyarados Spark 4x 80-94% View Minun builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Gyarados Spark 4x 73-87% View Electrike builds →
Anorith RockBug	D
Obtain MethodRustboro City Gift TM Move Moves Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 52-61% View Anorith builds →

Geodude RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Rock TombTM39 Rock ThrowLv. 11 RolloutLv. 26 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 42-50% Rock Throw 2x 37-44% Rollout 2x 21-26% View Geodude builds →
Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 19 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 109-128%KO Spark 4x 79-93% Shock Wave 4x 74-87% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 19 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 99-117%KO Spark 4x 74-87% Shock Wave 4x 69-82% View Minun builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 88-105%KO Spark 4x 69-82% Shock Wave 4x 64-76% View Electrike builds →
Anorith RockBug	D
Obtain MethodRustboro City Gift TM Move Moves Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Gyarados Rock Tomb 2x 50-58% View Anorith builds →

Magneton ElectricSteel	A
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 26 Shock WaveTM34 Thunder ShockLv. 6 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 145-171%KO Spark 4x 107-127%KO Shock Wave 4x 98-116%KO Thunder Shock 4x 70-83% View Magneton builds →
Electrode Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 21 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 107-127%KO Spark 4x 79-94% Shock Wave 4x 74-88% View Electrode builds →
Manectric Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 130-154%KO Spark 4x 94-110%KO Shock Wave 4x 88-105%KO View Manectric builds →
Plusle Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 19 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 112-132%KO Spark 4x 83-99% Shock Wave 4x 74-88% View Plusle builds →
Minun Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 19 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 103-121%KO Spark 4x 74-88% Shock Wave 4x 70-83% View Minun builds →

DugtrioThreatens with Rock Slide, outspeeds Ground	A
Recommended Build AbilityArenatrap ItemChoice Band NatureJolly Moves EarthquakeSTAB Hidden Power Bug Aerial Ace Rock Slide Damage vs Gyarados Rock Slide 2x 72-84% View Dugtrio builds →
HoundoomOutspeeds DarkFire	B
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves PursuitSTAB Fire Blast CrunchSTAB Will O Wisp Damage vs Gyarados Pursuit 17-20% Fire Blast 23-27% Crunch 34-40% View Houndoom builds →
HariyamaThreatens with Rock Slide Fighting	B
Recommended Build AbilityGuts ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves Knock Off Brick Break Rock Slide Focus Punch Damage vs Gyarados Knock Off 6-7% Rock Slide 2x 53-63% View Hariyama builds →
CameruptWears down with Toxic FireGround	C
Recommended Build AbilityMagmaarmor ItemLeftovers NatureBrave Moves EarthquakeSTAB Explosion Fire Blast ToxicUtility Damage vs Gyarados Explosion 82-97% Fire Blast 20-24% View Camerupt builds →
ShedinjaWears down with Toxic BugGhost	C
Recommended Build AbilityWonderguard ItemLum Berry NatureAdamant Moves Shadow Ball ToxicUtility Baton Pass Hidden Power Bug Damage vs Gyarados Shadow Ball 39-46% View Shedinja builds →