Physical
Wallbreaker
540High
81Moderate
BTier

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

Mega Evolution also affects its brain, leaving no other function except its destructive instinct to burn everything to cinders.

Sun

It jets water from the orifices on its sides, streaking above the water surface at supersonic speed.

Moon

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.

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. No compatible partners 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 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

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

Best Build

Physical Setup Sweeper
Ability
Intimidate
Item
Groundiumz
Nature
Jolly+SPE
EVs

Best Gyarados Moveset

  • WaterfallSTAB
  • EarthquakeCoverage
  • ProtectFAST +4
  • Dragon Dance

Recommended Teammates

Raichu
RaichuDecent
Regigigas
RegigigasDecent

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

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bite
6010025Dark
Lv 1
Thrash
12010010Normal
Lv 21
Leer
—10030Normal
Lv 24
Twister
4010020Dragon
Lv 27
Ice Fang
659515Ice
Lv 30
Aqua Tail
909010Water
Lv 33
Scary Face
—10010Normal
Lv 36
Dragon Rage
—10010Dragon
Lv 39
Crunch
8010015Dark
Lv 42
Hydro Pump
110805Water
Lv 45
Dragon Dance
——20Dragon
Lv 48
Hurricane
1107010Flying
Lv 51
Rain Dance
——5Water
Lv 54
Hyper Beam
150905Normal

TM Moves

Src
TM45
Attract
—10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
110705Ice
TM59
Brutal Swing
6010020Dark
TM78
Bulldoze
6010020Ground
TM100
Confide
——20Normal
TM97
Dark Pulse
8010015Dark
TM32
Double Team
——15Normal
TM82
Dragon Tail-6
609010Dragon
TM26
Earthquake
10010010Ground
TM42
Facade
7010020Normal
TM38
Fire Blast
110855Fire
TM35
Flamethrower
9010015Fire
TM21
Frustration
—10020Normal
TM68
Giga Impact
150905Normal
TM07
Hail
——10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper Beam
150905Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
9010010Ice
TM66
Payback
5010010Dark
TM17
Protect+4
——10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
——5Water
TM44
Rest
——10Psychic
TM27
Return
—10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6
——20Normal
TM48
Round
6010015Normal
TM37
Sandstorm
——10Rock
TM55
Scald
8010015Water
TM88
Sleep Talk
——10Normal
TM71
Stone Edge
100805Rock
TM90
Substitute
——10Normal
TM94
Surf
9010015Water
TM87
Swagger
—8515Normal
TM12
Taunt
—10020Dark
TM25
Thunder
1107010Electric
TM73
Thunder Wave
—9020Electric
TM24
Thunderbolt
9010015Electric
TM41
Torment
—10015Dark
TM06
Toxic
—9010Poison
TM98
Waterfall
8010015Water

Egg Moves

Gyarados doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Gyarados can't learn any Tutor moves

Reminder Moves

Src
Rem
Flail
—10015Normal
Rem
Splash
——40Normal
Rem
Tackle
4010035Normal

Transfer Moves

Src
Gen 4
Avalanche-4
6010010Ice
Gen 1
Bide+1
——10Normal
Gen 3
Body Slam
8510015Normal
Gen 4
Brine
6510010Water
Gen 1
Bubble Beam
6510020Water
Gen 4
Captivate
—10020Normal
Gen 2
Curse
——10Ghost
Gen 6
Dive
8010010Water
Gen 3
Double-Edge
12010015Normal
Gen 2
Dragon Breath
6010020Dragon
Gen 4
Endure+4
——10Normal
Gen 4
Headbutt
7010015Normal
Gen 6
Incinerate
6010015Fire
Gen 3
Mimic
——10Normal
Gen 4
Natural Gift
—10015Normal
Gen 1
Rage
2010020Normal
Gen 1
Reflect
——20Psychic
Gen 6
Rock Smash
4010015Fighting
Gen 6
Secret Power
7010020Normal
Gen 1
Skull Bash
13010010Normal
Gen 6
Strength
8010015Normal
Gen 1
Take Down
908520Normal
Gen 1
Water Gun
4010025Water
Gen 4
Whirlpool
358515Water
Gen 2
Zap Cannon
120505Electric

moderate rates for Gyarados across 78 locations in early-game fishing spots. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.

Where To Catch Gyarados in Sun & Moon

The path to Gyarados starts with Magikarp at Lv. 10-59 via fishing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Magikarp
    Step 1Catch Magikarp
    Paniola Town
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1899%EarlyCity
    EFFORTLESS
    Paniola Town
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1899%EarlyCity
    EFFORTLESS
    Seaward Cave
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1599%EarlyCave
    EFFORTLESS
    Seaward Cave
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1599%EarlyCave
    EFFORTLESS
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1579%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1579%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Kala'e Bay
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1579%EarlyWater
    EFFORTLESS
    Kala'e Bay
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1579%EarlyWater
    EFFORTLESS
    Poni Breaker Coast
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4379%EarlyWater
    EFFORTLESS
    Poni Breaker Coast
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4379%EarlyWater
    EFFORTLESS
    Poni Wilds
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4379%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Poni Wilds
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4379%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 13
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3079%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 13
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3079%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 14
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3179%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 14
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3179%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 15
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3379%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 15
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3379%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 7
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1979%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 7
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1979%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 8
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-2079%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Route 8
    SunSuper RodLv.10-2079%EarlyRoute
    EFFORTLESS
    Seafolk Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4379%EarlyCity
    EFFORTLESS
    Seafolk Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4379%EarlyCity
    EFFORTLESS
    Secluded Shore
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3079%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Secluded Shore
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3079%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Tapu Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3179%EarlyCity
    EFFORTLESS
    Tapu Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3179%EarlyCity
    EFFORTLESS
    Melemele Sea
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1878%EarlyWater
    EFFORTLESS
    Melemele Sea
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1878%EarlyWater
    EFFORTLESS
    Brooklet Hill - North
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1570%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Brooklet Hill - North
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1570%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Brooklet Hill - South
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1570%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Brooklet Hill - South
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1570%Early
    EFFORTLESS
    Malie Garden
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-2760%EarlyForest
    EASY
    Malie Garden
    SunSuper RodLv.10-2760%EarlyForest
    EASY
    Route 8
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-2560%EarlyRouteShaking spot
    EASY
    Route 8
    SunSuper RodLv.10-2560%EarlyRouteShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Gauntlet
    SunSuper RodLv.10-5959%Early
    EASY
    Poni Gauntlet
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-5959%Early
    EASY
    Poni Meadow
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-5759%Early
    EASY
    Poni Meadow
    SunSuper RodLv.10-5759%Early
    EASY
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4459%Early
    EASY
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4459%Early
    EASY
    Brooklet Hill - North
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Brooklet Hill - North
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Brooklet Hill - South
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Brooklet Hill - South
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Kala'e Bay
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyWaterShaking spot
    EASY
    Kala'e Bay
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyWaterShaking spot
    EASY
    Paniola Town
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1850%EarlyCityShaking spot
    EASY
    Paniola Town
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1850%EarlyCityShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Breaker Coast
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4350%EarlyWaterShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Breaker Coast
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4350%EarlyWaterShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Gauntlet
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-5950%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Gauntlet
    SunSuper RodLv.10-5950%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Meadow
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-5750%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Meadow
    SunSuper RodLv.10-5750%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Wilds
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4350%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Poni Wilds
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4350%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Route 14
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3150%EarlyRouteShaking spot
    EASY
    Route 14
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3150%EarlyRouteShaking spot
    EASY
    Route 15
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3350%EarlyRouteShaking spot
    EASY
    Route 15
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3350%EarlyRouteShaking spot
    EASY
    Seafolk Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4350%EarlyCityShaking spot
    EASY
    Seafolk Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4350%EarlyCityShaking spot
    EASY
    Seaward Cave
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyCaveShaking spot
    EASY
    Seaward Cave
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1550%EarlyCaveShaking spot
    EASY
    Tapu Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-3150%EarlyCityShaking spot
    EASY
    Tapu Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-3150%EarlyCityShaking spot
    EASY
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-4450%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    SunSuper RodLv.10-4450%EarlyShaking spot
    EASY
    Melemele Sea
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-1820%EarlyWaterShaking spot
    MODERATE
    Melemele Sea
    SunSuper RodLv.10-1820%EarlyWaterShaking spot
    MODERATE
    Route 9
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-2315%EarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 9
    SunSuper RodLv.10-2315%EarlyRoute
    MODERATE
  2. Gyarados
    Step 2Gyarados ✓
    Brooklet Hill - North
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - North
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - North
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - North
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - South
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - South
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - South
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - South
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Brooklet Hill - Totem's Den
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Kala'e Bay
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Kala'e Bay
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Kala'e Bay
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Kala'e Bay
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Malie Garden
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-27EarlyForestSOS from Magikarp
    Malie Garden
    SunSuper RodLv.10-27EarlyForestSOS from Magikarp
    Melemele Sea
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Melemele Sea
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Melemele Sea
    SunSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Melemele Sea
    SunSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Paniola Town
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Paniola Town
    SunSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Paniola Town
    SunSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Paniola Town
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-18EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Breaker Coast
    SunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Poni Breaker Coast
    SunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Poni Breaker Coast
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Poni Breaker Coast
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from Magikarp
    Poni Gauntlet
    SunSuper RodLv.10-59EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Gauntlet
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-59EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Gauntlet
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-59EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Gauntlet
    SunSuper RodLv.10-59EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Meadow
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-57EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Meadow
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-57EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Meadow
    SunSuper RodLv.10-57EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Meadow
    SunSuper RodLv.10-57EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Wilds
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Wilds
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Wilds
    SunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Poni Wilds
    SunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Route 13
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-30EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 13
    SunSuper RodLv.10-30EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 14
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 14
    SunSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 14
    SunSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 14
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 15
    SunSuper RodLv.10-33EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 15
    SunSuper RodLv.10-33EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 15
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-33EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 15
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-33EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 7
    SunSuper RodLv.10-19EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 7
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-19EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 8
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-25EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 8
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-20EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 8
    SunSuper RodLv.10-25EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 8
    SunSuper RodLv.10-20EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 9
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-23EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Route 9
    SunSuper RodLv.10-23EarlyRouteSOS from Magikarp
    Seafolk Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Seafolk Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Seafolk Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Seafolk Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Seaward Cave
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyCaveSOS from Magikarp
    Seaward Cave
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyCaveSOS from Magikarp
    Seaward Cave
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyCaveSOS from Magikarp
    Seaward Cave
    SunSuper RodLv.10-15EarlyCaveSOS from Magikarp
    Secluded Shore
    SunSuper RodLv.10-30EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Secluded Shore
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-30EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Tapu Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Tapu Village
    SunSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Tapu Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Tapu Village
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-31EarlyCitySOS from Magikarp
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-44EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    MoonSuper RodLv.10-44EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    SunSuper RodLv.10-44EarlySOS from Magikarp
    Vast Poni Canyon - Northwest (Hidden Area)
    SunSuper RodLv.10-44EarlySOS from Magikarp
    or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

  • Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-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.