Physical
Balanced
DTier
80Speed · Above Avg

Magikarp Best Moveset

Water at 10 Attack and 15 Sp. Atk. The moveset literally can't deal damage outside of Tackle and Flail. AbilitySwift Swim doubles Speed under rain, but Speed on zero offense means nothing. Evolve to Gyarados immediately for 125 Attack, AbilityIntimidate, and AbilityMoxie that snowball through teams.

SABCDEFFFFFFFFFFRed, Blue & YellowIRB/YPEAKGold, Silver & CrystalIIGS/CRuby, Sapphire & EmeraldIIIRS/EDiamond, Pearl & PlatinumIVDP/PtBlack & White / B2W2VBW/B2W2X & Y / ORASVIXY/ORASSun & Moon / USUMVIISM/USUMSword & Shield / BDSPVIIISS/BDSPScarlet & Violet / Legends Z-AIXSV/LZACURRENT
★Gen I — Red, Blue & YellowF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow), rarely seen in standard play. This was Magikarp's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 20.

Had a combined Special stat of 20

Best Moves

SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40POPULARCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—COMMONUtility
—
Dragon Rage
Dragon—COMMONCoverage

Best Build

Experimental
Utility
Ability
Unknown
Item
None
Best Nature for Magikarp
HardyNEUTRAL

Utility Moveset

  • TackleCoverage
  • SplashUtility
  • Dragon Rage

Recommended Teammates

Goldeen
GoldeenExcellent
Shellder
ShellderExcellent
Tentacool
TentacoolExcellent
→Gen II — Gold, Silver & CrystalF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation.

SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40POPULARSTAB
Lv 30
Flail
Normal—POPULARCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—POPULARCoverage
Experimental
Utility
Ability
Unknown
Item
MiracleberryRECOVERY
Best Nature for Magikarp
HardyNEUTRAL

Utility Moveset

  • TackleSTAB
  • Flail
  • SplashCoverage
→Gen III — Ruby, Sapphire & EmeraldF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Leftovers, favoring a Hardy nature.

Received Swift Swim
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—POPULARUtility
Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Magikarp
HardyNEUTRAL
EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • SplashUtility

Recommended Teammates

Feebas
FeebasExcellent
Sentret
SentretGood
Caterpie
CaterpieGood
→Gen IV — Diamond, Pearl & PlatinumF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Focus Sash, favoring a Adamant nature.

Physical/Special split overhauled move damage
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 30
Flail
Normal—POPULARCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—POPULARUtility
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40COMMONCoverage
Tutor
Bounce
Flying85COMMONCoverage
Experimental
Physical Sweeper
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Magikarp
Adamant+ATK
EVs

Physical Sweeper Moveset

  • FlailCoverage
  • SplashUtility
  • TackleCoverage
  • BounceCoverage

Recommended Teammates

Smeargle
SmeargleGood
Starmie
StarmieGood
Mewtwo
MewtwoGood
→Gen V — Black & White / B2W2F

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Focus Sash, favoring a Serious nature.

Gained Rattled as hidden abilityHidden Abilities became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 30
Flail
Normal—POPULARCoverage
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40POPULARCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—COMMONUtility
Tutor
Bounce
Flying85COMMONCoverage
Experimental
Physical Sweeper
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Magikarp
SeriousNEUTRAL
EVs

Physical Sweeper Moveset

  • FlailCoverage
  • TackleCoverage
  • SplashUtility
  • BounceCoverage

Recommended Teammates

Garchomp
GarchompGood
Kyogre
KyogreGood
Blissey
BlisseyGood
→Gen VI — X & Y / ORASF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.

Fairy type added to the gameMega Evolution became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 30
Flail
Normal—COMMONCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—COMMONUtility
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40COMMONCoverage
Tutor
Bounce
Flying85COMMONCoverage
Xfer
Hydro Pump
Water110RARESTAB
Experimental
Utility
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Magikarp
HardyNEUTRAL

Utility Moveset

  • FlailCoverage
  • SplashUtility
  • TackleCoverage
  • BounceCoverage

Recommended Teammates

Smeargle
SmeargleExcellent
Ninjask
NinjaskGood
Scolipede
ScolipedeGood
→Gen VII — Sun & Moon / USUMF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Rattled with Normaliumz, favoring a Jolly nature.

Z-Moves became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Tutor
Bounce
Flying85COMMONCoverage
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40COMMONCoverage
Lv 30
Flail
Normal—COMMONCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—COMMONUtility
Experimental
Utility
Ability
Rattled
Item
Normaliumz
Best Nature for Magikarp
Jolly+SPE
EVs

Utility Moveset

  • BounceCoverage
  • TackleCoverage
  • FlailCoverage
  • SplashUtility

Recommended Teammates

Electrode
ElectrodeGood
Wobbuffet
WobbuffetDecent
Jynx
JynxDecent
→Gen VIII — Sword & Shield / BDSPF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Rattled with Focus Sash, favoring a Timid nature.

Gigantamax became availableDynamax became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
TR3
Hydro Pump
Water110POPULARSTAB
Experimental
Special Attacker
Ability
Rattled
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Magikarp
Timid+SPE
EVs

Special Attacker Moveset

  • Hydro PumpSTAB

Recommended Teammates

Ferroseed
FerroseedExcellent
Dreepy
DreepyExcellent
Sneasel
SneaselExcellent
→Gen IX — Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-AF

Magikarp was a niche pick at best in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A), rarely seen in standard play. Magikarp maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Swiftswim with Focus Sash, favoring a Timid nature.

Terastallization became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 25
Flail
Normal—COMMONCoverage
Lv 15
Tackle
Normal40COMMONCoverage
Lv 1
Splash
Normal—COMMONUtility
Experimental
Utility
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Magikarp
Timid+SPE
EVs

Utility Moveset

  • FlailCoverage
  • TackleCoverage
  • SplashUtility

Recommended Teammates

Luvdisc
LuvdiscExcellent
Feebas
FeebasExcellent
Finneon
FinneonExcellent

Magikarp Weakness

Electric and Grass moves hit Magikarp for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Magikarp's physical bulk (base 55 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.

Magikarp Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Electric, Grass
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Steel

What is Magikarp Weak Against

Good
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
ElectricGrass
½xResist
FireWaterIceSteel
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Magikarp Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
2xStrong
FireGroundRock
½xResisted
WaterGrassDragon
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Magikarp

Raikou can KO Magikarp with Thunderbolt (425-501%). Breloom's Bullet Seed hits Magikarp for 67-80%.

Evolution

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. Plenty of partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are hatches fast. The evolved forms gain up to 340 total stats over Magikarp. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

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
540B-Tier+340
ROLE
Balanced
Wallbreaker
TYPE
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Magikarp easily with 72 breeding partners from the Dragon and Water2 egg groups.

Egg Groups
DragonWater 2
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
5 cycles·1,285 steps
Fast~1 min with Flame Body
Breed With (best first)
gyaradoscharizardkingdrasceptileflygonmiloticnoivernaltariascraftydragalgehelioliskoctillery
12 of 72·

How to Get Magikarp

All 22 games

Easy grab on Magikarp with high spawn rates across 110 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.

Where To Catch Magikarp in SV

Magikarp is your first catch on the way to Magikarp. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-100 across 154 total spots in the chain.

  1. Magikarp
    Step 1Magikarp ✓
    Casseroya Lake - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    Casseroya Lake - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    East Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    East Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    East Province (Area Three) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    East Province (Area Three) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    East Province (Area Two) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    Glaseado Mountain
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    North Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    North Province (Area One) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    North Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    North Province (Area Three) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    North Province (Area Two) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area Five) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area Five) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area Four) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area Four) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area One) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area Six) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    South Province (Area Six) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    Tagtree Thicket - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    West Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    West Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    West Province (Area Three) - Lake
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    West Province (Area Two) - Ocean
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 36%
    Asado Desert - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    Casseroya Lake - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    East Province (Area One) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    East Province (Area Three) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    East Province (Area Two) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    Glaseado Mountain
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    North Province (Area One) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    North Province (Area Three) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    South Paldean Sea - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    South Province (Area Five) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    South Province (Area Four) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    South Province (Area One) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    South Province (Area Six) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    South Province (Area Two) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    Tagtree Thicket - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    West Province (Area One) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    West Province (Area Three) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    West Province (Area Two) - River
    Lv.2-39Overworld
    Rate 12%
    Chilling Waterhead
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Fellhorn Gorge
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Infernal Pass
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Kitakami Wilds
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Mossfell Confluence
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Oni Mountain
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Onis Maw
    Lv.3-100Overworld
    Revelers Road
    Lv.3-100Overworld
  2. Gyarados
    Step 2Catch or Evolve into Gyarados
    Chilling Waterhead
    Lv.20-60Overworld
    Fellhorn Gorge
    Lv.20-60Overworld
    Kitakami Wilds
    Lv.20-60Overworld
    Oni Mountain
    Lv.20-60Overworld
    Casseroya Lake - Lake
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 8%
    Casseroya Lake - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    East Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    East Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    East Province (Area Three) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    East Province (Area Two) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    Glaseado Mountain
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    North Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    North Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    North Province (Area Three) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    South Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    South Province (Area Five) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    South Province (Area Four) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    South Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    South Province (Area Six) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    West Paldean Sea - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    West Province (Area One) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    West Province (Area Two) - Ocean
    Lv.20-59Overworld
    Rate 1%
    or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

Base Stats

Magikarp's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, Attack trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Speed EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.

Base Stats
Below
HP20
F
Attack10
F
Defense55
D
Sp. Atk15
F
Sp. Def20
F
Speed80
C
Total200
Details
Catch Rate
Guaranteed255 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height0.9 m
2'11"Small
Weight10.0 kg
22.0 lbsFeather
Base XP40
Low Yield
Abilities
Swift Swim
Doubles Speed during rain.
RattledHidden Ability
Raises Speed one stage upon being hit by a dark, ghost, or bug move.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entry

An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions but never more than seven feet.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Magikarp Guide

  • Magikarp does the job early-game if you need a Water type on your team. Evolve it into Gyarados before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.

Game Availability

Magikarp has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.

Click a game to view version-specific details

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