Utility
Balanced
200Low
80Moderate
DTier
Almost nobody uses Magikarp in battle. It exists to evolve into Gyarados, which is a completely different story. Get it there and you won't regret it. Known as the Fish Pokemon. Been around since Gen 1.
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
200Below
HP20F
Attack10F
Defense55D
Sp. Atk15F
Sp. Def20F
Speed80C
Total200
Low <60
Avg 60-89
High 90-149
Top 150+
EV YieldDefeating Magikarp yields +1 Spe
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Details
Catch255Guaranteed•Slow1.25M XP•0.9m / 2'11"•10kg / 22 lbs•40Base XP
Pokedex EntriesBrilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
It is said to be the world’s weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.
It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.
Magikarp Weakness
GoodElectric and Grass-type 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.
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Scorei0
SpikesGrounded — up to 25%
Toxic SpikesVulnerable
Abilities
Swift SwimDoubles Speed during rain.
RattledHARaises Speed one stage upon being hit by a dark, ghost, or bug move.
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. No compatible partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are hatches fast. The evolved forms gain up to 340 total stats over Magikarp.
How to Evolve
2 Forms
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
Breeding
Very EasyBreed Magikarp 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
The special wall spread is where Magikarp earns its spot. Eviolite for a bulk boost that only works before full evolution, Careful nature for the right lean, and the moveset handles sustain. Swiftswim does the rest without needing a move slot.
Best Build
Ability
Swiftswim
Item
EvioliteBULK
Nature
Careful+SPD
EVs
Best Magikarp Moveset
- Splash
- Unknown
- Celebrate
- Happy Hour
Recommended Teammates
Magikarp's options are limited here. You've got Water STAB for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Water hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Level-Up Moves
Lv 1
Splash
——40NormalLv 15
Tackle
4010035NormalLv 25
Flail
—10015NormalTM Moves
Magikarp can't learn any TM moves
Egg Moves
Magikarp doesn't have any Egg moves
Tutor Moves
Magikarp can't learn any Tutor moves
Easy grab on Magikarp with high spawn rates across 208 locations in early-game fishing spots. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Bring Old Rod and Good Rod for Magikarp. There are 208 fishing encounters from Lv. 3-25 with no walking alternatives. Pick the spot with the best rate and settle in.
Canalave City
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Canalave City
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Celestic Town
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Celestic Town
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Eterna City
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Eterna City
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Fuego Ironworks
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyPower-plant
Fuego Ironworks
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyPower-plant
Great Marsh - Area 1
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 1
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 2
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 2
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 3
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 3
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 4
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 4
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 6
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 6
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Iron Island - Outside
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Iron Island - Outside
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Lake Acuity
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Lake Acuity
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Lake Valor
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Lake Valor
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Lake Verity
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Lake Verity
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyWater
Mt. Coronet - 4F
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - 4F
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - B1F
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - B1F
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%Early
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%Early
Pastoria City
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Pastoria City
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Pokémon League
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%Early
Pokémon League
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%Early
Ravaged Path
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Ravaged Path
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Resort Area
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Resort Area
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyFacility
Route 203
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 203
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - North
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - North
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - South
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - South
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - North
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - North
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - South
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - South
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 208
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 208
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 209
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 209
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 210 - North
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 210 - North
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - North
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - North
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - South
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - South
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 213
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 213
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 214
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 214
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 218
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 218
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 219
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 219
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 220
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 220
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 221
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 221
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 222
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 222
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 223
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 223
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 224
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 224
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 225
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 225
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 226
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 226
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 227
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 227
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 228
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 228
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 229
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 229
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 230
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Route 230
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyRoute
Sendoff Spring
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%Early
Sendoff Spring
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%Early
Sunyshore City
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Sunyshore City
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Twinleaf Town
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Twinleaf Town
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCity
Valley Windworks
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyPower-plant
Valley Windworks
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyPower-plant
Victory Road - B1F
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Victory Road - B1F
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
Brilliant DiamondOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
Shining PearlOld RodLv.3-10100%EarlyCave
Route 229
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-25100%EarlyRoute
Route 229
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-25100%EarlyRoute
Victory Road - B1F
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-25100%EarlyCave
Victory Road - B1F
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-25100%EarlyCave
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-25100%EarlyCave
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-25100%EarlyCave
Canalave City
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Canalave City
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Celestic Town
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Celestic Town
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Eterna City
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Eterna City
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Fuego Ironworks
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyPower-plant
Fuego Ironworks
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyPower-plant
Great Marsh - Area 1
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 1
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 2
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 2
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 3
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 3
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 4
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 4
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 6
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Great Marsh - Area 6
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Iron Island - Outside
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Iron Island - Outside
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Lake Acuity
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Lake Acuity
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Lake Valor
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Lake Valor
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Lake Verity
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Lake Verity
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyWater
Mt. Coronet - 4F
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - 4F
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - B1F
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - B1F
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCave
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCave
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%Early
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%Early
Pastoria City
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Pastoria City
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Pokémon League
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%Early
Pokémon League
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%Early
Ravaged Path
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Ravaged Path
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Resort Area
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Resort Area
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyFacility
Route 203
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 203
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - North
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - North
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - South
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 204 - South
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - North
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - North
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - South
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 205 - South
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 208
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 208
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 209
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 209
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 210 - North
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 210 - North
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - North
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - North
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - South
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 212 - South
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 213
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 213
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 214
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 214
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 218
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 218
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 219
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 219
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 220
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 220
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 221
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 221
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 222
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 222
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 223
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 223
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 224
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 224
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 225
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 225
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 226
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 226
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 227
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 227
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 228
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 228
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 230
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Route 230
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyRoute
Sendoff Spring
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%Early
Sendoff Spring
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%Early
Sunyshore City
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Sunyshore City
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Twinleaf Town
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Twinleaf Town
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyCity
Valley Windworks
Shining PearlGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyPower-plant
Valley Windworks
Brilliant DiamondGood RodLv.10-2565%EarlyPower-plant
Magikarp isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Gyarados to unlock its full potential. At 200 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. Magikarp is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Swift Swim on Magikarp. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Magikarp also gets Rattled, but they don't compare.
Magikarp fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 15 Sp. Atk). Base 80 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Magikarp appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Magikarp has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A