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
HP20
F
Attack10
F
Defense55
D
Sp. Atk15
F
Sp. Def20
F
Speed80
C
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 Entries

It is said to be the world’s weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.

Diamond

It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.

Pearl

Magikarp Weakness

Good

Electric 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.

Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
4xCriticali
None
2xWeaki
ElectricGrass
½xResisti
FireWaterIceSteel
¼xResisti
None
0xImmunei
None
STAB (3)i
FireGroundRock
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. A decent partner pool 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
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 Magikarp easily with 30 breeding 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·

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 4.

Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.

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
——40Normal
Lv 15
Tackle
409535Normal
Lv 30
Flail
—10015Normal

TM 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

Magikarp is available from early-game fishing spots onward at high spawn rates. 210 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.

Best Locations

210 fishing and trade encounters at Lv. 3-25 for Magikarp across Diamond and Pearl. A few locations are version-exclusive, so your copy of the game affects what's available.

Canalave City
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Canalave City
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celestic Town
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celestic Town
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Eterna City
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Eterna City
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Fuego Ironworks
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Fuego Ironworks
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 1
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 1
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 2
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 2
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 3
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 3
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 4
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 4
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 6
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 6
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Iron Island - Outside
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Iron Island - Outside
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Acuity
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Acuity
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Valor
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Valor
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Verity
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Verity
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Mt. Coronet - 4F
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - 4F
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - B1F
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - B1F
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarly
EASY
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarly
EASY
Pastoria City
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Pastoria City
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Pokémon League
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarly
EASY
Pokémon League
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarly
EASY
Ravaged Path
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Ravaged Path
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Resort Area
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Resort Area
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Route 203
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 203
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - North
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - North
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - South
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - South
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - North
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - North
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - South
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - South
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 208
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 208
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 209
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 209
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 210 - North
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 210 - North
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - North
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - North
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - South
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - South
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 213
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 213
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 214
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 214
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 218
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 218
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 219
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 219
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 220
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 220
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 221
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 221
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 222
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 222
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 223
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 223
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 224
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 224
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 225
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 225
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 226
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 226
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 227
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 227
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 228
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 228
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 229
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 229
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 230
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 230
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Sendoff Spring
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarly
EASY
Sendoff Spring
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarly
EASY
Sunyshore City
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Sunyshore City
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Twinleaf Town
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Twinleaf Town
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Valley Windworks
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Valley Windworks
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Victory Road - B1F
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Victory Road - B1F
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
DiamondOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
PearlOld RodLv.3-10CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Canalave City
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Canalave City
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celestic Town
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celestic Town
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Eterna City
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Eterna City
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Fuego Ironworks
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Fuego Ironworks
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 1
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 1
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 2
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 2
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 3
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 3
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 4
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 4
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 6
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Great Marsh - Area 6
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Iron Island - Outside
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Iron Island - Outside
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Acuity
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Acuity
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Valor
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Valor
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Verity
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Lake Verity
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Mt. Coronet - 4F
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - 4F
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - B1F
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - B1F
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Mt. Coronet - Route 207 Entrance
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarly
EASY
Oreburgh Gate - B1F
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarly
EASY
Pastoria City
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Pastoria City
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Pokémon League
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarly
EASY
Pokémon League
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarly
EASY
Ravaged Path
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Ravaged Path
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Resort Area
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Resort Area
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Route 203
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 203
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - North
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - North
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - South
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 204 - South
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - North
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - North
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - South
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 205 - South
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 208
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 208
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 209
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 209
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 210 - North
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 210 - North
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - North
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - North
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - South
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 212 - South
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 213
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 213
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 214
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 214
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 218
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 218
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 219
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 219
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 220
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 220
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 221
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 221
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 222
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 222
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 223
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 223
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 224
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 224
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 225
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 225
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 226
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 226
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 227
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 227
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 228
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 228
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 229
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 229
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 230
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 230
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Sendoff Spring
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarly
EASY
Sendoff Spring
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarly
EASY
Sunyshore City
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Sunyshore City
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Twinleaf Town
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Twinleaf Town
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Valley Windworks
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Valley Windworks
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyPower-plant
EASY
Victory Road - B1F
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Victory Road - B1F
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
DiamondGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Victory Road - Nat Dex Area B1F
PearlGood RodLv.10-25CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Route 226
DiamondIn-game tradeLimitedRouteTrade for (give Finneon)
LEGENDARY
Route 226
PearlIn-game tradeLimitedRouteTrade for (give Finneon)
LEGENDARY

  • 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.

  • Watch for Raikou (Electric) and Venusaur (Grass) when using Magikarp. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

  • 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.