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 virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic POKéMON in the world.

Fire Red

In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.

Leaf Green

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 III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
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 27 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 27·

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.

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

Easy grab on Magikarp with high spawn rates across 200 locations in early-game fishing spots. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.

Best Locations

Which version you're playing matters for Magikarp. 200 fishing and gift spots at Lv. 5-35 spread across FireRed and LeafGreen, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.

Berry Forest
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyForest
EASY
Berry Forest
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyForest
EASY
Bond Bridge
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Bond Bridge
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Cape Brink
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Cape Brink
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Celadon City
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celadon City
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celadon City
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celadon City
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Cerulean Cave - 1F
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Cerulean Cave - 1F
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Cerulean Cave - B1F
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Cerulean Cave - B1F
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Cerulean City
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Cerulean City
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Cinnabar Island
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Cinnabar Island
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Five Island
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Five Island
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Five Isle Meadow
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Five Isle Meadow
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Four Island
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Four Island
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Fuchsia City
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Fuchsia City
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Green Path
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Green Path
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCave
EASY
Kindle Road
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Kindle Road
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Memorial Pillar
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Memorial Pillar
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
One Island
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
One Island
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Outcast Island
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Outcast Island
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Pallet Town
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Pallet Town
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Resort Gorgeous
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Resort Gorgeous
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Route 10
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 10
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 11
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 11
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 12
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 12
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 13
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 13
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 19
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 19
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 20
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 20
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 21
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 21
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 22
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 22
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 23
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 23
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 24
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 24
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 25
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 25
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 4
LeafGreenGift from NPCLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EFFORTLESS
Route 4
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 4
FireRedGift from NPCLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EFFORTLESS
Route 4
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 6
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Route 6
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Ruin Valley
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Ruin Valley
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarly
EASY
Safari Zone - Center
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - Center
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - East
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - East
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - North
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - North
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - West
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Safari Zone - West
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyFacility
EASY
Seafoam Islands - B4F
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Seafoam Islands - B4F
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Seafoam Islands - B3F
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Seafoam Islands - B3F
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Tanoby Ruins
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRuins
EASY
Tanoby Ruins
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRuins
EASY
Trainer Tower
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyBuilding
EASY
Trainer Tower
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyBuilding
EASY
Treasure Beach
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Treasure Beach
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyWater
EASY
Vermilion City - City
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Vermilion City - City
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Vermilion City - Harbor
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Vermilion City - Harbor
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Viridian City
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Viridian City
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Water Labyrinth
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyBuilding
EASY
Water Labyrinth
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyBuilding
EASY
Water Path
LeafGreenOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Water Path
FireRedOld RodLv.5CommonEarlyRoute
EASY
Celadon City
LeafGreenSuper RodLv.15-35CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Celadon City
FireRedSuper RodLv.15-35CommonEarlyCity
EASY
Berry Forest
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyForest
MODERATE
Berry Forest
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyForest
MODERATE
Bond Bridge
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Bond Bridge
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Cape Brink
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Cape Brink
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Cerulean Cave - 1F
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Cerulean Cave - 1F
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Cerulean Cave - B1F
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Cerulean Cave - B1F
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Cerulean City
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Cerulean City
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Cinnabar Island
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Cinnabar Island
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Five Island
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Five Island
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Five Isle Meadow
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Five Isle Meadow
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Four Island
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Four Island
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Fuchsia City
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Fuchsia City
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Green Path
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Green Path
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCave
MODERATE
Kindle Road
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Kindle Road
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Memorial Pillar
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Memorial Pillar
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
One Island
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
One Island
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Outcast Island
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Outcast Island
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Pallet Town
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Pallet Town
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Resort Gorgeous
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Resort Gorgeous
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Route 10
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 10
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 11
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 11
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 12
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 12
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 13
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 13
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 19
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 19
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 20
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 20
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 21
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 21
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 22
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 22
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 23
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 23
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 24
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 24
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 25
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 25
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 4
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 4
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 6
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Route 6
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Ruin Valley
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Ruin Valley
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarly
MODERATE
Safari Zone - Center
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - Center
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - East
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - East
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - North
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - North
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - West
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Safari Zone - West
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyFacility
MODERATE
Seafoam Islands - B4F
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Seafoam Islands - B4F
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Seafoam Islands - B3F
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Seafoam Islands - B3F
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Tanoby Ruins
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRuins
MODERATE
Tanoby Ruins
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRuins
MODERATE
Trainer Tower
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyBuilding
MODERATE
Trainer Tower
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyBuilding
MODERATE
Treasure Beach
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Treasure Beach
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyWater
MODERATE
Vermilion City - City
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Vermilion City - City
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Vermilion City - Harbor
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Vermilion City - Harbor
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Viridian City
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Viridian City
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyCity
MODERATE
Water Labyrinth
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyBuilding
MODERATE
Water Labyrinth
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyBuilding
MODERATE
Water Path
LeafGreenGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE
Water Path
FireRedGood RodLv.5-15UncommonEarlyRoute
MODERATE

  • 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.