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.
It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.
This weak and pathetic Pokémon gets easily pushed along rivers when there are strong currents.
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.
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.
How to Evolve
Breed Magikarp easily with 60 breeding partners from the Dragon and Water2 egg groups.
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
Best Magikarp Moveset
- Splash
- Unknown
- Celebrate
- Happy Hour
Recommended Teammates
Magikarp's options are limited here. You've got Hydro Pump for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Water hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Easy grab on Magikarp with high spawn rates across 106 locations in early-game fishing spots. Multiple catch methods are available, so check which ones match your setup. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Before you go hunting for Magikarp, check which of the 106 spots belong to your version. Shield and Sword each have different fishing, surfing, and more encounters at Lv. 4-65.
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 a physical attacker with base 10 Attack. 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