Special
Balanced
80Speed · Above Avg

Is Magikarp Good in FireRed & LeafGreen Playthrough?

Splash. AbilitySwift Swim doubles Speed in rain, but Magikarp has nothing to use that Speed for. Gyarados at 20 is the entire point. Fish early, grind to 20, and get one of FRLG's best Pokemon. The investment pays back everything.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadBTETEESSEGGEEBrockGym 1MagikarpGiftMistyGym 2GyaradosEvolveSurgeGym 3ErikaGym 4KogaGym 5SabrinaGym 6BlaineGym 7GiovanniGym 8LoreleiE4BrunoE4AgathaE4LanceE4TerryChamp*
Brock
Gym 1
Bad

Brock's Pokemon outpace and outclass Magikarp here.

Avoid
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense Curl
Avoid
Onix
Lv 14
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleBindRock Tomb
Misty
Gym 2
Tough

Misty's typing presses Magikarp's defenses.

Risky
Staryu
Lv 18
Water
Illuminate
TackleHardenRecoverWater Pulse
Avoid
Starmie
Lv 21
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
SwiftRecoverRapid SpinWater Pulse
Lt. Surge
Gym 3
Even

Gyarados trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Voltorb
Lv 21
Electric
Soundproof
Sonic BoomTackleScreechShock Wave
Even
Pikachu
Lv 18
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Risky
Raichu
Lv 24
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Erika
Gym 4
Tough

Erika's typing presses Gyarados's defenses.

Risky
Victreebel
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidPoison PowderGiga Drain
Even
Tangela
Lv 24
Grass
Chlorophyll
Poison PowderConstrictIngrainGiga Drain
Risky
Vileplume
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sleep PowderAcidStun SporeGiga Drain
Koga
Gym 5
Even

Gyarados trades roughly evenly with Koga's team.

You Win
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
Levitate
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Even
Muk
Lv 39
Poison
Stench
MinimizeSludgeAcid ArmorToxic
You Win
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
Levitate
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Even
Weezing
Lv 43
Poison
Levitate
TackleSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Sabrina
Gym 6
Even

Gyarados trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

Even
Kadabra
Lv 38
Psychic
Synchronize
PsybeamReflectFuture SightCalm Mind
You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 37
PsychicFairy
Soundproof
BarrierPsybeamBaton PassCalm Mind
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 38
BugPoison
Shield Dust
PsybeamGustLeech LifeSupersonic
Even
Alakazam
Lv 43
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicRecoverFuture SightCalm Mind
Blaine
Gym 7
Strong

Gyarados resists most of Blaine's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Growlithe
Lv 42
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Easy KO
Ponyta
Lv 40
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 42
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 47
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Giovanni
Gym 8
Strong

Gyarados resists most of Giovanni's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 45
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
You Win
Dugtrio
Lv 42
Ground
Sand Veil
SlashSand TombMud SlapEarthquake
Easy KO
Nidoqueen
Lv 44
PoisonGround
Poison Point
Body SlamDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
You Win
Nidoking
Lv 45
PoisonGround
Poison Point
ThrashDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 50
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Lorelei
Elite Four
Even

Gyarados trades roughly evenly with Lorelei's team.

Even
Dewgong
Lv 52
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Ice BeamSurfHailSafeguard
Even
Cloyster
Lv 51
WaterIce
Shell Armor
SpikesProtectHailDive
Even
Slowbro
Lv 52
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
Ice BeamSurfAmnesiaYawn
Even
Jynx
Lv 54
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Ice PunchDouble SlapLovely KissAttract
Risky
Lapras
Lv 54
WaterIce
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
Confuse RayIce BeamSurfBody Slam
Bruno
Elite Four
Good

Gyarados has the type edge here and should clean up Bruno's team.

Easy KO
Onix
Lv 51
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeRock TombIron TailRoar
Even
Hitmonchan
Lv 53
Fighting
Keen Eye
Sky UppercutMach PunchRock TombCounter
Even
Hitmonlee
Lv 53
Fighting
Limber
Mega KickForesightBrick BreakFacade
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Rock Head
Double EdgeEarthquakeIron TailSand Tomb
Even
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
Guts
Cross ChopBulk UpScary FaceRock Tomb
Agatha
Elite Four
Good

Gyarados has the type edge here and should clean up Agatha's team.

You Win
Gengar
Lv 54
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow PunchConfuse RayToxicDouble Team
You Win
Golbat
Lv 54
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Confuse RayPoison FangAir CutterBite
You Win
Haunter
Lv 53
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseMean Look
You Win
Arbok
Lv 56
Poison
Intimidate
Sludge BombScreechIron TailBite
Even
Gengar
Lv 58
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallSludge BombHypnosisNightmare
Lance
Elite Four
Even

Gyarados trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 56
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Hyper BeamDragon RageTwisterBite
Even
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardDragon RageOutrage
Even
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardThunder WaveOutrage
You Win
Aerodactyl
Lv 58
RockFlying
Rock Head
Hyper BeamAncient PowerWing AttackScary Face
Risky
Dragonite
Lv 60
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Hyper BeamSafeguardOutrageWing Attack
Terry
Champion
Even

Gyarados trades roughly evenly with Terry's team.

Even
Heracross
Lv 72
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornEarthquakeCounterRock Tomb
Even
Alakazam
Lv 73
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallCalm MindReflect
You Win
Tyranitar
Lv 72
RockDark
Sand Stream
CrunchEarthquakeThunderboltAerial Ace
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 73
Fire
Intimidate
Extreme SpeedOverheatAerial AceIron Tail
Even
Exeggutor
Lv 73
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Giga DrainPsychicSleep PowderLight Screen
Risky
Blastoise
Lv 75
Water
Torrent
Hydro PumpIce BeamEarthquakeRain Dance
Gift
Available after Badge 1
Type
Water
Tier
F

Magikarp is given to you as a gift on Route 4 at Lv 5. 500 PokeDollars. Buy from the man in the Route 4 Pokemon Center for 500 PokeDollars

View Magikarp locations

Recommended Moves
    • LV 15NormalTackle40100%35
Evolve Magikarp to Gyarados
Level 20
Type
WaterFlying
Tier
S

Your Magikarp should hit Level 20 before you reach Lt. Surge, at typical leveling pace.

View Gyarados locations

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 20)
    • LV 20NormalThrash120100%10
    • LV 40WaterHydro Pump16580%5
  • After Koga
    • HM03WaterSurf135100%15
    • LV 50DragonDragon Dance100%20
  • After Giovanni
    • TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
    • TM26GroundEarthquake100100%10
    • LV 55NormalHyper Beam15090%5
  • Post-Game
    • HM07WaterWaterfall120100%15
    • TUTORNormalBody Slam85100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20

How to Get Magikarp in FireRed & LeafGreen

You can buy a Magikarp for 500 PokeDollars from the salesman in the Route 4 Pokemon Center. But with 200 fishing encounters across both versions, you'll hook one with any rod at almost any water spot on the map.

41 locations to catch Magikarp

Encountered via fishing with a Rod

Badge 1
Badge 2
Badge 3
Badge 4
Badge 5
Badge 6
Badge 7
Badge 8
Post-Game

Where To Catch Magikarp in FRLG

Magikarp is your first catch on the way to Magikarp. You'll find fishing and gift encounters from Lv. 5-35 across 288 total spots in the chain.

  1. Magikarp
    Step 1Magikarp
    Celadon City
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Celadon City
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 100%
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Cerulean City
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Cinnabar Island
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Fuchsia City
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Pallet Town
    Lv.5-10Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 10
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 11
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 12
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 13
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 19
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 20
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 21
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 22
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 23
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 24
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 25
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 4
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Route 6
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Safari Zone - Center
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Safari Zone - East
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Safari Zone - North
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Safari Zone - West
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Seafoam Islands - B3F
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Vermilion City - City
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Vermilion City - Harbor
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Viridian City
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Berry Forest
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Bond Bridge
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Cape Brink
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Five Island
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Five Isle Meadow
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Four Island
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Green Path
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Kindle Road
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Memorial Pillar
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    One Island
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Outcast Island
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Resort Gorgeous
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Ruin Valley
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Tanoby Ruins
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Trainer Tower
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Treasure Beach
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Water Labyrinth
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Water Path
    Lv.5Old Rod
    Rate 100%
    Celadon City
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    Rate 99%
    Route 4
    Lv.5Gift from NPC
    500 PokeDollars
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Cerulean City
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Cinnabar Island
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Fuchsia City
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Pallet Town
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 10
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 11
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 12
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 13
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 19
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 20
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 21
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 22
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 23
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 24
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 25
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 4
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Route 6
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Safari Zone - Center
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Safari Zone - East
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Safari Zone - North
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Safari Zone - West
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Seafoam Islands - B3F
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Vermilion City - City
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Vermilion City - Harbor
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Viridian City
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Berry Forest
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Bond Bridge
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Cape Brink
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Five Island
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Five Isle Meadow
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Four Island
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Green Path
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Kindle Road
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Memorial Pillar
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    One Island
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Outcast Island
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Resort Gorgeous
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Ruin Valley
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Tanoby Ruins
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Trainer Tower
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Treasure Beach
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Water Labyrinth
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
    Water Path
    Lv.5-15Good Rod
    Rate 20%
  2. Gyarados
    Step 2Catch or Evolve into Gyarados
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    Rate 16%
    Seafoam Islands - B3F
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    Rate 16%
    Seafoam Islands - B4F
    Lv.15-35Super Rod
    Rate 16%
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Cerulean City
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Cinnabar Island
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Fuchsia City
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Pallet Town
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 10
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 11
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 12
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 13
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 19
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 20
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 21
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 22
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 23
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 24
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 25
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 4
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Route 6
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Vermilion City - City
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Vermilion City - Harbor
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Viridian City
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Berry Forest
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Bond Bridge
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Cape Brink
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Five Island
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Five Isle Meadow
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Four Island
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Green Path
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 1
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Icefall Cave - 1F Room 3
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Kindle Road
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Memorial Pillar
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    One Island
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Outcast Island
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Resort Gorgeous
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Ruin Valley
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Tanoby Ruins
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Trainer Tower
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Treasure Beach
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Water Labyrinth
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    Water Path
    Lv.15-25Super Rod
    Rate 15%
    or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

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
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

What is Magikarp Weak Against

Good
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Magikarp Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Magikarp

Magikarp Evolutions

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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

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
540B-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
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
5 cycles·1,285 steps
Fast~1 min with Flame Body
Breed With (best first)
gyaradoscharizardkingdrasceptileflygonmiloticaltariaoctilleryarbokseadrasevipercharmeleon

FRLG Magikarp Best Moveset

AbilitySwift Swim doubles Speed in rain on stats too low to use. 10 Attack and Splash. Gyarados after evolution is the destination. No moveset. Evolve immediately.

Best Build

Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Magikarp
HardyNEUTRAL

Magikarp best EVs are Defense and Speed

EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • SplashUtility

Moves List

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
S40Normal
Lv 15
Tackle
D409535Normal
Lv 30
Flail
D10015Normal

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

Base Stats

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
Weight10.0 kg
Base XP40
Abilities
Swift Swim
Doubles Speed during rain.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entry

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

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

Magikarp FireRed & LeafGreen Guide

  • Where in the FireRed & LeafGreen Safari Zone can I find Magikarp?

    See the Locations section above for where to find Magikarp in FireRed & LeafGreen.

    Safari rules: You can only use Safari Balls. No battling. Two tactical items shift the catch/flee trade-off:

    ActionCatch chance per ballFlee rate per turn
    Default50%10%
    Bait25%5%
    Rock50% (ceiling)20%

    Effects last 2-6 random turns; throwing one cancels the other. Catch chance assumes full HP and a Safari Ball (the only ball allowed). (ceiling) = doubling was clamped at the catch-factor ceiling of 20, so catch chance does not change.

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.

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Want to tell us more?
What was most useful?
What could be improved?
Thanks for your feedback