Magmar is technically a pre-evolution of Magmortar, but it can still hold its own in battle. Only weak to Water, Ground, and Rock. A competitive option since Gen 1. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier.
Magmar's built around mixed offense. Sp. Atk leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Tough to catch, worth 2 Sp. Atk EVs. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It dislikes cold places, so it blows scorching flames to make the environment suitable for itself.
The fiery surface of its body gives off a wavering, rippling glare that is similar to the sun.
Magmar Weakness
AvgType-wise, Magmar takes extra damage from Water, Ground, and Rock. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Magmar's special bulk (base 85 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Magmar is partway through a three-stage line between Magby and Magmortar. The chain involves a trade, so it's not a straightforward grind. Sp.Atk has grown the most so far (+30), but there's still another 45 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Magmar to get Magby eggs using 39 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Barrier, Belly Drum, Cross Chop and 7 more.
Psychic coverage keeps opponents guessing about Magmar's real targets. Nothing provides extra utility while max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Timid nature handle the stat profile. Flame Body ties it together.
Best Build
Best Magmar Moveset
- Flamethrower
- Psychic
- Confuse Ray
- Sunny Day
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Barrier and Belly Drum give Magmar options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 8 types already covers a decent range on top of Overheat and Flare Blitz. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Magby doesn't appear in the wild, so the 2-stage path to Magmar starts at the nursery. Catch Magmar first, breed for Magby, then evolve through the chain.
Where To Catch Magmar in HeartGold & SoulSilver
The path to Magmar starts with Magby at Lv. 14-16 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Breed Magby from MagmarBreed from Magmar at the Day Care.
Step 2Magmar ✓CHALLENGINGBurned Tower - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.14RareEarlyBuildingMorning/nightCHALLENGINGBurned Tower - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.14RareEarlyBuildingMorning/nightEASYBurned Tower - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.16UncommonMidBuildingDayEASYBurned Tower - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.16UncommonMidBuildingDayor evolve from Magby (Step 1)
Magmar isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Magmortar to unlock its full potential. At 495 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Flame Body is the go-to ability for Magmar. It has a 30% chance of burning attacking Pokémon on contact. Its hidden ability Vital Spirit can work in specific setups.
Magmar fills the attacker role. It's a mixed attacker — base 95 Attack and 100 Sp. Atk. Base 93 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Magmar appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Magmar has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 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