Magmar is technically a pre-evolution of Magmortar, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. 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.
In battle, MAGMAR blows out intensely hot flames from all over its body to intimidate its opponent. This POKéMON’s fiery bursts create heat waves that ignite grass and trees in its surroundings.
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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
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 28 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Barrier, Cross Chop, Karate Chop and 3 more.
This build takes hits and hits back. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Flame Body supports the gameplan, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs mean Magmar doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus the remaining moves backing it up.
Best Build
Best Magmar Moveset
- Hidden Power Grass
- Thunder Punch
- Flamethrower
- Fire Blast
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Barrier and Cross Chop give Magmar options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Fire Blast and Flamethrower. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Magmar isn't available in the wild in Ruby & Sapphire. Start by transferring Magby from Crystal, Diamond, or Legends: Arceus. The evolution path from Magby to Magmar is covered in the steps below.
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 pivot role. It's a special attacker with base 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