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.
When it’s tired, it leaps into the mouth of a volcano and soaks its body in magma to ease its weariness. Its body burns at 2,192 degrees F.
When angered, it spouts brilliant fire from all over its body. It doesn’t calm down until its opponent has burned to ash.
Magmar Weakness
AvgType-wise, Magmar takes extra damage from Water, Ground, and Rock. 6 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that. Magmar's special bulk (base 85 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
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 from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Barrier, Belch, Belly Drum and 11 more.
Magmar hasn't fully evolved, but Eviolite's 50% bulk boost makes it viable anyway. Timid nature with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Flame Body adds utility.
Best Build
Best Magmar Moveset
- Psychic
- Flamethrower
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power Ice
Breeding's the move. Barrier and Belch 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
Transfer Moves
moderate rates for Magmar across 2 locations in mid-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Magmar in Sun & Moon
The path to Magmar starts with Magby at Lv. 16-19 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch MagbyEASYWela Volcano ParkSunGrassLv.16-1915%MidVolcanoEASYWela Volcano ParkMoonGrassLv.16-1915%MidVolcano
Step 2Magmar ✓Wela Volcano ParkSunGrassLv.16-19MidVolcanoSOS from MagbyWela Volcano ParkMoonGrassLv.16-19MidVolcanoSOS from Magbyor 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 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