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.
Magmar dispatches its prey with fire. But it regrets this habit once it realizes that it has burned its intended prey to a charred crisp.
These Pokémon’s bodies are constantly burning. Magmar are feared as one of the causes behind fires.
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 using 51 partners from the Humanshape egg group.
Magmar hasn't fully evolved, but Eviolite's 50% bulk boost makes it viable anyway. Modest nature with a spread EV build EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Vitalspirit adds utility.
Best Build
Best Magmar Moveset
- Lava Plume
- Will O Wisp
- Leer
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Magmar's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Overheat and Flare Blitz, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 8 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A solid number of locations for Magmar with moderate rates across endgame routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Magmar in Sword & Shield
To get Magmar, start by catching Magby through walking encounters at Lv. 60-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch MagbyEASYFrostpoint FieldShieldGrassLv.60-6520%PostIceIntense SunEASYFrostpoint FieldSwordGrassLv.60-6520%PostIceIntense SunEASYGiant's FootSwordGrassLv.60-6520%PostIntense SunEASYGiant's FootShieldGrassLv.60-6520%PostIntense SunEASYSnowslide SlopeShieldGrassLv.60-6520%PostIceIntense SunEASYSnowslide SlopeSwordGrassLv.60-6520%PostIceIntense SunEASYThree-Point PassShieldGrassLv.60-6520%PostIntense SunEASYThree-Point PassSwordGrassLv.60-6520%PostIntense SunEASYBallimere LakeShieldGrassLv.60-6519%PostWaterIntense SunEASYBallimere LakeSwordGrassLv.60-6519%PostWaterIntense SunEASYGiant's BedSwordGrassLv.60-6518%PostIntense SunEASYGiant's BedShieldGrassLv.60-6518%PostIntense SunEASYOld CemeteryShieldGrassLv.60-6518%PostIntense SunEASYOld CemeterySwordGrassLv.60-6518%PostIntense SunEASYSlippery SlopeShieldGrassLv.60-6518%PostIntense SunEASYSlippery SlopeSwordGrassLv.60-6518%PostIntense Sun
Step 2Magmar ✓MODERATEBallimere LakeShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostWaterIntense SunMODERATEBallimere LakeSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostWaterIntense SunMODERATEFrostpoint FieldShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIceIntense SunMODERATEFrostpoint FieldSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIceIntense SunMODERATEGiant's BedSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATEGiant's BedShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATEGiant's FootSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATEGiant's FootShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATEOld CemeteryShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATEOld CemeterySwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATESlippery SlopeShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATESlippery SlopeSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATESnowslide SlopeShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIceIntense SunMODERATESnowslide SlopeSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIceIntense SunMODERATEThree-Point PassShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense SunMODERATEThree-Point PassSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostIntense Sunor 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 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