Stats & Training
Attack and Sp. Def carry most of Gyarados's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Tough to catch and yields 2 Attack stat exp. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
It appears whenever there is world conflict, burning down any place it travels through.
Gyarados Weakness
Type-wise, Gyarados takes extra damage from Electric and Rock. Watch out for Electric attacks, those deal 4x damage. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. With 95 HP and balanced defenses, Gyarados can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Electric |
| 2x (Weak) | Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Fighting, Bug, Steel |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Jolteon Electric | A | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Eevee (Goldenrod City Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Jolteon builds →Thunder 4x162-191%KO Thunder Shock 4x63-74% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | C | |
Electabuzz Electric | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Elekid (Route 34 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Electabuzz builds →Thunder 4x144-169%KO Thunderbolt 4x116-138%KO Thunder Punch 4x99-116%KO | ||
Magneton ElectricSteel | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Magneton builds →Zap Cannon 4x189-222%KO Thunder 4x174-205%KO Thunder Shock 4x66-78% Rollout 2x12-14% | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x72-85% Thunder Shock 4x30-35% Rollout 2x10-12% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Elekid Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Elekid builds →Thunder 4x116-138%KO Thunder Punch 4x82-97% | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x82-97% Thunder Shock 4x34-41% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Geodude builds →Rock Throw 2x39-47% Rollout 2x24-30% | ||
Elekid Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Elekid builds →Thunder 4x119-140%KO Thunder Punch 4x84-100%KO | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x79-93% Thunder Shock 4x33-40% Rollout 2x11-13% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Magnemite builds →Thunder 4x152-180%KO Thunder Shock 4x62-73% Rollout 2x11-13% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | C | |
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x62-74% Thunder Punch 4x34-40% Rock Throw 2x41-50% Rollout 2x28-33% | ||
Elekid Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Elekid builds →Thunder 4x107-127%KO Thunder Punch 4x74-88% | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x74-88% Thunder Shock 4x32-39% Rollout 2x10-13% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Magnemite builds →Thunder 4x145-171%KO Thunder Shock 4x56-66% Rollout 2x9-11% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | C | |
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x61-72% Thunder Punch 4x33-39% Rock Throw 2x40-48% Rollout 2x27-32% | ||
Elekid Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Elekid builds →Thunder 4x109-129%KO Thunder Punch 4x77-91% | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x72-86% Thunder Shock 4x31-38% Rollout 2x10-13% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Magnemite builds →Thunder 4x141-166%KO Thunder Shock 4x54-64% Rollout 2x9-11% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | C | |
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x61-72% Thunder Punch 4x33-39% Rock Throw 2x40-48% Rollout 2x27-32% | ||
Elekid Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Elekid builds →Thunder 4x109-129%KO Thunder Punch 4x77-91% | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x72-86% Thunder Shock 4x31-38% Rollout 2x10-13% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Magnemite builds →Thunder 4x141-166%KO Thunder Shock 4x54-64% Rollout 2x9-11% | ||
Shuckle BugRock | C | |
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x61-72% Thunder Punch 4x33-39% Rock Throw 2x40-48% Rollout 2x27-32% | ||
Elekid Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Elekid builds →Thunder 4x109-129%KO Thunder Punch 4x77-91% | ||
Pichu Electric | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 34 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Pichu builds →Thunder 4x72-86% Thunder Shock 4x31-38% Rollout 2x10-13% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Magnemite builds →Thunder 4x141-166%KO Thunder Shock 4x54-64% Rollout 2x9-11% | ||
In Crystal, Golem's Explosion hits Gyarados for 77-91%. Jolteon threatens a KO with Thunderbolt (129-152%).
Golem RockGround | A | |
Recommended Build ItemLeftovers Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Golem builds →Explosion77-91% Rapid Spin15-18% | ||
Jolteon Electric | A | |
Recommended Build ItemLeftovers Moves
Damage vs Gyarados View Jolteon builds →Thunderbolt 4x129-152%KO | ||
Crystal Evolution
Evolved from Magikarp. Gyarados is the final form in this two-stage line. A small partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are hatches fast. Attack grew the most through evolution (+115 over Magikarp), and Gyarados peaks at 540 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Crystal Gyarados Best Moveset
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Surf
- Hydro Pump
- Body Slam
- Hidden Power Flying
Recommended Teammates
Moves
TMs carry this one. Gyarados learns Hydro Pump and Surf naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Normal and Dark and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
How to Get Gyarados in Crystal
high spawn rates in early-game fishing spots across 6 locations. Gyarados's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Gyarados in Crystal
The path to Gyarados starts with Magikarp at Lv. 5-40 via fishing, surfing, and more encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch MagikarpBlackthorn CitySurfing on water Lv.5-19 City100%EarlyDark Cave - EastSurfing on water Lv.5-19 Cave100%EarlyDark Cave - WestSurfing on water Lv.5-19 Cave100%EarlyDragon's DenOld Rod Lv.10100%EarlyLake of RageOld Rod Lv.10 Water100%EarlyRoute 45Old Rod Lv.10 Route100%EarlyFuchsia CityOld Rod Lv.10 City100%EarlyFuchsia CitySurfing on water Lv.10-24 City100%EarlyRoute 43Surfing on water Lv.15-24 Route100%EarlyRoute 45Surfing on water Lv.15-24 Route100%EarlyDragon's DenSurfing on water Lv.10-1990%EarlyLake of RageSurfing on water Lv.10-19 Water90%EarlyBlackthorn CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyCherrygrove CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyCianwood CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyDark Cave - EastOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyDark Cave - WestOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyEcruteak CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyIlex ForestOld Rod Lv.10 Forest85%EarlyMt. Mortar - 1F SouthOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyMt. Mortar - 2FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyMt. Mortar - B1FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyMt. Silver - 2FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyMt. Silver - OutsideOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyNew Bark TownOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyOlivine CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyOlivine City - HarborOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyRoute 30Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 31Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 32Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 34Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 35Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 40Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 41Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 42Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 44Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRuins of Alph - OutsideOld Rod Lv.10 Ruins85%EarlySlowpoke Well - 1FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlySlowpoke Well - B1FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyUnion Cave - 1FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyUnion Cave - B1FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyUnion Cave - B2FOld Rod Lv.10 Cave85%EarlyViolet CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyWhirl Islands - 1FOld Rod Lv.10 Water85%EarlyWhirl Islands - B2FOld Rod Lv.10 Water85%EarlyWhirl Islands - B2F Inner CaveOld Rod Lv.10 Water85%EarlyCerulean CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyCinnabar Island - GymOld Rod Lv.10 Water85%EarlyPallet TownOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyRoute 10Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 12Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 13Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 19Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 20Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 21Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 22Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 24Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 25Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 26Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 27Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 28Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 6Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyRoute 9Old Rod Lv.10 Route85%EarlyVermilion City - CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyVermilion City - HarborOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyViridian CityOld Rod Lv.10 City85%EarlyDragon's DenGood Rod Lv.2090%MidLake of RageGood Rod Lv.20 Water90%MidRoute 45Good Rod Lv.20 Route90%MidFuchsia CityGood Rod Lv.20 City90%MidBlackthorn CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidCherrygrove CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidCianwood CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidDark Cave - EastGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidDark Cave - WestGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidEcruteak CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidIlex ForestGood Rod Lv.20 Forest35%MidMt. Mortar - 1F SouthGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidMt. Mortar - 2FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidMt. Mortar - B1FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidMt. Silver - 2FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidMt. Silver - OutsideGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidNew Bark TownGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidOlivine CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidOlivine City - HarborGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidRoute 30Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 31Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 32Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 34Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 35Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 40Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 41Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 42Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 44Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRuins of Alph - OutsideGood Rod Lv.20 Ruins35%MidSlowpoke Well - 1FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidSlowpoke Well - B1FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidUnion Cave - 1FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidUnion Cave - B1FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidUnion Cave - B2FGood Rod Lv.20 Cave35%MidViolet CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidWhirl Islands - 1FGood Rod Lv.20 Water35%MidWhirl Islands - B2FGood Rod Lv.20 Water35%MidWhirl Islands - B2F Inner CaveGood Rod Lv.20 Water35%MidCerulean CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidCinnabar Island - GymGood Rod Lv.20 Water35%MidPallet TownGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidRoute 10Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 12Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 13Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 19Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 20Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 21Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 22Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 24Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 25Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 26Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 27Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 28Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 6Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidRoute 9Good Rod Lv.20 Route35%MidVermilion City - CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidVermilion City - HarborGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidViridian CityGood Rod Lv.20 City35%MidLake of RageSuper Rod Lv.40 Water70%LateFuchsia CitySuper Rod Lv.40 City70%LateDragon's DenSuper Rod Lv.4060%LateRoute 45Super Rod Lv.40 Route60%LateBlackthorn CitySuper Rod Lv.40 City20%LateDark Cave - EastSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateDark Cave - WestSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateEcruteak CitySuper Rod Lv.40 City20%LateIlex ForestSuper Rod Lv.40 Forest20%LateMt. Mortar - 1F SouthSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateMt. Mortar - 2FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateMt. Mortar - B1FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateMt. Silver - 2FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateMt. Silver - OutsideSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateRoute 30Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 31Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 32Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 35Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 42Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 44Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRuins of Alph - OutsideSuper Rod Lv.40 Ruins20%LateSlowpoke Well - 1FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateSlowpoke Well - B1FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateUnion Cave - 1FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateUnion Cave - B1FSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave20%LateViolet CitySuper Rod Lv.40 City20%LateRoute 10Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 12Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 13Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 22Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 24Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 25Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 28Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 6Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateRoute 9Super Rod Lv.40 Route20%LateViridian CitySuper Rod Lv.40 City20%Late
Step 2Gyarados ✓Lake of RageSurfing on water Lv.15-19 Water10%EarlyLake of RageGood Rod Lv.20 Water10%MidFuchsia CityGood Rod Lv.20 City10%MidLake of RageInteract with Pokemon Lv.30 WaterLimitedMidLake of RageSuper Rod Lv.40 Water30%LateFuchsia CitySuper Rod Lv.40 City30%Lateor evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)
Gyarados Guide
For Crystal, we rate Gyarados C-Tier: a niche pick in Crystal's meta. At 540 BST, it fits the wallbreaker role. Surf with Leftovers is the standard set.
Mega Evolution isn't available in Crystal, but Gyarados does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Gyarados hits 640 BST.
Base 81 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Gyarados is a mixed attacker with base 125 Attack and 60 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.
In Crystal, the best way to handle Gyarados: Status moves (Toxic, Will-O-Wisp) wear it down. Setup sweepers can use it as a boost opportunity. Special attackers bypass its physical bulk.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Gyarados has appeared in 22 titles over 10 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen 2GS

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORASMega

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves
