In Sword & Shield, Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as a wallbreaker. Waterfall with Leftovers is the standard set.

Does Gyarados mega evolve?

Mega Evolution isn't available in Sword & Shield, but Gyarados does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Gyarados hits 640 BST.

What is Gyarados weak to?

In Sword & Shield, Gyarados's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Jolteon is the most dangerous since Electric moves deal 4x damage. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

What is the best ability for Gyarados?

Intimidate is what you want on Gyarados. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Moxie) work on paper but Intimidate is what makes Gyarados worth using. Intimidate synergizes with Gyarados's base 100 Sp.Def, letting it soak special attacks as a pivot.

What role does Gyarados play in battle?

Base 81 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Gyarados is a physical attacker with base 125 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.

Gyarados - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Physical

Wallbreaker

BTier

81Speed · Above Avg

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 EVs. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.

Base Stats

High

HP95

Attack125

Defense79

Sp. Atk60

Sp. Def100

Speed81

Total540

Details

Catch Rate

Challenging45 / 255

Growth Rate

Slow1.25M XP

Height6.5 m

Weight235.0 kg

Base XP189

Abilities

IntimidateNiche

Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.

MoxieHATop Pick

Raises Attack one stage upon KOing a Pokémon.

EV Yield

HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe

Attack training target

Pokedex Entries

It has an extremely aggressive nature. The Hyper Beam it shoots from its mouth totally incinerates all targets.

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.

Gyarados Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
4x (Critical)	Electric
2x (Weak)	Rock
0.5x (Resist)	Fire, Water, Fighting, Bug, Steel
0x (Immune)	Ground

Type ChartExcellent

2Weak

5Resist

1Immune

Score+2

4xCritical

Electric

2xWeak

Rock

½xResist

Fire Water Fighting Bug Steel

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

Ground

STAB (6)

Fire Ground Rock Grass Fighting Bug

How to Beat Gyarados in Sword & Shield (Best Counters)

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves DischargeLv. 45 Rock SlideTM22 Rock TombTM48 ElectrowebTM82 Damage vs Gyarados Discharge 4x 93-110%KO Rock Slide 2x 30-35% Rock Tomb 2x 24-29% Electroweb 4x 65-77% View Stunfisk builds →
Morpeko ElectricDark	A
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 30 ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 74-88% Spark 4x 102-121%KO Electroweb 4x 59-70% Thunder Shock 4x 43-51% View Morpeko builds →
Boltund Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Wild ChargeLv. 48 Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 NuzzleLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Wild Charge 4x 137-161%KO Volt Switch 4x 90-106%KO Spark 4x 99-117%KO Nuzzle 4x 34-40% View Boltund builds →
Manectric Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Wild ChargeLv. 48 DischargeLv. 36 Volt SwitchTM80 Thunder FangLv. 24 Damage vs Gyarados Wild Charge 4x 118-139%KO Discharge 4x 115-135%KO Volt Switch 4x 99-117%KO Thunder Fang 4x 87-102%KO View Manectric builds →
Galvantula BugElectric	C
Available Moves Moves DischargeLv. 39 Volt SwitchTM80 ElectrowebTM82 Damage vs Gyarados Discharge 4x 109-128%KO Volt Switch 4x 93-110%KO Electroweb 4x 74-88% View Galvantula builds →

Sword & Shield Evolution

Evolved from Magikarp. Gyarados is the final form in this two-stage line. Plenty of partners 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

2 Forms

#129Magikarp

Level 20

#130Gyarados

Stat Comparison 2 Stages

Magikarp

Water

Gyarados

WaterFlying

95+75

ATK

125+115

DEF

79+24

SP.ATK

60+45

SP.DEF

100+80

SPE

81+1

BST

200D-Tier

540A-Tier+340

ROLE

Balanced

Wallbreaker

TYPE

Utility

Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Gyarados to get Magikarp eggs easily using 63 partners from the Dragon and Water2 egg groups.

Egg Groups

DragonWater2

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

5 cycles·1,285 steps

Fast~1 min with Flame Body

Breed With (best first)

Sword & Shield Gyarados Best Moveset

Find one free turn for Dragon Dance and Gyarados can run through teams. Adamant nature leans physical, Moxie supports the sweep, and double STAB stops anything from walling it cleanly.

Best Build

Experimental

Ability

Moxie

Item

LeftoversSUSTAIN

Best Nature for Gyarados

Adamant+ATK

Gyarados best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Atk

SpD

Spe

Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset

WaterfallSTAB
Dragon Dance
BounceSTAB
Ice Fang

Recommended Teammates

KrookodileDecent

SalamenceDecent

CobalionDecent

Moves

Hard to wall, honestly. Gyarados threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Dark and Normal standing out. Pair that with Hydro Pump and Hurricane and switchins need to think twice.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Bite

C6010025Dark

Lv 1

Flail

D—10015Normal

Lv 1

Leer

D—10030Normal

Lv 1

Splash

D——40Normal

Lv 1

Tackle

D4010035Normal

Lv 1

Twister

D4010020Dragon

Lv 4

Whirlpool

D358515Water

Lv 8

Ice Fang

A659515Ice

Lv 12

Brine

D6510010Water

Lv 16

Scary Face

——10010Normal

Lv 21

Waterfall

S8010015Water

Lv 24

Crunch

A8010015Dark

Lv 28

Rain Dance

C——5Water

Lv 32

Aqua Tail

B909010Water

Lv 36

Dragon Dance

S——20Dragon

Lv 40

Hydro Pump

C110805Water

Lv 44

Hurricane

C1107010Flying

Lv 48

Thrash

B12010010Normal

Lv 52

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TM Moves

TM31

Attract

C—10015Normal

TM64

Avalanche-4

C6010010Ice

TR06

Blizzard

D110705Ice

TR01

Body Slam

C8510015Normal

TM52

Bounce

A85855Flying

TM55

Brine

D6510010Water

TM97

Brutal Swing

C6010020Dark

TM81

Bulldoze

C6010020Ground

TR32

Crunch

A8010015Dark

TR58

Dark Pulse

D8010015Dark

TM45

Dive

B8010010Water

TR51

Dragon Dance

S——20Dragon

TR62

Dragon Pulse

D8510010Dragon

TR10

Earthquake

S10010010Ground

TR26

Endure+4

C——10Normal

TM39

Facade

C7010020Normal

TR15

Fire Blast

D110855Fire

TR02

Flamethrower

D9010015Fire

TM09

Giga Impact

B150905Normal

TM35

Hail

C——10Ice

TR89

Hurricane

C1107010Flying

TR03

Hydro Pump

C110805Water

TM08

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TR05

Ice Beam

D9010010Ice

TM67

Ice Fang

A659515Ice

TM27

Icy Wind

D559515Ice

TR74

Iron Head

B8010015Steel

TR31

Iron Tail

C1007515Steel

TR45

Muddy Water

C908510Water

TR24

Outrage

B12010010Dragon

TM57

Payback

C5010010Dark

TR72

Power Whip

B1208510Grass

TM25

Protect+4

A——10Normal

TM33

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM21

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM76

Round

D6010015Normal

TM32

Sandstorm

D——10Rock

TR84

Scald

C8010015Water

TM26

Scary Face

——10010Normal

TR27

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM24

Snore

—5010015Normal

TR75

Stone Edge

C100805Rock

TR20

Substitute

C——10Normal

TR04

Surf

C9010015Water

TR37

Taunt

B—10020Dark

TR09

Thunder

D1107010Electric

TM14

Thunder Wave

C—9020Electric

TR08

Thunderbolt

D9010015Electric

TR35

Uproar

D9010010Normal

TR16

Waterfall

S8010015Water

TM36

Whirlpool

D358515Water

Egg Moves

Gyarados doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut

Tutor

Lash Out

C751005Dark

Tutor

Scale Shot

D259020Dragon

How to Get Gyarados in Sword & Shield

Gyarados starts showing up in mid-game water routes at decent spawn rates across 114 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.

Where To Catch Gyarados in Sword & Shield

Magikarp is your first catch on the way to Gyarados. You'll find surfing, fishing, and more encounters from Lv. 4-65 across 220 total spots in the chain.

Step 1Catch Magikarp
Route 2
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.4-6 Route
80%Early
Route 2
SwordSuper Rod Lv.4-6 Route
80%Early
Route 4
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.13-15 Route
70%Early
Route 4
SwordSuper Rod Lv.13-15 Route
70%Early
North Lake Miloch
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.14-16 Water
58%Early
North Lake Miloch
SwordSuper Rod Lv.14-16 Water
58%Early
Motostoke
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.7-11
50%Early
Motostoke
SwordSuper Rod Lv.7-11
50%Early
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.7-11 Cave
50%Early
West Lake Axewell
SwordSuper Rod Lv.7-11 Cave
50%Early
East Lake Axewell
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.8-12 Cave
50%Early
East Lake Axewell
SwordSuper Rod Lv.8-12 Cave
50%Early
South Lake Miloch
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.11-13 Water
50%Early
South Lake Miloch
SwordSuper Rod Lv.11-13 Water
50%Early
Challenge Beach
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Water
50%Early
Challenge Beach
SwordSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Water
50%Early
Fields of Honor
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.13-18
50%Early
Fields of Honor
SwordSuper Rod Lv.13-18
50%Early
Soothing Wetlands
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Swamp
50%Early
Soothing Wetlands
SwordSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Swamp
50%Early
Forest of Focus
SwordSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Forest
40%Early
Forest of Focus
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Forest
40%Early
South Lake Miloch
ShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water
25%Early
Raining
South Lake Miloch
SwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Water
25%Early
Raining
Route 5
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.16-18 Route
70%Mid
Route 5
SwordSuper Rod Lv.16-18 Route
70%Mid
Route 6
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.28-30 Route
70%Mid
Route 6
SwordSuper Rod Lv.28-30 Route
70%Mid
Courageous Cavern
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.16-21 Cave
50%Mid
Courageous Cavern
SwordSuper Rod Lv.16-21 Cave
50%Mid
Training Lowlands
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.16-21
50%Mid
Training Lowlands
SwordSuper Rod Lv.16-21
50%Mid
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.19-24
50%Mid
Loop Lagoon
SwordSuper Rod Lv.19-24
50%Mid
Bridge Field
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-28
30%Mid
Bridge Field
SwordSuper Rod Lv.26-28
30%Mid
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
60%Late
Heavy Fog
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
60%Late
Intense Sun
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
60%Late
Intense Sun
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
60%Late
Sandstorm
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
60%Late
Sandstorm
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
60%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Honeycalm Island
SwordSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Insular Sea
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Insular Sea
SwordSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
60%Late
Axew's Eye
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.35-40
50%Late
Axew's Eye
SwordSuper Rod Lv.35-40
50%Late
Route 2 - High Level
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.37-40 Route
50%Late
Route 2 - High Level
SwordSuper Rod Lv.37-40 Route
50%Late
Workout Sea
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
50%Late
Workout Sea
SwordSuper Rod Lv.43-48 Water
50%Late
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
25%Late
Thunderstorm
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
25%Late
Thunderstorm
Slumbering Weald
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.45-47 Forest
20%Late
Slumbering Weald
SwordSuper Rod Lv.45-47 Forest
20%Late
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
15%Late
Snowstorm
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
15%Late
Snowstorm
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
10%Late
Overcast
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
10%Late
Overcast
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
10%Late
Snowing
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
10%Late
Snowing
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
5%Late
Normal Weather
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
5%Late
Normal Weather
West Lake Axewell
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
5%Late
Raining
West Lake Axewell
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Cave
5%Late
Raining
Snowslide Slope
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Ice
45%Post
Snowslide Slope
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Ice
45%Post
Frigid Sea
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Water
30%Post
Frigid Sea
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Water
30%Post
Ballimere Lake
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Normal Weather
Ballimere Lake
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Normal Weather
Ballimere Lake
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Thunderstorm
Ballimere Lake
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Thunderstorm
Ballimere Lake
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Intense Sun
Ballimere Lake
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Intense Sun
Ballimere Lake
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Raining
Ballimere Lake
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Raining
Ballimere Lake
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Overcast
Ballimere Lake
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
27%Post
Overcast
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Thunderstorm
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Thunderstorm
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Intense Sun
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Intense Sun
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Raining
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Raining
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Heavy Fog
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Heavy Fog
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Overcast
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Overcast
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Normal Weather
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
25%Post
Normal Weather
Ballimere Lake
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
20%Post
Snowing
Ballimere Lake
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Water
20%Post
Snowing
Giant's Bed
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65
20%Post
Giant's Bed
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65
20%Post
Giant's Foot
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65
20%Post
Giant's Foot
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65
20%Post
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
20%Post
Snowstorm
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
20%Post
Snowstorm
Roaring-Sea Caves
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
20%Post
Snowing
Roaring-Sea Caves
SwordSurfing on water Lv.60-65 Cave
20%Post
Snowing
Train until Level 20
Step 2Gyarados ✓
Giant's Seat
SwordSuper Rod Lv.30-35 Water
10%Mid
Giant's Seat
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.30-35 Water
10%Mid
Bridge Field
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-28
5%Mid
Bridge Field
SwordSuper Rod Lv.26-28
5%Mid
Giant's Cap
SwordSuper Rod Lv.26-28
5%Mid
Giant's Cap
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-28
5%Mid
Giant's Mirror
SwordSuper Rod Lv.26-28
5%Mid
Giant's Mirror
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-28
5%Mid
Axew's Eye
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.35-40
5%Late
Axew's Eye
SwordSuper Rod Lv.35-40
5%Late
Dusty Bowl
SwordSuper Rod Lv.40-45
5%Late
Dusty Bowl
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.40-45
5%Late
Route 2
SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Route
2%Late
All Weather
Route 2
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Route
2%Late
All Weather
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Heavy Fog
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Overcast
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Normal Weather
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Intense Sun
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowstorm
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Snowing
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Sandstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Thunderstorm
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
1%Late
Raining
Frigid Sea
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Water
15%Post
Frigid Sea
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Water
15%Post
Giant's Bed
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65
15%Post
Giant's Bed
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65
15%Post
Giant's Foot
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65
15%Post
Giant's Foot
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65
15%Post
Snowslide Slope
SwordSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Ice
15%Post
Snowslide Slope
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.60-65 Ice
15%Post
Lake of Outrage
SwordSuper Rod Lv.50-52 Water
5%Post
Lake of Outrage
ShieldSuper Rod Lv.50-52 Water
5%Post
or evolve from Magikarp (Step 1)

Gyarados Guide

In Sword & Shield, Intimidate changes the entire equation for Gyarados. The 540 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as a wallbreaker. Waterfall with Leftovers is the standard set.
Mega Evolution isn't available in Sword & Shield, but Gyarados does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Gyarados hits 640 BST.
In Sword & Shield, Gyarados's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Jolteon is the most dangerous since Electric moves deal 4x damage. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Intimidate is what you want on Gyarados. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Moxie) work on paper but Intimidate is what makes Gyarados worth using. Intimidate synergizes with Gyarados's base 100 Sp.Def, letting it soak special attacks as a pivot.
Base 81 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Gyarados is a physical attacker with base 125 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.

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

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Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Move Moves Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Thunder Shock 4x 54-65% View Stunfisk builds →
Pikachu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 Thunder ShockLv. 1 NuzzleLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 69-81% Spark 4x 82-97% Thunder Shock 4x 41-49% Nuzzle 4x 34-41% View Pikachu builds →
Joltik BugElectric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 ElectrowebLv. 4 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 76-89% Electroweb 4x 61-73% View Joltik builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 Shock WaveLv. 16 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 82-97% Shock Wave 4x 69-81% View Electrike builds →
Yamper Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 NuzzleLv. 5 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 61-73% Spark 4x 69-81% Nuzzle 4x 27-32% View Yamper builds →

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Electroweb 4x 70-83% Thunder Shock 4x 52-62% View Stunfisk builds →
Pikachu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 64-76% Spark 4x 70-83% Electroweb 4x 52-62% Thunder Shock 4x 40-48% View Pikachu builds →
Joltik BugElectric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 ElectrowebTM82 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 70-83% Electroweb 4x 52-62% View Joltik builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 Thunder FangLv. 24 Shock WaveLv. 16 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 76-90% Thunder Fang 4x 64-76% Shock Wave 4x 64-76% View Electrike builds →
Yamper Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 NuzzleLv. 5 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 52-62% Spark 4x 64-76% Nuzzle 4x 23-28% View Yamper builds →

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Electroweb 4x 69-81% Thunder Shock 4x 53-63% View Stunfisk builds →
Pikachu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 64-75% Spark 4x 69-81% Electroweb 4x 47-56% Thunder Shock 4x 36-44% View Pikachu builds →
Joltik BugElectric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 ElectrowebTM82 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 69-81% Electroweb 4x 53-63% View Joltik builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 Thunder FangLv. 24 Shock WaveLv. 16 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 74-88% Thunder Fang 4x 64-75% Shock Wave 4x 64-75% View Electrike builds →
Yamper Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 NuzzleLv. 5 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 53-63% Spark 4x 64-75% Nuzzle 4x 26-31% View Yamper builds →

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Electroweb 4x 65-77% Thunder Shock 4x 49-58% View Stunfisk builds →
Boltund Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 NuzzleLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 90-106%KO Spark 4x 98-115%KO Nuzzle 4x 36-43% View Boltund builds →
Manectric Electric	C
Available Moves Moves DischargeLv. 36 Volt SwitchTM80 Thunder FangLv. 24 Shock WaveLv. 16 Damage vs Gyarados Discharge 4x 114-134%KO Volt Switch 4x 102-120%KO Thunder Fang 4x 86-101%KO Shock Wave 4x 86-101%KO View Manectric builds →
Charjabug BugElectric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 23 ElectrowebTM82 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 65-77% Spark 4x 94-110%KO Electroweb 4x 53-62% View Charjabug builds →
Pikachu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltLv. 36 DischargeLv. 32 Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 77-91% Discharge 4x 69-82% Volt Switch 4x 61-72% Spark 4x 69-82% View Pikachu builds →

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Electroweb 4x 66-78% Thunder Shock 4x 50-60% View Stunfisk builds →
Boltund Electric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 NuzzleLv. 1 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 89-105%KO Spark 4x 101-119%KO Nuzzle 4x 34-41% View Boltund builds →
Manectric Electric	C
Available Moves Moves DischargeLv. 36 Volt SwitchTM80 Thunder FangLv. 24 Shock WaveLv. 16 Damage vs Gyarados Discharge 4x 117-137%KO Volt Switch 4x 101-119%KO Thunder Fang 4x 89-105%KO Shock Wave 4x 89-105%KO View Manectric builds →
Charjabug BugElectric	C
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 23 ElectrowebTM82 Damage vs Gyarados Volt Switch 4x 66-78% Spark 4x 93-110%KO Electroweb 4x 50-60% View Charjabug builds →
Pikachu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltLv. 36 DischargeLv. 32 Volt SwitchTM80 SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Gyarados Thunderbolt 4x 73-87% Discharge 4x 66-78% Volt Switch 4x 58-69% Spark 4x 69-82% View Pikachu builds →

HippowdonThreatens with Stealth Rock, walls physical sets Ground	A
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves Slack Off EarthquakeSTAB Stealth Rock ToxicUtility View Hippowdon builds →
ToxapexResists Water, recovers HP on switch via Regenerator, burns with Scald PoisonWater	A
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemBlack Sludge NatureBold Moves RecoverRecovery ScaldSTAB ToxicUtility HazeUtility Damage vs Gyarados Scald 8-9% View Toxapex builds →
Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemLeftovers NatureCalm Moves Stealth Rock Foul Play Earth Power ToxicUtility View Stunfisk builds →
Rhyperior GroundRock	B
Recommended Build AbilitySolidrock ItemRocky Helmet NatureRelaxed Moves EarthquakeSTAB Stone Edge Ice Punch Stealth Rock Damage vs Gyarados Stone Edge 2x 107-126%KO View Rhyperior builds →
Rotom ElectricGhost	C
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemAssault Vest NatureTimid Moves Dark Pulse DischargeSTAB HexSTAB Nasty Plot Damage vs Gyarados Dark Pulse 21-25% Discharge 4x 128-150%KO Hex 26-31% View Rotom builds →