Physical
Balanced
80Speed · Above Avg

Stats & Training

Magikarp's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, Attack trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Speed EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.

Base Stats
Below
HP20
F
Attack10
F
Defense55
D
Sp. Atk15
F
Sp. Def20
F
Speed80
C
Total200
Details
Catch Rate
Guaranteed255 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height0.9 m
Weight10.0 kg
Base XP40
Abilities
Swift SwimTop Pick
Doubles Speed during rain.
RattledHANiche
Raises Speed one stage upon being hit by a dark, ghost, or bug move.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entries

It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.

Magikarp Weakness

Electric and Grass moves hit Magikarp for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Magikarp's physical bulk (base 55 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.

Magikarp Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Electric, Grass
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Steel
Type ChartGood
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None
How to Beat Magikarp in Sword & Shield (Best Counters)
Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn
GrassSteel
A
Available Moves
Moves
  • Power WhipLv. 1
  • Solar BeamTM11
Damage vs Magikarp
Power Whip 2x
218-258%KO
Solar Beam 2x
258-303%KO
View Ferrothorn builds →

Sword & Shield Evolution

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. Plenty of partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are hatches fast. The evolved forms gain up to 340 total stats over Magikarp. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Magikarp
Water
Gyarados
WaterFlying
HP
20
95+75
ATK
10
125+115
DEF
55
79+24
SP.ATK
15
60+45
SP.DEF
20
100+80
SPE
80
81+1
BST
200D-Tier
540A-Tier+340
ROLE
Balanced
Wallbreaker
TYPE
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Magikarp easily with 63 breeding 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)
gyaradoscharizardkingdrasceptileflygonmiloticnoivernaltariascraftydragalgeheliolisksalazzle

Sword & Shield Magikarp Best Moveset

The special wall spread is where Magikarp earns its spot. Eviolite for a bulk boost that only works before full evolution, Careful nature for the right lean, and the moveset handles sustain. Swiftswim does the rest without needing a move slot.

Best Build

Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
EvioliteBULK
Best Nature for Magikarp

Magikarp best EVs are Defense and Sp. Def

EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • SplashUtility
  • Unknown
  • CelebrateUtility
  • Happy Hour

Moves

Magikarp's options are limited here. You've got Hydro Pump for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Water hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Splash
S40Normal
Lv 15
Tackle
B4010035Normal
Lv 25
Flail
B10015Normal

TM Moves

TM
TM52
Bounce
B85855Flying
TR03
Hydro Pump
B110805Water

Egg Moves

Magikarp doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Magikarp can't learn any Tutor moves

Sword & Shield Magikarp Locations

Easy grab on Magikarp with high spawn rates across 106 locations in early-game fishing spots. Multiple catch methods are available, so check which ones match your setup. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.

Best Locations to Catch Magikarp in Sword & Shield

Before you go hunting for Magikarp, check which of the 106 spots belong to your version. Shield and Sword each have different fishing, surfing, and more encounters at Lv. 4-65.

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

Magikarp Guide

  • Get Magikarp to Gyarados at level 20. At 200 BST, Magikarp is just the starting point.

  • Level 20 gets you Gyarados. Quick enough that Magikarp barely slows you down.

  • In Sword & Shield, Magikarp does the job early-game if you need a Water type on your team. Evolve it into Gyarados before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.

  • You can find Magikarp in Sword & Shield. The Locations section has the full breakdown of routes and encounter details. It also appears in 21 other games across the series.

Game Availability

Magikarp has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.

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