Magikarp is steadfast as ever, appearing faithfully across the Paldean waters ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet—a fish ready to flip-flop uselessly until it evolves into something quite the opposite: the terrifying, water dragon-like Pokemon Gyarados. Magikarp’s is an old story of miraculous wonder.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The 12 Strongest Pokemon in the Paldea Pokedex (& Where to Find Them)
How to Evolve Magikarp into Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Yet, Magikarp’s evolution is nothing special either, not likeothers that evolve through Friendship, for example. Magikarp gains experience—but only the residual sort of experience Pokemon can get throughScarlet and Violet’s automaticExp. Share functionality, which had been upgraded from being a Key Item that lent the ability in Generation 7’sSun and Moon. But since Generation 8’sSword and Shield, Pokemon have been automatically tuning into battles and gaining XP just by watching.
Eventually,Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20.
Another option is to simply feed Magikarp an abundance ofExp. Candies, if there happens to be one lying around—or even Rare Candies to make the process lightning fast. Otherwise, Magikarp may be of some use in battle once it learns Tackle at level 15.
Where to Find Magikarp and How to Raise a Powerful Gyarados
Trainers look forward to one day having a strong Gyarados, and, for some, it may be worthconsidering what exactly they want in their Magikarp.
First of all, Magikarp can be found basically anywhere there’s water inPokemon Scarlet and Violet. For sharp-eyed trainers, there are even higher chances of finding a shiny Magikarp, which, with the right nature, could be quite the treasure. Wild Gyarados, meanwhile, can be found in the waters of Paldea’s outskirts—in the oceans.
Gyarados' best nature is Adamant, which means it will experience a beneficial 10% boost to its attack stat—its highest base stat of all. If players want to raise a Magikarp into a Gyarados, then it would be best to hunt for one with an Adamant nature and level it up to 20. Then, when it evolves into Gyarados, it will be particularly effective in battle when it comes to its best strength—that of brute force.
Consider also that some of Gyarados' best moves will bephysical moves rather than special moves—for later in its development. Unlike Magikarp’s move pool, Gyarados will learn massively powerful moves such as Giga Impact or the dragon-type move, Outrage.
