The Magikarp, known as the weakest Pokémon in the game, is often overlooked by trainers. However, with the right strategy, it can be evolved into a powerful Gyarados. Evolving a Magikarp requires a significant amount of patience and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to evolve a Magikarp in Pokémon Go.
The most important requirement for evolving a Magikarp is to catch enough of them to collect 400 Magikarp candies. This can be a time-consuming process, as Magikarp are not particularly common Pokémon. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding them. First, try fishing in areas where water Pokémon are common. Second, use a Lure Module at a PokéStop near a body of water to attract Magikarp and other water Pokémon. Finally, participate in raids that feature Magikarp as a boss. Once you have collected 400 Magikarp candies, you can evolve your Magikarp into a Gyarados by selecting the “Evolve” option in the Pokémon’s menu.
Understanding Magikarp’s Evolutionary Process
Magikarp, the iconic fish Pokémon known for its lackluster abilities, undergoes a remarkable transformation when it evolves into the majestic Gyarados. This evolutionary process is unique and requires a specific set of conditions to be met.
### Appearance and Physical Changes
In its initial form, Magikarp resembles a flabby, orange-scaled fish with wide eyes and a perpetually surprised expression. Its fins are underdeveloped and barely allow it to move through water. However, upon evolving into Gyarados, Magikarp undergoes a dramatic transformation.
| Pre-Evolution | Post-Evolution | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 0.9 meters | 6.5 meters |
| Weight | 10.0 kg | 235.0 kg |
| Color | Orange | Blue |
| Type | Water | Water/Flying |
Gyarados emerges as a formidable serpent-like creature with a long, slender body and powerful fins. Its scales turn a deep blue, and its eyes become glowing red orbs. Gyarados’s dorsal fin extends into a majestic crest that flows in the wind as it soars through the air.
### Abilities and Combat Prowess
The transformation from Magikarp to Gyarados not only alters its physical appearance but also grants it immense power. Magikarp’s feeble Splash attack gives way to Gyarados’s devastating Hyper Beam, a powerful energy blast that can decimate opponents in a single strike. Gyarados’s Intimidate ability lowers the opponents’ Attack stat, while its Dragon Dance technique increases its own Attack and Speed.
In its evolved form, Gyarados becomes a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of crushing foes with its brute strength and overwhelming attacks.
Acquiring Magikarp Candy
Obtaining Magikarp Candy is essential for evolving this Pokémon. Several methods can be employed to acquire candy:
Catching Magikarp
Catching Magikarp is the primary method of obtaining candy. This Pokémon is commonly found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Using Berries and Curveballs can increase the chances of capturing Magikarp.
Once caught, transferring Magikarp to Professor Willow will yield additional candy. This is a useful strategy for eliminating low-quality Magikarp while gaining candy.
Walking with Magikarp
As your Buddy Pokémon, Magikarp will earn candy as you walk. Each kilometer traveled will yield one Magikarp Candy. Hatching Magikarp from eggs can also provide candy, with 5 kilometers granting three candies and 10 kilometers yielding five.
Using Rare Candies
Rare Candies are a versatile resource that can be used to evolve any Pokémon. They can be earned through Raid Battles, Research Breakthroughs, and other gameplay rewards. Each Rare Candy grants one Magikarp Candy.
The following table summarizes the candy acquisition methods for Magikarp:
| Method | Candy Earned |
|---|---|
| Catching Magikarp | 3 per capture |
| Transferring Magikarp | 1 per transfer |
| Walking with Magikarp | 1 per kilometer |
| Hatching Magikarp Eggs | 3 for 5km eggs, 5 for 10km eggs |
| Using Rare Candies | 1 per Rare Candy |
Utilizing Lucky Eggs for Candy Accumulation
Lucky Eggs are an exceptional in-game item that doubles the amount of experience points (XP) earned for a 30-minute period. This includes XP gained from catching Pokémon, evolving Pokémon, and hatching Eggs. By using Lucky Eggs strategically during candy accumulation, players can significantly reduce the time and effort required to evolve Magikarp.
Optimizing Candy Farming Routes
Players seeking to maximize candy accumulation efficiency should identify areas with high Magikarp spawn rates. This can be achieved through research and community resources, such as local Pokémon GO groups or online maps. Once these hotspots are identified, Lucky Eggs can be activated before entering the areas, allowing for increased candy gains from every Magikarp caught.
Catching Magikarp during Events
Certain in-game events, such as the annual Water Festival, feature increased spawn rates for certain Pokémon types, including Water-type Pokémon like Magikarp. Durant these events, players can take advantage of the boosted spawn rates to accumulate candy at an accelerated pace. Additionally, these events often offer bonuses or rewards for catching Pokémon, further enhancing the effectiveness of Lucky Eggs.
Mass Evolving with Lucky Eggs
Once a substantial amount of Magikarp candy has been acquired, players can evolve multiple Magikarp simultaneously while a Lucky Egg is active. This maximizes the benefits of the XP boost, as each evolution grants a significant amount of XP. To further optimize this process, players can pre-select the Magikarp they wish to evolve and activate the Lucky Egg before initiating the evolutions. This ensures that the entire duration of the Egg’s XP boost is utilized effectively.
| Lucky Egg Usage Strategy | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Optimizing Candy Farming Routes | Increased candy gains per Magikarp caught |
| Catching Magikarp during Events | Boosted spawn rates and potential bonuses |
| Mass Evolving with Lucky Eggs | Maximized XP gains from multiple evolutions |
Maximizing Candy Acquisition through Raids and Gyms
Raids and gyms are excellent ways to acquire Magikarp candy. Raids often feature Magikarp as a raid boss, and defeating them rewards players with large amounts of candy. Additionally, participating in gym battles and defeating opposing Pokémon can earn players candy.
Choosing the Right Raids
For maximum candy acquisition, select raids with Magikarp as the raid boss. These raids can typically be identified by their blue or green egg timer icon. Additionally, raid groups often organize specifically for Magikarp raids, so seeking out these groups can increase the chances of encountering a Magikarp raid.
| Raid Level | Candy Reward |
|---|---|
| 1-Star Raid | 5-8 Candies |
| 3-Star Raid | 10-12 Candies |
| 5-Star Raid | 15-18 Candies |
Participating in Gym Battles
Battling at gyms can also yield Magikarp candy. When defeating opposing Pokémon at a gym, players receive candy for their own Pokémon. If the gym is controlled by the player’s team, they will earn a bonus amount of candy. Additionally, participating in raids at sponsored gyms or during special events can further increase candy rewards.
Leveraging Trainer Battles to Speed Up Evolution
Engaging in Trainer Battles presents an excellent opportunity to expedite Magikarp’s evolution. By participating in Friendly Battles, you can earn various rewards, including candies for your Magikarp. Additionally, if you successfully defeat your opponent’s Magikarp, you will receive additional candies. This method can significantly shorten the time required to gather the 400 candies necessary for evolution.
Additional Tips for Trainer Battles
- Prioritize Charged Attacks: When facing an opponent’s Magikarp, prioritize using charged attacks to deal maximum damage.
- Dodge Opponent’s Attacks: Swiftly avoid your opponent’s attacks to minimize damage and preserve your Magikarp’s health.
- Choose a Strong Companion Pokémon: Pair your Magikarp with a strong Pokémon that can quickly defeat the opposing Magikarp, allowing you to earn candies and progress towards evolution sooner.
- Utilize Lucky Eggs: Activate a Lucky Egg during Trainer Battles to earn double XP, which can accelerate your progress towards Trainer Level 20 and unlock the ability to trade Magikarp.
- Join a Raid Group: Participating in Raid Battles, especially ones featuring Magikarp, can reward you with valuable candies, further hastening the evolution process. Coordinate with a group of Trainers to increase your chances of defeating Raid Bosses and claiming bonuses.
Completing Research Tasks for Magikarp Encounters
You can complete various Field and Special Research tasks to earn rewards that include Magikarp encounters. Some of the specific tasks that you can complete to find Magikarp are:
- Catch 10 Water-type Pokémon
- Use 10 Water-type moves in Gym battles
- Win 5 raids
- Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts
- Evolve a Magikarp
- Catch a Magikarp
Catch a Magikarp
Magikarp can be found in a variety of water-rich locations, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. You can also find them near bodies of water in parks and other urban areas. Magikarp will likely spawn more frequently during events, so be sure to check the in-game events tab for any upcoming opportunities to catch this Pokémon.
Here are some specific tips for finding Magikarp:
- Use a Lure Module or Incense to attract more Pokémon to your location.
- Play near bodies of water during the day, as this is when Magikarp are most likely to spawn.
- Use a scanner or tracking app to help you find Magikarp locations.
- Exclusive Move: Magikarp evolved during the event learns a special move that is not available through normal evolution.
- Increased Candy Drop Rate: Candy rewards for catching and transferring Magikarp are significantly boosted.
- Reduced Evolution Cost: The candy cost to evolve Magikarp is temporarily reduced by 50%, making it easier to evolve multiple Magikarp during the event.
- Shiny Rate Increase: Shiny Magikarp have a higher chance of appearing during Community Day events.
- Community-wide Bonuses: Players participating in Community Day events may receive additional bonuses such as increased Stardust rewards for catching Pokémon or bonus experience for completing raids.
- Exclusive Event Tasks: Special research tasks are often available during Community Day events, rewarding players with items or encounters that can help in evolving Magikarp.
- Trading Bonus: Players can participate in the special "Magikarp & Gyarados Trading Bonus," which allows them to trade any Magikarp or Gyarados at a reduced Stardust cost and guaranteed Lucky status.
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Water-type Pokémon | 1000 Stardust |
| Use 10 Water-type moves in Gym battles | 2000 Stardust |
| Win 5 raids | 3000 Stardust |
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 4000 Stardust |
| Evolve a Magikarp | 10 Magikarp Candy |
| Catch a Magikarp | 400 Stardust |
Participating in Community Day Events for Exclusive Bonuses
Community Day events in Pokémon GO offer unique bonuses for evolving Magikarp, including:
| Bonus | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Exclusive Move | Unique, powerful move for Gyarados |
| Increased Candy Drop Rate | Faster candy accumulation for evolution |
| Reduced Evolution Cost | Easier to evolve multiple Magikarp |
| Shiny Rate Increase | Higher chances of obtaining a Shiny Magikarp |
| Community-wide Bonuses | Enhanced rewards and bonuses for all players |
| Exclusive Event Tasks | Access to special items and encounters |
| Trading Bonus | Reduced trading costs and guaranteed Lucky status |
Exploiting Transfer Techniques for Candy Optimization
When it comes to evolving Magikarp, maximizing your candy gains is crucial. One effective technique involves strategically transferring Magikarp with different CP values, leading to significant candy optimization.
The following table summarizes the candy yields based on Magikarp’s CP:
| CP | Candy Yield |
|---|---|
| 10-49 | 1 Candy |
| 50-99 | 2 Candies |
| 100-149 | 3 Candies |
| 150-199 | 4 Candies |
| 200-249 | 5 Candies |
| 250-299 | 6 Candies |
| 300+ | 7 Candies |
By strategically transferring Magikarp with higher CP values, you can significantly increase your candy yield. For instance, if you transfer a Magikarp with 300 CP, you’ll receive 7 candies, which is a substantial gain compared to transferring a Magikarp with 10 CP and only getting 1 candy.
To further optimize your candy gains, consider transferring multiple Magikarp at once. The total candy yield remains the same, but you’ll save on time and effort by transferring them in bulk.
Choosing the Ideal Magikarp for Evolution
Selecting the perfect Magikarp for evolution is crucial to obtaining a powerful Gyarados. Consider the following factors:
Stats and IVs
Magikarp’s stats are Attack, Defense, and Stamina. A high Attack stat is essential for Gyarados’s offensive prowess, while Defense and Stamina determine its survivability. Individual Values (IVs) are hidden numbers that influence a Pokemon’s base stats. Aim for a Magikarp with high Attack and IVs overall.
CP
CP (Combat Power) is a measure of a Pokemon’s overall strength. A higher CP Magikarp has a better chance of evolving into a strong Gyarados. However, don’t rely solely on CP; consider stats and IVs as well.
Shiny Variant
Shiny Magikarp, a rare golden variant, is highly sought after by collectors. If you’re fortunate enough to catch one, evolve it immediately for a majestic Shiny Gyarados.
Location
Magikarp is found near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Catching one from a specific location may give it a special move, such as Aqua Tail or Twister, when evolved into Gyarados.
Moveset
Magikarp’s moveset is limited, but it can learn some valuable moves. Look for a Magikarp that knows Tackle, a STAB move that boosts its attack power.
Gender
Male and female Magikarp have no stat differences. However, Gyarados can be male or female with a random ratio.
Size
Magikarp varies in size and weight. A larger Magikarp may have slightly better stats, but this is not a significant factor.
Mastering the Art of Timing for Maximum Efficiency |
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Whether you’re a seasoned Pokemon master or just starting your journey, timing is everything when it comes to evolving Magikarp in Pokemon Go. Here are the key strategies to maximize efficiency and level up your Magikarp faster: |
1. The Importance of Buddy Slots
Assign Magikarp as your buddy Pokemon to earn candies toward evolution twice as fast.
2. Walk the Walk
Walk alongside your buddy Magikarp to accumulate candies. Aim for a consistent pace of 10km/h for optimal candy gain.
3. Catching Every Magikarp
Every Magikarp you encounter is an opportunity for more candies. Catch as many as possible, even if they’re low-level or have poor stats.
4. Prioritize Pinap Berries
Utilize Pinap Berries when catching Magikarp to double the candy rewards.
5. Hatching Eggs
Magikarp can hatch from eggs, providing a passive way to acquire candies while walking or running.
6. Raiding and Battling
Participate in raids and gym battles involving Magikarp to earn rare candies that can contribute to evolution.
7. Trading with Friends
Trade Magikarp with friends to potentially obtain Pokemon with higher Candy XL, which can accelerate evolution.
8. Mystery Boxes
Activate Mystery Boxes to attract more Magikarp, increasing your chances of catching and accumulating candies.
9. Weather Boost
Check the weather forecast and target days with boosted Magikarp spawns to expedite your evolution progress.
10. Patience and Persistence
Evolving Magikarp requires patience and dedication. By embracing the strategies outlined above, you can optimize your progress and achieve your evolution goal faster. Remember to set realistic expectations and enjoy the journey along the way.
How to Evolve a Magikarp in Pokémon Go
Magikarp is a notoriously weak Pokémon in Pokémon Go. It has low CP and stats, and its only move is Splash, which does no damage. However, Magikarp has a secret: it can evolve into the powerful Gyarados.
To evolve a Magikarp into a Gyarados, you need to collect 400 Magikarp candies. You can earn candies by catching Magikarp, transferring Magikarp to Professor Willow, or walking with Magikarp as your buddy.
Once you have collected 400 Magikarp candies, you can evolve your Magikarp into a Gyarados by selecting it in your Pokémon storage and selecting the “Evolve” button.
People Also Ask About How to Evolve a Magikarp Pokémon Go
How many candies do you need to evolve a Magikarp?
You need 400 Magikarp candies to evolve a Magikarp into a Gyarados.
What is the best way to get Magikarp candies?
The best way to get Magikarp candies is by catching Magikarp. You can also earn candies by transferring Magikarp to Professor Willow or walking with Magikarp as your buddy.
Can you evolve a shiny Magikarp?
Yes, you can evolve a shiny Magikarp into a shiny Gyarados.
