You’ve just caught a Magikarp—either flopping around in a lake, pulled in with an Old Rod, or even rewarded through trade—and now you’re wondering: What level does Magikarp evolve? Despite its famously weak reputation, Magikarp is one of the most rewarding Pokémon to invest in. And the good news? You won’t have to wait long to see it shine.
In this guide, we’ll give you the quick answer, along with everything else you need to know about Magikarp’s evolution, how to speed up the process, and why it’s worth the effort.
What Level Does Magikarp Evolve?
The Quick Answer
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20.
That’s it! No stones, no friendship mechanics, and no fancy side quests. Once your Magikarp reaches level 20 in any mainline Pokémon game, it will automatically evolve into the mighty Gyarados.
No Evolution Item Needed
Unlike Eevee or certain other Pokémon, Magikarp’s evolution is as simple as leveling it up. You don’t need a Water Stone or any special items—just experience points. Whether you grind through battles, use EXP Share, or feed it Rare Candies, once it hits level 20, evolution kicks in instantly.
Why Evolve Magikarp? The Power of Gyarados
A Massive Upgrade in Strength
Magikarp is one of the weakest Pokémon in the franchise, often mocked for knowing little more than Splash. But don’t be fooled—once it evolves, it becomes Gyarados, a fierce Water/Flying-type powerhouse with intimidating stats and a massive move pool.
Here’s a basic comparison:
- Magikarp Base Stats Total: 200
- Gyarados Base Stats Total: 540
That’s a 270% jump in power!
Why Gyarados Belongs on Your Team
Once evolved, Gyarados gains access to high-powered moves like:
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Ice Fang
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
Its high Attack stat and ability to learn powerful TM moves make it a great asset for taking on gyms, trainers, and even the Pokémon League. And in many games, you can get a Magikarp early, making Gyarados a game-changer for your team.
How to Evolve Magikarp Faster
If you’re eager to get your Gyarados quickly, here are the best ways to speed up the evolution:
Use EXP Share
In newer games like Pokémon Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet, the EXP Share is automatically applied to all party members. Simply keep Magikarp in your party while you battle with stronger Pokémon, and it’ll level up steadily in the background.
Battle Weak Pokémon or Trainers
Take Magikarp to areas with low-level wild Pokémon or beginner trainers. If it knows Tackle, it might even win some battles on its own. If not, use the “switch training” method: start the battle with Magikarp, then immediately switch to a stronger Pokémon to finish the fight.
Feed Rare Candies or XP Candies
Got Rare Candies? Use them. In Sword and Shield, XP Candies from Max Raid Battles are even better. They can bump Magikarp several levels in seconds.
Bonus: How to Evolve Magikarp in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, evolution works differently. To evolve Magikarp into Gyarados, you’ll need:
- 400 Magikarp Candies
That’s a big number, but there are ways to speed it up:
- Catch as many Magikarp as possible
- Use Pinap Berries to double the candy on catches
- Walk with Magikarp as your buddy
- Transfer extra Magikarp for 1 candy each
Once you reach 400 candies, just tap “Evolve” and enjoy your new Gyarados.
Is There Ever a Different Evolution Level?
In the official core Pokémon games, Magikarp always evolves at level 20. However, in some fan-made ROM hacks or modified versions of the game, developers may change the evolution level for balance reasons. Unless you’re playing one of these non-canonical versions, you can expect level 20 to be the magic number.
Fun Facts About Magikarp and Gyarados
From Zero to Hero
Magikarp’s transformation is inspired by an old Chinese legend where a carp swims upstream and leaps over the Dragon Gate to become a dragon. That’s why the evolution is so dramatic—from a helpless fish to a powerful beast.
Magikarp in Pop Culture
Magikarp is often used as comic relief in anime, games, and memes. It even has its own mobile game: Magikarp Jump, where you train it to leap as high as possible!
Conclusion: Magikarp Evolves at Level 20—Now You Know
So, to answer the question clearly:
What level does Magikarp evolve? Level 20. No tricks, no items, just time and a little patience.
Whether you’re playing Pokémon Red, Sword & Shield, or the latest release, Magikarp’s evolution has stayed consistent, and it’s one of the most satisfying in the game. Don’t let its flopping fool you. Stick with it, and you’ll have a powerful Gyarados in no time.
Ready to evolve your Magikarp? Get training—and let us know how your Gyarados are dominating the field!
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