Can You Teach Magikarp Any Moves? Unpacking the Plight (and Potential!) of the Fish Pokémon

Yes, but the answer is layered and depends on the generation of Pokémon games you’re playing. In the original games, the pickings are slim. However, as the franchise evolved, so did Magikarp’s movepool, albeit marginally. In Pokémon Go, Magikarp can even learn different Fast and Charged Moves. Let’s dive into the details and examine Magikarp’s move-learning capabilities throughout the Pokémon universe, while also answering some burning questions about this seemingly useless (but secretly awesome) Pokémon.

Magikarp’s Movepool Through the Generations

Magikarp’s existence is largely defined by its limitations. Here’s a breakdown of what moves it can learn and how it learns them across the different generations:

• Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow): Magikarp only learns two moves naturally: Splash at level 1 and Tackle at level 15. It cannot learn any moves from TMs (Technical Machines) or HMs (Hidden Machines). This makes it incredibly difficult to train in the early games.

• Generation II – VIII (Gold, Silver, Crystal to Sword, Shield): The moveset expands slightly. Magikarp still learns Splash at level 1 and Tackle at level 15. However, from Generation II onwards, it also learns Flail at level 25. Still, it cannot learn any moves from TMs/HMs.

• Pokémon GO: In the mobile game Pokémon GO, Magikarp has access to a greater variety of moves. It can learn different Fast Moves and Charged Moves, which adds a layer of strategy to its use in battles. These moves are determined randomly when you catch or evolve a Pokémon.

The Rationale Behind Magikarp’s Limited Movepool

The design choice behind Magikarp’s weak movepool is intentional. It’s a deliberate handicap, designed to make evolving it into the powerful Gyarados a rewarding and significant achievement. The initial struggle highlights the dramatic transformation and makes Gyarados feel even more earned. Game design considerations like these can be analyzed further through resources provided by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which researches the intersection of games and learning.

Making the Most of Magikarp’s Limited Abilities

Despite its limitations, there are some creative ways to utilize Magikarp, even in the main series games:

• Switch Training: The classic strategy. Place Magikarp at the front of your party, switch it out immediately for a stronger Pokémon, and let the stronger Pokémon do the battling. Magikarp will still receive experience.

• Held Items: In later generations, items like the Exp. Share make training Magikarp much easier, as it gains experience passively.

• Pokémon GO Strategies: In Pokémon GO, focus on catching Magikarp with high IVs (Individual Values) to maximize its potential when it evolves into Gyarados. Use berries to increase catch rates and candy yields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Magikarp Moves

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Magikarp and its limited (but fascinating) move-learning capabilities:

1. Can Magikarp learn any moves from TMs or HMs in the original Pokémon games?

No. In Generation I, Magikarp cannot learn any moves from TMs or HMs. It is limited to Splash and Tackle.

2. What moves can Magikarp learn by leveling up?

Across most generations, Magikarp learns Splash at level 1, Tackle at level 15, and Flail at level 25 (starting from Generation II).

3. Can Magikarp learn surf?

No, Magikarp cannot learn Surf. However, its evolution, Gyarados, can learn Surf.

4. What are the best moves for Magikarp to learn?

Given its extremely limited movepool, the concept of “best moves” is relative. If you want a gimmicky, risky strategy, the move Flail, along with the Focus Sash, could prove successful, albeit unreliable.

5. Can you teach Magikarp moves in Pokémon GO?

Yes! Unlike the main series games, Magikarp in Pokémon GO can learn a variety of Fast and Charged Moves. These are typically assigned randomly.

6. What happens if you catch a high-level Magikarp?

In the main series games, catching a higher-level Magikarp only means it learns Tackle or Flail sooner. Its stats will still be low, and it will still require evolution to become powerful. In Pokémon GO, a higher level Magikarp will have slightly higher CP (Combat Points).

7. Why is Magikarp considered such a weak Pokémon?

Magikarp is intentionally designed to be weak as a way of demonstrating the amazing transformation when it evolves into Gyarados. Its limited movepool and low stats reinforce this design choice.

8. What happens when Magikarp evolves?

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. This is a dramatic transformation, turning the weak fish into a powerful Water/Flying-type Pokémon.

9. Is it worth buying the Magikarp for $500 in the original games?

Whether or not you buy the Magikarp for 500 is entirely up to you. The cost is relatively low, and it gives you access to Gyarados a bit earlier.

10. Is there a Shiny Magikarp?

Yes! Shiny Magikarp are golden. They are relatively rare, but finding one is a rewarding experience for collectors and trainers alike.

11. Why is Magikarp so hard to train?

Magikarp’s limited movepool and low stats make it difficult to train conventionally. Trainers often rely on switch training or the Exp. Share to level it up.

12. What is the point of Magikarp?

The point of Magikarp is to illustrate that even the weakest creatures can achieve great things with effort and evolution. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance.

13. Can Gyarados learn Fly?

While Gyarados is a Flying-type, it cannot learn the move Fly in most games. This is often confusing to players.

14. Why is Magikarp evolution cost 400 Candies in Pokémon GO?

The high candy cost reflects the drastic change in stats and CP that occurs when Magikarp evolves into Gyarados.

15. Is Magikarp a good Pokémon?

Magikarp, in its own right, is not considered a “good” Pokémon in terms of battle prowess. However, the concept of “good” is ultimately subjective. Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, which is an excellent Pokémon. Therefore, Magikarp is a vital step towards obtaining a very powerful Pokémon.

Conclusion: Embracing the Magikarp Challenge

While Magikarp’s movepool is notoriously limited, its evolution into Gyarados makes it a worthwhile investment. Understanding its limitations and utilizing clever training strategies is key to unlocking its full potential. So, embrace the challenge, and watch your seemingly useless Magikarp become a formidable force!