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How to Force Magikarp to Evolve: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re staring down that floppy, seemingly useless Magikarp and dreaming of the magnificent Gyarados it could become? You’re not alone. Evolving Magikarp is a rite of passage for any serious Pokémon trainer. The key to forcing this evolution lies in understanding the specific requirements of the particular Pokémon game you’re playing, whether it’s one of the core series titles or the mobile sensation, Pokémon GO. In the main series games, the magic number is Level 20. Once your Magikarp hits level 20, it’s evolution time! For Pokémon GO, you’ll need a whopping 400 Magikarp Candy. There’s no “forcing” it per se, but rather, fulfilling the necessary conditions.

Understanding the Mechanics of Evolution

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s important to understand the basic principles of Pokémon evolution. Evolution is a core mechanic in the Pokémon franchise, where Pokémon transform into more powerful forms. For Magikarp, this transformation is particularly dramatic, going from one of the weakest Pokémon to a formidable Water/Flying-type beast. The specific methods for triggering evolution vary depending on the game. In the core series games, evolution often occurs upon reaching a certain level. In Pokémon GO, evolution is primarily driven by the collection and use of Pokémon-specific candies. Knowing these underlying mechanics allows you to formulate the most efficient plan of attack for any situation.

Leveling Up in the Core Series Games

Efficient Training Techniques

In the core series games, the primary method for evolving Magikarp is to raise its level to 20. This can be challenging, given Magikarp’s limited movepool and low stats. Here are some tried-and-true methods for leveling up Magikarp quickly:

Exp. Share: The Exp. Share, when held by a Pokémon, allows it to gain experience points even if it doesn’t participate in battle. This is an excellent way to passively level up Magikarp while using stronger Pokémon to defeat opponents.
Switch Training: Send Magikarp out at the beginning of a battle, then immediately switch it out for a stronger Pokémon. Magikarp will gain experience without being exposed to significant danger.
Rare Candies: If you have Rare Candies to spare, using them on Magikarp will instantly raise its level. This is the fastest way to reach level 20, but Rare Candies are a limited resource.
Battling Weak Opponents: Seek out weak Pokémon, such as low-level trainers or wild Pokémon in early areas. This allows Magikarp to gain experience without facing overwhelming challenges.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Daycare Dilemma: While the Daycare Center can raise a Pokémon’s level, it doesn’t trigger evolution. You need to level up Magikarp outside of the Daycare Center to initiate the transformation.
Everstone Issues: Ensure that Magikarp is not holding an Everstone. This item prevents Pokémon from evolving.

The Moment of Truth

Once Magikarp reaches level 20, it will attempt to evolve into Gyarados after a battle or upon leveling up with a Rare Candy. Be ready to witness the spectacular transformation!

Candy Collection in Pokémon GO

Maximizing Candy Acquisition

In Pokémon GO, evolving Magikarp requires a hefty investment of 400 Magikarp Candy. Here’s how to expedite the candy-collecting process:

Catch Every Magikarp: This seems obvious, but it’s crucial. Every Magikarp you catch yields three candies.
Pinap Berries: Use Pinap Berries before catching Magikarp to double the candy received. This is an invaluable tool for accelerating your candy accumulation.
Trading: Trade Magikarp with friends. Trading can yield an extra candy, and there’s also a chance of receiving a Lucky Pokémon, which requires less Stardust to power up.
Buddy System: Set Magikarp as your buddy Pokémon. Walking with your buddy will earn you candies over time. Magikarp only requires you to walk 1 km to earn candy, making it efficient to use as a buddy.
Events: Keep an eye out for Pokémon GO events that increase the spawn rate of Magikarp or offer bonus candies for catching Pokémon.

Overlooked Strategies

While it might seem obvious, many players overlook the power of trading. Find a friend who’s also trying to evolve a Magikarp, and trade frequently. The extra candy and potential for a Lucky Pokémon make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Factors That Can Inhibit Evolution

Everstones and Evolution Cancels

Everstone: As mentioned earlier, an Everstone will prevent Magikarp from evolving in core series games. Make sure it isn’t equipped with this item.
Evolution Cancellation: In some core series games, you can cancel an evolution by pressing a specific button (usually “B”). Be careful not to accidentally cancel Magikarp’s evolution at level 20!

Game-Specific Considerations

Different Pokémon games may have slight variations in evolution mechanics. Always consult a reliable game guide or online resource to ensure you’re following the correct procedures.

Final Thoughts

Evolving Magikarp may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a little patience, you’ll have your own Gyarados in no time. Whether you’re battling trainers in the core series games or collecting candies in Pokémon GO, understanding the underlying mechanics is the key to success. Don’t give up, trainer, and enjoy the thrill of witnessing the magnificent transformation! Remember that learning and gaming go hand in hand; discover more at Games Learning Society!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. At what level does Magikarp evolve?

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20 in the core series Pokémon games.

2. How many candies do I need to evolve Magikarp in Pokémon GO?

You need 400 Magikarp Candy to evolve Magikarp into Gyarados in Pokémon GO.

3. Is there a faster way to evolve Magikarp in Pokémon GO?

There’s no shortcut, but using Pinap Berries when catching Magikarp, making Magikarp your Buddy Pokémon, and trading with friends can significantly speed up the candy-collecting process.

4. Why does Magikarp need so many candies to evolve in Pokémon GO?

Magikarp undergoes a dramatic transformation in stats and CP upon evolving into Gyarados. The 400 candy requirement reflects the magnitude of this transformation.

5. Can I evolve a level 22 Magikarp?

Yes, as long as it’s not holding an Everstone. Magikarp can evolve at any level 20 or higher in the core series games.

6. Should I power up Magikarp before evolving it in Pokémon GO?

No, there is no benefit to powering up Magikarp before evolving it in Pokémon GO. The CP of Gyarados is determined by the base stats of Magikarp, and powering it up beforehand doesn’t change the outcome.

7. My Magikarp is level 20, but it’s not evolving. What should I do?

In core series games, ensure it’s not holding an Everstone. In some games, you need to manually trigger the evolution from the menu. In Pokémon GO, you need 400 Magikarp Candies and then select the ‘Evolve’ button on Magikarp’s profile.

8. Can I evolve Magikarp without candy in Pokémon GO?

No, you cannot evolve Magikarp without 400 Magikarp Candy in Pokémon GO.

9. What are some Pokémon that require only 1 km walking distance as a buddy?

Examples include: Caterpie, Pikachu, Magikarp, Aron, Wailmer, Bidoof, Purrloin, Sewaddle, Fletchling, and Skwovet.

10. What happens if I catch a level 20 Magikarp?

In core series games, it will attempt to evolve after the battle if it isn’t holding an Everstone. In Pokémon GO, its level doesn’t affect its ability to evolve, only the candy requirement.

11. What moves can Magikarp learn?

In the first generation, Magikarp learns Splash at level 1 and Tackle at level 15. Later generations added Flail at level 25.

12. What other Pokémon require 400 candies to evolve in Pokémon GO?

Other Pokémon that require 400 candies include Wailmer, Swablu, Larvesta, Noibat, Stufful, Wimpod and Meltan.

13. Does swapping Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO lose progress?

Yes, if you switch your buddy, you lose all progress towards the next candy for your existing buddy. It’s best to switch right after earning a candy.

14. How can games teach us important skills?

Games can teach us important skills, and the GamesLearningSociety.org website provides great resources for educators and learners alike.

15. Is Gyarados a good Pokémon?

Gyarados is a powerful Pokémon with a high Attack stat. It’s a great addition to any team, especially after the long journey of evolving Magikarp!

How do you force Magikarp to evolve?