How to Get Mega Gyarados in Pokémon Sword and Shield: A Comprehensive Guide

You can’t. Plain and simple. Mega Evolution, while a cherished mechanic in previous Pokémon games, is not available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. So, you cannot obtain Mega Gyarados within these games. Instead, Game Freak introduced the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena, which serve a similar purpose of temporarily boosting Pokémon power, but through different mechanics. Think of it as a temporary size increase rather than a true evolutionary transformation.

Understanding Mega Evolution’s Absence

While the absence of Mega Evolution disappointed many fans, it’s essential to understand the reasoning behind its exclusion. According to interviews, the developers wanted to focus on the newly introduced Dynamax and Gigantamax features. Implementing both systems might have overcomplicated the game and diluted the impact of each mechanic. Resources and development time also likely played a role. The focus shifted to creating compelling raids and experiences centered around the Dynamax feature, leaving Mega Evolution on the sidelines.

Alternatives: Dynamax and Gigantamax

Instead of Mega Evolution, Pokémon Sword and Shield offer Dynamax and Gigantamax. Any Pokémon can Dynamax, growing to enormous size and gaining powerful Max Moves. However, certain species, such as Gigantamax Charizard, have unique forms and G-Max Moves. This mechanic is central to the game’s storyline and raid battles. While it might not be the same as seeing Gyarados transform into its Mega form, it does provide a temporary power boost and visually stunning battles.

Where to Find Gyarados in Sword and Shield

Even though you can’t Mega Evolve it, Gyarados is still available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can catch Gyarados in various locations, including:

• Wild Area: Look for Gyarados in bodies of water throughout the Wild Area, particularly during thunderstorms. You can also find Magikarp, which evolves into Gyarados at level 20.
• Route 2: Gyarados can also be found along Route 2 by surfing on the water.
• Max Raid Battles: Keep an eye out for Max Raid battles featuring Gyarados in dens scattered throughout the Wild Area.

The Legacy of Mega Gyarados

Although Mega Gyarados is unavailable in Sword and Shield, it remains a popular and powerful Pokémon within the Pokémon franchise. It made its debut in Pokémon X and Y and featured prominently in subsequent games, offering a significant boost to Gyarados’s attack and defense.

Where to Experience Mega Gyarados

To experience Mega Gyarados in action, you need to revisit older games where the mechanic is present. Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and even Pokémon GO are great options. These games allow you to battle and strategize with Mega Gyarados and fully appreciate its strength.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Mega Evolution ever return to Pokémon games?

It’s hard to say definitively. Game Freak often introduces and retires mechanics with each new generation. While Mega Evolution is highly requested by fans, there’s no guarantee it will return. The company might bring it back in a future installment or continue to explore new battle mechanics.

2. Why was Mega Evolution removed from Pokémon games?

The primary reason cited by developers is to focus on new mechanics like Dynamax and Gigantamax. Introducing Mega Evolution alongside these new features might have created an unbalanced or overly complex gameplay experience.

3. Which Pokémon games feature Mega Evolution?

Mega Evolution can be found in Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon GO.

4. Can I transfer my Mega Evolved Pokémon from older games to Sword and Shield?

No, you cannot transfer Mega Evolved Pokémon to Pokémon Sword and Shield. Even if you could transfer the base Pokémon, the Mega Evolution mechanic would be disabled in these games.

5. What is the difference between Dynamax and Mega Evolution?

Dynamax is a temporary size increase that any Pokémon can undergo, boosting their stats and granting access to Max Moves. Gigantamax is a special form of Dynamax unique to certain species, granting them a unique appearance and G-Max Move. Mega Evolution, on the other hand, is a permanent (during battle) transformation that changes a Pokémon’s form, stats, and sometimes even type. It requires a Mega Stone specific to that Pokémon.

6. What are the best strategies for using Gyarados in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Gyarados is a powerful offensive Pokémon in Sword and Shield. Utilize its high attack stat with moves like Waterfall, Earthquake, and Bounce. Consider using Dragon Dance to boost its attack and speed further.

7. How do I get the Red Gyarados?

The Red Gyarados is a guaranteed shiny Gyarados encounter in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Generation II) and their remakes, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (Generation IV), found at the Lake of Rage. It cannot be caught in Pokémon Sword and Shield. However, you can get a shiny Gyarados through random encounters or breeding, albeit with significantly lower odds.

8. What does Gyarados evolve from?

Gyarados evolves from Magikarp starting at level 20.

9. Where can I find Magikarp in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Magikarp is commonly found in bodies of water throughout the Wild Area and on Route 4. Use a fishing rod or look for them swimming in the overworld.

10. Is Gyarados a Water/Dragon type?

No, Gyarados is a Water/Flying type Pokémon. However, when it Mega Evolves, it becomes Water/Dark type.

11. Can Shadow Pokémon Mega Evolve?

No, Shadow Pokémon cannot undergo Mega Evolution.

12. Which Mega Evolutions are considered the strongest?

Powerful Mega Evolutions include Mega Mewtwo X and Y, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Gengar, and Mega Salamence, among others.

13. What are the limitations of Mega Evolution?

Mega Evolution requires a specific Mega Stone for each Pokémon. You can only Mega Evolve one Pokémon per battle. The Mega Evolution is temporary, lasting only for the duration of the battle.

14. Are Mega Evolutions banned in competitive Pokémon battles?

Whether or not Mega Evolutions are allowed in competitive play depends on the rules of the specific format or tournament. Since they are not available in Pokémon Sword and Shield, they are naturally excluded from the standard competitive formats of those games. However, older generations’ competitive scenes still allow their usage.

15. How does Mega Evolution impact the gameplay?

Mega Evolution adds a layer of strategic depth to battles. It allows players to transform a Pokémon into a more powerful form, change its type, and access new abilities. It also requires careful planning and timing, as you can only Mega Evolve one Pokémon per battle. It emphasizes strategic team building and predicting your opponent’s moves.

In conclusion, while you cannot get Mega Gyarados in Pokémon Sword and Shield, there are still many exciting ways to enjoy this powerful Pokémon. Explore the Wild Area, participate in Max Raid battles, and strategize with your team to become the ultimate Pokémon Champion. Remember the history and impact of game mechanics and how they affect the overall game experience. Learning and understanding these mechanics can be easier with the help of organizations like the Games Learning Society. To learn more about the intersection of gaming and education, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.