How Many Rare Candies Does It Take to Evolve Magikarp?
Ah, Magikarp. The epitome of uselessness, the poster child for perseverance, and the bane of many a trainer’s early Pokémon journey. But lurking beneath that floppy, splashing exterior lies the majestic Gyarados, a testament to the power of dedication… or a handful of Rare Candies. So, let’s cut to the chase: It takes the exact same number of Rare Candies as it does experience points to level up a Magikarp to level 20 – the magic number for evolution. The number will vary based on the level of the starting Magikarp. For example, If a Magikarp is at Level 1, it will require 19 Rare Candies to evolve into a Gyarados. If a Magikarp is already at Level 15, you only need 5 Rare Candies.
Think of Rare Candies as experience in a physical form. Each one instantly boosts your Pokémon by one level. Now, let’s dive deeper into the wonderful, watery world of Magikarp and its surprising evolution.
Understanding Magikarp and Evolution Mechanics
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Rare Candy usage, it’s important to understand how evolution works in the Pokémon universe. Every Pokémon has specific conditions that trigger its evolution. For Magikarp, that condition is reaching Level 20. This can be achieved through battling, using Exp. Share, or, you guessed it, Rare Candies.
Why Magikarp?
Magikarp’s incredibly low stats and limited movepool make it a unique case study in the evolution mechanic. It’s designed to be weak, forcing players to invest time and resources into training it. The reward? A powerful Water/Flying-type Pokémon that can sweep through opponents with ease. This transformation embodies the theme of perseverance and highlights the dramatic potential hidden within even the most seemingly hopeless creatures.
The Rare Candy Advantage
Rare Candies offer a shortcut, bypassing the traditional grind. This is particularly appealing for Magikarp due to its initial struggles in battle. Using Rare Candies allows trainers to quickly reach the desired evolution without enduring the often tedious and frustrating training process.
The Art of Rare Candy Management
Rare Candies are, as their name suggests, rare! They’re not easily obtained, and using them wisely is crucial, especially when training a Magikarp. Here’s a breakdown of some strategies:
- Prioritize Strategically: Consider using Rare Candies on Pokémon that are difficult or time-consuming to level up through normal gameplay.
- Balance with Training: Don’t rely solely on Rare Candies. Supplement their use with battles to ensure your Pokémon gains valuable EVs (Effort Values) that contribute to its overall stats.
- Consider Alternatives: Explore other leveling methods, such as Exp. Share or battling high-level wild Pokémon, before resorting to Rare Candies.
Rare Candy: Where To Find Them
Rare Candies are precious resources that you can find or earn in the game. Here are some common places where they might be hidden:
- Hidden Items: Check every nook and cranny in the game world. Some Rare Candies are cleverly hidden as items on the ground. Look in caves, behind trees, or in buildings.
- Quest Rewards: Complete various quests or missions in the game. Many times, Rare Candies are given as a reward for completing a difficult task or helping NPCs.
- Special Events: Participate in special in-game events, like seasonal celebrations or limited-time challenges. These events often feature Rare Candies as part of the prize pool.
- Post-Game Content: Explore the post-game content after you beat the main story. Many games have challenging areas or side quests that offer Rare Candies as rewards for dedicated players.
- Buying Them: In some games, you can purchase them from shops. Check if the stores in the game sell them as special, rare items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Magikarp and Rare Candies
Here are some common questions surrounding Magikarp evolution and the use of Rare Candies:
FAQ 1: Can I evolve Magikarp at a level higher than 20?
Yes! Level 20 is the minimum level for evolution. If you continue leveling Magikarp beyond 20, it will still evolve.
FAQ 2: Does evolving Magikarp with Rare Candies affect Gyarados’s stats?
No, using Rare Candies to evolve Magikarp doesn’t negatively impact Gyarados’s stats. Stats are determined by a combination of base stats, IVs (Individual Values), EVs (Effort Values), and Nature, none of which are affected by the leveling method.
FAQ 3: Is it better to train Magikarp normally or use Rare Candies?
That depends on your goals and resources. Training normally allows you to control EV distribution, but it’s time-consuming. Rare Candies offer speed and convenience, but you sacrifice EV control. Many players combine both methods to optimize their Gyarados.
FAQ 4: Can Magikarp learn any good moves before evolving?
Unfortunately, no. Magikarp’s movepool is notoriously limited. Its primary moves are typically Splash, Tackle, and Flail. The real reward comes with the evolution to Gyarados, who has access to several powerful movesets.
FAQ 5: Are there any held items that make training Magikarp easier?
Yes! The Exp. Share is invaluable. It allows Magikarp to gain experience even if it doesn’t participate in battle. Additionally, items like the Lucky Egg increase the amount of experience gained per battle.
FAQ 6: Does Magikarp’s Nature affect its evolution?
No, Magikarp’s Nature doesn’t influence whether or not it will evolve. Nature primarily affects the growth of specific stats.
FAQ 7: Can I prevent Magikarp from evolving after level 20?
Yes! By giving Magikarp an Everstone to hold, it will prevent it from evolving, even if it reaches the level requirements for it to evolve.
FAQ 8: Is Gyarados a good Pokémon to have on my team?
Absolutely! Gyarados boasts high Attack and Special Defense stats, making it a powerful offensive threat and a resilient special sponge. Its diverse movepool allows it to cover a wide range of types, making it a versatile addition to any team.
FAQ 9: What are the best moves for Gyarados?
The best moves for Gyarados depend on your team composition and strategy. Popular choices include Waterfall, Earthquake, Stone Edge, and Dragon Dance. Consider its ability, Intimidate, when choosing a moveset.
FAQ 10: Can I use Rare Candies to evolve other Pokémon that evolve by leveling up?
Yes! Rare Candies work on any Pokémon that evolves by leveling up. They bypass the need for traditional training and instantly increase the Pokémon’s level.
FAQ 11: Are there any Pokémon that can’t be evolved with Rare Candies?
Yes, some Pokémon evolve through other means, such as friendship, item usage, location, or time of day. Rare Candies will not trigger these types of evolutions.
FAQ 12: Are Rare Candies considered cheating?
That’s a matter of personal opinion. Some purists believe that using Rare Candies undermines the intended gameplay experience. However, many players see them as a legitimate tool for streamlining the leveling process and saving time.
FAQ 13: Can I breed a better Magikarp?
Yes! By breeding Magikarp with Ditto (or another compatible Pokémon), you can influence IVs and Natures, potentially creating a stronger offspring. Remember that breeding only influences initial potential, not the evolution process itself.
FAQ 14: Are Rare Candies available in all Pokémon games?
Rare Candies have appeared in almost every main series Pokémon game, though the methods for obtaining them vary between titles. Check your specific game’s guide for details.
FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about the impact of gaming on learning?
For more in-depth information about the exciting intersection of games and education, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society fosters research and discussion on how games can be used as powerful tools for learning and development.
Final Thoughts
Magikarp’s evolution is a testament to the core themes of the Pokémon franchise: perseverance, growth, and the potential for greatness hidden within the most unassuming creatures. Whether you choose the path of patient training or the convenience of Rare Candies, the journey from floppy fish to fearsome dragon is a rewarding one. Happy training!