Should You Power Up Magikarp Before Evolving? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is a resounding NO. You should never power up your Magikarp before evolving it into Gyarados, particularly in Pokemon Go. The cost and benefits simply don’t justify it, and you risk wasting valuable Stardust and Candies. Focus on acquiring a Magikarp with good IVs and sufficient Candies, then evolve it. After evolution, then assess its moveset and consider powering it up if it’s a worthy contender.

Why You Shouldn’t Power Up Before Evolving

The rationale behind this advice is multifaceted, stemming from both game mechanics and strategic resource management. Here’s a breakdown:

• Wasted Resources: Powering up a Magikarp, which is notoriously weak, is an inefficient use of Stardust and Candies. You’re essentially investing in a temporary state that will be immediately replaced upon evolution.
• CP Re-Roll: When a Pokemon evolves, its Combat Power (CP) is recalculated based on its base stats and Individual Values (IVs). Any CP gained from powering up the Magikarp is irrelevant after the evolution.
• Moveset Roulette: A crucial aspect of Pokemon Go is the moveset a Pokemon possesses. Evolving a Magikarp gives it a randomly generated moveset for Gyarados. If you power up a Magikarp and it evolves into a Gyarados with a poor moveset, you’ve wasted resources on a Pokemon that isn’t optimal.
• Level Scaling: As you level up your trainer, you encounter Pokemon with higher CP in the wild. Waiting to evolve until you’re a higher level increases the chances of finding a Magikarp with higher base CP, leading to a stronger Gyarados after evolution without any initial investment.
• Opportunity Cost: Stardust and Candies are precious resources. They’re better spent on powering up strong Pokemon that will be used in raids, Gyms, or PvP battles. Spending them on a Magikarp before evolution deprives you of the opportunity to strengthen more valuable team members.

Focusing on IVs and Candidate Acquisition

Instead of powering up your Magikarp pre-evolution, concentrate on finding a Magikarp with favorable Individual Values (IVs). IVs are hidden stats that determine a Pokemon’s potential. A Magikarp with high IVs will evolve into a stronger Gyarados than one with low IVs, even if their CP is initially similar. Apps and websites can assist to assess the IVs after catching.

Candy is earned by catching, hatching, and transferring Pokemon. Save those Candies for the evolution, and maybe a power-up or two after you have the Gyarados.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t power up Magikarp before evolving.
• Focus on finding high-IV Magikarp.
• Save your Stardust and Candies for powering up Gyarados with good movesets.
• Wait until you’re a higher level to evolve for potentially higher CP results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Magikarp and Gyarados

1. What is the Ideal CP for a Magikarp Before Evolving?

While IVs are the most important factor, a Magikarp with a higher CP generally indicates better base stats. Aim for a Magikarp with a CP of 230 or higher to maximize the potential of your Gyarados.

2. How Many Candies Do I Need to Evolve Magikarp?

You need a substantial 400 Magikarp Candies to evolve it into Gyarados in Pokemon Go. This high cost reflects the drastic transformation and power increase that Magikarp undergoes upon evolving.

3. Is a Shiny Magikarp Worth Evolving?

Absolutely! A Shiny Magikarp evolves into a Shiny Gyarados (which is red), a highly coveted and aesthetically pleasing addition to any Pokemon collection. Shiny Pokemon don’t have improved stats, but they are certainly worth keeping for their rarity.

4. How Do I Quickly Get 400 Magikarp Candies?

• Catch every Magikarp you see.
• Use Pinap Berries when catching Magikarp to double the Candies.
• Set Magikarp as your Buddy Pokemon to earn Candies while walking.
• Complete Research Tasks that reward Magikarp Candies.
• Participate in events that feature increased Magikarp spawns.

5. What are the Best Movesets for Gyarados?

The best movesets for Gyarados depend on whether you’re using it for raids or PvP. Generally, a combination of Water-type or Dark-type moves is ideal. Research the current meta to determine the optimal moveset for your needs.

6. Is Gyarados a Good Pokemon in Pokemon Go?

Yes, Gyarados is a powerful Pokemon in Pokemon Go. It has high attack stats, can learn powerful moves, and is effective in raids, Gyms, and even some PvP formats.

7. What are IVs and Why are They Important?

Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that range from 0 to 15 for Attack, Defense, and Stamina. They influence how high a Pokemon’s CP can reach and how well it performs in battle. Pokemon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) have the highest potential.

8. How Do I Check a Pokemon’s IVs?

Pokemon Go has a built-in appraisal system. You can also use third-party apps or websites that overlay information onto the game screen to check IVs. Remember to use these apps responsibly and avoid any that violate the game’s terms of service.

9. Is it Worth Using Rare Candies on Magikarp?

If you’re struggling to collect enough Magikarp Candies, using Rare Candies can be a viable option, especially if you have a high-IV Magikarp. However, Rare Candies are valuable and should be used judiciously.

10. Can Magikarp be Weather Boosted?

Yes, Magikarp is weather boosted in Rainy weather, increasing its spawn rate and CP. Take advantage of Rainy weather to catch more Magikarp and find a potentially stronger candidate for evolution.

11. What Level Should I Be to Evolve Magikarp?

There is no specific level requirement. As you level up as a trainer, you will encounter stronger Pokemon, including Magikarp, in the wild, with potentially better IVs or higher CP than would appear at lower levels.

12. How Do I Mega Evolve Gyarados?

To Mega Evolve Gyarados, you need Gyarados Mega Energy, which can be obtained through raids. Once you have enough Mega Energy, you can temporarily Mega Evolve your Gyarados, significantly boosting its stats and changing its appearance.

13. Is it Worth Buying the Magikarp for 500 PokeDollars?

There may be instances in other Pokemon games where you are able to buy a Magikarp. Consider if you have another Water Type, what the rarity of Magikarp is in the game, how many Pokemon you have, and what you would do with Gyarados before making this financial decision.

14. How Rare is Magikarp?

The exact rarity of Magikarp varies depending on the game or context. In general, Magikarp is common and not exceptionally rare, and it can be found in any body of water.

15. What are some examples of Pokemon that can evolve from Magikarp?

Magikarp only evolves into one Pokemon, and that is Gyarados.

Remember, evolving a Magikarp is a significant investment in Pokemon Go. By following these tips and avoiding the temptation to power up before evolving, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a powerful and valuable Gyarados.

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