Why Can Gyarados Fly? The Enigmatic Leviathan of the Skies
Gyarados, the fearsome Atrocious Pokémon, is a creature that has captivated and confused trainers since its introduction in the first generation of Pokémon. One of the most enduring questions surrounding this serpentine leviathan is: Why can Gyarados fly? The simple answer is that Gyarados is a dual-type Water/Flying Pokémon, and therefore, has the innate ability to fly. However, the story behind this seemingly straightforward classification is far more complex and interesting than it might first appear. The Flying typing is what gives Gyarados a crucial weakness to Electric-type moves, a weakness that arguably keeps it balanced within the Pokémon battle ecosystem. While it can use its Flying type in battle, Gyarados does not learn the move “Fly”, giving it the odd distinction of being a Flying-type Pokémon that cannot soar high into the skies. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind this typing and its implications.
The Curious Case of the Water/Flying Type
The primary reason Gyarados is a Flying-type is rooted in the game mechanics of the first generation of Pokémon. In those early days, Dragon-type moves were only capable of dealing fixed damage, which meant that a Water/Dragon type Pokémon would have no type weaknesses, making it exceptionally overpowered. To avoid this imbalance, Game Freak gave Gyarados the Flying type instead of Dragon. This type combination resulted in a 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks, introducing a clear vulnerability, preventing Gyarados from becoming an unstoppable force.
This decision, however, led to much debate amongst fans due to Gyarados’ appearance. It doesn’t have the wings of a typical Flying type, nor does it seem to have the physical capability for sustained flight. It’s more akin to a flying fish in its airborne capabilities. While Gyarados can hover and propel itself through the air, it can’t achieve the same level of sustained, high-altitude flight as other Flying-type Pokémon. The Flying type in Gyarados’ case is less about traditional wings and more about its ability to move through the air.
Inspiration from Sea Serpent Kites
Another theory behind the Flying type is that Gyarados was inspired by Japanese sea serpent kites. These traditional kites are often depicted with the same serpentine body as Gyarados and fly through the air by being pulled along by the wind. This visual inspiration would explain why Gyarados is a Flying type, despite its lack of traditional wings. The “Sea = Water, kite = Flying” analogy further reinforces the Water/Flying pairing for Gyarados, solidifying its type combination within the context of its design.
A Controversial Typing
Despite its canonical dual typing, many argue that Gyarados is more deserving of the Dragon or Dark type. Its overall design and behavior certainly resemble a sea dragon more than a bird or a typical flying creature. Gyarados’ often depicted violent nature could also be argued as a reason for it to be a Dark type, especially as it’s more inclined to be on a rampage than fly gracefully. It even learns Dragon-type moves, further fueling the debate about its true typing. The debate is unlikely to cease, even as it has gone on for 20+ years.
Gyarados in the Air
Though it can fly, Gyarados cannot learn the move “Fly”, a move usually reserved for Pokémon capable of carrying trainers on their backs. This limitation highlights that Gyarados’ flying ability is more about gliding and hovering than sustained flight. Its flying is typically limited to short bursts of movement, not the kind that would be useful for long-distance travel. This also explains why it does not possess the Levitate ability, which would grant it immunity to Ground-type attacks, further highlighting the distinction between Gyarados’ form of “flying” and that of other Flying-type Pokémon.
Gyarados in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, there is a very rare encounter with a flying Gyarados within Obsidian Fieldlands. This flying Gyarados can only be captured using Jet Balls, indicating its high mobility and the player’s need to be able to react quickly in order to capture it. This shows that Gyarados’ ability to move through the air is not a simple gimmick, but can be a legitimate threat and a dynamic part of the gameplay. It is still unclear what exactly keeps it in the air, but it can be inferred that this is some combination of its Flying typing, its speed and strong body, and its water-based movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Gyarados’ flying ability, providing more insight into this fascinating Pokémon.
1. Is Gyarados a Dragon type?
No, despite its dragon-like appearance, Gyarados is not a Dragon-type Pokémon. It is a Water/Flying type. While it can learn Dragon-type moves, this does not change its core typing.
2. Can Gyarados learn the move Fly?
Despite being a Flying type, Gyarados cannot learn the move Fly. Its flying ability is more about hovering and short bursts of movement rather than long-distance travel.
3. Why is Gyarados not Dragon type?
Gyarados was not made a Dragon type because, in Generation 1, Dragon-type moves did fixed damage. A Water/Dragon type would have had no weaknesses and been overpowered.
4. Can Gyarados really fly high?
No, Gyarados cannot fly high like a bird. It can hover and propel itself through the air for short distances, but not soar like other Flying-type Pokémon.
5. What is Gyarados’ weakness?
As a Water/Flying type, Gyarados has a 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks. It is also weak to Rock-type moves.
6. Is Gyarados a good Pokemon?
Yes, Gyarados is considered a powerful Pokémon with a strong movepool. However, it may be better suited for higher-level play due to its stat distribution.
7. Why is Gyarados so angry?
Gyarados’ aggressive behavior is said to stem from the dramatic brain changes it undergoes during evolution from Magikarp. This can cause its temper to be volatile.
8. What type is Mega Gyarados?
When Mega Evolving, Gyarados becomes a Water/Dark type. This shift in typing gives it new weaknesses, including Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy.
9. Can Mega Gyarados fly?
Like normal Gyarados, Mega Gyarados can hover and move through the air, but it cannot soar high or learn the Fly move.
10. Is there an Alpha Magikarp?
Yes, there is an Alpha Magikarp that can be found outside of Oreburrow Tunnel in Obsidian Fieldlands in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
11. What is a Shiny Gyarados?
A Shiny Gyarados is red instead of its usual blue. It’s a rare variant sought after by collectors.
12. Is Gyarados rare?
Gyarados itself is not rare as it can be evolved from Magikarp, however, its shiny variations and high-level forms are rare and highly sought after.
13. What is Gyarados named after?
The name Gyarados comes from the Japanese word for massacre or slaughter, reflecting its aggressive and destructive nature.
14. Can Gyarados learn Fire-type moves?
Yes, Gyarados is a versatile Pokémon and can learn Fire, Ice, Poison, Water, and Thunder attacks, allowing for a wide range of coverage in battle.
15. Who is stronger, Gyarados or Charizard?
In a direct type matchup, Gyarados has the advantage due to being Water/Flying against Charizard’s Fire/Flying type. However, Charizard can learn Thunder Punch, making the matchup more complex.
Conclusion
Gyarados’ ability to fly, though seemingly contradictory to its design, is a key part of its identity. The Water/Flying typing is a deliberate design choice that brings balance to the game while also adding another layer of intrigue to the complex lore of this Pokémon. While it may not soar through the sky like other Flying-types, Gyarados’s ability to move through the air, whether inspired by a sea serpent kite or not, solidifies its status as one of the most fascinating and powerful Pokémon. Its presence in battle is always a threat, and its lore will continue to intrigue fans for years to come.