Magikarp is one of the most recognizable Pokémon, if only for how useless and weak it is. If you want to face a real challenge, you can try to get it up to level 100, but almost all players prefer it to evolve as soon as possible into its much more fearsome form, Gyarados. If you're playing X, Y, Alpha Sapphire, Omega Ruby, Sun, or Moon, you can even get Gyarados to the next stage with a Mega Stone.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Evolving Magikarp
Step 1. Decide if you want to evolve the Pokémon
While there is no real benefit to keeping Magikarp in its original form, doing so may be desirable in some cases.
- A Shiny Magikarp is a great trophy, while its evolution (Shiny Gyarados) is one of the most common Shiny Pokémon in the game.
- You can try to get Magikarp to level 100 as a challenge. Since it is a very difficult Pokémon to train, it will be an excellent trading stone.
- At level 30, Magikarp learns Scourge. This is a very powerful move if your Pokémon is injured; this makes it by nature a rather risky choice. If Scourge fits your play style well, it can be one of Gyarados' most powerful moves; for this it may be worth not letting Magikarp evolve until he has learned it.
Step 2. Raise Magikarp to level 20 to evolve it
Once it reaches that level, it will try to evolve. You can block it by pressing "B" during the animation, or let it become Gyarados.
Read the following section to learn about the easiest ways to get Magikarp to level 20
Part 2 of 3: Methods to Easily Train Magikarp
Step 1. Send Magikarp to the field and replace him immediately
You have to do this in almost all battles, because this Pokémon has no offensive moves at the lower levels. However, by participating in even one round of the battle, he will receive some of the experience.
Step 2. Give Magikarp the Share Exp
It is an item that allows the Pokémon holding it to receive a portion of the experience gained in battle, even if it did not participate in it. He still has to be part of the active team, but you don't have to worry about having him fight for a turn in each fight.
Step 3. Leave Magikarp in the Pension
This way he will automatically gain experience. It will take some time for him to reach level 20, as the experience gained in the Retirement is not much, but you won't have to make him fight or keep him in your team.
Magikarp will not evolve in the Retirement, even if it passes level 20. Once that level is reached, it will try to evolve immediately after the first encounter
Step 4. Give the rare candies to your Magikarp
If you have a lot of rare candies on hand, you can quickly get Magikarp to the level you want. When you take him to level 20, he will attempt to evolve.
Part 3 of 3: Evolving Gyarados into Mega Gyarados
Step 1. Obtain and upgrade your Mega Ring (X and Y)
To evolve Gyarados into Mega Gyarados, you must first obtain the Keystone, which is inside the Mega Ring. To get this item, you must defeat your rival and win the Battle Medal at the Yantaropolis Gymnasium. Bring the medal to the top of the Main Tower to receive the Mega Ring.
- After obtaining the Mega Ring, you must upgrade it by defeating your rival in Batikopolis again. Professor Sycamore will upgrade your ring after the battle.
- Click here for more information on megaevolution in X and Y (article in English).
Step 2. Defeat Groudon or Kyogre (Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby)
To gain access to the Mega Stones in Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, you must first defeat the Legendary Pokémon. These are Kyogre in Alpha Sapphire and Groudon in Omega Ruby respectively.
Step 3. Find the Gyaradosite
This is the Mega Stone needed to evolve Gyarados into its Mega form during a battle. You can find it in different places according to the version of the game. You will see the ground sparkle where it is hidden.
- X and Y: Gyaradosite can be found at Ponte Mosaico, near the three waterfalls to the east.
- Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby: Find Chomper the Poochyena on Route 123. Look for him near the fisherman, then scratch him to receive the stone.
Step 4. Assign Gyaradosite to Gyarados
This is a necessary step for the Pokémon to Mega Evolve during a battle.
Step 5. Select "Mega Evolution" during a battle to transform the Pokémon into Mega Gyarados
You can only have one Mega Evolution active per fight. The Pokémon will retain its Mega form until you replace it with another one, until the battle is over or if it is defeated.
