Species guide · Ages 10+ · July 2026
Magikarp
Say it: MADGE-ih-karp
Kids summary (simpler)Tap to expand
Magikarp is the Fish Pokémon — Water before Gyarados. In Pokémon GO it only has Splash and Struggle — candy and XP on the way to Gyarados (and Mega Gyarados). Water helps against Fire, Ground, and Rock; Grass and Electric hit Water hard. Catch Magikarp everywhere, then evolve (lots of candy). Aqua Tail from Magikarp Community Day belongs on Gyarados.
Say it: MADGE-ih-karp
Magikarp (#129) is a Water Pokémon in Pokémon GO — the baby stage of Gyarados. Trainers never power Magikarp for raids or PvP; evolve toward Gyarados. Against Magikarp, lead with Grass or Electric. Stats, type chart, moves, and counter picks below use our Game Master snapshot.
Type-colored placeholder — not official Pokémon artwork (see IP notice below).
Pokédex notes
Magikarp is a Water-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. National Dex #0129. Use the Water type chart below before powering up — metas shift every season.
Where in GO: Wild spawns, eggs, Field Research, and seasonal events
Invest tip: Do not TM or power Magikarp. Evolve high-IV or Shadow copies straight to Gyarados (Frustration removal before powering the final form). Save candy for XL and Mega Energy farming later.
Type matchups
- Water moves hit Fire, Ground, and Rock hard.
When Magikarp is your opponent, Electric, Grass hits hard.
Full type matchup guide →GO base stats
From Game Master snapshot — IVs, buddy, and power-ups change real battle stats.
- Attack
- 29
- Defense
- 85
- Stamina
- 85
Weak to
Resists
Best Pokémon to use against it
When this species is your opponent (Rocket battle, gym, raid, or PvP), these picks exploit its typings. Each list is a pool of options — not a required 12-Pokémon lobby.
Recommended
Strongest practical attackers for this matchup.
- 1. Zekrom · beats Electric
Charge Beam + Fusion Bolt
- 2. Shadow Zekrom · beats Electric
Charge Beam + Fusion Bolt
- 3. Shadow Raikou · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 4. Xurkitree · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Discharge
- 5. Therian Thundurus · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
- 6. Mega Manectric · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 7. Raikou · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 8. Electivire · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 9. Shadow Electabuzz · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Thunder Punch
- 10. Zapdos · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
- 11. Magnezone · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
- 12. Luxray · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
Budget
Solid alternatives when you cannot build the Recommended picks.
- 1. Electivire · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 2. Luxray · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
- 3. Manectric · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 4. Jolteon · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
- 5. Ampharos · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Zap Cannon
- 6. Zebstrika · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
- 7. Galvantula · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Discharge
- 8. Eelektross · beats Electric
Spark + Thunderbolt
- 9. Heliolisk · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
- 10. Stunfisk · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Discharge
- 11. Raichu · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 12. Magneton · beats Electric
Spark + Discharge
Recommended moves
Magikarp’s only moves are Splash and Struggle. Evolve to Gyarados before any real investment.
Fast
- Splash · Standard
No damage — evolve
Charged
- Struggle · Standard
Only charged move — evolve
Moves in GO
Always-available Game Master learnset (regular TMs). Community Day / Elite TM moves appear above when we have curated notes for this species.
Fast
- splash
Charged
- struggle
PvP league ranks (family snapshot)
- Master League · rank #1023 of 1023 · CP 310
Splash + Struggle
In your Collect
Name match only (text). Cards you have saved in Card Nexus Collect — not official art.
Sign in to see holdings, or open Collect.
Open Collect →Raid and PvP advice uses our Game Master snapshot (updated July 2026).
In the Competitive Guide
- Ch. 20: Lucky Pokémon & Family Trades
When lucky status matters for trades and Stardust savings.
- Ch. 21: Best Friends & Lucky Friends
Friendship steps for raid bonuses and lucky trades.