How to get Magikarp & Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Philip Trahan
pokemon scarlet & Violet magikarp header

The useless Magikarp and the mighty Gyarados have one of the most iconic evolution lines in the entire Pokemon franchise and they are available in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Here’s how to find them both in the Paldea region.

There are plenty of returning Pokemon from earlier Generations in Scarlet & Violet, including iconic Pokemon like Magikarp and Gyarados.

For those who don’t mind training a Pokemon that takes a bit of investment to shine, Magikarp may be one to consider — especially once it evolves into the atrocious Pokemon, Gyarados.

Now that Magikarp will be featured in the upcoming Outbreak event from April 26, 2024, until May 7, 2024, here’s all you need to know to find them both in the game.

Contents

Where to find Magikarp in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Paldea locations

Magikarp is found in abundance throughout Paldea and is usually an early-game Water type many trainers choose to raise. Trainers can find Magikarp flopping around the western, southern, and eastern seas of Paldea.

Specifically, players can find Magikarp in the following areas:

  • Cabo Poco – around the beaches
  • Mesagoza – in the water surrounding the city
  • South Province (Area One)
  • South Province (Area Four)
  • South Province (Area Five)
  • South Province (Area Six)
  • East Province (Area One)
  • East Province (Area Two)
  • East Province (Area Three)
  • Tagtree Thicket – in the river
  • North Province (Area Two)
  • Montenevera – near the rivers around the town
  • Cascaraffa
  • West Province (Area One)
  • West Province (Area Two)
  • West Paldean Sea
  • South Paldean Sea
  • East Paldean Sea
  • North Paldean Sea – to the west of Casseroya Lake
magikarp location pokemon scarlet violet

Magikarp is likely so abundant in Paldea because it’s somewhat difficult to train, as it doesn’t learn any damaging moves until level 15. Still, many trainers will likely find the commitment to Magikarp worthwhile in the end.

Kitakami locations

Unsurprisingly, Magikarp also makes a return in the Teal Mask DLC expansion. As such, trainers can find wild Magikarp in the waters in Kitakami:

  • Mossfell Confluence (found in the river)
  • Fellhorn Gorge (river below the cliffs)
  • Oni Mountain (river and underground caves)
  • Infernal Pass (small pond in the northwest)
  • Kitakami Wilds
pokemon scarlet violet magikarp dlc locations

Where to find Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Paldea locations

While Gyarados isn’t found near any rivers in Paldea, it’s common in every sea surrounding the region.

Players wanting to catch Gyarados should look in the following locations:

  • South Paldean Sea
  • Secluded Beach
  • East Paldean Sea
  • Levincia
  • Glaseado Mountain – along the coast to the north of the area
  • North Province (Area Three)
  • North Paldean Sea
  • Casseroya Lake
  • Port Marinada
  • West Paldean Sea
pokemon scarlet violet gyarados locations

Of course, simply skipping straight to Gyarados instead of training up a Magikarp will save players plenty of time. Luckily, the choice is yours to make.

Kitakami locations

Like Magikarp, Gyarados also makes a return in the Teal Mask DLC. Trainers can find it in the wild in the following locations:

  • Fellhorn Gorge
  • Oni Mountain (underground caves)
  • Kitakami Wilds
Pokemon scarlet violet dlc location gyarados

How to evolve Magikarp into Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Trainers who want to evolve Magikarp into Gyarados simply need to have it reach level 20. However, this is easier said than done, as Magikarp is an extremely weak Pokemon that doesn’t learn a damage-dealing move until level 15.

Even then, Magikarp’s Attack stat is usually so low that its Tackle will hardly put a dent in weaker Pokemon’s HP. Still, once it evolves into Gyarados it becomes a very formidable member of any team.

That’s all you need to know on how to get Magikarp and Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. For more game content, check the list below:

Paldea Pokedex | Best starter Pokemon | Unlocking 5 & 6-star Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to unlock Rotom Phone cases in Scarlet & Violet | How to change clothes in Scarlet & Violet

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