How to get Magikarp & Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Generation 1’s iconic flopping fish Magikarp and its fearsome evolution Gyarados are back in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Here’s how trainers can find these fan-favorite Pokemon around the Paldea region.

There of plenty of Pokemon returning from earlier Generations in Pokemon 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 really shine, Magikarp may be one to consider — especially once it evolves into the atrocious Pokemon, Gyarados.

Here’s everything players need to know about finding Magikarp and Gyarados out in the game‘s seas surrounding Paldea.

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 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

The Pokemon Company

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

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

The Pokemon Company

How to evolve Magikarp into Gyarados

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.

And that’s everything players need to know about finding Magikarp and Gyarados in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Those looking to find out more about the game can check out our other guides below:

Where to find Noibat & Noivern in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Spiritomb in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Igglybuff, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff & Paradox Form in Scarlet & Violet | How to get Misreavus, Mismagius & Flutter Mane | How to get Delibird & Iron Bundle | How to get Makuhita, Hariyama & Iron Hands | How to get Basculin & Basculegion | Where to find Swablu & Altaria in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Sneasel, Weavile & Sneasler | Where to find Orthworm | Where to find Mimikyu in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Ditto in Scarlet & Violet | How to get Eevee & Eeveelutions in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Fidough & Dachsbun | How to get all starters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet