Unlock Magikarps Hidden Potential: Moves You Never Knew It Could Learn

When it comes to Pokémon, one creature that often gets a bad reputation is Magikarp. Known for its feeble stats, and seemingly useless in combat, many trainers might overlook this fishy fellow, deeming it a mere stepping stone to evolve into the mighty Gyarados. However, if you delve deeper, you'll discover that Magikarp has its own potential, especially when it comes to learning an array of moves that you might never have imagined. This article will shine a light on the hidden potential of Magikarp and reveal some of the moves this Pokémon can learn which could surprise you.

Magikarp's Natural Moves

Magikarp, like all Pokémon, starts with a small move pool, but its selection is rather limited:

• Splash: The infamous move where Magikarp flops around, literally doing nothing. It's a move often ridiculed, but it's one of the first things Magikarp learns.

• Tackle: A basic physical attack that Magikarp can learn at level 15, providing a slight increase in battle utility.

• Flail: Magikarp learns this at level 30, where its power increases the lower its HP, making for a last-ditch effort attack.

While these are the natural moves Magikarp learns, there are ways to unlock its hidden potential.

<p class="pro-note">👀 Pro Tip: Remember, Magikarp's real strength is in its evolution into Gyarados, but don't discount its utility in certain scenarios!</p>

TMs, HMs, and Hidden Moves

Teaching moves to Magikarp can be done through Technical Machines (TMs), Hidden Machines (HMs), and even Move Tutors in some games:

Technical Machines

Here's a table showcasing some TMs that can be used to enhance Magikarp:

<table> <tr> <th>TM</th> <th>Move</th> <th>Description</th> </tr> <tr> <td>TM34</td> <td>Dragon Tail</td> <td>Forces the target to switch out, could be useful in certain battle formats.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>TM90</td> <td>Substitute</td> <td>Creates a decoy at the cost of HP, potentially useful for protecting Magikarp.</td> </tr> </table>

Hidden Machines

HMs also offer some utility, even for Magikarp:

• Hydro Pump (if transferred to older games where it was an HM): An incredibly powerful water move that can be taught through an HM in some older generations.

Special Moves

Move Tutors can sometimes teach Magikarp special moves:

• Bounce: This move lets Magikarp bounce high, potentially causing paralysis, an unexpected move for this usually grounded Pokémon.

<p class="pro-note">✍ Pro Tip: In later generations, Magikarp can learn moves like "Dragon Rage" which deals a flat 40 HP damage, perfect for knocking out low HP Pokémon.</p>

Advanced Techniques with Magikarp

Strategy in Battle

While Magikarp itself isn't formidable, some strategies can be employed to maximize its use:

• Sacrifice Pawn: Using Magikarp as a sacrificial piece to absorb a hit or a status effect can be an interesting strategy.

• Flail and Rage: Combine Flail with a Rage move for an attack that grows stronger as Magikarp weakens, allowing for unexpected damage.

Tournament Play

Believe it or not, Magikarp has appeared in competitive battles, often as:

• Utility Pickup: Magikarp can pick up items when switched out, a little-known trait that can come in handy.

• Surprise Factor: A Magikarp with unexpected moves can catch opponents off-guard, leading to humorous but effective strategies.

<p class="pro-note">🔄 Pro Tip: Don't underestimate Magikarp's ability to learn moves through breeding; it can pass on some surprising egg moves to other Pokémon.</p>

Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes

Over-reliance on Evolution

One common mistake is evolving Magikarp too soon, thinking it will instantly become useful:

• Magikarp's Struggle: There's value in using Magikarp in its current form; understanding its limitations and finding creative uses for it is part of its charm.

Move Reversal

When learning new moves, be careful:

• Move Overlap: Magikarp can only learn so many moves, and teaching it too many can lead to the loss of key moves like Flail or Tackle.

Game Version Differences

Some moves are generation-specific, so:

• Version Check: Always make sure to check what moves are available in your version of the game to avoid disappointment.

Key Takeaways

Magikarp is often seen as the epitome of weak, but with the right moves and strategies, it can still have a place in your team. Here are some final thoughts:

• Flexibility: Magikarp's ability to learn a wide array of moves through different means highlights its flexibility beyond its base stats.

• Team Synergy: Its learning capabilities make it useful for passing down moves or learning them for utility purposes.

• Battle Creativity: Encouraging creative strategies can lead to surprising battle outcomes.

We invite you to explore our related tutorials on other underestimated Pokémon or delve deeper into competitive Pokémon strategies to see how these overlooked creatures can shine.

<p class="pro-note">🪝 Pro Tip: While Magikarp's Splash may seem useless, in Pokémon battles, every move has its place in the right strategy.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can Magikarp learn any moves on its own?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Magikarp can learn Splash, Tackle, and Flail by leveling up, but its move pool is quite limited.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What moves can Magikarp learn through TMs?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Some TMs like Dragon Tail and Substitute can be used to teach Magikarp new moves, expanding its utility in battles.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is Magikarp ever useful in competitive play?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While not a common choice, Magikarp can be strategically used for its Pickup ability or as a surprise element with moves like Bounce.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>