Magikarp Pokemon GO sprite
#0129

Magikarp

Max CP
310
Best
Splash
Struggle
Rainy

Magikarp is a Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#129, Generation 1). With a max CP of 310 and base stats of 29/85/85 (Atk/Def/Sta), Magikarp has a total stat product of 199.

Magikarp is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. It resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks. Magikarp is a 1.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
310
Lv.40: 274 Lv.50: 310
Attack 29
Defense 85
Stamina 85
Total 199
Buddy 1.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Water
Splash STAB
0
DPS
0.0 PWR 17 EN 1.5s DUR 11.3 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Normal
17.5
DPS
35.0 PWR 0 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Splash (0 DPS), while Splash generates energy the fastest (11.3 EPS).

Raid Guide

Magikarp as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Magikarp is not currently available as a raid boss. When Magikarp returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Magikarp from raids would have 157 CP at level 20, or 196 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Magikarp

Magikarp is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Magikarp

Magikarp can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Magikarp is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Magikarp knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 1,000 Stardust and 1 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Magikarp as your buddy earns 1 candy every 1.0 km. It also earns 5 Mega Energy per km when you have Mega Evolved it before.

Magikarp Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Magikarp in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
10 – 237 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
10 – 257 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
135 – 160 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
168 – 200 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
135 – 160 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
102 – 121 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
135 – 160 CP

A 100% IV Magikarp from raids or eggs will show 157 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Magikarp is a Water-type Pokemon with a stat total of 199. With its bulk spread of 85 Defense and 85 Stamina, Magikarp has solid survivability in battles.

Watch out for Electric, Grass-type moves when using Magikarp. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Magikarp's performance.

Magikarp's moves get a damage boost in Rainy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy.

Should I Invest in Magikarp?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Magikarp is a Water-type Pokemon with base stats of 29/85/85 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 310. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Magikarp may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Magikarp deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Magikarp in Pokemon GO?
Magikarp has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Magikarp's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Magikarp is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. On the other hand, Magikarp resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks.
What is Magikarp's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Magikarp's maximum CP is 310 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 274 at level 40. A 100% IV Magikarp caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 157 CP, or 196 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Magikarp?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Magikarp has the following CP at key levels: 117 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 157 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 196 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 310 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Magikarp better than regular?
Shadow Magikarp deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Magikarp is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Magikarp comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Magikarp in Pokemon GO?
Magikarp can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Magikarp can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 10 CP
L5 37 CP
L10 78 CP
L15 117 CP
L20 157 CP
L25 196 CP
L30 235 CP
L35 255 CP
L40 274 CP
L50 310 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #129
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 0.90 m
Weight 10.00 kg
Buddy Distance 1.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 1,000 Dust / 1 Candy
Mega Energy (Buddy) 5 / km