Where to Find Magikarp in Pokémon GO
Magikarp, the iconic fish Pokémon known for its splashing and perceived weakness, is surprisingly sought after in Pokémon GO. Evolving it into the powerful Gyarados is a rite of passage for many trainers. But finding enough Magikarp to get the 400 candies required for that evolution can be a challenge. This guide will cover the best places to find Magikarp, increasing your chances of encountering a shiny, and tips for maximizing your Magikarp hunting efficiency.
Understanding Magikarp Spawns
Magikarp are water-type Pokémon, meaning they spawn most frequently near water sources. This includes:
- Oceans, seas, and beaches
- Rivers, lakes, and ponds
- Canals, streams, and creeks
- Even fountains and water features in parks
However, they aren’t exclusively tied to these locations. They can occasionally spawn in other areas, though the likelihood is significantly lower. Weather also plays a role. Rainy weather boosts water-type spawns, increasing your chances of finding Magikarp.
Best Locations for Finding Magikarp
While any body of water can be a potential Magikarp hotspot, some locations are known to have higher spawn rates. These often include:
- Large parks with ponds or lakes: These areas often have multiple spawn points, increasing your chances of finding Magikarp.
- Piers and harbors: The combination of water and open space makes these areas attractive for many water-type Pokémon.
- Beaches and coastlines: Walking along a beach can be a great way to find Magikarp, especially during rainy weather.
- Biomes: While not strictly locations, certain biomes in Pokémon GO are more water-heavy, increasing the likelihood of water-type spawns. Keep an eye out for areas designated as marshes, wetlands, or riparian zones.
Beyond specific locations, using in-game tools can significantly improve your Magikarp hunting. Check the Pokémon GO spawn map to identify real-time spawns in your area. You can also learn more about Pokémon GO nesting behavior. While Magikarp nesting is less common, being aware of nesting locations can be incredibly beneficial if they do appear.
The Elusive Shiny Magikarp
Shiny Magikarp, with its distinctive gold color, is a highly prized catch. The odds of finding a shiny are the same as any other Pokémon, estimated to be around 1/512. There’s no guaranteed way to find one, but increasing the number of Magikarp you encounter naturally increases your chances.
Tips for Maximizing Your Magikarp Hunt
To make the most of your Magikarp hunting expeditions, consider these tips:
- Use Incense: Incense attracts Pokémon to your location, including Magikarp if you’re near water.
- Lures: Placing lures on PokéStops near water significantly boosts spawn rates.
- Weather Boost: Rainy weather increases water-type spawns, making it the ideal time to hunt for Magikarp.
- Events: Keep an eye out for special events in Pokémon GO. Some events feature increased Magikarp spawns or even boosted shiny rates.
- Walk along waterfronts: Cover more ground and encounter more Pokémon by walking along rivers, lakes, or coastlines.
- Patience is key: Finding a shiny Magikarp is largely down to luck. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find one right away.
Magikarp Evolution and Beyond
Once you’ve finally collected 400 Magikarp candies, you can evolve your Magikarp into Gyarados. Gyarados is a powerful water/flying-type Pokémon that can be a valuable asset in raids and gym battles. Choosing the best moveset is crucial for maximizing Gyarados’s potential.
Beyond Gyarados
Even after evolving your Magikarp, continuing to catch them can be beneficial. Extra Magikarp candy can be used to power up your Gyarados, making it even stronger. Plus, you never know when you might encounter another shiny!
Conclusion
Finding Magikarp in Pokémon GO requires a combination of knowing where to look and utilizing in-game tools. While the hunt for a shiny Magikarp can be challenging, the reward of evolving it into a powerful Gyarados is well worth the effort. So, get out there, explore, and happy hunting!