gyarados
Generation I · #0130 — Atrocious Pokémon
Gyarados, known as the Atrocious Pokémon, is a dual-type Water/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation I, bearing the National Pokédex number 130. This massive serpentine creature stands at an impressive 6.5 meters in height and weighs 235 kilograms, making it one of the most physically imposing Pokémon available in the early games. Despite its fearsome appearance and legendary reputation for destruction, Gyarados is not a legendary or mythical Pokémon, making it accessible to trainers willing to invest time in its evolution from the humble Magikarp. With a base stat total of 540, Gyarados excels as a physical attacker with an Attack stat of 125, combined with respectable HP (95) and Special Defense (100), positioning it as a formidable physical sweeper in competitive play.
Base Stats
Height
6.5m
Weight
235.0kg
Category
Atrocious Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
squiggle
Habitat
waters-edge
Abilities
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
Raises Attack one stage upon KOing a Pokémon.
Gyarados Biology & Physical Characteristics
Gyarados is a piscine yet draconic Pokémon with a long, serpentine body covered in slightly overlapping scales that are predominantly blue with a distinctive yellow underbelly. Its most striking feature is an enormous, gaping mouth filled with sharp teeth, capable of consuming prey whole, alongside a three-pointed dark blue crest adorning its head and four white dorsal fins running along its back. The creature displays a row of yellow spots down each side of its body, creating a visually striking contrast against its azure coloration. Its body structure suggests an aquatic origin, though its flying-type classification is attributed to its ability to propel itself through the air with considerable force, despite lacking traditional wings. The sheer size and musculature of Gyarados, combined with its sharp dental features, underscore its designation as an apex predator among Water-type Pokémon.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Gyarados Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Gyarados has a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing trainers to breed either gender with equal ease. The species belongs to the Water 2 and Dragon egg groups, making it compatible with a diverse range of breeding partners from both aquatic and draconic lineages. With a base happiness of 70, Gyarados demonstrates moderate attachment to its trainer out of the box, though this can be increased through careful treatment and bonding. The species follows a slow growth rate, consistent with its powerful stat distribution and late-stage evolution, meaning that training a Gyarados from its Magikarp form requires significant investment of experience points before reaching its final evolutionary stage at level 20. Eggs containing Gyarados take five cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 1,029 to 1,285 steps depending on in-game mechanics, and the species has a capture rate of 45, making it moderately difficult to catch in the wild but far from impossible with standard Poké Balls.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
tm05
platinum
tm05
heartgold soulsilver
tm05
firered leafgreen
tm05
black 2 white 2
tm05
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm05
x y
tm05
xd
tm05
colosseum
+774 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
gyarados's Evolution Chain
Gyarados Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Gyarados evolves from Magikarp upon reaching level 20, representing one of the most dramatic transformations in the Pokémon world. This evolution from a seemingly weak and useless fish into a powerful dragon-like creature mirrors the Chinese mythological legend of a carp leaping over the Dragon Gate and transforming into a dragon. In Generation VI and beyond, Gyarados gains the ability to Mega Evolve into Mega Gyarados using the Gyaradosite, a transformation that changes its typing from Water/Flying to Water/Dark, dramatically altering its competitive utility. Mega Gyarados retains the same height as its base form at 6.5 meters but increases significantly in weight to 305 kilograms, and its ability shifts from Intimidate to Mold Breaker, allowing it to bypass opponent abilities that would normally block its attacks. This Mega Evolution fundamentally reshapes Gyarados's role in battle, trading its Flying-type weaknesses for Dark-type coverage while gaining access to the Mold Breaker ability, which pierces through protective abilities like Thick Fat and Dry Skin.
Where to Find
fuchsia city
kanto
+10 more
lake of rage
johto
+21 more
sootopolis city
hoenn
+6 more
green path
kanto
kanto route 10
kanto
cerulean cave
kanto
+21 more
water path
kanto
berry forest
kanto
ruin valley
kanto
seafoam islands
kanto
+7 more
kanto route 6
kanto
trainer tower
kanto
kanto route 22
kanto
vermilion city
kanto
tanoby ruins
kanto
one island
kanto
kanto route 25
kanto
kanto route 4
kanto
kanto sea route 21
kanto
four island
kanto
+94 more locations in other games
Gyarados Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Gyarados is infamous throughout Pokémon lore for its volatile and destructive temperament, earning its place in countless historical accounts of devastation. According to multiple Pokédex entries, Gyarados appears during times of world conflict and strife, burning down everything in its path until it has demolished its entire surroundings, remaining enraged until complete destruction is achieved. The Platinum Pokédex entry notes that once Gyarados begins to rampage, it will burn everything down, even in harsh storms, suggesting that its destructive capabilities transcend environmental challenges. Ancient records speak of this Pokémon appearing during past wars and conflicts, leaving only blazing ruins in its wake, cementing its reputation as an instrument of apocalyptic destruction. While rarely seen in the wild, Gyarados inhabits bodies of water where it can grow to its massive size, though its aggressive nature makes encounters potentially catastrophic for nearby settlements.
Pokedex Entries
Rarely seen in the wild. Huge and vicious, it is capable of destroying entire cities in a rage.
Brutally vicious and enormously destructive. Known for totally destroying cities in ancient times.
They say that during past wars, GYARADOS would appear and leave blazing ruins in its wake.
Once it appears, it goes on a ram page. It remains enraged until it demolishes every thing around it.
It appears when ever there is world conflict, burning down any place it travels through.
When MAGIKARP evolves into GYARADOS, its brain cells undergo a structural transformation. It is said that this transformation is to blame for this POKéMON’s wildly violent nature.
Once GYARADOS goes on a rampage, its ferociously violent blood doesn’t calm until it has burned everything down. There are records of this POKéMON’s rampages lasting a whole month.
It is an extremely vicious and violent POKéMON. When humans begin to fight, it will appear and burn everything to the ground with intensely hot flames.
It has an extremely aggressive nature. The HYPER BEAM it shoots from its mouth totally incinerates all targets.
Rarely seen in the wild. Huge and vicious, it is capable of destroying entire cities in a rage.
Once it appears, its rage never settles until it has razed the fields and mountains around it.
In ancient literature, there is a record of a GYARADOS that razed a village when violence flared.
Once it begins to rampage, a GYARADOS will burn everything down, even in a harsh storm.
They say that during past strife, GYARADOS would appear and leave blazing ruins in its wake.
Once it appears, it goes on a rampage. It remains enraged until it demolishes everything around it.
Once it begins to rampage, a Gyarados will burn everything down, even in a harsh storm.
Once it begins to rampage, a Gyarados will burn everything down, even in a harsh storm.
In ancient literature, there is a record of a Gyarados that razed a village when violence flared.
Rarely seen in the wild. Huge and vicious, it is capable of destroying entire cities in a rage.
When Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, its brain cells undergo a structural transformation. It is said that this transformation is to blame for this Pokémon’s wildly violent nature.
Once Gyarados goes on a rampage, its ferociously violent blood doesn’t calm until it has burned everything down. There are records of this Pokémon’s rampages lasting a whole month.
A tale is told of a town that angered Gyarados. Before the sun rose the next day, flames utterly consumed the town, leaving not a trace behind.
It fires hyper beams in all directions, burning the surrounding area to ash. There are some regions where it’s called “the deity of destruction.”
There are people who swear that any place Gyarados appears is fated for destruction.
The energy from evolution stimulated its brain cells strongly, causing it to become very ferocious.
Brutally vicious and enormously destructive. Known for totally destroying cities in ancient times.
It has an extremely aggressive nature. The Hyper Beam it shoots from its mouth totally incinerates all targets.
Once it begins to rampage, a Gyarados will burn everything down, even in a harsh storm.
I suspect this Pokémon to be the true identity of a dragon written of in ancient texts, which claimed that it razed an entire village with white-hot beams from its maw.
Gyarados Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Gyarados derives from the Japanese name ギャラドス, combining elements that reference the legendary Chinese dragon transformation myth that also inspired Magikarp's design philosophy. The Pokémon's appearance is distinctly reminiscent of traditional depictions of sea serpents and Chinese dragons, featuring the elongated serpentine body characteristic of Eastern dragon mythology rather than the winged European dragon archetype. The design incorporates the gaping mouth and sharp teeth typical of aggressive aquatic predators, while the three-pointed crest and dorsal fins give it a distinctly piscine quality that grounds it in aquatic biology despite its draconic inspirations. The color scheme of blue scales with yellow accents mirrors many traditional dragon representations in East Asian art, where gold and blue are considered auspicious and powerful colors. The overall aesthetic successfully bridges the gap between realistic aquatic creature design and mythological dragon representation, creating a Pokémon that feels both biologically plausible and mythologically resonant.
Learnable Moves
Gyarados can learn 74 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| dragon rage | dragon | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| splash | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Gyarados Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Gyarados operates as a potent physical attacker leveraging its exceptional 125 Attack stat to deal massive damage with moves like Earthquake, Waterfall, and Stone Edge. The Intimidate ability serves as an excellent deterrent to physical attackers, automatically reducing an opponent's Attack stat by one stage upon entry, forcing opponents to think carefully about sending in physical sweepers. However, Gyarados faces significant vulnerabilities to Electric-type moves due to its Water/Flying typing, suffering 4x weakness to electric attacks, making it susceptible to common threats like Zapdos and Rotom-Wash in many competitive formats. Mega Gyarados addresses some of these limitations by changing to Water/Dark typing, eliminating the Electric weakness while gaining the Mold Breaker ability to bypass defensive abilities like Intimidate and Thick Fat, though it loses its Flying typing in the process. The hidden ability Moxie offers an alternative competitive option, allowing Gyarados to increase its Attack stat by one stage each time it knocks out an opponent, enabling momentum-based sweeping strategies that can snowball into devastating offensive pressure when properly supported.
Commonly Asked Questions About Gyarados
What type is Gyarados?
Gyarados is a water and flying type Pokemon.
What does Gyarados evolve from?
Gyarados evolved from magikarp.
What are Gyarados's weaknesses?
Gyarados is weak to rock and electric type moves.
Where can I find Gyarados?
Gyarados can be found in fuchsia city (kanto), lake of rage (johto) and sootopolis city (hoenn) and 111 other locations.
Gyarados Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Gyarados has become one of the most iconic Pokémon across all media, transcending the games to establish itself as a cultural phenomenon in anime, trading cards, and competitive gaming circles. Its appearance in the Pokémon anime, particularly through memorable characters like James's Gyarados and the legendary Red Gyarados, cemented its status as a fan favorite and symbol of tremendous power transformed from unlikely origins. The species has been featured prominently in trading card game competitions, with various Gyarados cards becoming sought-after collectibles and competitive staples across multiple formats and generations. Its role in popular culture extends to other media appearances, including representation in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pokémon UNITE, and the live-action Pokémon Detective Pikachu film, where it continues to capture audience imagination as an embodiment of raw destructive power. The evolutionary line of Magikarp to Gyarados has become synonymous with underdog narratives and dramatic transformations, influencing how subsequent generations of Pokémon games handle similarly weak base-form creatures destined for powerful evolutions.
Where to Find Gyarados in Every Pokémon Game
Gyarados appears across virtually every generation of Pokémon games, though its availability varies significantly by regional Pokédex and game version. In the original Generation I games (Red, Blue, and Yellow), Gyarados is available as National Pokédex number 130, accessible through the evolution of Magikarp found in various water routes. Throughout subsequent generations, Gyarados maintains its presence in most mainline titles, appearing in the Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and Paldea regional Pokédexes with varying encounter methods and local numbers. The species can be found through water encounters in most games, though trainers typically opt to evolve Magikarp due to its ease of capture and guaranteed evolution upon reaching level 20, making Gyarados more commonly obtained through breeding or evolution rather than wild encounters. In Pokémon GO, Gyarados remains readily available through evolution of Magikarp using 400 candy, and it can be encountered in raids and events, making it accessible to mobile players. The introduction of Mega Evolution in Generation VI further increased Gyarados's relevance by providing the Gyaradosite mega stone in various competitive and post-game contexts, ensuring its continued viability in modern Pokémon games.