Magikarp, Potential Of Power

What is this strange fish?

Magikarp was one of the original 151 Pokemon which debuted back in the first Generation of Pokemon (Red / Blue / Yellow / And Green in Japan). They were created based on a legend where carps would jump over a Dragon Gate to become dragons. The name Magikarp comes from combining the words magic and carp.

Interesting. Is it useful in battle?

Magikarps have been known as one of the weakest Pokemon for a very long time. This is due to it's very low stats (which is really low even compared to other first stage Pokemon) and it's lack of moves it can use.

The only moves it can learn are;

Splash- Which does nothing (literally)

Tackle- An average attack with mild power, however Magikarp lacks the attack strength to make this useful.

Flail- This is Magikarp's most powerful move, but it's only strong when the users HP is low. Again with weak stats Magikarp's more likely to faint it a move or two, so it'd probably won't get to a point where it'll be useful.

Does it have any redeeming qualities?

Actually Magikarps have one trait that actually makes them a Pokemon you'd want to get as soon as possible on your Pokemon journey. Magikarp evolves into the incredibly powerful Gyarados at level 20.

Gyarados? Is that something I want?

Oh yes, Gyarados has been considered a power house since the beginning. They have one of the highest attack strengths in the series and only gotten stronger when they changed how special and physical attacks worked. Now Gyarados can use it's power to it's maximum and makes spending all that time training a Magikarp worth it.

Do Gyarados have better attacks then Magikarp?

Once Magikarp evolves into Gyarados you'll start shaken in your boots with all the powerful attacks it can learn. You'll come across a bunch of good moves as it levels up and you'll find that it can learn some great TMs (one time items used to teach Pokemon new moves) that will make it seem invincible.

Can I get Gyarados without evolving Magikarp?

Yes. You can get Gyarados without the Pokemon Magikarp, but you won't be able to get it as soon in the game. You'll need either a better fishing rod or a Pokemon that knows Surf. These are usally obtained near the mid point of your quest.