Dynamax Magikarp will make its debut in Pokémon GO on Monday, August 17, 2026, during the Max Monday event, starting from 6:00 a.m. local time. It will continue to be at Power Spots until 9:00 p.m. local time. You can also evolve Dynamax Magikarp to get its evolution, Dynamax Gyarados.
Furthermore, Dynamax Magikarp will be available for the rest of the week until Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. local time. It is one of the new Dynamax Pokémon to debut in Pokémon GO during the Forever Forward Season.
Please note, you cannot engage in Max Battles at any Power Spot between 9:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. local time. Additionally, Dynamax Magikarp is expected to be at Tier 1 Power Spots, costing 250 Max Particles (MP) per battle. Remote raiding Dynamax Magikarp is not recommended, as it will cost both Max Particles and a Remote Raid Pass.
Dynamax Magikarp Max Monday Bonuses
The following bonuses are available during the Max Monday Max Battles:
Power Spots will refresh more frequently.
Additional Power Spots will be active compared to the rest of the week.
Max Battles will rotate to feature different Dynamax Pokémon.
Trainers can now earn one Rare Candy XL for completing in-person Max Battles.
Dynamax Magikarp Counters
This is a Water-type Pokémon that is weak to Pokémon with Electric- or Grass-type attacks. Therefore, max attackers with Electric- or Grass-type attacks are the strongest options to exploit Magikarp’s weaknesses.
The following are the recommended counters to have in your battle party:
Defender/Healer: Dynamax Blissey with Pound as Fast Attack and any attack as a Charged Attack.
Attacker: Gigantamax Toxtricity with Spark as Fast Attack and Wild Charge as its Charged Attack.
Attacker: Gigantamax Rillaboom with Razor Leaf as Fast Attack and Drum Beating as its Charged Attack.
Remember, Dynamax Magikarp will typically be in One-Star Max Battles, so most Trainers with any powered-up counter Pokémon should be able to defeat it comfortably. If you don’t have the exact ideal counters, make sure you prioritize Dynamax Pokémon with Electric- or Grass-type Max Moves first as your attackers. Examples of these include:
Gigantamax Pikachu with Thunder Shock as a Fast Attack and Wild Charge as a Charged Attack.
Dynamax Jolteon with Thunder Shock as a Fast Attack and Thunderbolt as a Charged Attack.
- Dynamax Electivire with Thunder Shock as a Fast Attack and Wild Charge as a Charged Attack.
Recommended Tips for Dynamax Magikarp Max Monday
Dynamax Magikarp battles shouldn’t be difficult for those who use the recommended counters. However, if you need to pay close attention to the battle, follow these guidelines:
Max Moves: Using the right counters with the right attacks is not enough. You also need to level up their max moves. Level up Max Guard and Max Spirit for the Defender/Healer, and level up Max Attack for the attackers. All should be at least at level 2.
Max Energy: During the normal battle phase, ensure you dodge Magikarp’s charged attacks when possible. Focus on generating Max Energy quickly, then use the energy during the Dynamaxing phase to heal (Max Spirit), guard (Max Guard), or attack (Max Attack).
Battle with Friends: If you don’t have the recommended counters or the resources to level up their max moves, plan your battles with friends who can help.
Rewards
You will get rewarded after you complete each Max Battle. One of the rewards is an encounter with Dynamax Magikarp. If you are lucky, the encounter can be shiny!
Look out for its distinct alternate coloring: a shiny Magikarp swaps its usual bright orange body for a striking golden-yellow hue.
If you encounter a Dynamax Magikarp that has a combat Power of 157 CP, that is a perfect one (i.e., hundo). If shiny, that’s a shundo.
How to Evolve Dynamax Magikarp into Dynamax Gyarados
Just like its standard counterpart in Pokémon GO, evolving Dynamax Magikarp requires a bit of dedication. To get Dynamax Gyarados, you will need to:
Earn 400 Magikarp Candy.
Once you meet these requirements, you can evolve your Dynamax Magikarp, allowing you to use a powerful Dynamax Gyarados in future Max Battles! The best moveset for Dynamax Gyarados is Dragon Breath as a Fast Attack and Aqua Tail or Crunch as a Charged Attack.
