Are you ready to face the most important question in Pokémon history? No, we are not talking about which Legendary Pokémon is the strongest or what is the best starter. We are talking about the burning question that has haunted trainers for generations: **Can you use a TM on Magikarp?**
Magikarp, the little fish who can’t do much except splash around, is often joked about in the Pokémon community. But there’s always that tiny glimmer of hope that one day, just maybe, this floppy fish could be more than just a water-type joke. So, can a TM (Technical Machine) help Magikarp level up beyond its embarrassing moves? Let’s take a deep dive into this topic!
The Big Question: Can You Use a TM on Magikarp?
If you’ve ever tried to teach Magikarp a new move using a TM, you’ve probably found yourself disappointed. That’s because **Magikarp cannot learn any moves from TMs** in most of the Pokémon games. Yes, that’s right. Despite the wide variety of moves you can teach your Pokémon using TMs, **Magikarp isn’t one of the lucky ones.**
Why is that? It all comes down to Magikarp’s sad, but true, nature. Magikarp is a Pokémon that’s designed to be weak—its main strength comes from evolving into the much stronger Gyarados, which can learn tons of powerful moves. Magikarp doesn’t have much of a move pool, and TMs are mostly reserved for Pokémon that can actually learn and use the moves effectively.
Why This Matters to Your Gameplay
So, why does this matter to you as a player? Well, if you were hoping to teach your Magikarp a move like **Hyper Beam** or **Flamethrower** to take down your enemies, it’s not going to happen. This limitation can be frustrating, especially if you’ve been leveling up Magikarp for hours and dreaming of some epic battle where Magikarp does something incredible.
In most cases, players end up evolving their Magikarp as quickly as possible into Gyarados, which can learn moves from TMs. This is usually the best strategy, because Magikarp’s biggest strength lies in that glorious evolution. But, we get it—sometimes you just want to see that little fish do something beyond **Splash** and **Tackle**.
What Are Your Options Then?
If you’re dead set on using a TM on Magikarp (or at least trying to), your best bet is to focus on evolving it into Gyarados as soon as possible. Once it evolves, you can teach it a wide range of powerful TMs like **Dragon Dance**, **Earthquake**, and others that can really make a difference in battle.
Another option, if you’re looking for something extra special, is to explore special event Pokémon or other methods of obtaining a Magikarp that may have unique moves, though this is more of a rarity.
Players’ Reactions: Frustration or Acceptance?
A quick glance through Pokémon forums and social media reveals the same mixed feelings from the community. Some players are just as disappointed as you might be when they realize Magikarp can’t learn TMs, while others have come to accept it as part of the game’s design. **“I can’t even get Magikarp to learn a single TM, but that’s fine… Gyarados is awesome anyway!”** is a sentiment echoed by many.
A few players have even come up with their own creative workarounds, like using **Magikarp in certain event battles** or for **shiny hunting**, where the lack of TMs doesn’t matter as much. Still, most trainers will tell you: Magikarp’s true potential lies in evolving it into Gyarados.
A Little Advice From Fellow Trainers
So, what should you do if you’re still determined to use a TM on Magikarp? Unfortunately, the options are limited unless the game has changed recently (which, let’s be real, we’re not sure it will). Many trainers recommend focusing on building your **team around the evolution**, making sure to give Magikarp as much experience as possible until it evolves. The journey might be slow, but the reward is worth it.
Also, keep in mind that the loveable Magikarp is **still useful in certain situations**, especially if you’re going for specific in-game challenges like completing a Pokédex or doing a “no-evolution” playthrough.
Let’s Chat: What’s Your Experience With Magikarp?
So, did you ever try using a TM on your Magikarp? Were you surprised to find out it doesn’t work? Or have you figured out how to make the best of the situation and evolved your Magikarp as quickly as possible into a Gyarados? Whatever your story, we’d love to hear it! Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.
Conclusion: The Magikarp Dilemma
To wrap it up, no, you cannot use TMs on Magikarp. It’s a little sad, but don’t let it get you down. Magikarp is just the beginning of a much bigger journey, and the moment it evolves into Gyarados, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge. The little fish may not be a TM superstar, but it’s still a beloved part of the Pokémon world.
So, what will you do next with your Magikarp? Will you give it a TM just to test the waters, or will you focus on evolving it into Gyarados as fast as you can? Whatever your strategy, happy training!
