How to Beat Dynamax Magikarp and Farm Candy on Max Monday

Dynamax Magikarp makes its Max Battle debut on August 17 as a Tier 1 Max Battle in Pokémon GO. The Water-type Pokémon only knows Splash and Struggle, making it an approachable target for Grass- and Electric-type teams.

Magikarp also remains available at Power Spots through August 23, giving Trainers several days to farm encounters and Candy for Gyarados. The August 20 Spotlight Hour adds another chance to stock up before the week ends.

What Max Monday Changes for Magikarp

August 17 marks Dynamax Magikarp's debut and its featured Max Monday appearance.

The biggest attraction is Candy. Gyarados requires 400 Magikarp Candy, and the extended Power Spot availability gives Trainers more time to work toward that total instead of relying only on Monday's Max Battles.

Magikarp's limited moveset also makes it a good entry-level Max Battle for Trainers still building their teams.

When Dynamax Magikarp Appears

Featured Max Battles run August 17 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time.

Magikarp remains available at Power Spots through August 23, while each Max Battle costs 250 Max Particles. Trainers can therefore spread their battles across the week instead of spending all their MP on Monday night.

The August 20 Spotlight Hour also features Magikarp with 2× Catch XP, making it another useful Candy-farming window.

Best Counters for Dynamax Magikarp

Grass and Electric attackers are the best choices because Magikarp is weak to both types. Its Splash and Struggle moves also provide little threat to these counters.

Good options include:

• Gigantamax Rillaboom — strong Grass damage during Dynamax.
• Dynamax Zapdos / Raikou — reliable Electric options.
• Gigantamax Venusaur / Toxtricity — useful alternatives.

You don't need a highly specialized team for this battle. A strong Grass or Electric lineup should be enough for most prepared Trainers.

How to Solo Dynamax Magikarp

Solo clears are realistic because Magikarp is only a Tier 1 Max Battle.

Use fast moves to build the Max Meter, then switch to your strongest Grass or Electric attacker during Dynamax. Avoid wasting time on unnecessary Charged Moves while charging the meter.

Since Magikarp remains available through August 23, there is also no need to spend all your Max Particles on August 17.

Farm Magikarp Candy Before Spotlight Hour

Gyarados needs 400 Candy, so use Pinap Berries on worthwhile Magikarp catches throughout the August 17–23 window.

Set Magikarp as your Buddy if you still need Candy between sessions, and combine Power Spot visits with normal walking routes. If you're still short on Candy by August 20, prioritize the Spotlight Hour for a concentrated catch session.

Always check for Shiny Magikarp and strong IVs before transferring duplicates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't treat Max Monday as your only opportunity. Magikarp remains at Power Spots through August 23, giving you several more days to collect encounters.

Also, avoid spending all your MP immediately. At 250 MP per battle, spreading your entries across the week gives you more flexibility for other Max Battles.

Most importantly, check your catches before transferring them during Candy farming.

This Week After Max Monday

• August 17, 8:00 PM — Venom and Vines Timed Research ends.
• August 18, 10:00 AM — Ultra Unlock Water Festival begins.
• August 18 night — Groudon and Mega Garchomp leave raids.
• August 19 — Lunala and Mega Swampert enter raids.
• August 22 — Mega Starmie Super Mega Raid Day.
• September 6 — Free Mewtwo Timed Research ends.

Trainers looking to finish their Gyarados upgrades may also find PKMBuy's Pokémon GO account and item services useful for stocking up on resources.

Final Thoughts

Dynamax Magikarp is an easy Max Battle with a useful week-long farming window. Run Grass or Electric counters, manage your 250 MP entries, and use the August 17–23 Power Spot period together with the August 20 Spotlight Hour to build toward 400 Magikarp Candy.