Can Gyarados Learn Thunderbolt? Absolutely, Gyarados can indeed learn Thunderbolt through Technical Machines (TMs) in various Pokémon games, enhancing its movepool and strategic versatility. At LEARNS.EDU.VN, you can discover comprehensive guides on how to maximize Gyarados’ potential with diverse move combinations and effective training strategies. Explore the capabilities of this Water/Flying type Pokémon and unlock its full competitive edge with our detailed insights on move sets, evolution, and strategic applications, including powerful electric-type coverage moves.
1. Understanding Gyarados: The Atrocious Pokémon
Gyarados, known as the Atrocious Pokémon, is a dual-type Water/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation I. Evolving from the seemingly weak Magikarp, Gyarados undergoes a drastic transformation, both physically and in terms of power. This evolution embodies the classic “underdog” trope, making Gyarados a favorite among trainers.
1.1. Key Characteristics of Gyarados
- Type: Water/Flying
- Abilities: Intimidate (Hidden Ability: Moxie)
- Strengths: High Attack and Special Defense
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to Electric and Rock-type moves
Gyarados’ serpentine, dragon-like appearance is matched by its aggressive nature. Its Pokédex entries often describe its destructive rampages, capable of leveling entire cities. However, with the right training, Gyarados can become a formidable asset to any team.
1.2. Gyarados’ Evolution from Magikarp
The evolution from Magikarp to Gyarados is one of the most dramatic in the Pokémon world. Magikarp, known for its uselessness in battle, evolves into the powerful Gyarados at level 20. This evolution is not merely a change in appearance but also a complete shift in stats and abilities.
| Feature | Magikarp | Gyarados |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Water | Water/Flying |
| Base Stats | Extremely Low | High Attack, Special Defense |
| Battle Prowess | Virtually Useless | Capable of sweeping teams |
| Overall | A symbol of weakness and perseverance | A testament to powerful transformation |
1.3. Gyarados in Competitive Battling
Gyarados’ high Attack stat and access to powerful moves make it a popular choice in competitive battling. Its ability, Intimidate, lowers the opponent’s Attack stat upon entering the field, providing a strategic advantage. With a diverse movepool, Gyarados can adapt to various team compositions and strategies.
2. Can Gyarados Learn Thunderbolt? The Definitive Answer
Yes, Gyarados can learn Thunderbolt in several Pokémon games via Technical Machines (TMs). This is a significant addition to its movepool, providing much-needed coverage against its weaknesses.
2.1. How Gyarados Learns Thunderbolt
Gyarados learns Thunderbolt through Technical Machines (TMs), which are items that teach specific moves to Pokémon. The availability of Thunderbolt as a TM varies between generations.
- Generation I: Not available
- Generation II: Not available
- Generation III: Not available
- Generation IV: Yes, via TM24
- Generation V: Yes, via TM24
- Generation VI: Yes, via TM24
- Generation VII: Yes, via TM24
- Generation VIII: Yes, via TR08
- Generation IX: Yes, via TM126
2.2. Why Thunderbolt is a Valuable Move for Gyarados
Thunderbolt is an Electric-type move with a base power of 90 and 100% accuracy. It is a Special Attack move, which utilizes Gyarados’ Special Attack stat. While Gyarados is primarily a Physical attacker, Thunderbolt provides crucial coverage against its weaknesses, particularly against Water-type Pokémon, which can resist Gyarados’ Water-type moves, and other Flying-type Pokémon that Gyarados has trouble dealing with.
2.3. Comparing Thunderbolt to Other Electric-Type Moves
While Gyarados can learn other Electric-type moves, such as Thunder, Thunderbolt is generally preferred due to its higher accuracy. Thunder has a higher base power (110) but only 70% accuracy, making it less reliable.
| Move | Type | Power | Accuracy | Special/Physical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt | Electric | 90 | 100% | Special |
| Thunder | Electric | 110 | 70% | Special |
2.4. How to Obtain Thunderbolt in Different Generations
- Generation IV: TM24 can be purchased in Veilstone Department Store for $2000.
- Generation V: TM24 can be found in Chargestone Cave or purchased in the Pokémon World Tournament.
- Generation VI: TM24 can be purchased in Lumiose City Boutique for $70000.
- Generation VII: TM24 can be purchased in the Mount Hokulani shop for $10000.
- Generation VIII: TR08 can be obtained through Max Raid Battles or purchased from Watt Traders in the Wild Area.
- Generation IX: TM126 can be crafted after defeating some Team Star bases.
3. Strategic Advantages of Thunderbolt for Gyarados
Having Thunderbolt in its movepool offers Gyarados several strategic advantages, making it a more versatile and unpredictable Pokémon.
3.1. Coverage Against Water-Type Pokémon
Gyarados, being a Water/Flying type, struggles against other Water-type Pokémon. Water-type moves are ineffective against other Water types, creating a stalemate. Thunderbolt provides super-effective damage against Water types, breaking this stalemate.
3.2. Dealing with Electric-Type Pokémon
While Gyarados is weak to Electric-type moves, it can use Thunderbolt to deal significant damage to opposing Electric-type Pokémon. This can be a risky strategy, but it allows Gyarados to potentially knock out an opponent before it can use a super-effective move.
3.3. Surprise Factor in Battles
Opponents often expect Gyarados to use primarily Water and Flying-type moves. Thunderbolt can catch them off guard, especially if they switch in a Pokémon expecting to resist Water or Flying-type attacks.
3.4. Strengthening Type Matchups
With Thunderbolt, Gyarados has a better chance of overcoming unfavorable type matchups. This move allows Gyarados to threaten Pokémon that would otherwise wall its primary attacks.
4. Optimal Move Sets for Gyarados with Thunderbolt
To maximize Gyarados’ effectiveness with Thunderbolt, it’s essential to build a move set that complements its strengths and covers its weaknesses. Here are a few example move sets:
4.1. Offensive Move Set
- Move 1: Waterfall (Water, Physical)
- Move 2: Earthquake (Ground, Physical)
- Move 3: Ice Fang (Ice, Physical)
- Move 4: Thunderbolt (Electric, Special)
This move set focuses on dealing high damage with a variety of types. Waterfall is a strong Water-type move, Earthquake provides coverage against Electric and Rock types, Ice Fang deals with Grass types, and Thunderbolt handles Water types.
4.2. Dragon Dance Sweeper
- Move 1: Dragon Dance (Dragon, Status)
- Move 2: Waterfall (Water, Physical)
- Move 3: Crunch (Dark, Physical)
- Move 4: Thunderbolt (Electric, Special)
This set utilizes Dragon Dance to boost Gyarados’ Attack and Speed, turning it into a powerful sweeper. Waterfall is the primary Water-type attack, Crunch deals with Ghost and Psychic types, and Thunderbolt provides essential coverage.
4.3. Defensive Move Set
- Move 1: Rest (Psychic, Status)
- Move 2: Sleep Talk (Normal, Status)
- Move 3: Waterfall (Water, Physical)
- Move 4: Thunderbolt (Electric, Special)
This set focuses on survivability and consistent damage output. Rest allows Gyarados to recover HP, Sleep Talk allows it to attack while asleep, Waterfall is the primary Water-type attack, and Thunderbolt provides type coverage.
4.4. Utilizing Mega Evolution with Thunderbolt
When Gyarados Mega Evolves, it becomes Water/Dark type, changing its strengths and weaknesses. The inclusion of Thunderbolt can still be beneficial:
- Move 1: Waterfall (Water, Physical)
- Move 2: Crunch (Dark, Physical)
- Move 3: Earthquake (Ground, Physical)
- Move 4: Thunderbolt (Electric, Special)
This move set takes advantage of Mega Gyarados’ increased stats, with Waterfall and Crunch as primary attacks, Earthquake for coverage, and Thunderbolt for Water-type threats.
5. Training and Building a Competitive Gyarados
To create a competitive Gyarados, careful training and strategic planning are essential. This involves EV (Effort Value) training, IV (Individual Value) breeding, and choosing the right Nature.
5.1. Understanding EVs and IVs
- EVs (Effort Values): These are points earned by battling specific Pokémon, which increase a Pokémon’s stats. A Pokémon can earn a maximum of 510 EVs, with a maximum of 252 EVs in a single stat.
- IVs (Individual Values): These are innate stats that a Pokémon is born with, ranging from 0 to 31. Higher IVs result in better stats at level 100.
5.2. Optimal EV Spread for Gyarados
- Attack: 252 EVs
- Speed: 252 EVs
- Special Defense: 4 EVs
This EV spread maximizes Gyarados’ offensive potential, with high Attack and Speed. The remaining 4 EVs are placed in Special Defense to provide a slight boost.
5.3. Breeding for Perfect IVs
Breeding for perfect IVs involves using items like the Destiny Knot, which passes down 5 IVs from the parents to the offspring. This ensures that your Gyarados has the best possible stats.
5.4. Choosing the Right Nature
The Nature of a Pokémon affects its stat growth. The best Natures for Gyarados are:
- Adamant: Increases Attack, decreases Special Attack
- Jolly: Increases Speed, decreases Special Attack
Adamant is preferred for maximizing physical damage output, while Jolly is useful for outspeeding opponents.
5.5. The Importance of Abilities
Gyarados’ ability, Intimidate, is highly valuable in competitive battling. It lowers the opponent’s Attack stat upon entering the field, providing a tactical advantage. The hidden ability, Moxie, increases Gyarados’ Attack stat by one stage after knocking out a Pokémon.
6. Gyarados in Different Pokémon Games and Generations
Gyarados’ capabilities and movepool vary between different Pokémon games and generations. Understanding these differences can help trainers optimize their strategies.
6.1. Gyarados in Generation I
In Generation I, Gyarados has a base Special stat of 100. This means that its Special Attack and Special Defense are combined into a single stat. While Gyarados can learn moves like Hydro Pump, its movepool is limited compared to later generations.
6.2. Gyarados in Generation II
Generation II introduces the concept of breeding and held items. Gyarados can benefit from items like the Leftovers, which provide passive HP recovery.
6.3. Gyarados in Generation III
Generation III introduces abilities and Natures. Gyarados’ ability, Intimidate, becomes a significant asset, and choosing the right Nature can further enhance its stats.
6.4. Gyarados in Generation IV
Generation IV introduces the Physical/Special split, separating moves into Physical and Special categories. This benefits Gyarados, as it can now effectively use its high Attack stat with moves like Waterfall.
6.5. Gyarados in Generation V
Generation V introduces hidden abilities. Gyarados’ hidden ability, Moxie, can turn it into a powerful sweeper, increasing its Attack stat after each knockout.
6.6. Gyarados in Generation VI
Generation VI introduces Mega Evolution. Mega Gyarados becomes Water/Dark type, gaining increased stats and a new ability, Mold Breaker.
6.7. Gyarados in Generation VII
Generation VII introduces Z-Moves, powerful one-time-use attacks. Gyarados can use Z-Moves like Hydro Vortex to deal massive damage.
6.8. Gyarados in Generation VIII
Generation VIII introduces Dynamax and Gigantamax forms. Gyarados can Dynamax to increase its HP and use Max Moves, which have additional effects.
6.9. Gyarados in Generation IX
Generation IX introduces Terastallizing, allowing Pokémon to change their type. Gyarados can Terastallize into different types to gain strategic advantages.
7. Gyarados’s Counters and How to Overcome Them
Despite its power, Gyarados has several counters that can exploit its weaknesses. Understanding these counters and how to overcome them is crucial for success in battles.
7.1. Common Counters to Gyarados
- Electric-Type Pokémon: Pokémon like Raikou and Magnezone can easily knock out Gyarados with Electric-type moves.
- Rock-Type Pokémon: Pokémon like Tyranitar and Golem can resist Gyarados’ Flying-type moves and deal super-effective damage with Rock-type attacks.
- Bulky Water-Type Pokémon: Pokémon like Rotom-Wash and Suicune can stall Gyarados with their high defenses and access to recovery moves.
7.2. Strategies to Overcome Counters
- Type Coverage: Using moves like Earthquake and Thunderbolt can help Gyarados deal with its counters.
- Team Support: Teammates that can handle Electric and Rock-type Pokémon can provide valuable support for Gyarados.
- Status Moves: Using status moves like Thunder Wave to paralyze faster opponents can give Gyarados an advantage.
7.3. Utilizing Terastallizing to Change Type
In Generation IX, Terastallizing can be used to change Gyarados’ type, allowing it to resist attacks from its counters. For example, Terastallizing into a Ground type can make Gyarados immune to Electric-type moves.
8. Gyarados in Pokémon Lore and Media
Gyarados is not only a powerful Pokémon in the games but also a significant figure in Pokémon lore and media, appearing in the anime, movies, and trading card game.
8.1. Gyarados in the Pokémon Anime
Gyarados has made numerous appearances in the Pokémon anime, often depicted as a destructive force. One notable appearance is in the episode “Rage of Innocence,” where a Gyarados rampages through a city.
8.2. Gyarados in Pokémon Movies
Gyarados has also appeared in Pokémon movies, showcasing its power and intimidating presence. Its appearances often involve dramatic battles and displays of its destructive capabilities.
8.3. Gyarados in the Trading Card Game
Gyarados cards are popular among collectors and players in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. These cards often feature powerful attacks and abilities that reflect Gyarados’ strength in the video games.
8.4. Fan Theories and Lore Interpretations
Many fan theories surround Gyarados, particularly regarding its violent nature and the reasons behind its transformation from Magikarp. Some theories suggest that the drastic change in brain structure during evolution is responsible for its aggression.
9. Mastering Gyarados: Tips and Tricks
To truly master Gyarados, consider these additional tips and tricks that can enhance your gameplay experience.
9.1. Leveraging Intimidate Effectively
Intimidate can be used strategically to weaken physical attackers before they even make a move. Switch Gyarados in and out to repeatedly activate Intimidate, wearing down the opposition.
9.2. Optimizing Held Items
Held items can significantly boost Gyarados’s capabilities. Consider these options:
- Life Orb: Boosts power but reduces HP each turn.
- Leftovers: Slowly regenerates HP each turn.
- Choice Band: Boosts Attack but locks the user into one move.
- Lum Berry: Cures any status condition.
9.3. Utilizing Support Moves
While Gyarados is primarily an offensive Pokémon, support moves can enhance its performance:
- Rain Dance: Boosts the power of Water-type moves.
- Thunder Wave: Paralyzes opponents, reducing their Speed.
- Toxic: Inflicts poison damage that increases each turn.
9.4. Advanced Breeding Techniques
For dedicated players, mastering advanced breeding techniques can yield perfect Gyarados:
- Egg Moves: Pass down unique moves from compatible Pokémon.
- Hidden Abilities: Breed for Moxie to enhance offensive capabilities.
- Natures: Use Everstone to ensure the desired Nature is passed down.
9.5. Adapting to Different Battle Formats
Adjust Gyarados’s move set and strategy based on the battle format:
- Singles: Focus on coverage and sweeping potential.
- Doubles: Coordinate with teammates for support and synergy.
- Triples: Utilize positioning and wide-range attacks.
10. The Future of Gyarados in Pokémon
As the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve, Gyarados will likely remain a popular and powerful Pokémon. Future games may introduce new moves, abilities, or forms that further enhance its capabilities.
10.1. Potential New Moves for Gyarados
Future Pokémon games could introduce new moves that complement Gyarados’ strengths and cover its weaknesses. For example, a powerful Flying-type move with high accuracy would be a valuable addition to its movepool.
10.2. Speculations on New Abilities
New abilities could also change the way Gyarados is used in battles. An ability that increases its Speed or Special Defense would make it more versatile and resilient.
10.3. The Possibility of New Forms
The Pokémon franchise has introduced various forms for existing Pokémon, such as Mega Evolution and Regional Forms. A new form for Gyarados could provide unique abilities and type combinations.
10.4. Gyarados in Future Pokémon Games
Gyarados will likely continue to be a prominent Pokémon in future games, appearing in new regions and storylines. Its enduring popularity ensures that it will remain a favorite among trainers for years to come.
FAQ: Answering Your Gyarados Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gyarados, providing additional insights and information.
Q1: What is the best Nature for Gyarados?
The best Natures for Gyarados are Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) and Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack). Adamant is preferred for maximizing physical damage output, while Jolly is useful for outspeeding opponents.
Q2: Can Gyarados learn any other Electric-type moves?
Yes, Gyarados can learn Thunder in some generations. However, Thunderbolt is generally preferred due to its higher accuracy.
Q3: How do I evolve Magikarp into Gyarados?
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. Simply train your Magikarp until it reaches level 20, and it will evolve automatically.
Q4: Is Mega Gyarados better than regular Gyarados?
Mega Gyarados has higher stats and a different type combination (Water/Dark), but it requires a Mega Stone and can only be used once per battle. Whether it is better depends on your team composition and strategy.
Q5: What are the best held items for Gyarados?
Some of the best held items for Gyarados include Life Orb, Leftovers, Choice Band, and Lum Berry.
Q6: How do I train EVs for Gyarados?
To train EVs for Gyarados, battle Pokémon that yield the desired EVs. For Attack, battle Pokémon like Machop or Heracross. For Speed, battle Pokémon like Starly or Wingull.
Q7: What are the weaknesses of Gyarados?
Gyarados is weak to Electric and Rock-type moves.
Q8: What are the strengths of Gyarados?
Gyarados has high Attack and Special Defense. Its ability, Intimidate, lowers the opponent’s Attack stat, providing a tactical advantage.
Q9: Can Gyarados be used in competitive battling?
Yes, Gyarados is a popular choice in competitive battling due to its high Attack stat, diverse movepool, and useful ability.
Q10: What is Gyarados’ hidden ability?
Gyarados’ hidden ability is Moxie, which increases its Attack stat by one stage after knocking out a Pokémon.
In conclusion, Gyarados is a formidable Pokémon with a diverse movepool and significant strategic potential. Its ability to learn Thunderbolt provides crucial coverage against its weaknesses, making it a versatile choice for both casual and competitive players. By understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal move sets, trainers can unlock the full potential of this Atrocious Pokémon.
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