What Happens if I Evolve a Yellow Magikarp?
The answer to this question may surprise many Pokémon enthusiasts, but we’re here to set the record straight. Evolving a yellow Magikarp, also known as a Shiny Magikarp, is a unique experience that differs from the usual Magikarp evolution. So, what exactly happens when you evolve a yellow Magikarp?
The Evolution Process
First, let’s briefly review the evolution process of Magikarp. Magikarp evolves into Gyarados when it reaches level 20. This process remains the same for Shiny Magikarp, except for one significant difference: Shiny Pokémon remain Shiny when they evolve.
Evolution into Gyarados
When you evolve a yellow Magikarp into Gyarados, it will not retain its yellow color. Instead, Gyarados will have red scales, a significant change from the original Magikarp. This means that if you’ve invested time and effort into leveling up your yellow Magikarp, it will eventually transform into a red Gyarados once it reaches level 20.
Other Shiny Evolutions
It’s worth noting that Shiny evolutions don’t stop at Magikarp and Gyarados. Shiny Pokémon will always retain their Shiny status when evolving into other species. This means that if you have a Shiny Charmander, it will evolve into a Shiny Charmeleon and eventually a Shiny Charizard, retaining its Shiny coloration throughout the evolution process.
Implications for Shiny Hunting
The knowledge that Shiny Pokémon retain their Shiny status when evolving has significant implications for Shiny hunters. If you’re looking to catch rare Shiny Pokémon, this means that evolving a Shiny Magikarp is not a guaranteed way to obtain a non-Shiny Gyarados. In fact, the evolved Gyarados will be a Shiny Gyarados, making it an even more valuable catch for Shiny enthusiasts.
Conversely, Catching a Non-Shiny Gyarados
If you catch a non-Shiny Magikarp and evolve it into Gyarados, you will not get a Shiny Gyarados. This means that the evolution process is a reliable way to distinguish Shiny Pokémon from non-Shiny ones.
Table: Shiny Evolutions
| Species | Non-Shiny | Shiny |
|---|---|---|
| Magikarp | Evolves into Gyarados (non-Shiny) | Evolves into Shiny Gyarados |
| Charmander | Evolves into Charmeleon, then Charizard (non-Shiny) | Evolves into Shiny Charmeleon, then Shiny Charizard |
| Other species | Same pattern applies to all Shiny Pokémon | Retain Shiny status when evolving |
Conclusion
Evolving a yellow Magikarp is an exciting experience that offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of Shiny Pokémon. While the evolution process is similar to that of a non-Shiny Magikarp, the outcome is vastly different. Shiny Magikarp evolve into Shiny Gyarados, a valuable catch for Shiny enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a newcomer to the world of Shiny Pokémon, understanding the evolution process of Shiny Magikarp is essential for success in your Shiny hunting endeavors.