Magikarp is usually one of the most common Pokemon you can find in almost every region. In Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn, you can fish one up almost anywhere without even trying. Unova is very different.
In Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, Magikarp is surprisingly rare, which often leaves players confused about where to get one.
If you’re a big Gyarados fan like me, this can be quite frustrating because it’s easily one of the strongest Pokemon you can have, with its incredible stats and an amazing movepool that can carry an entire playthrough.
In this guide, I’ll teach you every possible method for getting Magikarp in Black 2 and White 2 so you can add Gyarados to your team.
Keep reading:
- What Level Does Magikarp Evolve?
- 10 Best Fish Pokemon From All Generations
- Best Moveset For Gyarados In Sword & Shield And Pokemon GO
3 Ways to Get a Magikarp in Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
There are three methods you can choose from if you want to obtain a Magikarp in B2/W2, but only two are completely legitimate.
1. Buying Magikarp on Marvelous Bridge
The most straightforward method is buying a Magikarp on Marvelous Bridge. This short bridge connects Route 15 in the east to Route 16 in the west.
On the bridge, you will find an NPC selling a Magikarp for 500 Pokedollars. Yes, he is clearly the same Magikarp salesman from previous regions. A true entrepreneur.
You can buy only one Magikarp from him per save file, so make sure you have an empty party slot.
It is highly recommended to save before purchasing so you can reset for better IVs, a preferred nature, or even hunt for a shiny if you are patient enough.
2. Wild Magikarp in the Nature Sanctuary
The second method is much harder. You can catch a wild Magikarp in the Nature Sanctuary, also known as the Nature Preserve.
This area is locked behind a massive requirement. You must have seen every Pokemon in the Unova Pokedex, excluding event-only Pokemon.
Once you meet this requirement, talk to Professor Juniper to receive a pass. Then head to Mistralton City, enter the Cargo Service building, and speak to the clerk to travel to the Nature Sanctuary.
Inside, use a fishing rod in the water to encounter a wild Magikarp. Don’t forget to pick up Net Balls from the male clerk in the Cargo Service building, as Magikarp love those.
3. Using the Pokemon Modifier Cheat
If you do not care about legitimacy and just want Gyarados as soon as possible, you can use a Pokemon Modifier cheat from Pokemoncoders.
This method lets you encounter Magikarp instantly without waiting for the post-game. It is the fastest option, but obviously not intended for legit playthroughs.
How to Use: Copy the code and turn it on. Then, walk on tall grass or surf on water and hold SELECT to begin the encounter.
Magikarp Encounter Cheat
94000130 FFFB0000
B2000024 00000000
C0000000 0000002F
10036B04 00000081
DC000000 00000004
D2000000 00000000
How to Deactivate: If you find yourself encountering only Magikarp, don’t worry, you’re not stuck with fish for the rest of your journey. You can turn the cheat off by disabling the code and restarting your emulator.
This Pokemon modifier cheat can be altered so you can encounter literally any Pokemon you want in the wild, including event exclusives.
Check out our compilation of all Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 cheats at Pokemoncoders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you catch Magikarp in the wild in Pokemon Black 2 and White 2?
Yes, but only under very tight and specific conditions.
Magikarp does not appear at any fishing spot in Unova. The only place where you can catch a wild Magikarp is inside the Nature Preserve.
This area is locked behind a major requirement. You must have seen every Pokemon in the Unova Pokedex, excluding event-only Pokemon.
Once unlocked, you can fish in the water inside the sanctuary to encounter wild Magikarp.
Can Magikarp be shiny in B2/W2?
Yes, Magikarp can be shiny in Black 2 and White 2. It is not shiny locked.
You can hunt Shiny Magikarp through the Marvelous Bridge purchase, the Nature Sanctuary fishing encounters, or through breeding.
The Magikarp on Marvelous Bridge can be soft reset for a shiny, which makes it one of the easiest shiny hunt targets.
If you’re looking for a shiny hunting guide for Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, we have one at Pokemoncoders that will slash the effort and time it takes to find a shiny legitimately.
Can you catch a Magikarp before the Elite Four?
No, Magikarp is completely unavailable before you defeat the Elite Four in Black 2 and White 2.
You cannot fish one, buy one, or encounter one in the wild during the main story.
This restriction exists because Gyarados is extremely powerful, and would trivialize much of the Unova storyline if obtained early.
Conclusion
Magikarp may be one of the most common Pokemon in other regions, but in Black 2 and White 2, it’s a real late-game reward.
Unova makes you earn the right to raise this weak fish into one of the strongest Water/Flying types in the series. Gyarados remains a dominant force in B2/W2’s post-game thanks to its raw power, strong abilities, and versatile movepool.
For more Unova guides, cheats, and Pokemon tips, Pokemoncoders is always here to help you on your Pokejourney. So stay tuned, comment, and bookmark to stay updated.
