Magcargo
Lava Pokémon
Its brittle shell occasionally spouts intense flames that circulate throughout its body.
Base Stats
Type Effectiveness
Abilities
Evolution Chain
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Locations
Details
Sprites
Competitive
Strategy Overview
Magcargo is outclassed as an offensive Fire-type by Rapidash, Simisear, and Ninetales due to its poor attacking stats and Speed, as well as being outclassed defensively by Torkoal, which lacks recovery but has a better typing and access to Rapid Spin. Magcargo is also outclassed as a specially offensive Rock-type by Lunatone, due to its below average Speed and Special Attack, and as a defensive Rock-type by Probopass, because of its weakness to residual damage. Magcargo does have access to a great supportive movepool including moves such as Memento, Reflect, Light Screen, Stealth Rock, as well as reliable recovery by virtue of Recover. However, its Fire / Rock typing is very detrimental, as it provides two 4x weaknesses, to Water and Ground, as well as a weakness to Stealth Rock, which can make Magcargo easy to pressure. Magcargo's dismal Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users such as Misdreavus. Magcargo also has a bad matchup against opposing Stealth Rock setters such as Golem and Stunfisk due to its overall mediocrity, and it doesn't deserve a team slot over any of them.
Most Used Moves
Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc