The Mareep evolutionary line was one of the big favorites back in Pokemon Gold & Silver, and it remains popular to this day. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players have the chance to add Ampharos to their team as a bulky electric-type option.
While the electric type was initially defined by speedy Pokemon like Raichu and Electrode, Ampharos went in a different direction. It could still hit hard with moves like Thunderbolt but had the bulk to endure shots that its brethren couldn’t. That remains the case in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, where it can soak up way more damage than a Kilowattrel or Toxtricity.
The good news is that it’s not too difficult to find one. Here’s how to catch Ampharos and the best way to use it in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Where to Catch Mareep and Flaaffy
Mareep can be found in South Province Area Two, allowing it to be caught very early on. It’s found in the area surrounding Cortondo and near the western entrance to Mesagoza. Its habitat actually reaches out well past this, but it’s likely to be one of the first electric-type Pokemon that players encounter in Paldea.
While many early-game Pokemon appear in packs around their evolved form, that’s not the case with Mareep. Mareep’s first evolution, Flaaffy, is instead found outside Porto Marinada and Alfornada. In both cases, Flaaffy spawns on grassy or rocky areas but won’t spawn around water or in caves.
How to Get Ampharos in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Players can get an Ampharos in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet by raising a Flaaffy to level 30 or catching one in the wild. While several other stage-three evolutions such as Hydreigon and Tyranitar can’t be found in the wild, Ampharos appears in the southwestern and northeastern corners of Paldea:
Is Ampharos a Good Pokemon?
Ampharos is a strong electric Pokemon for the story and a decent option for Tera Raid battles but isn’t ideal for online battling. Its above average Sp. Attack stat and strong bulk make it easy to use, and it has access to moves like Dragon Pulse, Dazzling Gleam, and Power Gem to give it some decent coverage options alongside standard moves like Thunderbolt.
Things are a bit more glib for its potential in trainer battles, though. Its Speed base stat is an awkward 55, making it too slow for most meta Pokemon but too fast to work well in Trick Room. It is also outshone by fellow bulky electric Pokemon Bellibolt, which has been the centerpiece of many cheesy teams.
The one hope for Ampharos is the possible return of Mega Evolution. If Mega Evolution returns, Mega Ampharos gains the Mold Breaker ability which would allow it to hit Thunder Wave on Gholdengo and Garganacl who are otherwise immune to these moves. Until then, players should look elsewhere for an electric Pokemon.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.