The 2021 April Fool’s Day event in Pokémon Sword and Shield is live, and it has brought Dynamax Magikarp into Max Raid battles across the Galar region. This isn’t the only Pokémon game running an April Fool’s event, as Pokémon GO also has Team Rocket encounters today.
The Wild Areas in Pokémon Sword and Shield feature Pokémon Dens that can house Dynamax/Gigantamax versions of Pokémon. The Pokémon Dens are often used for special events and promotions, like when players were tasked with defeating one million Cramorant. The fights against Pokémon in Pokémon Dens are referred to as Max Raid Battles, and they allow up to four trainers to team up against one giant Pokémon. The odds are still in the Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon’s favor, as they can protect themselves with damage-soaking shields, take multiple actions, and strip a party’s buffs away. Once the battle is over, players will usually all have a chance the Pokémon and add it to their collection.
The latest event in the Wild Areas doesn’t require a full squad of competitive Pokémon to complete. According to Serebii, Magikarp are now appearing in Pokémon Dens around the Galar region. It’s no April Fool’s Joke either, as it’s been verified by Screen Rant and Pokémon Sword and Shield players can also see for themselves in the Wild Areas.
These Magikarp are unable to be caught after the fight, of which the game will inform the player of before starting the Max Raid battle. The fight is so easy that teaming up with a squad of NPCs is sufficient for taking down these monolithic fish. Even a gigantic Flail or Tackle isn’t likely to cause too much harm, while its shield is easily peeled away by Grass-type or Electric-type moves. The player can earn some easy items by clearing these Magikarp battles, as they can drop things like Pearls and Rare Candy.
Magikarp has always been a joke Pokémon, dating all of the way back to Pokémon Red and Blue. This has contributed to it being one of the most popular Pokémon in the series, which is why it keeps being featured prominently in the franchise. There is something endearing about how useless Magikarp is, despite having starred in its own mobile title and received its own official song and music video. Fans love Magikarp, regardless of how useless it is, so it’s no surprise that it’s the star of Pokémon Sword and Shield‘s April Fool’s day event.
Pokémon Sword and Shield is available for Nintendo Switch.
