A complete guide to catching Magby, evolving Magmar, and obtaining Magmortar in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
The Magby Evolution Line: An Overview
Seeking to complete your Sinnoh Pokédex with the fiery Magby, Magmar, and Magmortar? This definitive guide provides the locations, evolution methods, and expert strategies you need to succeed in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Magby, Magmar, and Magmortar are version-exclusive to Pokémon Shining Pearl. However, through trading, you can transfer them to a Brilliant Diamond game. This guide details the complete acquisition process for all three, from initial capture to final evolution.
Version exclusives like the Magby family present a unique challenge for completionists. While Shining Pearl players get access to this powerful Fire-type line, they miss out on Brilliant Diamond’s exclusive Elekid family. This design encourages interaction and trading within the community. For trainers dedicated to finishing the National Pokédex, securing these exclusives is a rewarding grind. We’ll streamline your hunt with proven tips and clear steps.
Your journey begins by venturing into the Grand Underground, the only habitat for wild Magby in Sinnoh.
Step 1: Finding and Catching Magby
Pokemon
Magby inhabits the volcanic cave biomes deep within the Grand Underground. To catch a Magby in Pokémon Shining Pearl, you must explore specific cave-type hideaways in the Grand Underground. Focus your search on the following biomes:
Primary Spawn Locations: Volcanic Cave, Sandsear Cave, and Typhlo Cave. These fiery environments have the highest spawn rates for Magby. Before descending, ensure you have a strong supply of Ultra Balls or Dusk Balls (which are more effective in caves). A Pokémon with the ability Static or Flash Fire in your lead slot can increase the chance of encountering Fire-type Pokémon like Magby.
Pro Tip for Efficient Hunting: Use the Diglett/Dugtrio bonus mechanic. By digging up treasures and finding Digletts, you can increase the rate of rare Pokémon spawns and the likelihood of finding a Magby holding a Magmarizer. Spend 5-10 minutes boosting this meter before you start your serious hunt.
Magby and its evolutionary relatives are exclusive to Pokémon Shining Pearl, just as Brilliant Diamond claims the Elekid evolutionary line. This mutual exclusivity is a core feature of the paired versions.
Step 2: Securing the Magmarizer
The evolution from Magmar to Magmortar isn’t triggered by leveling up. It requires a specific evolutionary item: the Magmarizer. Here is the detailed workflow for obtaining and using it:
The Magmarizer – the essential item for evolving Magmortar in Pokémon BDSP – is obtained exclusively by catching a wild Magby that is already holding one. The hold rate is approximately 5%, meaning you may need to catch 20 or more Magby on average. Patience is key.
Advanced Strategy: To maximize efficiency, lead with a Pokémon that has the Compound Eyes ability (like Butterfree). This ability, even if the Pokémon is fainted, increases the chance of wild Pokémon holding items. Combining this with the Frisk ability on another party member allows you to quickly check for the Magmarizer and reset encounters if it’s not present, saving significant time.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not use the Magmarizer like a standard evolution stone. Simply using it on Magmar will not work. The item must be held during a trade. Also, ensure you are the one trading away the Magmar holding the item; receiving a Magmar in a trade will not cause it to evolve unless it is holding the Magmarizer and is traded away from you.
Step 3: Executing the Evolution to Magmortar
With a Magmar holding the Magmarizer, you’re ready for the final step. This evolution is triggered by a specific type of trade. Here’s the precise in-game process:
Pre-Trade Checklist: 1) Save your game before trading. 2) Confirm with your partner what Pokémon they are sending you (ensure it’s not something you’d regret losing). 3) Verify your Magmar is definitely holding the Magmarizer. 4) Ensure both players have stable internet connections if trading online.
Remember, trading is also the method to evolve several other Pokémon, such as Haunter into Gengar or Kadabra into Alakazam. If you’re coordinating with a friend, you can plan multiple trade evolutions in one session.
Cross-Version Acquisition: Getting Magmortar in Brilliant Diamond
Brilliant Diamond players can still obtain Magmortar, despite it being a Shining Pearl exclusive. The method requires utilizing the game’s trading system. You must receive a Magmar holding a Magmarizer from a Shining Pearl player, or receive an already-evolved Magmortar.
Nintendo
The Union Room is your gateway for all trade evolutions and version-exclusive swaps. The process is identical to the trading steps outlined above. As a Brilliant Diamond player, you would enter the Union Room, connect with a Shining Pearl player, and receive their Magmar (holding a Magmarizer). In this scenario, the Magmar will evolve into Magmortar on your game as soon as the trade is complete. Alternatively, you could trade for a Magby or an already-evolved Magmortar to skip the steps.
Trading Best Practices: Use community forums, Discord servers, or trusted friends to find a trading partner. Always communicate clearly about what you are offering in return (e.g., a Brilliant Diamond exclusive like Elekid, Larvitar, or a version-exclusive fossil Pokémon). This mutual exchange benefits both players and is the intended way to complete the Pokédex across versions.
For more detailed guides on filling your Sinnoh Pokédex, explore our resources on other rare finds: Where to find Cresselia | How to get the National Pokédex | Where to find Gible & Garchomp.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to get Magby, Magmar & Magmortar in Pokemon Shining Pearl A complete guide to catching Magby, evolving Magmar, and obtaining Magmortar in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.