Magmar Weaknesses and Counters in Pokémon GO

For the life of me, I can’t even begin to imagine what went into Magmar’s design document. It’s like… a fiery duck salamander? With a head that kind of looks like a butt? Some have theorized it’s meant to look like a Karura, a creature in Buddhist mythology known for its pointy, bird-like mouth that spits fire. It kind of makes sense, especially since its counterpart, Electibuzz, resembles an oni. Well, whatever it’s supposed to be, let’s figure out how to beat it up. Here are Magmar’s weaknesses and counters in Pokémon GO.

Magmar is a pure Fire type, which means its resistances break down like this:

• Weak against: Ground, Rock, Water
• Resistant to: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, Fairy

Meanwhile, these are the moves Magmar is packing in its kit:

Quick Moves

• Karate Chop (Fighting)
• Ember (Fire)

Main Moves

• Flamethrower (Fire)
• Fire Blast (Fire)
• Fire Punch (Fire)

Magmar Weaknesses and Counters in Pokémon GO

Magmar’s kit is made up of 80% Fire moves, and decently strong ones at that. As such, Bug, Steel, Grass, and Ice types are completely off the table. Since the majority of its kit is only a single type, though, employing something that Magmar is weak against is not an especially difficult endeavor.

In terms of raw DPS, the Pokémon that can most effectively counter Magmar would be Rampardos, armed with Smack Down and Rock Slide. Do note, though, that Rampardos is Rock type, and Rock types are weak against Fighting moves, of which Magmar knows exactly one. Rampardos is a fairly hearty Pokémon, though, so a quick Fighting move isn’t a huge concern.

If you’d like to play it a smidge safer, Water types are your best bet. Any pure Water type should work, as they resist Fire moves, but looking at it from pure DPS again, Kingler’s your man. A little bit of Bubble and a little bit of Crabhammer, and Magmar won’t stand a chance.