[1] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon.

Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.

The concept of Magikarp evolving into Gyarados is based on the Chinese mythological tale of the carps leaping over the Dragon Gate.

[6] Magikarp and Gyarados were two of one hundred and fifty one different designs conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by Ken Sugimori for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, which were localized outside Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue.

[7][8] In the beta for the game, Gyarados had a vastly different design, which resembled an eyeless, worm-like creature with sharp teeth.

[12] Magikarp are incredibly common and plentiful, but notoriously weak, and are only capable of learning a select few moves by level up.

[17] In their sequels, Pokémon Gold and Silver, a specially colored "shiny" Gyarados that is red appears in the game's Lake of Rage area as a boss opponent.

The pair have appeared in many subsequent games in the series, including Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire,[19] Diamond, Pearl,[20] Sun, Moon,[21] Sword, Shield,[22] Scarlet, and Violet.

In Pokémon Shipwreck, the salesman succeeds in selling them one, but James kicked his Magikarp out of frustration, causing it to evolve into a Gyarados and attack him.

[38] In Pokémon Adventures, a Gyarados is owned by Misty, who eventually trades it to Red, who uses it as part of his team.

[60][61][62] Khee Hoon Chan of Paste said it "exemplifies power through perseverance,"[18] while TheGamer writer Cian Maher praised it as an iconic staple of the series.

They highlighted its comedic relief, stating that because it was so bad, it inspired discussion about its true purpose and potential hidden secrets it might have.

[53][54] Its appearance in Magikarp Jump was praised for helping to highlight the series' core themes of bonding with Pokemon, with The Verge writer Megan Farokhmanesh stating that "despite centering on a pokémon that most view as a punchline, [it] does a great job in fostering a sense of affection for the fish you’re raising.

"[65][66] The game was also praised by Julie Muncey of Wired for making the joke of Magikarp's uselessness endearing to players.