Pokemon GO Magmortar: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good?

Pokemon GO Magmortar — the fiery evolution of Magmar — is known for its high offensive stats and diverse movepool. While it can deal solid damage, its performance in the game often depends on the format. In PvP, Magmortar’s potential is hindered by its fragility and lack of standout moves. In PvE, it struggles to compete with top-tier Fire-types but remains serviceable for certain raids.

Whether you’re considering it for your battle team or raid lineup, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is essential. This guide explores its best movesets, viability, and counters to help you decide if Magmortar is worth the investment.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Pokemon GO Magmortar best PvP moveset

Magmortar as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

• Fast Attack: Fire Spin
• Charged Attacks: Fire Punch and Thunderbolt

Magmortar’s PvP moveset focuses on a balance of consistent Fire-type damage and coverage against Water or Flying-types with Thunderbolt.

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Pokemon GO Magmortar best PvE moveset

• Fast Attack: Fire Spin
• Charged Attack: Fire Punch or Fire Blast

In PvE, Magmortar’s moveset prioritizes consistent damage. Fire Punch is energy-efficient and dodge-friendly, while Fire Blast offers higher damage output at the cost of energy and speed.

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Is Magmortar good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

PvP

Magmortar has potential but lacks the bulk and efficiency to compete effectively in most leagues.

• Great League: Magmortar’s high offensive stats come at the cost of poor bulk, making it vulnerable to meta Water-types. Its lack of a unique niche leaves it overshadowed by other Fire-types like Skeledirge.
• Ultra League: Magmortar finds some utility against Bug, Grass, and Fairy-types, but it struggles against most meta Pokemon due to its fragility and inefficient movesets.
• Master League: Magmortar is heavily outclassed by Ho-Oh and Heatran, which boast better stats and superior moves. In Master Premier Cup, it remains a secondary option, as Skeledirge is generally more reliable.

PvE

Magmortar is a serviceable Fire-type attacker but falls behind top-tier options. Its lack of Overheat — a superior Fire-type Charged Attack — limits its potential. Fire Punch is quick and dodge-friendly, while Fire Blast can offer more damage at the cost of energy efficiency.

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Pokemon GO Magmortar: All moves and stats

• Max CP: 3541
• Attack: 247
• Defense: 172
• Stamina: 181

Movepool

• Fast Moves: Karate Chop, Fire Spin
• Charged Moves: Thunderbolt, Fire Blast, Fire Punch, Scorching Sands, Psychic, Brick Break

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Pokemon GO Magmortar's strengths and weaknesses

Magmortar's type matchup (Image via Sportskeeda)

Weaknesses:

• Takes 160% increased damage from Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks.

Resistances:

• Takes 63% reduced damage from Bug, Fairy, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Steel-type attacks.

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Best counters to Magmortar in Pokemon GO

To effectively counter Magmortar, exploit its weaknesses with strong Ground, Rock, and Water-types. Some of the best counters include:

• Primal and Shadow Kyogre with Waterfall and Origin Pulse
• Primal and Shadow Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
• Mega Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
• Mega Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
• Mega Diancie with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Shadow Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
• Shadow Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Rock Wrecker
• Landorus Therian with Mud Shot and Sandsear Storm
• Mega and Shadow Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
• Mega and Shadow Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Mega Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Mega and Shadow Gyarados with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
• Shadow Feraligatr with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Empoleon with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Gigalith with Smack Down and Meteor Beam

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Magmortar’s role in Pokemon GO is limited by its fragility and movepool constraints. While it can perform adequately in certain situations, it is rarely the optimal choice compared to more robust Fire-types. Its best value lies in specific PvE scenarios or niche PvP matchups, but players should manage expectations when considering it for competitive play.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in the game
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts
• Go Evolution Calculator
• Pokemon Type Calculator