Ampharos

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Ampharos Overview

Ampharos is an Electric-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 2 in the Johto region. It evolves from Flaaffy starting at level 30, which evolves from Mareep starting at level 15. Known as the Light Pokemon, Ampharos serves as the lighthouse keeper of the Johto region, its tail emitting a powerful beam of light visible from miles away. It is the signature Pokemon of Gym Leader Jasmine.

Ampharos has a long, yellow body with a red orb on its forehead and tail. Its design resembles a sheep or a giraffe, with a gentle and friendly appearance. Mega Ampharos gains the Dragon typing, becoming Electric/Dragon with Mold Breaker ability. This turns its Dragon Pulse into STAB and gives it a resistance to Grass and Water moves, significantly improving its defensive profile.

Battle Strategy

Ampharos functions as a bulky special attacker with 115 base Special Attack and decent 90/85/90 bulk. Its main drawback is 55 base Speed, which leaves it outsped by almost everything. The standard set uses Agility to fix this problem. After an Agility boost, Ampharos outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame and can fire off Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse, Focus Blast, and Volt Switch.

Mega Ampharos trades Static for Mold Breaker, allowing it to hit Ground-types with Electric moves if they have Levitate, and break through abilities like Multiscale and Sturdy. With 165 base Special Attack, Mega Ampharos hits extremely hard. Its Dragon typing adds a resistance to Grass and Electric moves, and Dragon Pulse becomes STAB. The Mega set runs Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse, Focus Blast, and Agility or Volt Switch.

Assault Vest Ampharos leverages its good bulk to function as a specially defensive pivot. With 90/90 base defenses and max special investment, Ampharos becomes a solid special wall that can Volt Switch to maintain momentum. Heal Bell provides team support. Ampharos also gets Cotton Guard, which can boost its Defense by three stages, but setup opportunities are limited by its low Speed.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Ampharos sits in NU and UU in most generations, where its low Speed holds it back despite good offensive and defensive stats. Mega Ampharos was a premier UU threat in Generation 6 and 7, with its Dragon typing and Mold Breaker providing a unique niche. In Generation 9, Ampharos is ranked in NU. Common checks include specially defensive Ground-types like Hippowdon and Gastrodon, as well as faster Dragon-types that can OHKO with Earthquake or Outrage. Ampharos often requires Trick Room or Agility support to function effectively.

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