It made its first real appearance in Aiding the Enemy!, sleeping with Paul's other Pokémon.
Magmar was finally shown battling in Paul's match against Pyramid King Brandon in A Pyramiding Rage!. It was the first Pokémon chosen by Paul to battle him. He quickly recalled it after he saw Brandon chose Regirock to battle it. He sent it out again to battle Registeel but was soon called back. After all of Paul's other Pokémon were defeated, Paul sent out Magmar to battle Regirock again, where it was finally subdued.
In DP184, Magmortar was used in the battle against Barry's Skarmory. It defeated Skarmory with a single Flamethrower. Then, Magmortar fought against Barry's Empoleon, where it was shown to be strong enough to withstand Empoleon's Hydro Cannon. It was then recalled by Paul.