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 DP128. 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 Pokémon were defeated, Paul sent out Magmar to battle Regirock again, where it was finally subdued.
Magmar's evolution was revealed in DP131 when Paul chose Magmortar to battle Ash's Pikachu. They begun the battle in DP132, where Pikachu got badly burned because of Magmortar's Flame Body before Ash recalls it and sends out Buizel. Despite of a type disadvantage, Magmortar was able to hold its own pretty well until it was recalled by Paul.