Mid-stage Pokemon like Pikachu rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Raichu, which is where the real potential kicks in. Can go either physical or special depending on the set. An original Gen 1 pick.
Speed and Attack carry most of Pikachu's stat budget. HP's the obvious dump stat. Common in the wild and yields 2 Speed EVs. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks.
Pikachu Weakness
GoodGround-type moves hit Pikachu for super-effective damage. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Just 1 weak spot to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Sitting between Pichu and Raichu, Pikachu is part of a chain that requires an evolution item. Not your typical level-up setup. So far, Speed got the biggest boost (+30 from Pichu). The final form adds another 165 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Pikachu to get Pichu eggs easily using 16 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Bide, Double Slap, Encore and 2 more.
The recommended build leans into Pikachu's strengths as an attacker. Lightball provides extra utility, and flexible EVs EVs back that up. An ability rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Pikachu Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Surf
- Thunder
- Quick Attack
Recommended Teammates
Don't skip the egg moves. Pikachu picks up Bide and Double Slap only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Zap Cannon and Thunder while Normal and Fighting coverage and more adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Finding Pikachu at moderate rates takes patience. 2 spots are available in early-game routes, but the rate difference between them matters. Lock in the top one from the sorted list below.
Where To Catch Pikachu in Crystal
Pichu is your first catch on the way to Pikachu. You'll find gift and walking encounters from Lv. 4-25 across 3 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PichuEFFORTLESSRoute 34Gift from NPCLv.5CommonEarlyRouteHatch Odd Egg (random)- Step 2Pikachu ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 2GrassLv.4RareEarlyRouteMODERATECeladon City - Game CornerGift from NPCLv.25LimitedMidCityPurchase: 2,222 coinsor evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
Pikachu is meant to evolve into Raichu. At 320 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground) when using Pikachu. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Pichu evolves into Pikachu by leveling up. Pikachu can evolve into Raichu and Alolan Raichu depending on the method. Pikachu is a middle-stage evolution in the Pichu line.
Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Pikachu is a special attacker with base 50 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Pikachu appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Pikachu has appeared in 22 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received an Alolan form in Generation 7 and a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A