Stats & Training
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.
The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across the Alola region together.
This Pikachu wears its partner’s cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across the Alola region.
Pikachu Weakness
Ground moves hit Pikachu for super-effective damage. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Electric, Flying, Steel |
 Excadrill GroundSteel | S | |
Ground is super effective against PikachuView Excadrill → | ||
 Krookodile GroundDark | A | |
Ground is super effective against PikachuView Krookodile → | ||
In Legends: Z-A, Volcanion can KO Pikachu with Flamethrower (132-155%). Slowking's Scald hits Pikachu for 71-83%. Slurpuff deals 42-49% with Flamethrower.
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Pikachu View Volcanion builds →Flamethrower132-155%KO | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureSassy Moves
Damage vs Pikachu View Slowking builds →Scald71-83% | ||
 Slurpuff Fairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityUnburden ItemFocus Sash NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Pikachu View Slurpuff builds →Flamethrower42-49% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Pikachu View Corviknight builds →U Turn43-51% | ||
Legends: Z-A Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Legends: Z-A Pikachu Best Moveset
The recommended build leans into Pikachu's strengths as a physical attacker. Lightball provides extra utility, and max Attack and Speed EVs back that up. Static rounds out the package.
Best Build
Pikachu best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Surf
- Thunderbolt
- Fake Out
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Quick Attack
- Iron Tail
- Surf
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Protect
- Fake Out
- Surf
- Discharge
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Volt Tackle
- Fake Out
- Extreme Speed
- Knock Off
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Pikachu. TMs unlock coverage across 7 types and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Volt Tackle and Thunder into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Pikachu in Legends: Z-A
Pikachu isn't available in the wild in Legends: Z-A. Start by transferring Pichu from Crystal, Diamond, or Scarlet. The evolution path from Pichu to Pikachu is covered in the steps below.
Pikachu Guide
Multiple options from Pikachu: Raichu using a Thunder Stone and Alolan Raichu using a Thunder Stone. Each branch takes the 320 BST base in a different direction.
For Legends: Z-A, you can run Pikachu through the first few routes without issues. 320 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Raichu as fast as you can.
You can find Pikachu in Legends: Z-A. The Locations section has the full breakdown of routes and encounter details. It also appears in 22 other games across the series.
Pikachu has an Alolan form that swaps the typing and reshuffles the stats. Introduced in Gen 7. Worth checking if the original version doesn't fit your team.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Pikachu has appeared in 23 titles over 10 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.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves