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.
It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you.
Pikachu Weakness
AvgGround-type moves hit Pikachu for super-effective damage. Few weaknesses and 2 resistances make the typing clean. Just 1 weak spot to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Partway through Pichu's chain, Pikachu is a Electric type pushing toward Raichu. No breeding at this stage. So far, Speed got the biggest boost (+30 from Pichu). The final form adds another 165 stats on top.
How to Evolve
The recommended build leans into Pikachu's strengths as an attacker. An item provides extra utility, and flexible EVs EVs back that up. An ability rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Pikachu Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Surf
- Thunder Wave
- Quick Attack
Recommended Teammates
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Pikachu. TMs unlock Normal and Fighting coverage and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Thunder and Thunderbolt into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Pikachu is handed to you at Pallet Town. No encounter rates or random spawns involved, so there's nothing to grind. Check the location details below for the exact conditions to trigger it.
Best Locations
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