Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. electric typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Forms · 17 variations
Evolution Line
→
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Pikachu functions as a glass cannon wallbreaker that relies on the Light Ball item to double its offensive stats. It utilizes its signature Fake Out and Extreme Speed for priority while pivoting out with Volt Switch to maintain offensive pressure.
Best Used In
Pikachu is primarily used in lower Smogon tiers like ZU or in specialized VGC 'Restricted' formats where its Gigantamax form (G-Max Voltego) was once viable for its paralyzing effect.
Strengths
- ›Immense offensive presence with Light Ball
- ›Access to high-powered priority moves like Extreme Speed
- ›Lightning Rod ability provides an immunity and potential Sp.Atk boosts
- ›Diverse movepool including Knock Off and various Z-Moves or G-Max forms
Weaknesses
- ›Extremely low base defensive stats (paper-thin bulk)
- ›Total reliance on its held item (Light Ball)
- ›Significant vulnerability to faster priority and entry hazards
- ›Poor base Speed by modern power-creep standards
Competitive Tips
- ›Always equip Light Ball; without it, Pikachu lacks any competitive viability.
- ›Use Volt Switch to chip opponents and switch into a safe defensive backbone.
- ›Run Extreme Speed (event/special distributions) or Fake Out to pick off weakened, faster threats.
- ›Consider Surf or Grass Knot in the fourth slot to hit Ground-type switch-ins like Gastrodon or Great Tusk.
- ›Utilize Lightning Rod on predicted Electric-type attacks to gain a free switch-in and boost Special Attack.
Recommended Teammates
Corviknight
Provides a slow U-turn and immunity to Ground-type moves that threaten Pikachu.
Rillaboom
Grassy Terrain provides passive recovery and weakens Earthquake damage.
Landorus-Therian
Offers Intimidate support and an immunity to Ground moves while forming a Volt-Turn core.
Pelipper
Sets Rain to guarantee 100% accuracy for Pikachu's Thunder.
Toxapex
A sturdy defensive wall that can absorb hits and status for the fragile Pikachu.
Game History
Introduced in Generation I as a rare encounter in Viridian Forest, Pikachu became the series mascot and the starter for Pokémon Yellow. It has received more unique forms than any other Pokémon, including Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, and a Gigantamax form in Generation VIII.
Trivia
- ◆Pikachu's design was originally inspired by a squirrel (daifuku-like) rather than a mouse.
- ◆It is the only Pokémon with its own dedicated held item that doubles both its physical and special offensive stats.
- ◆For several generations (Gen 6-7), Pikachu had a unique high-pitched cry recorded by Ikue Otani rather than a digital synth.
- ◆Pikachu was not originally intended to be the mascot; Clefairy was the first choice for the leading role.
- ◆In the Pokémon Yellow opening, Pikachu can be seen surfing or flying, referencing special event moves.
- ◆Ash's Pikachu in the anime is famous for refusing to evolve with a Thunder Stone after losing to Lt. Surge's Raichu.
Moves · 109 total
Level-Up
7 movesTM / HM
33 movesMove Tutor
9 movesOther
60 movesWhere to find· 36 games
Red
2 spotsBlue
2 spotsYellow
1 spotGold
1 spot- •Kanto Route 2 South Towards Viridian City
Silver
1 spot- •Kanto Route 2 South Towards Viridian City
Crystal
2 spots- •Celadon City Prize Corner
- •Kanto Route 2 South Towards Viridian City
Ruby
3 spots- •Hoenn Pokecenter
- •Hoenn Safari Zone Se
- •Hoenn Safari Zone Sw
Sapphire
3 spots- •Hoenn Pokecenter
- •Hoenn Safari Zone Se
- •Hoenn Safari Zone Sw
Emerald
3 spots- •Hoenn Pokecenter
- •Hoenn Safari Zone Se
- •Hoenn Safari Zone Sw
FireRed
3 spots- •Kanto Pokecenter
- •Kanto Power Plant
- •Viridian Forest
LeafGreen
3 spots- •Kanto Pokecenter
- •Kanto Power Plant
- •Viridian Forest
Diamond
1 spot- •Trophy Garden
Pearl
1 spot- •Trophy Garden
Platinum
1 spot- •Trophy Garden
HeartGold
1 spot- •Viridian Forest
SoulSilver
1 spot- •Viridian Forest
Black
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Black 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
X
3 spots- •Friend Safari Electric
- •Kalos Route 3
- •Santalune Forest
Y
3 spots- •Friend Safari Electric
- •Kalos Route 3
- •Santalune Forest
Omega Ruby
4 spots- •Fallarbor Town Contest Hall
- •Lilycove City Contest Hall
- •Slateport City Contest Hall
- •Verdanturf Town Contest Hall
Alpha Sapphire
4 spots- •Fallarbor Town Contest Hall
- •Lilycove City Contest Hall
- •Slateport City Contest Hall
- •Verdanturf Town Contest Hall
Sun
2 spots- •Alola Route 1 West
- •Hauoli City Shopping District
Moon
2 spots- •Alola Route 1 West
- •Hauoli City Shopping District
Ultra Sun
2 spots- •Alola Route 1 East
- •Heahea City Surf Association
Ultra Moon
2 spots- •Alola Route 1 East
- •Heahea City Surf Association
Let's Go, Pikachu!
2 spotsLet's Go, Eevee!
1 spotSword
3 spots- •Galar Route 4
- •Meetup Spot
- •Rolling Fields Main
Shield
3 spots- •Galar Route 4
- •Meetup Spot
- •Rolling Fields Main
Legends: Arceus
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Blue Japan
1 spot- •Celadon City Prize Corner
Green Japan
2 spots- •Kanto Power Plant
- •Viridian Forest
Red Japan
2 spots- •Kanto Power Plant
- •Viridian Forest