Pikachu (Pokémon)

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#024: Arbok
Pokémon
#026: Raichu
Pikachu
ピカチュウ Pikachu
150
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Species
 Electric  Mouse Pokémon
Ability Exp. at 100
Static 1,000,000
Pokédex
Kanto
#025
Johto
#022
Hoenn
#156
Sinnoh
#104
Browser
Fiore
R-023
Almia
R-002
Height Weight
1'04" 13.2 lbs.
Pokédex color Body style Footprint Catch rate
Yellow Image:Body08.png Image:F025.png 190
Gender ratio
 
50% male
 
50% female
Egg groups Egg cycles
Ground, Fairy 21 (5355 steps*)
EV yield
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
2
Exp.
82

Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ Pikachu) is an Electric-type Pokémon.

It evolves from Pichu by happiness, and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunderstone.

Pikachu is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

It is the version mascot of Pokémon Yellow, where it is the only starter Pokémon in that game, and has made numerous appearences on the boxes of spin-off titles.

Contents

Biology

Physiology

A Pikachu is a short, chubby, ground-dwelling rodent notable for its Electric abilities. Pikachu have short, yellow fur with brown stripes on the back, black-tipped ears, along with an unusually shaped tail, resembling a lightning bolt. Besides its evolution and pre-evolution, it may be related to Plusle, Minun, and Pachirisu, due to notable physical similarities.

Pikachu are known to have acute senses of hearing, thanks to their large ears. Most domestic Pikachu are very intelligent, understanding and interpreting human speech at levels far surpassing those of any pet dog.

In Pika and Goliath!, when Ash's Pikachu was injured, it was shown to have a heart rate of 156.

Gender differences

A female Pikachu has a small "dent" at the end of its tail, causing it to resemble a heart.

Special abilities

Exclusive to the Pikachu's subspecies is the ability to release electric discharges of varying intensity, at will, through electric sacs in its cheeks. This electric energy can be manipulated into a variety of techniques which are mostly used in battle, but which can be used to roast berries as well.

As Pikachu build up energy in their electricity glands, it often needs to discharge, as to not result in a short, or worse, which can lead to physical Paralysis, or in severe cases, death. Pikachu release the built-up energy through their tail, which acts as a grounding rod, to safely remove unneeded energy. A sure sign to tell if a location is inhabited by Pikachu is to look for patches of burnt grass, which is the result of the discharge. Through an inability to release a buildup of electricity, a Pikachu may develop a rare condition similar to the human flu. This illness is most often caused by strong nearby electro-magnetic forces, which severely impact the electric glands. If a Pikachu is introduced to a magnet, it will be attracted towards its cheeks, and display other common attributes of magnetism.

Pikachu and its evolution family, Pichu and Raichu, are the only known Pokémon that can learn Volt Tackle. In a few rare cases, Pikachu can learn to manipulate Water and, with the help of a surfboard, perform the move Surf. Other rare cases show that Pikachu can also learn, with the use of balloons, to perform the move Fly, removing its weakness to Ground-types.

Behavior

In the wild, Pikachu often travel in packs, and are rarely territorial. However, when threatened, a group can generate an intense electrical offensive, and the electro-magnetic forces exerted by the resulting field can even produce a short lived, localized thunderstorm. Pikachu can be harmful pests, eating and sometimes destroying telephone poles, wires, and other electronic equipment.

Despite this, it is a popular pet, and relatively easy to maintain, with little exercise necessary for its well being. However, it is important to discharge the electricity in its cheeks periodically.

As many know, pulling on a Pikachu's tail will result in a severe shock to the offender. Another defense of Pikachu's is the use of its nasty Bite which has been known to leave quite a mark.

Habitat

They are found mostly in forests, but possibly because of their attraction to their electricity or simply because they are not afraid of people, Pikachu commonly show up in civilized areas. They may even enter houses, presumably attracted by the electrical output generated by the dwellers' appliances. Pikachu are native only to the Kanto region, although they have been introduced to many other regions.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Living in wooded areas, Pikachu often are found foraging for berries. Instead of climbing trees, they use small electrical shocks to release the berries from the tree, roasting them at the same time.

As pets, they can be fed a variety of processed food. Alternatively, like most Pokémon, Pikachu are tolerant to most "human" foods, and sometimes enjoy them more than the more nutritional food designed for their biology. An example of this is the fact that Ash's Pikachu has been known to have a fondness of ketchup.

In the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Pikachu

Ash Ketchum has a Pikachu that he obtained from Professor Oak in Pokémon - I Choose You!, the first episode of the Pokémon anime series. It has appeared in every non-special episode since. Pikachu has also appeared in every Pokémon movie.

Ash's Pikachu with other wild Pikachu

Ash was given the opportunity to release Pikachu in Pikachu's Goodbye, though Pikachu chose to stay with him. This episode also featured many other wild Pikachu.

A Pikachu named Sugar belonging to the owners of a restaurant went missing prior to Cooking up a Sweet Story!, and Ash's Pikachu had to fill in for it so that its owner would have the confidence to win a cooking competition. At the end of the episode, the Pikachu returns, however, it has evolved into a Raichu.

Ritchie's Pikachu

Ritchie also has a Pikachu nicknamed Sparky, who debuted in A Friend In Deed. Sparky, unlike most Pikachu, has a tuft of fur on the top of its head.

Ashachu

Ash gets turned into a Pikachu in Hocus Pokémon by a Pokémon magician named Lily. He reverts to his human form at the beginning of the next episode.

Other

Many Pikachu appeared in Pokémon Emergency! to help Ash's Pikachu defeat Team Rocket's Jessie, James, and Meowth to send them blasting off for the first time.

Another Pikachu nicknamed Puka was owned by a man named Victor on Seafoam Island in The Pi-Kahuna. This blue-eyed Pikachu had the ability to sense tidal waves approaching.

A Pikachu has also been owned by Luana's son, Travis. Luana mistook Ash for Travis when she saw Pikachu on Ash's shoulder.

Mewtwo's cloned Pikachu with different ear marks

In Lights, Camerupt, Action, Elijah used a Pikachu in one of his movies. This Pikachu helped Plusle and Minun on their mission to rescue Princess Kirlia from the evil Exploud.

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Mewtwo clones Ash's Pikachu. This Pikachu can be told apart from Ash's due to spikes on the black marks at the tips of its ears. It is also comparatively more aggressive than Ash's Pikachu and slurs its speech, defects possibly caused by Ash tampering with Mewtwo's cloning machine during the cloning process.

A Pikachu also had a part in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate!. He was kidnapped by a Skarmory and Team Go-Getters set out to rescue him as their first mission. Pikachu provided them with some items in the battle.

Minor appearances

Aside from Ash's Pikachu, Pokémon of this species, wild and Trainers' alike, are rarely seen in the anime. This is most likely due to the fact that Ash's Pikachu is seen in every episode.

James used a Pikachu in the Pokémon League Entrance Exam in The Ultimate Test, but the Pikachu was defeated by the instructor's Graveler. James, after interfering with a battle Ash was having with the instructor, later tried to steal this Pikachu.

A Pikachu belonging to an unnamed Aura Guardian appeared in a flashback in The Keystone Pops!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Pokédex Entry
DP002 Pikachu Dawn's Pokédex Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. It can generate electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks.
This concludes the entries from the Diamond & Pearl series.

In the manga

Electric Tale of Pikachu prominently features a Pikachu.

A Pikachu is one of the main characters in Pokémon PiPiPi Adventure.

A more mouse-like Pikachu that communicates through pantomime is one of Isamu Akai's Pokémon in Pocket Monsters.

Satoshi has a Pikachu as one of the members of his team in Pokémon Zensho. It later evolves into a Raichu.

Shū's first Pokémon was a Pikachu he found abandoned in the forest in Pokémon Get da ze!.

Ash's Pikachu was the main character in the short-lived Pokémon Newspaper Strip.

A story called "Akari and Pikachu's Birthday" is featured in the final volume of How I Became a Pokémon Card.

In Golden Boys, Gold was in possession of a Pikachu, which ended up being Eusine's.

A Pikachu makes a cameo in Pokémon Battle Frontier during one of the battles. Also, a photo album owned by Anabel has a Pikachu on the cover.

Pokémon Special

Pokédex entry: When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build up and cause lightning storms. Forest dwellers, they are few in number and exceptionally rare. The pouches in their cheeks discharge electricity at their opponents. The Pikachu are believed to be highly intelligent.

Pikachu debuted in its own round in the Red, Green & Blue chapter, Wanted: Pikachu!. Here, a Pikachu was stealing all the crops in a town. The townsfolk kept chasing it around, but end up getting shocked by it. Red arrives and captures it, ending the chaos.

In the ninth volume, Yellow is seen to have a new addition to her team: a Pikachu she had found injured in the Viridian Forest and nursed back to health. When Pika is left behind by Red on his trip to Mt. Silver, Pika joins Yellow and Chuchu on their trip to Johto.

Pika and Chuchu share a loving relationship, one that is so strong that even Jasmine noticed, prompting her to hand Yellow a slip with the Pokémon Daycare's address on it. In Volume 13, after Yellow and Wilton are brought to the Daycare after being shipwrecked, Yellow finds that Pika and Chuchu now have an egg shortly after they were "put together". The egg eventually hatches into Gold's Pichu.

Wild Pikachu also appeared in the R/S and D/P sagas.

In the TCG

Main article: Pikachu (TCG)

Pikachu somehow manages to find its way into many of the expansions, causing there to be at least 30 known Pokémon cards featuring Pikachu. There are also various Trainer cards with Pikachu in the card's artwork too, including the very sought-after tournament promos such as No.1 Trainer.

The first Pikachu that appeared in the TCG was Pikachu in the Base Set (which was reprinted in Base Set 2 and in POP Series 2 with different artwork). It was followed in the next set by another Pikachu (which was also reprinted in the Legendary Collection). The third Pikachu card released was the first-ever English promo card, Pikachu. The original Base Set Pikachu was also released as a special promotional card at E3.

In the early days of the TCG, several notable errors were made regarding the Pikachu cards. The Base Set Pikachu was released with altered artwork at first, depicting it with red cheeks, instead of the original yellow. While this matched Ken Sugimori's artwork, the yellow color on its cheeks was intentional by the artist, who depicted Pikachu using ThunderShock. This error appeared in both the E3 promotional version and the normal Base Set release. A second error was made in the production of Jungle set booster packs, which, instead of the Jungle set's Pikachu, contained, at times, first edition versions of the Pikachu that was released as a promo card.

In the TFG

One Pikachu figure has been released.

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros.

Pikachu is a playable character and the only Pokémon that is playable from the start of the game. It is in the fifth box of the second row. Its main stage is Saffron City.

In the hands of a skilled player, Pikachu is not to be taken lightly. Alongside electrical attacks, it has very good aerial attacks and superb recovery. Because of this, top-level SSB players have placed Pikachu at the top of their list, theoretically making it the best character in the game.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Pikachu is a playable character and the only Pokémon that is playable from the start of the game. It is initially placed to the right of Mario but moves to the bottom row after Luigi is unlocked. Its main stage is Kanto: Pokémon Stadium.

While Pikachu's play style remained the same, it was powered down in the sequel. The tier lists for Melee place Pikachu in either the Middle or Low tier.

Pikachu using Thunder Jolt in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Trophy information

Classic Mode

It's safe to say that Pikachu is the most famous and popular of all Pokémon. It has electric pouches in both cheeks; when in danger, it shoots electricity at its enemies. Although Pikachu can evolve into Raichu by exposure to a Thunderstone, many Trainers like Pikachu so much that they don't let it evolve.

Adventure Mode

While its electrical attacks, such as Thunder and Thunder Jolt, are powerful, Pikachu is at its best speeding around the fray and waiting for its chance to strike. You can control the path of Pikachu's two-directional Quick Attack, allowing you to jump twice. Hold down the B Button to charge up Skull Bash.

All-Star Mode

The angle of the Control Stick controls the direction of Pikachu's Quick Attack. Pikachu will move blindingly fast, and it will also cause damage to any character it runs into. Move the Control Stick during Quick Attack and Pikachu will move in up to two directions. Be sure to check out the ceilings on the level when you use Thunder.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Pikachu in Brawl.

Pikachu is a returning playable character to the franchise. Its Final Smash move is Volt Tackle.

Standard Special Move Side Special Move Up Special Move Down Special Move Final Smash

Thunder Jolt

Skull Bash

Quick Attack

Thunder

Volt Tackle

Subspace Emissary

Pikachu is first seen in the "Research Facility" stage where it is being used to power a generator. Responding to its shrieks of pain, Zero Suit Samus saves it by destroying the generator. The two then face a group of R.O.B Sentries. Pikachu then joins Samus to search for her stolen power suit. The suit is soon recovered and then are soon confronted by Ridley. He grabs Samus and begins dragging her across the walls. It is now that Pikachu returns the favor as it zaps Ridley with a powerful Thunder attack. After, Pikachu can be used to battle the final boss.

Codec information (on Shadow Moses Island)

  • Mei Ling: "Ooh! How cuute!"
  • Solid Snake: "What? The yellow thing?"
  • Mei Ling: "That's Pikachu. It's a Pokémon. They're popular all over the world, you know. And it may look cute, but be careful. It can store large amounts of electricity in those adorable little cheeks. It'll try to pepper you with electric shocks."
  • Solid Snake: "Couldn't be much worse than Ocelot's old torture device..."
  • Mei Ling: "Oh, and, Snake?"
  • Solid Snake: "What?"
  • Mei Ling: "I was wondering, could you maybe try and catch Pikachu for me? Pleeeeease?"
  • Solid Snake: "Give me a break! What do I look like, a Pokémon Trainer?"
  • Mei Ling: "Fine... Sorry I asked."

Trophy information

"A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes thunderbolts on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into Raichu."

Game data

NPC appearances

  • Pokémon Stadium: Pikachu stars in the mini-game "Thundering Dynamo" alongside Voltorb. This mini-game involves charging up electric power.
  • Pokémon Stadium 2: Pikachu can be used in "Pichu's Power Plant" if one is detected in a Transferred Pokémon game.
  • Pokémon Pinball: Pikachu serves as a Ball-Saver, but it will only work if the Lightning Meter is full.
  • Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire: Pikachu has the same role as in Pokémon Pinball but is sometimes helped by Pichu. Pikachu also appears on the Catch 'Em Mode banner.

Pokédex entries

Gen Game Pokédex entry
I Red When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
Blue When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
Yellow It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you.
Stadium Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked.
II Gold This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
Silver It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose.
Crystal When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks.
Stadium 2 This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
III Ruby Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge.
Sapphire This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.
Emerald It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. When it releases pent-up energy in a burst, the electric power is equal to a lightning bolt.
FireRed It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs.
LeafGreen When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
IV Diamond It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks.
Pearl If it looses crackling power from the electrical pouches on its cheeks, it is being wary.
Platinum It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.

Game locations

Gen Game Rarity Area
I Red Blue Rare Viridian Forest, Power Plant
Yellow One Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town
II Gold Silver Rare Route 2
Crystal Rare Route 2
III Ruby Sapphire Rare Safari Zone
Emerald Rare Safari Zone
FireRed LeafGreen Rare Viridian Forest, Power Plant
Colosseum None Trade
XD None Trade
IV Diamond Pearl Common Trophy Garden
Platinum Common Trophy Garden
 Pal Park  Forest

In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Snap Beach, Tunnel, River and Cave
Pokémon Channel Collect all 101 Nice Cards
Pokémon Pinball Viridian Forest (Blue Field)
Pokémon Pinball:
Ruby & Sapphire
Safari Zone (Ruby Field)
Pokémon Trozei! Secret Storage 4
Secret Storage 20
Endless Level 1
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Starter Pokémon
Lightning Field (6F-10F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Starter Pokémon
Amp Plains (9F-10F)
Far Amp Plains (1F-4F)
Pokémon Ranger Lyra Forest
Panula Cave
Sekra Mountain Range
Pokémon Ranger:
Shadows of Almia
Vien Forest
Crysta Cave
Volcano Cave
Chroma Road
Chroma Highlands
Chroma Ruins
My Pokémon Ranch Random trade with Hayley*
Melee! Pokémon Scramble Quiet Forest

Held items

Game Items
Gold, Silver, and Crystal Berry (8%)
Berry (trade from Red and Blue) Light Ball (trade from Yellow)
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Oran Berry (50%) Light Ball (5%)
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Oran Berry (50%) Light Ball (5%)

Base stats

Stat Base At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
Min. Max. Min. Max.
HP: 35
 
95 142 180 274
Attack: 55
 
54 117 103 229
Defense: 30
 
31 90 58 174
Special Attack: 50
 
49 112 94 218
Special Defense: 40
 
40 101 76 196
Speed: 90
 
85 156 166 306
Total: 300 Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's  Special  base stat in Generation I was 50.


Type effectiveness

Weak to Resistant to Immune to Normal effectiveness

Learnset

Pikachu is capable of learning the following moves in Generation IV.

  • Moves in bold are damaging moves to which STAB applies.


By leveling up

Generation IV
Other generation learnsets: I - II - III
Level Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Contest Appeal
Start ThunderShock Electric Special 40 100% 30 Cool 3 ♥♥♥
Start Growl Normal Status 100% 40 Cute 2 ♥♥
5 Tail Whip Normal Status 100% 30 Cute 2 ♥♥
10 Thunder Wave Electric Status 100% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥
13 Quick Attack Normal Physical 40 100% 30 Cool 2 ♥♥
18 Double Team Normal Status —% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
21 Slam Normal Physical 80 75% 20 Tough 3 ♥♥♥
26 Thunderbolt Electric Special 95 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
29 Feint Normal Physical 50 100% 10 Beauty 0
34 Agility Psychic Status —% 30 Cool 2 ♥♥
37 Discharge Electric Special 80 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
42 Light Screen Psychic Status —% 30 Beauty 2 ♥♥
45 Thunder Electric Special 120 70% 10 Cool 2 ♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon

By TM/HM

Generation IV
Other generation learnsets: I - II - III
TM Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Contest Appeal
TM01 Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150 100% 20 Tough 1
TM06 Toxic Poison Status 85% 10 Smart 2 ♥♥
TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 100% 15 Smart 1
TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status —% 30 Beauty 2 ♥♥
TM17 Protect Normal Status —% 10 Cute 0
TM18 Rain Dance Water Status —% 5 Tough 2 ♥♥
TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM23 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 95 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
TM25 Thunder Electric Special 120 70% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM27 Return Normal Physical 100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM28 Dig Ground Physical 80 100% 10 Smart 1
TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 75 100% 15 Cool 3 ♥♥♥
TM32 Double Team Normal Status —% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
TM34 Shock Wave Electric Special 60 —% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥
TM42 Facade Normal Physical 70 100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM43 Secret Power Normal Physical 70 100% 20 Smart 2 ♥♥
TM44 Rest Psychic Status —% 10 Cute 0
TM45 Attract Normal Status 100% 15 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM56 Fling Dark Physical 100% 10 Tough 1
TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 50 90% 10 Beauty 2 ♥♥
TM58 Endure Normal Status —% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥
TM70 Flash Normal Status 100% 20 Beauty 2 ♥♥
TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 100% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥
TM78 Captivate Normal Status 100% 20 Beauty 2 ♥♥
TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status —% 10 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
TM83 Natural Gift Normal Physical 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
TM86 Grass Knot Grass Special 100% 20 Smart 2 ♥♥
TM87 Swagger Normal Status 90% 15 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM90 Substitute Normal Status —% 10 Smart 1
HM04 Strength Normal Physical 80 100% 15 Tough 3 ♥♥♥
HM06 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 40 100% 15 Tough 2 ♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon

By breeding

Generation IV
Other generation learnsets: II - III
Father Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Contest Appeal
Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry
Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon
Pachirisu
Bide Normal Status —% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥
Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos
Electrike, Manectric
Plusle
Minun
Shinx, Luxio, Luxray
Charge Electric Status —% 20 Smart 0
Clefairy, Clefable
Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff
Skitty, Delcatty
DoubleSlap Normal Physical 15 85% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥
Clefairy, Clefable
Togetic, Togekiss
Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking
Plusle
Minun
Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein
Encore Normal Status 100% 5 Cute 1
Meowth, Persian
Skitty, Delcatty
Glameow, Purugly
Fake Out Normal Physical 40 100% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥
Delibird Present Normal Physical 90% 15 Cute 0
Vigoroth
Growlithe
Reversal Fighting Physical 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
Ampharos ThunderPunch Electric Physical 75 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
Aipom, Ambipom Tickle Normal Status 100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥
Pikachu, Raichu Volt Tackle Electric Physical 120 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
Togetic Wish Normal Status —% 10 Cute 0
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB from an evolution of this Pokémon
*Indicates a move only available by chain breeding

By tutoring

Generations III and IV
Other generation learnsets: II - III
Game Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Contest Appeal
FR LG E XD D P Pt Body Slam Normal Physical 85 100% 15 Tough 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Counter Fighting Physical 100% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Defense Curl Normal Status —% 40 Cute 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Double-Edge Normal Physical 120 100% 15 Tough 0
FR LG E XD D P Pt DynamicPunch Fighting Physical 100 50% 5 Cool 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Endure Normal Status —% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Helping Hand Normal Status —% 20 Smart 1
FR LG E XD D P Pt Knock Off Dark Physical 20 100% 20 Smart 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Magnet Rise Electric Status —% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Mega Kick Normal Physical 120 75% 5 Cool 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Mega Punch Normal Physical 80 85% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Mimic Normal Status —% 10 Cute 0
FR LG E XD D P Pt Mud-Slap Ground Special 20 100% 10 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Rollout Rock Physical 30 100% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 100% 20 Tough 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Sleep Talk Normal Status —% 10 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Snore Normal Special 40 100% 15 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Substitute Normal Status —% 10 Smart 1
FR LG E XD D P Pt Swagger Normal Status 90% 15 Cute 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Swift Normal Special 60 —% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt Thunder Wave Electric Status 100% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥
FR LG E XD D P Pt ThunderPunch Electric Physical 75 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available.

By events

Generation IV
Other generation learnsets: I - II - III
Obtained in Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Contest Appeal
Sunday Events

Yokohama Events
TCG World Championships 2007 Event
Birthday Event
PC Yokohama Event
Pokémon Battle Revolution Gift Pokémon

Surf Water Special 95 100% 15 Beauty 2 ♥♥
ANA Event and GW Event Fly Flying Physical 90 95% 15 Smart 1
Onemuri Event Yawn Normal Status —% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon

Smash Bros.-only moves

Thunder Jolt (Japanese: でんげき Electric Attack) is Pikachu's Standard Special Move in all three Smash Bros. games. When used, Pikachu will release a small, blue bolt that slowly jumps across the platform. It can also turn around at some corners.

When used in midair, Pikachu will instead make a white ball that will travel in a downward diagonal line until it reaches a platform. In Brawl, there is a purple sphere around the white ball.

TCG-only moves

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
Image:Pin025.png Acquisition: Catch Image:Pin025.gif
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
Image:PinRS025.png Acquisition: Catch Image:PinRS025.gif
Pokémon Trozei!
Image:Trozeiani025.gif Rarity: Common Image:Trozeiani025.gif
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1 Recruit Rate: -19% Friend Area: Energetic Forest
Phrases
51%-100% HP You can depend on my electric attacks!
26%-50% HP My HP's been halved...
1%-25% HP I'm beat... My electric shocks are out of power...
Level Up OK! My level went up! Leave it to me!
Partner Phrases
51%-100% HP Let's keep at it, <name>!
26%-50% HP This is starting to hurt...
1%-25% HP I can't keep going like this... <name>, help...
Level Up Yes! I leveled up!
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Electric  Loops: 2 Minimum Experience: 9
Poké Assist: Image:Electricpa.PNG ( Electric ) Field Move: Image:Rechargefm.PNG Image:Rechargefm.PNG (Recharge ×2) Maximum Experience: 9
"Pikachu discharges energy to recharge the Styler's energy."
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness
Image:MDP025.png Body size: 1 Recruit Rate: 8.2% IQ Group: D
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: Image:Rechargepa.PNG (Recharge) Field Move: Image:Recharge 3fieldmove.PNG (Recharge ×3)
"It attacks by blasting electricity from its body."

Evolution

Baby form
Happiness


Breed

First evolution
Thunderstone
Second evolution
Image:172.png
Pichu
 Electric 
Image:025.png
Pikachu
 Electric 
Image:026.png
Raichu
 Electric 

Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Image:Spr_1b_025.png Image:Spr_1y_025.png Image:Spr_1g_025.png Image:Spr_b_g1_025.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Image:Spr_2g_025.png Image:Spr_2s_025.png Image:Spr_2c_025.gif Image:Spr_b_g2_025.png
Image:Spr_2g_025_s.png Image:Spr_2s_025_s.png Image:Spr_2c_025_s.gif Image:Spr_b_g2_025_s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Image:Spr_3r_025.png Image:Spr_3e_025.gif Image:Spr_3f_025.png Image:Spr_b_g3_025.png
Image:Spr_3r_025_s.png Image:Spr_3e_025_s.gif Image:Spr_3f_025_s.png Image:Spr_b_g3_025_s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Image:Spr_4d_025_m.png Image:Spr_4p_025_m.png NO SPRITES
AVAILABLE
Image:Spr_b_g4_025_m.png
Image:Spr_4d_025_f.png Image:Spr_4p_025_f.png Image:Spr_b_g4_025_f.png
Image:Spr_4d_025_m_s.png Image:Spr_4p_025_m_s.png Image:Spr_b_g4_025_m_s.png
Image:Spr_4d_025_f_s.png Image:Spr_4p_025_f_s.png Image:Spr_b_g4_025_f_s.png
Pikachu For other sprites and images, please see Pikachu images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

  • The "secret" move for Pikachu's evolution line, Volt Tackle, is actually based on (and in the Japanese version, named after) Pulseman's signature move, Volteccer. To get this move, a Pichu must be bred from a parent Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball, though this can only happen in Pokémon Emerald, Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.
    • A Pikachu knowing Surf and Volt Tackle can be obtained from Pokémon Battle Revolution by defeating Stargazer Colosseum for the first time.
    • A Surfing Pikachu can also be won in Pokémon Stadium. Players must beat Prime Cup Master Ball R-2 using a team containing a Pikachu from the player's Game Pak. The Pikachu must be used in every battle, and no continues may be used. After successfully winning, the Pikachu will optionally be allowed to learn Surf.
    • All of Lt. Surge's Pikachu and Raichu in Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2 know Surf.
  • Pikachu is the smallest and lightest version mascot, likely owing to the fact that it is neither fully evolved nor legendary, unlike the rest.
  • In the games, Pikachu is the first Pokémon to have its cry changed to that of its anime counterpart. This only happened in Pokémon Yellow. Junichi Masuda details the modification of Ikue Ohtani's voice to a sound capable of being made by the low-tech Game Boy in his Director's Column. In some parts of the game, though, Pikachu's original cry was used.
  • Pikachu is in all six regional Pokédexes, though it is only known to be native to Kanto. It is imported from Kanto to Hoenn's Safari Zone and Mr. Backlot's house in Sinnoh.
  • Pikachu is the first Electric-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
  • Pikachu is one of fourteen Pokémon that one can collect foreign Pokédex entries for in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
  • Pikachu and Raichu share the same species name with Rattata, Raticate, Sandshrew, and Sandslash. They are all known as Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate have also been called the Rat Pokémon.
  • On Red's final team in Mt. Silver at the end of the Generation II games, Pikachu was once the highest leveled Pokémon to be faced in any Pokémon game, excluding the Stadium/Colosseum/Battle Revolution series and the Battle Tower/Battle Frontier, at level 81. This places it one level higher than the wild Arceus that appears at the Hall of Origin. However, since the release of Pokémon Platinum, Pearl's final party includes several members that are higher leveled than Red's Pikachu.
  • Pikachu was not the original Pokémon mascot. It was supposed to be Clefairy, but this was changed because of the popularity of Ash's Pikachu.
  • Pikachu is the first Pokémon in the National Dex listing to have a baby relative.
    • This also makes it the first Pokémon in National Dex order to be related to a Pokémon of another generation.
  • Pikachu is the only Pokémon included in the original Pokémon Stadium that was capable of evolving further when the game was released. Strangely, Raichu was excluded from the said game.
  • Pikachu is the only starter Pokémon which cannot be evolved in the game that it is the starter for.
  • Pikachu is the only starter who has already evolved when it is received (though Pichu did not yet exist).
  • In 2008, Japanese researchers discovered a new protein which helps carry electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain and named it Pikachurin. They based themselves on Pikachu for the choice of the name because they noticed that both Pikachu and the protein have amazing speed and agility.
  • Pikachu has appeared in every non-special episode. Pikachu has also appeared in every Pokémon movie.
  • Pikachu is the first Pokémon in Pokédex order to require an evolution stone to evolve.
  • Although its Pokédex entry in Yellow states that a Pikachu will try to bite anyone that yanks its tail, Pikachu is unable to learn Bite.
  • Pikachu's artwork and game sprites have become slimmer every generation.

Origin

Pikachu has physical aspects resembling several species of rodents, such as mice.

Name origin

Pikachu is a combination of ぴかぴか pikapika which is Japanese onomatopoeia for sparkle and ちゅうちゅう chūchū which is the sound of squeaking. It may be named after the pika, a lagomorph, but this is less likely. "Pika" also means "quick" in Finnish.

In other languages

Related articles

External links

Notes


Kanto Johto Hoenn Sinnoh
BulbasaurCharmanderSquirtle ChikoritaCyndaquilTotodile TreeckoTorchicMudkip TurtwigChimcharPiplup
Yellow Colosseum XD Ranger series
Pikachu (player) • Eevee (rival) EspeonUmbreon EeveeVaporeonJolteon
FlareonEspeonUmbreon
PlusleMinun
StarlyPachirisuMunchlax
Mystery Dungeon series
BulbasaurCharmanderSquirtlePikachuMeowthPsyduckVulpixMachopCuboneEeveeChikoritaCyndaquil
TotodilePhanpyTreeckoTorchicMudkipSkittyTurtwigChimcharPiplupMunchlaxShinxRiolu
Super Smash Bros. series
Games: Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Brawl
Characters: PikachuJigglypuffMewtwoPichuPokémon Trainer (SquirtleIvysaurCharizard) • Lucario
Stages: Saffron CityPokémon StadiumPoké FloatsPokémon Stadium 2Spear Pillar
Poké Ball: ArticunoBeedrillBellossomBlastoiseBonslyCelebiChanseyCharizardChikoritaClefairyCyndaquilDeoxys
ElectrodeEnteiGardevoirGoldeenGroudonGulpinHitmonleeHo-OhJirachiKoffingKyogreLatias and Latios
LugiaManaphyMarillMeowthMewMetagrossMoltresMunchlaxOnixPiplupPorygon2RaikouScizor
SnorlaxStaryuStarmieSuicuneTogepiTorchicUnownVenusaurWeavileWeezingWobbuffetZapdos
Stickers & Trophies: Melee Trophy listBrawl Sticker listBrawl Trophy list
Misc: The Subspace EmissaryMy MusicFinal SmashPokémon ChangeBrawl cameos
#024: Arbok
Pokémon
#026: Raichu
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.
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