Pikachu (Pokémon)

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Pikachu
ピカチュウ Pikachu
150
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Electric
Species Mouse Pokémon
National Dex #025
Johto Dex #022
Hoenn Dex #156
Sinnoh Dex #104
Fiore Browser R-023
Almia Browser R-002
Height 1′04″ (0.4m)
Weight 13.2 lbs. (6.0kg)
Ability Static
Egg groups Ground/Fairy
Time to hatch 2,560 steps
Effort yield 2 Spd
Exp. yield 82 base exp.
Lv. 100 at 1,000,000 exp.
Gender 50% ♀/50% ♂
Pokédex color Yellow
Catch rate 190
Body style Image:Body08.png

Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ Pikachu) is an Electric-type Pokémon. It is the starter Pokémon one receives at the beginning of Pokémon Yellow, and is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

Pikachu comes with the ability Static, which paralyzes the foe 30% of the time it uses a move that makes contact with Pikachu.

Pikachu evolves with exposure to a Thunderstone into Raichu. It evolves from Pichu when it grows a level and its happiness is 220 or above.

Pikachu is the version mascot of Pokémon Yellow, appearing on the boxart.

Contents

Biology

Physiology

A Pikachu is a ground-dwelling rodent notable for its Electric abilities. Pikachu have short, yellow fur with brown stripes on its 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 its large ears. Most domestic Pikachu are very intelligent, understanding and interpreting human speech at levels far surpassing those of any pet dog.

In DP074, 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 is often needed 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.

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.

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, available at many pet stores. 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. In fact, Pikachu have been known to have a fondness of ketchup.

In the anime

Pikachu from the anime
Pikachu from the anime

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.

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.

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.

Ritchie also has a Pikachu nicknamed Sparky, who debuted in A Friend In Deed.

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

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.

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 Armaldo.

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.

A Pikachu named Sugar belonging to the owners of a restaurant went missing prior to Cooking up a Great Story!. This Pikachu evolved into a Raichu near the end of the episode.

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

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.

Shuu'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 Pocket Monsters Emerald: Challenge!! 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.

Both Red and Yellow have Pika and Chu Chu, respectively. Pika often used to shock Red repeatedly. However, Pika becomes one of Red's most valued Pokémon.

Pikachu debuted in its own round in the Red, Green & Blue chapter, Wanted: Pikachu!. Here, Pika is captured by Red.

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 RS and DP sagas.

In the TCG

Main article: Pikachu (TCG)

In the 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

Pikachu has the honor of being one of the mascots of the Smash Bros. series, alongside Mario, Link and Kirby.

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.
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 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.

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
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.

Game locations

Gen Game Rarity Location
I Pokémon Red and Blue Rare Viridian Forest, Power Plant
Pokémon Yellow One Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town
II Pokémon Gold and Silver Rare Route 2
Pokémon Crystal Rare Route 2
III Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Rare Safari Zone
Pokémon Emerald Rare Safari Zone
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Rare Viridian Forest, Power Plant
Pokémon Colosseum None Trade
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness None Trade
IV Pokémon Diamond and Pearl 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: 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 and Blue)
Starter Pokémon
Lightning Field (6F-10F)
Pokémon Ranger Lyra Forest
Panula Cave
Sekra Mountain Range
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
(Time and Darkness)
Starter Pokémon
Amp Plains (9F-10F)
Far Amp Plains (1F-4F)
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Vien Forest
Crystal Lake
Volcano Cave
Nurue Highway
Nurue Field
Nurue Ruins
My Pokémon Ranch Random trade with Hayley *

Base stats

HP: 35
 
Attack: 55
 
Defense: 30
 
Special: 50
 
SpAtk: 50
 
SpDef: 40
 
Speed: 90
 

The Special stat was used only in Generation I; it was later split into Special Attack and Special Defense.

Type effectiveness

Weak to Resistant to Immune to Normal effectiveness

Learnset

Pikachu is capable of learning the following moves.
Moves in bold are damage moves to which STAB apply.

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 ♥♥
TM41 Torment Dark Status 100% 15 Tough 0
TM42 Facade Normal Physical 70 100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥
TM43 Secret Power Normal Physical 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 Bide Normal Status —% 10 Tough 1
Electrike, Manectric
Plusle
Minun
Charge Normal Status —% 20 Smart 2 ♥♥
Clefairy
Jigglypuff
Skitty
DoubleSlap Normal Physical 15 85% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥
Clefairy
Togetic
Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking
Plusle
Minun
Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein
Encore Normal Status 100% 5 Cute 2 ♥♥
Meowth, Persian
Skitty
Glameow, Purugly
Fake Out Normal Physical 40 100% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥
Delibird Present Normal Physical 90% 15 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
Vigoroth
Growlithe
Lucario*
Reversal Fighting Physical 100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥
Ampharos ThunderPunch Electric Special 75 100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥
Aipom, Ambipom Tickle Normal Status 100% 20 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
Pikachu, Raichu Volt Tackle** Electric Special 120 100% 15 Cool 6 ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Togetic Wish Normal Status —% 10 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB from an evolution of this Pokémon
*Lucario must have Reversal upon evolving from Riolu
**Pikachu or Raichu must be equipped with Light Ball in order to get this move

By tutoring

Generation III and IV
Other generation learnsets: II - III
Game Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Contest Appeal
FR LG E     Body Slam* Normal Physical 85 100% 15 Tough 3 ♥♥♥
FR LG E     Counter* Fighting Physical 100% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E     Defense Curl* Normal Status —% 40 Cute 2 ♥♥
FR LG E     Double-Edge* Normal Physical 120 100% 15 Tough 0
    E     DynamicPunch* Fighting Physical 100 50% 5 Cool 2 ♥♥
    E     Endure* Normal Status —% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E     Mega Kick* Normal Physical 120 75% 5 Cool 2 ♥♥
FR LG E     Mega Punch* Normal Physical 80 85% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR LG E     Mimic* Normal Status —% 10 Cute 0
    E     Mud-Slap* Ground Special 20 100% 10 Cute 3 ♥♥♥
    E     Rollout* Rock Physical 30 100% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥
FR