Pikachu (Pokémon)
From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
| Pikachu ピカチュウ Pikachu | |
 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 | 
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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
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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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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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
By breeding
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 | ||||||||||||